Types of Data Center Colocation Services to Consider:
What Kind of Colocation Services Do I Need?
In the previous article, we provided an overview of data center colocation and factors to consider when selecting a provider. Now, let’s delve deeper into the specific colocation services available to help you determine the right fit for your business needs.
Colocation Space Options:
Data centers offer a range of colocation space configurations to accommodate different space, power, and connectivity requirements:
A. Cage Colocation
Dedicated caged enclosures secure custom racks and equipment within the data hall. Good for 5-20 servers requiring physical security.
B. Cabinet Colocation
Lockable cabinets house 1-4 racks. Suitable for up to 40 servers where security and power aren’t major concerns.
C. Private Suite Colocation
Custom-built secure rooms provide maximum security and configuration flexibility for large infrastructure.
Consider growth plans when choosing cage vs cabinet vs suite to avoid future upgrades. Pay attention to power densities and cooling footprints.
Power Requirements
Data center power is provisioned via dedicated AC circuits.
Consider:
- Circuit breaker sizing (20A, 30A, 60A, 100A+) based on current and future power needs.
- Redundant power distribution units (PDUs) inside cabinets/cages for uptime.
- Power consumption per rack to evaluate energy costs over time.
Proper power sizing avoids overages or limits on expansion. Redundant high-count circuits boost reliability.
Network Connectivity Options
Uptime depends on resilient connectivity.
Review:
- Internet access via direct ports at multiple speeds (1G, 10G, 100G+)
- Private connections like dedicated dark fiber or MPLS
- Proximity to Internet backbones and cloud on-ramps
- Redundant routers/switches and diverse infrastructure paths
Scalable bandwidth is key as is low-latency links to your markets and providers.
Support & Services
Assess included and premium support packages for monitoring, hands-on help, and issue response commitments like:
- 24×7 remote support via portal, email and phone
- 4-hour on-site response for critical incidents
- Biannual preventative maintenance windows
- Routine upgrades to systems, firmware and utilities
- Higher tiers ensure rapid resolution of outages or performance problems.
With a clear picture of infrastructure and support needs, businesses can pinpoint the optimal colocation configuration and services. Making these choices up front supports scalability and long-term success.