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Last Updated: 12/25/2006 3:59:32 PM
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What is Server Colocation?
By Erik Rodriguez
This article provides information on data centers. Data centers provided mission crtical computing to everyone small and large.
What is Data Center?
A data center is a large warehouse-style building constructed to house mission-critical computer systems. Data centers are located around the world, and provide global service around the clock. Many organizations are now seeing the strengths provided by consolidation with data center deployments. I wrote an article in August of 2006 about the future of data center deployments. You can read it here. The following sections provide information on how data centers operate and what roles they play in our modern infrastructures. For the duration of this article, I will refer to data centers are "DC".
What's So Special About a Data Center?
Data centers are multi-million dollar facilities. They have advanced power, connectivity, and fire supressions systems. The extent of these systems varies depending on the size and location of each DC. Most DCs are large (>10,000 sq. ft) and provide different types of service to many surrounding locations. These services include:
- Web hosting
- Dedicated Servers
- Colocation
- ISP
- MPLS
- Dark Fiber
All DCs will offer web hosting. Generally it's more expensive. They will try to sell you on the fact they provide better service because it's their DC and equipment. I've seen 3rd parties and resellers inside the DC that provide better service and uptime, so don't be fooled! Each DC will usually service anytype of hosting (shared, dedicated, reseller). If you need anything special like coldfusion, you'll probably have to find someone else.
Every DC provides colocation. Again, it is usually more expensive and sometimes they require a minimum amount of space and/or bandwidth. You can usually find a better deal with a reseller. You'd be wise to shop around. Different providers bill differently. Some bill for rackspace and bandwidth. Some will also charge you for power. There is an article on colocation here.
Every DC provides DSL, T1 lines, and other forms of Internet connectivity. You will usually see a caged area inside the CD that contains very high-end routers (cisco and juniper) and multiplexers.
Most DCs also partcipate as nodes in an MPLS network. MPLS can be configured a TON of different ways depending on the users needs. DCs can provide backup links to the Internet over MPLS.
Some DCs will lease their unused (dark) fiber to customers providing connectivity to and from different locations.
Data Center Specs
Nearly every DC will have a raised floor. it serves several purposes:
- wiring under the floor
- HVAC system
- Halon system
There are several things that could be under the floor depending on where you are at in the DC. It could contain power, fiber, or ventilation. There is no sprinkler system in the DC. Extingishing fires with water would only make the problem worse, and also cause damage to all the electrical equipment. Fire supression is usually achieved using Halon systems. These systems will release a gas called halon that effectively removes all the oxygen from the area. This is better than using any type of liquid or chemical. It prevents fires from spreading, and also does not damage surrounding equipment.
Rules
Rules vary from DC to DC. The most common rule is restricted access. Access is given to customers on an as-needed basis. Frequent users or techs are usually granted swipe cards for 24-hour entry as well as any keys or combinations to cabinet locks. Most DCs utilize hand scanners for entry inside entry. Guests or non-frequent parties are usually given escorted access by a member of the NOC staff or colo admin. Most DCs DO NOT allow food or drinks inside the facility, and some have rules against the use of "crash carts" in isles. Each DC may also have strict rules about cabinet use. For example, some DCs require all equipment to be securly fastened with brackets or rails. This prevents people from stacking servers directly on top of other servers.
I need space in a DC. How do I get it?
It depends how much space you need. More than likely, you'll only need to move in a server or two, so you would have to find someone that will colo it. There are several ways to do this. You can contact the DC directly, which is usually the most expensive; you can contact a reseller, of you can buy floor space. If you contact the DC directly, they usually require a mimimum amount of space (an entire rack is common) which usually comes with some hefty setup fees. Going with a reseller is usually your best bet. These resellers rent cabinets for the DCs and rent out the space to consumers or businesses. These are usually economical and setup fees, if any, are low. The last solution, is very expensive. Buying floor space usually requires a large commitment. You pay per square foot, and anything else is extra. This solution is for providers that want a totally scaleable and custom solution. Organizations requiring such as solution will have their own router (usually a large one), as well as their own autonomous system, and IP addresses. IP address would be assigned to that organization by ARIN. The organization would own those addresses reguardless of location or provider.
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