Putting Servers in a Rack

[BrandonV]

Hi fellas. Im pretty new to the server hosting thing. I just purchased three Dell PowerEdge Servers. Im into playing video games online and sick of renting servers so I went out and bought some of my own. Im planning on just hosting some game servers and seeing if I can make alittle money off of it in the process. Anyway I have been searching around for a colocation to host my servers in. Once I choose a location whats the run down on what usually goes on? Do I just take my servers to the datacenter and install them or does a onsite tech take care of it? Also do I need other peices of hardware like a router or a switch or somthing to plug my computers into how exactly do they get connected to the net work?

I know thats alot of questions.
Thanks fellas.

[mdf]

Dpending on how many uplinks your request you can deside if you need a switch. If you have just 1 uplink you'll need a switch. If you request 3 you won't need your own switch.
Some colo's requere you to take your own power and UTP cable with you, others provide this for you.
Did you get sliders with your servers? Take them with you!

[SuperRacks]

Hi fellas. .

Well BrandonV,

that all depends on the hostingco you are dealing with. Some will do all you ask, some won't. Just ask them.

[dcjones]

You should contact your colocation provider and ask them. Some COLO the provide switches for your UPLINK.

You have to install your OS and send it to them. They will send you the IP address and other necessery info.

If you want more info let me know.

[redhotservers]

its better to rent them

[Sago-Sean]

Where are you located and do you want the colo location within commuting distance?
Though most collocations provide basic necessities to colo customers like space, power and BW, some will provide additional hardware like switches and will even do the installs for additional fees. Installation normally would be done by you, but if you choose a location that is not close to you but close to your customers then its possible they will install for you, some may do it as the set up without any additional fees than the original purchase.
These would be the questions I would ask when shopping around.
Good luck with your search and let us know who you went with and why, as I would be interested in hearing this.:D