TECHNICAL SUPPORT

PowerNet Hosting Services Infrastructure:

Our Data Centers and Network supply the connectivity and security our customers require. PowerNet Communications maintains a world-class network infrastructure with a 99.999% uptime. We started with the best available components and integrated them with our own proprietary technology to create a rock-solid hosting platform. A team of network engineers upgrade, repair and provision routing and switching equipment 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to minimize customer impact.

Using redundant 7500 series Cisco routers, 6500/5500/3500 Cisco switches, gigabit Ethernet, multiple DS3 circuits to backbone providers, and advanced monitoring software, our network is capable of supporting the most robust server platforms. Our advanced security precautions and alliances with industry-leading technology providers supply our customers with completely stable and reliable hosting solutions.

Our Data Centers provide a rock-solid hosting platform for your servers and/or Web site(s). PowerNet Communications operates state-of-the-art data centers both on the East Coast and the West Coast, which are, comprised of ultra high-quality connectivity, networking gear, climate control, security and power systems. Our facilities are monitored 24/7/365 from our network operations center in Kamloops, British Columbia. Our facilities feature:

• Redundant Ultra-High Bandwidth Connectivity
  Incorporating multiple enterprise-class Cisco Catalyst™ series switches and multiple Tier 1 Service Providers, PowerNet Communications provides the highest degree of security against network downtime and the fastest possible data transfer. Our customers benefit from 99.999% network uptime.
   
• Network Monitoring Systems
  PowerNet Communications has designed and implemented a cross-platform network-monitoring environment allowing our systems administrators to monitor and maintain all aspects of our service 24/7/365. These monitors provide a three-level alarm indicator with instant access trouble-shooting capability. In addition, for higher-level alarms, PowerNet Communications' senior administrators are notified immediately and can remotely access, assess and repair systems before service level interruptions can affect customers.
   
• Bandwidth Utilization
  The utilization of a peering Internet connection is vital to a network's ability to transfer data without packet loss or latency. PowerNet monitors utilization on each circuit using automated tools to alert staff if a connection reaches more than 50% utilization. PowerNet network engineers can divert traffic from an over utilized circuit to one with less utilization to avoid any connectivity problems.
   
• UPS Systems & Backup Power Generator
  PowerNet is not reliant upon the local power grid to guarantee maximum uptime. Our onsite, auto-switched power generators and centralized UPS systems provide power conditioning and ensure uninterrupted data center operation.
   
• Network Security
  The PowerNet network is a fully switched network. Traffic destined for a Web site hosted on a server at PowerNet is sent only through switching equipment necessary to deliver the information to that server. This minimizes the risk of someone sniffing or capturing traffic being sent across the PowerNet network. With the flexibility of our routing and switching equipment, it's easy to place firewalls and/or configure a Virtually Private Network to further protect your server(s) from intruders. PowerNet vigorously prosecutes persons who generate malicious attacks on our internal network.
   
• Physical Security
  Physical security at PowerNet is provided through the utilization of Palm and Iris Scan access systems in a 24/7/365 guarded-access facility.
   
• Regulated Climate Control
  PowerNet's Liebert™ filtered, forced air-cooling and ventilation systems are utilized to provide the highest possible levels of climate security within our data center environment.
  
  Our Network Connectivity is supplied by multiple Tier 1 providers. The PowerNet network is comprised of connectivity from several leading Internet backbone providers and enables us to achieve 99.999% network uptime for our customers. These providers have been carefully chosen to give PowerNet the most diverse connectivity possible. The WorldCom/UUNET, Level3 and Sprint backbones over multiple DS3 circuits per provider give PowerNet the capacity to host even the largest bandwidth intensive applications. Using the BGP4 routing protocol with each of our providers ensures that the most efficient available path will be taken for your Internet traffic.

Using Cisco 7500 series routers and Cisco 6500, 5500 and 3500 switches, all network hardware is fully redundant allowing a piece of core routing equipment to fail without the loss of connectivity to the Internet.