If you are not exactly sure how much space, how many rack spaces, or cabinets, you will require; this information may be useful to help guide you. Co-location “cabinets” are available in “U” (Unit) sizes and are sold in increments that range from 1U up to multiple full racks / cabinets (42U ea.). Although it might seem obvious at first there are some variables to consider when searching for a co-location partner. These variables include:
- Number of Unit, or cabinet spaces used by servers
- Number of Rack or Unit spaces used by Ethernet switches, VPN devices, KVM devices and other equipment
- Number of Rack or Unit spaces used by power management (outlet switching) devices
- Space reserved for ongoing growth as more equipment is needed
- Space reserved for testing, working space
- Secure racks, cages or cabinets
Double U (2U)
A 2U is large enough to support a single 2U server such as a Dell R720 or a single 1U server such as a Dell R620 and a 1U switch or firewall such as the Cisco ASA 5510.
Quarter Rack (10U)
Quarter racks feature 10U’s of co-location space are typically contained inside a shared, lockable cabinet. As with all co-location, bandwidth and power are sold a-la-carte and are customizable. Growing businesses typically use this option if they have more than 6U’s worth of equipment to co-locate off-site.
Half Rack (21U)
A half rack of co-location is one of our most popular co-location choices. There is sufficient room for multiple servers, SANs, and switches, which allows a customer to construct more complex platforms such as those required for small virtualization clusters or disaster recovery sites. Half rack colocation features 21U’s of co-location space are typically located inside a shared cabinet.
Full Rack (42U)
Companies using full rack solutions often need hosting for many servers and networking equipment. Redundant Internet connections and higher bandwidth requirements are also common for customers with one or more cabinets of co-location. Common applications are large virtualization clusters, high capacity off-site storage, or those who are in need of private cabinet space. Full rack co-location features 42U’s of co-location space typically located inside a private, locking cabinet of on a Co-location rack.
Power Source
The amount of power, or amperage, that businesses require to operate servers depends on the size and quantity of their equipment. It is recommended that quarter rack customers purchase 10 Amps of 110v power. On the other hand, equipment occupying a full cabinet commonly requires anywhere from 1 x 20 Amp 110v to 2 x 30 Amp 208v power.
Managed Colocation
Managed colocation services allow you to focus on running your business, while knowing that a team of professionals is managing your servers or IT environment. Offered a la carte or all together as a managed colocation solution, our managed services compliment the strengths of your internal staff. By offering managed colocation as an “unbundled” package, you can turn over as much, or as little, of your business’s IT responsibility to our experienced staff, and take advantage of our IT resources.
Determining the space requirements for your colocation needs may seem like an overwhelming process and for some it can be. Contact us and one of our certified IT technicians will be glad to assist you in determining the right amount of colocation space your business or organization may require.
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