>> Mods, if this is the wrong forum, please move. Thanks. I'm contemplating co-location so I can have more control over my server, but was wondering what hardware, apart from the server, I will need to provide? Was thinking of getting a server at Dell, but need to know what else is required so I can purchase everything at once. Any server/hardware recommendations? I'm also looking at various co-location hosts and your recommendations in this regard are also welcome. Thanks.
You will need your own switch, unless you are colocating one server. Ask for the IP space as well.... Check out how much amps the server power supply requires, most colo facilities have power limits
One of the most expensive aspects of colocation (assuming you get a decent contract for bandwidth, etc.. which you won't unless you're colocating sufficient amount of machines) is the power.. so make sure the server(s) you send are power efficient. As for a switch.. check to see if they have any cheap ones available for you to use.. if not you can pick up a cheap 2950 (or something else around there), but they don't support BGP and so forth. Also a lot of colocation providers will cut out the networking aspect and just allow you to send a machine and alot you with XXXX bandwidth.. Basically after you find a few places you like, just ask them what you will need to provide.. if it's just one or two servers most will just have you send the server.