Proximity has always influenced network planning, but distance is only one part of performance. Two facilities may be geographically close and still depend on indirect routes, congested interconnection points, or infrastructure with limited physical diversity.
A useful proximity strategy considers the complete path: how the route enters a facility, where it crosses other networks, who controls access, and whether alternate pathways share hidden points of failure. These details shape latency, resilience, and the speed at which teams can respond when conditions change.
DRDI evaluates proximity through that operational lens. A direct route is valuable because it is direct, protected, and supported by people who understand every mile, not simply because two endpoints look close on a map.
This article was originally published under the Harbor Link brand and has been updated to reflect Direct Reach Digital Infrastructure.