Colocation FAQs

What is colocation?

Colocation is the way that your web server is housed and connected to the internet. A web server is a computer that holds web pages so that they available to the Internet.

Servers are usually mounted in metal racks in a purpose-built facility with a large amount of internet connectivity.

How do you measure bandwidth?

We measure bandwidth by Committed Information Rate (CIR).

What is a U?

The space used by your server(s) is measured in Rack Units (or 'U'). This is the unit of measurement used for defining the vertical space used. A 'U' is equivalent to 1.75 inches (4.45cm).

1U Server= 1.75" of Vertical Rack Space
2U = 3.5" of Vertical Rack Space
4U = 7.00" of Vertical Rack Space

A full rack contains 40 to 42U 1/4 Rack=10U (10 servers of 1U) Half rack =20 U (20 Servers of 1U)

Where can I find out more information about your Network?

Information about our World Class Network can be found here.

Other services for colocation customers

We offer many services for colocation customers:
Programming and consultancy - Our team of developers will be able to provide you with a quotatation for large or small projects.
Monitoring - 24 hour monitoring with fault resolution.
Security Services - Firewall and VPN installation, Network security scans, code consultancy.
Backup - Network backup to tape.
Server Management - patching, log rotation, server maintenance.

Intelligent hands information

For colocation customers, 'intelligent hands' system administration is available to aid with reboots, tape swaps and basic troubleshooting.

Intelligent hands means that the technician will act as the customer's supervised hands to perform equipment fixes or troubleshooting as listed below.

Pushing a button, switching a toggle or setting a dip-switch.
Reboot/power cycle of equipment as required.
Securing cabling to connections.
Observing, describing or reporting on indicator lights or display information on machines or consoles.
Modifying basic cable layout.
Cable patching.
Checking alarms for faults.
Changing faulty plug in cards and hard drives.
Any configuration or installation work as long as the customer is able to provide either full verbal or written step by step instructions.
Perform basic customer-led faultfinding on customer equipment.

What is the difference between a managed server and a co-located server?

A managed server is a server which is managed by Firstserv up to and including operating system level. Managed means that the server processes and hardware are monitored, data is backed up and any problems covered by our support policy are resolved by us.

Colocation is where we give you rack space and bandwidth in our data centre and you are responsible for all other aspects of your server. Server monitoring is still available, and backup can be arranged on our enterprise tape machines.

How can I get a quote for colocation?

Please click here to request a quotation for colocation. After completing the form, our sales team wil contact you.

Alternatively, call +44 (0)20 7536 7930 or e-mail enquiries@firstserv.com.