Servers & Network - Technical Details

Shared servers

Our Linux or Windows hosting packages run on shared servers, located at secure UK premises, as standard. However, we can also provide dedicated servers for the most secure, robust hosting, should you require it.

All our packages are extensively-featured and are available online within minutes of ordering. We add new features regularly, and the software packages provided within our hosting accounts are also updated to newer release levels. We offer a complete service - you can order your domain names through us, too, and can manage your hosting account via the sophisticated eXtend control panel system. If you already have a domain name, you can transfer it to us, if you wish, or simply point it to our servers.

We only use Dell servers in our web hosting platform. Utilising state-of-the-art technology we have built a web hosting platform that is second to none.

Current server specifications (correct at November 2009) are as follows:

• Dual Quad Core Intel Xeon 3.16GHz with 2X6MB Cache
• 8 GB RAM
• Dual 136 GB SCSI Drive (for the operating system)
• RAID Mirroring (for the operating system)
• Dual Power Supplies
• Dual Gigabit Network Adapters

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Redhat Enterprise Linux Platform

Our Linux hosting is based on the latest Redhat Enterprise Linux server technology. This is the most stable release of Redhat Linux available and the only version that keeps completely up to date with system and security patches. Redhat is the leading provider of Linux open source software. For many years now, Redhat Linux has been the first choice for web hosting companies, not just because of its amazing scalability but also because of its track record as the most stable operating system currently available.

Windows Server 2008 Platform

Microsoft Windows Server 2008, which powers our Windows shared hosting platform, is the most advanced Windows Server operating system yet, designed to power the next generation of networks, applications, and Web services. With Windows Server 2008 you can develop, deliver, and manage rich user experiences and applications, provide a highly secure network infrastructure, and increase technological efficiency and value within your organization.

Strong Data Backup

The hosting platform is designed in such a way that if any server fails another server takes over that server's workload, automatically and without delay. For example, if a mail server breaks down another correctly configured server automatically comes online and takes over from the failed server, with no loss of email.

All data is stored in two large network disk arrays. Data is automatically synchronised between the arrays so that in the event of an array failing the remaining array continues to serve data to the servers with no downtime.

The network arrays operate RAID, which means that a disk can fail with no impact to data. The network arrays are operated in mirrored pairs so a whole array can fail with no impact. Each array is also backed up nightly to a separate backup cluster which is then written to tape and stored off-site. This backup procedure exceeds the majority of web hosting companies.

100% Cisco Gigabit Network

The network operates on industry-leading equipment from Cisco Systems. It is based on gigabit technology, so it runs at a speed of 1000 Mb per second; many web hosting networks are limited to 100 Mb per second.

It also utilises 100% CAT6 network cable, which contains four pairs of copper wire and, unlike CAT5, utilises all four pairs. CAT6 supports Gigabit (1000 Mbps) Ethernet and supports communications at more than twice the speed of CAT5e, which is the other popular standard for Gigabit Ethernet cabling.

Connectivity

Our hosting is based on a multi-homed network utilising BGP4 technology. Simply put, it has multiple connections to the Internet with different backbone providers. Should any one connection fail, other connections automatically take all the traffic. Not only does this mean that loss of connectivity to the Internet is very unlikely, but traffic moving to and from the network can also choose from a range of paths to get to its final destination; therefore, the network is configured always to take the fastest paths.