Web Hosting Reviews & Ratings

December 28, 2010

Reviewing the Carrier Options of Colocation Hosting

Colocation hosting provides two models of Internet connections, carrier neutral and carrier specific. Carrier neutral is typically the choice of data centers in the United States and Europe and offers customers many more service options. However, in Canada this option is rare and prices continue to rise.

Carrier Neutral Model

The carrier neutral model hosts your server in a facility providing many different internet carrier options. Therefore, when hiring a carrier neutral facility it is important to select which internet service provider you want for the internet connection. Typically the colocation hosting provider will find the most reliable and best deals for a provider.

Once selected, you can choose the location you would like your servers to be hosted. You have the option of all servers in one specific location or different servers around the country. This is usually based on company need. Prices vary between carriers so you are able to comparison shop. If one carrier is running a promotion, it is advantageous to choose that company.

Carrier Specific Model

The carrier specific model is essentially the opposite of the carrier neutral model in that you do not have a choice as to the internet service provider. Whatever that facility has is the carrier you must use. This doesn’t give you a chance to shop around for the best reliability and price. However, you only must pay one fee for rack space and internet connection directly to the data center.

Comparison

The carrier neutral option is much better for the consumer as it encourages direct competition between internet service providers thus driving down the price. This gives you the option for improved service for a lower cost.

The Issue in Canada

The reason Canada does not have many carrier neutral facilities are the widespread monopolies held by service providers. As a result you will only find carrier specific colocation facilities. If you do find a carrier neutral location, be aware of high costs due to a lack of competition. Also, prices continually increase so this may not be the best option for those on a budget.

The future of this industry is bright and looks promising for the consumer. Many colocation providers are changing to direct fiber links in Seattle so carrier neutral services will become available in Canada. The result will be improved reliability and service, more competition and lower prices.

Tags: data center,  carrier specific,  carrier neutral,  Colocation Hosting,  colocation