1y ago

Colocating for the first time. What do I need to know?

Since Google is getting rid of my unlimited Gdrive and my home internet options are all capped at 20 megabits up, I have resorted to colocating my 125 terabyte Plex server currently sitting in my basement. Right now it is in a Fractal Define 7 XL, but I have order a Supermicro 826 2U chassis to swap everything over to.

This being my first time colocating I'm not quite sure what to expect. I don't believe I will have direct access since it is a shared cabinet. Currently it is running Unraid, but I'm considering switching to Proxmox and virtualizing TrueNAS. Their remote hands service is quite expensive, so I'd like to have my server as ready to go as possible. I'm not even sure how my IP will be assigned: is DHCP common in data centers or will I need to define my IP addresses prior to dropping it off?

If anyone has any lessons learned or best practices from colocating I would be really interested in hearing them.

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14 comments

This really depends on the services you're paying for from the colo.
Assuming they offer internet services, you can probably chooses between a static or dynamic IP for your WAN IP. For your internal network, you would be responsible for DHCP or static assignment.
You'll also need a security device like a firewall or router that can perform NAT for your internal addresses.
This info is assuming a lot, I'm not sure if you're paying for a service that might include the WAN networking component, or if you're just paying for power and real estate.
Happy to help with any more info if you have specific questions.
Also, you should be able to physically access your gear yourself so you're not paying for smart hands. I would ask the colo of their access hours are anything other than 24/7.
- You’ll also need a security device like a firewall or router
  This is one of the major reasons I'm moving to Proxmox. I'm going to virtualize OPNsense or pfSense and put everything behind that. I guess I should have said that I've host multiple dedicated servers over the decades, so from a security standpoint I'm pretty familiar. Really just trying to focus on the hardware side since this is the first time I will actually be responsible for managing and maintaining the hardware.
  
  Ok, cool. If you're just paying for the rack space and power, make sure you know what the rates are for going over power allotment (and bandwidth if it includes burst, some ISPs might still charge extra of you burst above the bandwidth you're paying for). Confirm if you'll have access to 120v or 240v or both. What power cables you'll need for your PDU or servers if they're providing the PDU.
  
  You should look into Vyos for your router, I’m currently running it in proxmox as my home router

14 comments