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Chicago, IL Data Center
The following an overview of the features and technical specifications of Lakeside Technology Center, located at 350 E. Cermak Rd., in Chicago, IL.
Network Connectivity - Backbone Carriers
Level(3) - Level(3) is one of the world's largest and most reliable carriers. Nine out of ten of the world's largest telecom carriers all continue to use Level(3) services, as do five of the top six U.S. Internet Service Providers, and nine out of ten of the largest European telecom carriers. The company operates a 22,500 mile broadband fiber optic network in 72 US markets and 20 European markets.
NTT - NTT Communications is the international and long distance service arm of NTT (Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Corporation), one of the largest telecommunications companies in the world. NTT's extensive global infrastructure covers over 150 countries and a Tier 1 IP backbone connected with major ISPs worldwide, as well as secure data centres in Asia, North America and Europe. In 2009, NTT Corp. was ranked 44th in Fortune's Global 500 list with operating revenues of more than $103 billion.
nLayer - nLayer Communications has designed and deployed a robust, legacy-free, and highly scalable network spanning key markets across North America. Major backbone nodes are connected via multiple OC-192 (10 Gbps) diversely routed circuits, provisioned over a highly scalable Dense Wave Division Multiplexing (DWDM) infrastructure.
PCCW - PCCW Hong Kong's premier telecommunications provider and a world-class player in Information and Communications Technologies. PCCW provides integrated global communications solutions, runs a fully-meshed IP, fiber and satellite network and serves the voice, data and multimedia needs of multinational enterprises, as well as the operational requirements of service providers. It serves the enterprise and wholesale markets from its presence in Europe, the Americas, Africa, the Middle East and Asia. PCCW Global's resilient network currently provides connectivity in more than 1,000 cities and 80 countries.
Network Connectivity - Network Peering
Comcast Equinix Exchange Chicago Chicago Internet Exchange NYIIX PAIX New York PAIX Palo Alto Any2 California Equinix Exchange Ashburn LINX AMS-IXInternal Network Configuration
Redundant Cisco 6500 (SUP720) core routers/switches Cisco 3560-E series distribution layer switches Cisco 2950/2960 series aggregation switches InterNAP FCP for network route optimization 10 Gigabit Ethernet internal backboneWhy Chicago?
In addition, Chicago has a much lower average cost of living compared to other major markets such as New York, San Francisco, and Washington DC. The lower cost of living reduces the expenses we incur as a whole and allows us to pass those savings on to you.
Fire Suppression System
A state-of-the-art fire suppression system constantly monitors the physical environment for smoke, chemicals and other hazardous materials that might spark a fire. The data center uses a dual-interlock pre-action sprinkler system throughout the facility. These pipes are dry-filled with compressed air - until two alarm conditions are reached thereby releasing the valve to charge the system. Water is only released in the area when a sprinkler head has lost its seal, or is actuated, due to heat, AND the fire detection system has detected a fire condition. If a head is accidentally knocked off, water does not flow into the system. Any water discharged will be sprinkler-head specific, which will limit the potential for damage caused by over-spray.
Redundant HVAC System
Air control is critical in maintaining fast, efficient performance from our customers' equipment. To create the right environment, the data center is fitted with a comprehensive Liebert HVAC system that delivers constant, ideal air conditions, between 68 and 74 degrees Fahrenheit and between 40% and 50% relative humidity at all times. Our HVAC system uses efficient and effective chilled water cooling, not a standard forced/chilled air configuration. HVAC systems maintain a minimum of N+1 redundancy, allowing the data center to maintain a constant, cool environment that is conducive to our customers' mission-critical equipment and operations.
Redundant Power and UPS
The power systems are equipped with a level of redundancy that guarantees continuous operation. To ensure that the data center is always operational all the time, a multi-layer power generation system, using some of the highest grade equipment available, is in place. Conditioned AC power with two independent A & B power buses, respectively, is available. In addition, UPS, battery and diesel generators back up every power system. Unlike some other data centers the climate control and security measures are also backed up with redundant power to ensure clean operation during power outages. The UPS systems maintain three hours of battery backup and a 2 MW diesel generator is onsite for longer outages. If there are issues with the diesel generator the three hours of battery backup gives ample time to dispatch a portable diesel generator system, if needed.
Security
Visual confirmation and strict sign-in procedures, both conducted by trained security personnel, along with key cards, and photo ID verification ensure that only authorized personnel have access to our data center. No customers are allowed in our space unattended and staff is on-site 24/7. In addition, all aspects of the data center are monitored and recorded via color, hi-resolution digital video cameras. All video footage is kept on hand for a period of at least 30 days.
