Data Center and Network
Industrial-Grade Equipment for Ultimate Performance and Reliability
We locates our servers at MCI data facility because of their top-notch Network Operations Center (NOC), equipment, and multiple backbone connections to the Internet. You will benefit with 99.8% uptime; exceptionally fast, stable connectivity; and live, round-the-clock monitoring by on-site network technicians.
Spacelink uses Tier 1 MCI data, connecting us to one of the largest networks in the world, with over 98,000-mile fiber optic network. . Whatever your bandwidth needs are, we can meet them.
Network Redundancy
Spacelink uses intelligent end-user routing software called Border Gateway Protocol (BGP). BGP identifies which path is the most efficient for each data packet and then routes the packet to its destination on the fastest path. This increases the speed at which web pages sent from our NOC arrive at their destination.
Studies have shown that the most common reason for downtime is circuit failure on Tier 1 provider backbones, the major data highways. To guard against this potential problem, we have two Tier-1 providers. If one experiences problems, we can route traffic down another one. Furthermore, because we are OnNet with MCI, we share their digital distribution architecture, which includes private peering network connections to major Internet carriers such as Sprint, UUNET, EUNET, AT&T, AOL, Best, Erols, @Home, IBM Advantis and others. These private peering arrangements allow Spacelink to quickly and efficiently exchange packets of data with every major backbone carrier in a one-to-one environment.
Network Reliability
Industry analysis reveals that 70% of downtime of over 10 hours with any ISP is caused by telephone circuit failure. With Spacelink, circuit failure is virtually eliminated. That's because our NOC is in the same building as MCI. There is no phone circuit between Spacelink and these providers. Instead, there is a direct connection between our Cisco 7200 routers and theirs.
Spacelink's providers also have peering connections with other major Tier 1 providers that allow traffic to be switched to alternate backbones should the need arise.
Secure Facility
Our NOC is located in a secure, monitored, class A building with a minimum number of approved personnel allowed access to highly sensitive areas and equipment. A detailed record of employee and visitor entry is maintained at all times.
The facility is equipped with a Raytheon fire suppression system, designed to immediately extinguish fire and protect equipment and personnel. The command center is controlled via automatic doors to further secure and protect the equipment.
Uninterruptible Power System
To guard against local power failures, Spacelink has access to industrial-grade, three-phase Liebert UPS systems. These act as back-up batteries, maintaining uninterrupted power in case of surges or power outages. With these back-up systems in place, we can keep our network up and running indefinitely without relying on external power.
Industrial-Grade Air Conditioners
Our NOC has two Liebert 10 ton industrial air conditioners that condition our computer rooms and operations center. Air temperature is maintained at an optimal 65 degrees Fahrenheit.
Custom Web Servers
Our servers are custom-built industrial machines designed for a 24/7 web serving environment. They are equipped with dual-redundant, 450-watt power supplies, hot swap Seagate Baracuda/Cheetah drives and force-filtered cooling systems. They are Intel Pentium 3 and Pentium 4 class, running at the clock speeds of from 1.3 Ghz - 3.2 Ghz , with 512MB - 4Gig of RAM. They are running on Linux RedHat and Microsoft Windows platforms.
Force Filtered Cooling
Our servers are equipped with a positive-pressure filtered-air system. Four large fans pull filtered air into each server's protective case, and the components within are cooled by fans that circulate this purified air. This constant introduction of clean air into the case creates a positive pressure environment ensuring that dust and particles remain outside the server.
Hot Swap Hard Drives
The drives and drive bays of all Spacelink servers are constructed from high-grade aluminum and rest in shock-mounted drive cages, which adds to the durability of the hardware.
Redundant Hot Swap Power Supplies
Each server employs dual-redundant hot swap power supplies. If a power supply were to fail, the server would continue running with power from the alternate supply. Meanwhile, alarms would alert a technician, who would quickly restore redundancy. In the meantime, servers and client sites would experience no downtime.
Raw Performance Equals Low Latency/High Throughput
Too often providers operate their networks at three to four times their responsible capacity. As a result, their corresponding transfer times reach over 300ms. Spacelink's network daily average is 27% of its capacity, with midday peak spikes reaching only 33% capacity. Spacelink guarantees that clients will be carried off their network in less than 80ms over a five-minute average at any time of day or night.
