Knowing About Colocation Centers

A Toronto colocation center, also known as a carrier hotel, is a sort of data centre in which multiple clients can hold server, storage and network gear along with other equipment at a minimum cost. These places are becoming more popular, especially in the Toronto area, because they can cut down on costs in companies while allowing for the maintenance of vital technical equipment.

Colocation centers generally have a number of physical characteristics that help to maintain the integrity of the data and gear stored within. A Toronto colocation center can typically be recognized by a rather large amount of cooling equipment on the roof or outside somewhere. This is to ensure that things inside are kept at the ideal temperature. There are, of course, other elements of temperature controls inside that help keep things where they need to be.

A Toronto colocation center also features fire protection systems. These are to prevent fire damage from overtaking the gear and equipment, of course. There are smoke detectors included to provide for manual fire suppression, but there are other more extensive measures in place as well. Sprinkler systems can sometimes be perilous because of the amount of electric equipment, so many companies turn to other systems to diffuse the flames.

Gas-based fire suppression systems are especially popular, as they help provide a line of defence against fire damage that many other systems do not account for. Equipment is usually also built with fire protection elements in mind, which means that there could be fire walls around a space to prevent the spread of flames or other sorts of restrictions.

Racks are also an integral part of any Toronto colocation center. Most companies these days are using 19-inch racks for the data equipment and servers. 23-inch racks are sometimes used for telecommunications equipment. Cabinets and cages are also a part of the arrangement, allowing for physical access to the equipment.

Another vital component to any Toronto colocation center is air conditioning. This obviously controls the temperature in the space, but it also controls the humidity and creates vital conditions for the equipment. Some companies used floor-based cooling systems, while others use a more standard set-up that allows for similar coverage. Because too much humidity would result in water condensation on internal components, the cooling system must be set to ideal specifications.

Colocation facilities also include considerable security. This is usually done using CCTV. Some require escorts to and from the components, although this varies from place to place. Many Toronto colocation facilities have individually locked cabinets for each customer and PIN access to the location to allow for personalized access. This eliminates the need for on-site security, as you might imagine.

Back-up generators are vital components to any colocation facility. These usually run on diesel and are integral to ensuring that everything stays up and running. There are varying levels of redundancy, too, and that ensures that power is backed up beyond the back-up.

As you can see, a lot goes in to your typical Toronto colocation facility. These specifications are in place to ensure that you get the most out of your arrangement and can rest assured that your data is taken care of day and night.