subject: What To Expect From A Colocation Service Provider? [print this page] A colocation service provider allows multiple customers to locate servers, networks and storage gear and interconnect to a wide variety of telecommunications as well as other network service providers for a relatively low cost and with minimal complexity. This article will discuss what you should expect from a colocation service provider in terms of power and density as well as services provided.
Colocation Service: Power
A colocation facilities electrical system should be comprised of a 2N or N 1 UPS parallel system to the cabinet level.
This system features several Transient Voltage Surge Suppression (TVSS) devices that are installed on major electrical panels and remove spikes prior to being seen by the UPS, where the wave form is stabilized. The UPS systems correct utility power to a stable wave former through double-conversion, and include a 7-minute battery back-up to transition to the generator system. Power is distributed from the UPS through K-rated transformers to local panel distribution panels and branched to computer cabinets. Computer cabinets are installed with ip-addressable power strips containing ampacity meters.
A high-quality colocation service provider should offer both AC and DC power in a variety of voltage and amperage configurations. They should also have a system that includes a back-up using an Automatic Transfer Switch connected to a stand-by diesel generator. A system like this is designed to transition to generator back-up in 15 seconds whenever an under-voltage or over-voltage condition persists. Back-by power is sustained and not restored until the utility supply is stable and consistent.
Colocation Service: Standard Density
The standard design of a provider's data centers should be to provide up to 5.7kW of usable power per cabinet. This would be the equivalent of three (3) 120VAC/20A power circuits, or one (1) 208VAC/20A/3-phase power circuit. Please note that the redundant (B-side) power circuits are not included in this calculation since 5.7kW is the true maximum usage and not over inflated by also including the redundant power circuits. Also note that 5.7kW is the net maximum usable, rather than an inflated gross/breaker number, which would be 7.2kW (14.4kW if one were to include the B-side power circuits).
Colocation Service: Higher Density
A high-quality colocation service provider should know that some customers require even higher power and cooling densities and be able to accommodate these customers after an engineering design review. These high power and cooling densities are most appropriate in a cage or suite space, rather than a shared cabinet space.
Remote Hands
A high-quality colocation service provider should offer remote hands as part of their data and colocation management. High-quality providers offer this service at no additional cost and provide for power cycling of customer owned equipment, which is facilitated by switched PDUs in the customer cabinets. These providers can additionally provide deployment services at a time and materials charge to perform rack-and-stack, cabling, etc.
Monitoring
A high-quality colocation service provider should also monitor all of their critical IT data center systems for status (change of state), trouble and alarm conditions. These providers should have situational awareness 24x7 of their electrical and mechanical systems. They should also have room-based temperature and humidity conditions monitored to ensure systems stability.
When an alarm sounds, a provider's personnel should be alerted to the status condition, and respond appropriately to remedy the condition back to normal operating status based on their response procedures.
These are just some of the services offered by high-quality colocation service providers. If you are looking to acquire the services of colocation provider be sure to do your research and be sure to find a provider that offers these services.
