# Connecting

Gemini's primary trading platform and network point of presence (PoP) is housed in the Equinix NY5 data center in Secaucus, New Jersey. Customers can cross-connect from their NY2/NY4/NY5 infrastructure or leverage an approved extranet provider to access Gemini production Market Data feeds, Drop Copy, and Order Entry sessions.

We are also nearing completion of a PoP in Equinix CH3 which will be available via cross connects from the Equinix family of data centers in Chicago and approved extranet providers.

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## Steps to Get Connected to Our FIX Infrastructure

1. **Complete Account Verification**  
   If your firm has not done so already, please complete the [Institutional Account Verification Process](https://exchange.gemini.com/register/institution/admin).

2. **Get Connected**  
   Once on-boarded as a Gemini customer, email [connectivity@gemini.com](mailto:connectivity@gemini.com) with a brief description of your business and your preferred connectivity method. There are three options for production FIX connectivity to Gemini:

   - **Cross-connect**  
     For customers with applications in the same data center as Gemini. If you would like to cross-connect, please include the legal entity name that we should include in our LOA (letter of authorization).

   - **Extranet Connectivity**  
     Customers who are not in the Equinix family of data centers can leverage an extranet provider to connect to Gemini. If your firm wishes to leverage an extranet provider or third party to connect, please specify that in your email including the provider’s name.

   - **Third Party Order Management System Provider**  
     There are a number of Service providers that allow Gemini customers to leverage their trading platforms to connect to Gemini for trading. If you would like to cross-connect, please include the legal entity name that we should include in our LOA (letter of authorization). If your firm wishes to leverage an extranet provider or third party to connect, please specify that in your email including the provider’s name.

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## Sandbox and Testing

Gemini operates a Sandbox environment which acts as a replica of our production environment. Gemini strongly recommends that all FIX customers create a Sandbox account to test their workflows. Please follow these steps to get a FIX Sandbox environment set up:

1. **Setup a Sandbox Account**  
   Create a Sandbox account by going to https://sandbox.gemini.com.

2. **Permission Your Test IP**  
   Email [connectivity@gemini.com](mailto:connectivity@gemini.com) and specify the email address used to set up your Sandbox account and the source IP that you will be using to connect to the FIX Sandbox. We will respond once the IP addresses have been enabled. We will also provide you with the Sender and Target CompID that should be used to connect to the test environment.

3. **Test Your Workflow Thoroughly**  
   Test all messaging workflows specified in our FIX API documentation. (Gemini currently only supports [FIX 4.4](https://www.fixtrading.org/standards/fix-4-4/))