Cutting Edge Technology Puts You In Front Of The Competition

100% Dell Servers

Only Dell servers are used in the web hosting platform. Utilising state-of-the-art technology to build a web hosting platform that is second to none

The platform is designed in such a way that if any server fails another server automatically and without delay takes over that server's workload. For example, if one of the mail servers breaks down another server automatically comes online, with all the correct configuration, and takes over the work of the failed server. During this period no email is lost.

As well as this, 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.

Web Hosting Infrastructure

Diagram representing the Forefield Web Hosting infrastructure.

Server Specification

Our current server specification is 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

100% Cisco Gigabit Network

The network operates on industry-leading network equipment from Cisco Systems. All switches and routers are developed by Cisco. The network is based on gigabit technology, which means that it runs at a speed of 1000 Mb per second - most web hosting networks are limited to 100 Mb per second.

The network 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.

Redhat Enterprise Linux Platform

Redhat is the leading provider of Linux open source software. For many years now Redhat Linux has been the number one choice for web hosting companies, not just because of Redhat's amazing scalability but also because of its track record as the most stable operating system available in the market today.

The web hosting systems utilise the latest Redhat server technology to allow the servers to be continually up to date with Redhat system & security patches.

Unlike many of our competitors we run Redhat Enterprise Linux, the most stable release of Redhat Linux available and the only version that keeps completely up to date with security patches.

Windows Server 2008

We use Microsoft Windows Server 2008 to power our Windows shared hosting platform.

Microsoft Windows Server 2008 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.

Connectivity

The web hosting operates a multi-homed network utilising BGP4 technology. Simply put, there are multiple connections to the Internet with different backbone providers, should any connection fail the other connections automatically take all the traffic. Not only does this mean that the network is very unlikely to lose connectivity to the Internet, but it also means that traffic moving to and from the network can choose from a range of paths to get to its final destination. This means that the network is always configured to take the fastest paths.