Hello,

I currently have a 2u server at VDI, but am considering moving in to a local datacenter here in my hometown. I have a couple of questions about what I should expect the differences to be between the two of them if I decide to move.

First off, my local provider doesn't usually sell less than a 1/2 rack, but are making an exception for me because times are slow... So I'm not sure what they would be providing me beyond what their normal, larger customers recieve.

Does VDI provide equipment above what I should expect to recieve from my local data center? For example, If I went with a full rack from my local provider, should I expect to have to purchase a switch / router / firewall / etc. in order to have the same "setup" that I would have at VDI?

I know I'm not being very clear here, however it is kind of hard for me to get my thoughts on "paper" right now :)

I am going in to tour my local datacenter tomorrow, and will be asking 1,000 questions, but would like to get a sorta "heads up" on what I should be expecting.

I guess I also don't really know what VDI is providing me right now. Does anyone know if they put an extra firewall / switch / etc. between me and the rest of their network?

I do know this has been pretty vague, but would appreciate anyone and everyone's comments on this...

Thanks!

I suggest keeping the server where it is or going with someone like RackSpace. By the time you are done with the Colo, bandwidth and all the work it takes to manage it, you are going broke..

Not for one server. It is just not worth the trouble. Now if you are planning to expand to a buch of servers then go for it.

You need a swith, router, upstream connection, IP's etc. etc. etc. You also have to go and fix things when they break. And believe me. Thinks never break at a good time. It is usually when you are going to take your wife or girl friend out or when you are going to the school play your child is in.

Just my 3 Cents.

Well,

I'm pretty sure that I don't need bandwidth or IP's with this particular colo.

And keep in mind, it is my own server hardware at VDI (I'm colo, not dedicated). That means that if hardware fails at VDI, I'm Screwed with a capital S. Whereas, with my local provider, if hardware fails, I just go in and replace it. It would mean 4 hour downtime instead of 4 day downtime. ***This is probably one of the biggest reasons I am considering going local***

And yes, I am "planning" on having more than one server there. I am "hoping" to have a full rack by summer (but of course, nothing really goes as planned...) :)

Anyways, if you guys could tell me the difference in the "non-server hardware" issues (Ie.. routers / switches / etc.) that would be most helpful. I'm pretty certain I can maintain my own server hardware.

Of course, if I had to buy a $2,000 router and $1,000 switch, it would probably not be worth it for the time being. (I don't really know how much this hardware goes for these days...)

Thanks!

You probably don't need a router, as most provider don't require one.

As far as switch goes, either Cisco or 3com.... I've seen 3com 24 port 10/100 Managed switches for around $700. The Cisco ones are much more.

What about a firewall? The datacenter that I'm moving into does not have any firewalls between my rack and their pipes, which kinda scares me! I am running cpanel, which has portsentry on it, but I'm not sure if this is good enough.

If I do need a firewall, can someone please suggest some good ones to me!

Thanks!

You could build an OpenBSD firewall, which would be much cheaper than the alternatives.

Ok, I think I've decided to go with my local data center. I toured the place, and it is simply amazing!

Anyway, I am thinking that I will just go with a switch, and no firewall. I mean, cpanel does have portsentry installed... (Scream at me if that is a stupid idea.) I'm thinking of getting a switch off of ebay such as this:

http://cgi.ebay.com/aw-cgi/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=1281684378

Does anyone know if the cisco 2924 is a good switch?

Thanks!

Originally posted by mpope


Does anyone know if the cisco 2924 is a good switch?

Thanks!


The best..

Originally posted by mpope
Does anyone know if the cisco 2924 is a good switch?


Both the 2924 or the 3524 are excellent switches, we use them both and have nothign but praises

First off, my local provider doesn't usually sell less than a 1/2 rack, but are making an exception for me because times are slow... So I'm not sure what they would be providing me beyond what their normal, larger customers recieve.


Be carefull with one thing .. LABOR .. usually these type of companies that won't sell less that 1/2 rack have very heafty labor chargesm and they will charge you for anything, asked them for a reboot .. free .. ask them for a reboot, but you need to fsck the HD .. 1 hour labor


Does VDI provide equipment above what I should expect to recieve from my local data center? For example, If I went with a full rack from my local provider, should I expect to have to purchase a switch / router / firewall / etc. in order to have the same "setup" that I would have at VDI?


If you get a 1/2 rack .. that's usually all you get from a provider, unless it's a package deal, you are responsable for your own switch, some NOC's ask you for a UPS as well .. if that is the case I woudl be weary, switch, power strip, even cat5 cable (for inside the rack) is your responability, but a good NOC shoudl allways have a good UPS/Generator system of their own


I guess I also don't really know what VDI is providing me right now. Does anyone know if they put an extra firewall / switch / etc. between me and the rest of their network?


if they provide you with a VPN, then usually the answer is yes .. otherwise most NOC's won't provide you with an internal firewall


I do know this has been pretty vague, but would appreciate anyone and everyone's comments on this...


Hope I could help :)

Originally posted by mpope
Ok, I think I've decided to go with my local data center. I toured the place, and it is simply amazing!

Anyway, I am thinking that I will just go with a switch, and no firewall. I mean, cpanel does have portsentry installed... (Scream at me if that is a stupid idea.) I'm thinking of getting a switch off of ebay such as this:

http://cgi.ebay.com/aw-cgi/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=1281684378

Does anyone know if the cisco 2924 is a good switch?

Thanks!

Ok, so who is the local data center? ...and what makes the place amazing?

Well, the most amazing part is the fact that I was able to take a tour. I've never been inside a real data center before, and it was really cool. (I don't live anywhere near any other data centers). Other than that, I guess they are just like any other data center.

If you would really like to know, they're URL is www.fibercloud.com

Thanks!