Redundant Everything

Everything Redundant

Nothing is perfect. This is a lesson we've learned quite well in our 13 years of working with all manner of hosting technology. So - to combat this we have made everything redundant. Our CTO is fond of saying: "If one is good, and two is great, three is just right." And that philosophy shows in the design of our Datacenters:

Electrical Power Redundancy

Electrical and power redundancy come from dual or greater electrical grids in the area. We recive at least two 2000 to 4000 amp grids coming from separate Power Substations into dual automatic transfer switches, which also control the uninterrupted power supply (UPS). In the event a power outage exceeds the UPS capacity Emergency Generator(s), capable of sustaining the entire facility indefinitely, are automatically engaged. The Power grids feed fully redundant - True Online - Liebert (s) 3000KVA Parallel UPS system with two 750KVA parallel UPS systems. Each of the UPS systems feed Power Distribution Units (PDU). Each of the PDU's feed all Networks and Systems in the facility. DC power is accomplished through inverters for equipment that needs 48 VDC. We also offer 400Hz power for mainframe systems or other components that require this service.

Exterior Fiber Redundancy

We incorporate redundancy of the exterior fiber plants coming into the building via two separate and diverse entrance locations. Separate and diverse switch locations to two diverse metro facilities as well as two separate CO's are maintained.

SONET Ring Redundancy

Each of the locations includes SONET ring protection from all fiber carriers into the data center with redundant connections provided by a minimum of two separate local metro rings. As a result, our data facilities possess redundant metro networks, telco switch equipment and diverse fiber optic paths in the buildings.

Internal Network Redundancy

The internal network is also fully redundant and diverse. Both telco connection and redundant fiber paths are on fully redundant switches that are fully meshed with no single point of failure. The switches are configured in a PentaMESH or TriMESH configuration. The Network Infrastructure is IP based with switches that feed classical IP.

Redundant Fire and Smoke Detection Systems

Each data facility's fire and smoke detection system includes three separate FM 200 systems; one for the main data center area, one for the UPS systems and one for the battery room. Smoke detection includes above floor and above ceiling smoke detectors. FM 200 systems will discharge in a particular area if more than one detector and zone are faulted. A pre-Action dry pipe sprinkler system backs up the FM 200 systems.

Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) Systems

HVAC systems include chilled-water based systems and capabilities to control humidity as well as air makeup. The Environmental Systems include 3 redundant Liebert cooling towers and pumps for chilled-water cooling systems, air conditioners and air handlers throughout the facility.