Ok... with dedicated servers how is it actually set up?

ISP Line -> Router -> Switch -> Server ??

or can it be set up this way

ISP Line -> Server ?
ISP Line -> Router -> Server?
ISP Line -> Switch -> Server ?

Which one is best?

And how are IPs configured for the server if it goes through a switch, router, or both. Do they just need binding to the server like normal or do they all have different ways of going to the server through gateways (whatever those are)?

I am assuming you can plug a line straight into a switch at any port correct? Or is this incorrect? What about into a router?

These may seem like dumb questions, and I am pretty sure I know the answers but just for the purposes of educating a fellow WHT members could you spare some of your knowledge oh wise ones.

James

A vast majority of the smaller isps are setup isp drop -> switch -> server.

It really depends on the specific setup of each ded server company. No matter what, you are probably going to have at least a switch between the ISP line and the server. Depending on the size of the ISP, you will most likely have ISP Line(s) -> Router -> switch, and then maybe even a second switch, then the server.

If you have a smaller provider, say with just 1 rack, it is not uncommon to have an ethernet drop straight in to the switch. Now, you must understand that there is always going to be a router in there somewhere, it just matters who owns it. :) If you're getting an ethernet drop to a switch, then it just means that your ISP is doing all of the routing for you.

I think the biggest factor here is the size of the ded server company... if you have 3,000 boxes, you are obviously going to need layers in order to channel all of these boxes into one (or multiple) outgoing pipes. They probably make 3,000 port switches, but it is probably not the most effective or cheapest solution for the ded server provider.

Ok guys, thanks a lot for your time and knowledge. I feel like I may well have been educated. Can you recommend any particular managed switches.

James

summit48? i believe most of the people on here have been recommending those like rackmy etc... so i'm assuming they know as i dont physically use them since i dont sell servers.

but best of luck in learning / finding the switch you need.