Why Is CN2 Routing So Important? A Simple Guide to 163 NET, CN2 GT, CN2 GIA, and Triple-Network CN2 GIA

There are three major IP transit carriers in China: China Telecom (CT, which has the most market share by far), China Unicom (CU), and China Mobile International (CMI). They serve Chinese residential customers, enterprise customers, as well as mobile clients.

163NET, or ChinaNet (AS 4134), is China Telecom’s national internet backbone.

It's the primary network that handles a huge volume of internet traffic across China. However, due to its large user base and limited optimization, it can experience delays and higher packet loss, especially during peak usage times. When cloud servers mention using China Telecom's backbone, it usually means data will be transmitted through this route.

What’s China Telecom's CN2 Backbone? And What Are CN2 GT and CN2 GIA?

CN2 (AS 4809), also called China Telecom Next Generation Carrier Network or CNCN, is China Telecom’s upgraded network. It’s often just referred to as CN2 for short. This network is built to offer faster speeds and lower latency, making it perfect for smooth data transfers both within China and internationally. It’s a big step up from older networks like 163NET, offering more reliable and quicker connections, especially for businesses that need stable internet between China and other parts of the world.

** CN2 is split into two main types: CN2 GT and CN2 GIA. **

CN2 GT: A Great Middle Option in China Telecom’s CN2 Network

CN2 GT (Global Transit) is the middle-tier option in China Telecom’s CN2 network. It’s a great choice for businesses that need reliable access to China’s IP networks but don’t want to spend too much. While it’s not as high-end as CN2 GIA, CN2 GT still offers low latency and solid performance for both local and international traffic. It’s the basic setup for Hong Kong shared hosting, but it’s not our top recommendation.。

CN2 GIA: The Premium Version in China Telecom's CN2 Network

CN2 GIA (Global Internet Access) is the premium option, offering the best stability and performance. It uses dedicated high-quality routes, making it perfect for businesses that need super reliable and fast internet, especially for connections to and from China.

Triple-Network CN2 GIA: The Faster, More Reliable Version of China Telecom’s CN2 GIA

Here’s the thing: using China Telecom’s CN2 GIA all the way into mainland China doesn’t always give the best speed, depending on the region. In some places, China Unicom or China Mobile might actually be faster. That’s why Triple-Network CN2 GIA was created. Cosdi uses this setup, where it first uses China Telecom’s CN2 GIA for international traffic, then switches to BGP routing to optimize the connection once it enters mainland China. This means, whether you’re going in or out of China, your traffic takes the fastest path using China Telecom, China Unicom, or China Mobile—all with the highest priority. Only with this kind of CN2 hosting can you ensure a smooth experience for both your mainland China and non-China customers on the same website.

Speed Comparison:Triple-Network CN2 GIA > CN2 GIA > CN2 GT > 163 Net

"Triple-Network CN2 GIA" is Cosdi’s Top Pick

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Why Do So Few Taiwanese shared Hosting Providers Use These Solutions?

1. Not Aware of CN2 GIA in Hong Kong

CN2 GIA is the best line under the CN2 backbone, giving you the fastest speeds, smoothest connection, and most stable performance. Before CN2 GIA came out, there were other cheaper, more general options, which is why it’s not super well-known yet.。

2. CN2 GT and CN2 GIA Lines Are Too Expensive

A lot of hosting providers know about CN2 connections, but the costs are just too high. For example, a 1G China Telecom CN2 GIA line can cost up to 3 million NTD per month (industry price)! That’s 3,000 NTD per 1M of bandwidth, and on top of that, it’s not easy to get—you need connections. This just shows how unique and tricky the mainland China internet market is for providers outside it.

Cosdi's Honest Advice for Ordering Shared Hosting in the Mainland China Market

1.Order China Shared Hosting and Submit ICP Registration Record Application

Just follow the rules and do your ICP filing properly. As long as your documents are real, Cosdi’s Shanghai hosting has a 100% success rate with ICP filings. The mainland market is huge, so there’s no reason not to go straight in. Our Shanghai servers are located in China Telecom’s data center, so there are no "customs" issues. A lot of big companies directly buy multiple servers in Shanghai to reach the mainland market, and they see great results. The only downside is you need to keep an eye on the company’s status and stay on top of any required updates, as policies can change and sometimes extra documents are needed.

2.Get Our Hong Kong Hosting with China Telecom Triple-Network CN2 GIA Direct Connection

We offer several great options with China Telecom Triple-Network CN2 GIA, like:
a) China Telecom Triple-Network CN2 GIA direct connection Hosting.
b) China Telecom Triple-Network CN2 GIA direct connection Hong Kong VPS or Dedicated Server.
These options will cover all your needs for hosting services targeting mainland China.

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