Network Redundancy
Barrie WEB hosting uses intelligent end-user routing software called Border
Gateway Protocol (BGP) between their OC-3's. 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 Level(3) and Qwest, we share their digital distribution architecture, which includes private peering network connections to major Internet carriers such as MCI, Sprint, UUNET, EUNET, AT&T, AOL, Best, Erols, @Home, IBM Advantis and others. These private peering arrangements allow Barrie WEB hosting 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 Barrie WEB hosting, circuit
failure is virtually eliminated as we are with Level(3) and Qwest.
Barrie WEB hosting'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.
Barrie WEB hosting recognizes that downtime is not an option for your servers. That's why we invest heavily in hardware and facilities that ensure that your clients are up and running on the web 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Barrie WEB hosting's Network Operations Center (NOC) features raised flooring. This enables a constant flow of conditioned air and helps to maintain uniform room temperature at all times. In addition, raised flooring reduces static and ensures a professional, computer-grade environment for your servers.
Finally, the 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.
Uninterruptible Power
System
To guard against local power failures, Barrie WEB hosting has two
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
Barrie WEB hosting's 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
Barrie WEB hosting's web servers are custom-built industrial machines designed
for a 24/7 web serving environment. All Barrie WEB hosting servers are
equipped with dual-redundant, 400-watt power supplies, hot swap Seagate
Baracuda/Cheetah drives and force-filtered cooling systems. In addition, our
NOC is equipped with an inventory of identically configured, burned-in standby
servers.
Force Filtered Cooling
All of Barrie WEB hosting's custom web 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.
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.
Standby Servers
We keep spare servers online of all CPU configurations. If a server were to
experience a hardware failure, we would turn a key, grab the handle on the
drive, pull it out and insert it into an identical standby CPU. We would then
reboot the second machine, and the server would be up and running again in a
matter of minutes.
Questions or Concerns: hosting@barrieweb.com