Co-location Hosting – What is it?
Co-location can be described as a server that is located at a dedicated facility designed with resources which include a secured cage or cabinet, regulated power, dedicated Internet connection, security and support.
These co-location facilities offer the customer a secure place to physically house their hardware and equipment as opposed to locating it in their offices or warehouse where the potential for fire, theft or vandalism is much greater.
While this is the exact same thing as a dedicated server, there is a small difference and that is the server is actually owned by the user.
Co-location can be very useful in many cases. Some companies require massive computers in order for their services and sites to work correctly. Most dedicated server providers only offer set server specs when offering dedicated servers. So if a user requires something more advanced, faster, or more reliable then the current service provider offers, they would utilize co-location.
The Building
It is usually situated near a Glass-Fiber ring. The fiber has multiple access points into building to prevent back hoe cuts. Usually it’s in a "clean" room to ensure optimal running conditions for computer and network hardware.
Powering the center
Two or more power grids will be connected to the center. There will also be an inline power backup using a system of UPS batteries (often with a diesel standby generator).
Security Wise
Most co-location facilities offer high-security, including cameras, fire detection and extinguishing devices, multiple connection feeds, filtered power, backup power generators and other items to ensure high-availability which is mandatory for all Web-based, virtual businesses.
How co-location works?
For storing the server in a co-location center, a rental fee is needed. The height is normally quoted as 1U, 2U and so on. Rental fees can vary depending on what size U the server is. U’s are Unites but are referred to as U. This can vary from 1U all the way up to 7U. U refers to the amount a space a server will take up on a rack. Each “U” is around 4.5cm or 1.75 inches. A full rack can contain 40U to 42U. Rack mount server cases come in 7 different sizes. These types of cases are normally what are used when building a server for co-location. Few users prefer to use normal computer cases, which in that case the price will vary depending on the size of the case and how many U’s it takes up.
Then there is the connection fee; Fixed and Un-metered, Fixed and Metered, and Burst-able.
Fixed Un-metered
A fixed pipe can be explained as the type of connection the server has 1mpbs up to 1,000mbps. If a server has a 1mbps un-metered pipe to the Internet, then the server will have 1mbps and no cap on how much bandwidth can be used. Of course, the larger the pipe or connection speed to the server, the more expensive it will become.
Fixed Metered
This is similar to the un-metered version. Only this time, the traffic is metered. Meaning a set amount of bandwidth will be per month. Once the server reaches its allocated amount for the month, it will be charged a per gigabyte fee for over usage. This can be very expensive, so pay attention to the amount of bandwidth used and needed.
Burst-able
Burst-able bandwidth is normally an add-on to an existing package for co-location. Burst-able bandwidth refers to a connection that can burst or speed up at any given time. This is normally utilized by companies that have large amounts of users access a site at a certain time. This is normally utilized on a 100mbps connection and can be set to burst at any amount needed, from 1mpbs and up. Burst-able bandwidth is expensive and has to be paid for in advanced, so knowledge of how much is needed is required.
Support
Just like any hosting plan, co-location needs to be supported. When it goes down, it is critical that it is resolved immediately or your company will suffer losses not only in monetary value, but also in the less tangible aspect such as customer trust and credibility. Phone numbers are the best way to get support from. Verbal communication is the quickest and most reliable way to communicate with a company and resolve the issue at hand.
Choose carefully your co-location provider as this is a huge investment. Migrating to a new one after you have settled into the old one is often a hassle if not difficult process.
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