Realistic observed lead times (every site has its own — operators who declare their lead times on DataColoc display them, dated, on their page):
- Cross-connect within the data center: under 72h at efficient sites, 1–2 weeks elsewhere.
- Rack delivery: a few days if space is free, 2–4 weeks with preparation (PDUs, access control).
- IP transit: 2–4 weeks (port, BGP config, address blocks).
- Carrier circuit or new fiber from your premises: 4 to 12 weeks — civil works and building entry rule.
Architect’s takeaway: in any project (and especially any migration), order the network first. It is the longest, least compressible lead time; hardware and racks always arrive faster than fiber.