BGP4 Routing
Our Colocation Partner runs the Border Gateway Protocol (BGP4) for best case routing. The entirely switched, Cisco powered network employs Cisco GSR 12000 class routers running HSRP (N+1 hot failover) to ensure that data can be routed even in the event of a router failure. The BGP4 protocol is a standard that allows for the routing of packets of information sent out from the Network. Each packet of information is evaluated and sent over the best route possible. Because of the redundant network architecture, packets may be sent via alternative routes even if they are being delivered to the same end user. Should one of the providers fail, packets leaving the network are automatically redirected through another route via a different provider.

Guaranteed packet Delivery
Our Colocation Partner pays providers to make sure that packets of information are delivered to the end user's eyeballs. This offers significant advantages over simply peering with the major backbones. Peering agreements rarely include Service Level Agreements (SLAs) so no one is accountable for lost packets at congested exchange points. Because our Colocation Partner actually has SLAs with all their providers, we are able to guarantee that all packets will leave the network at full speed.

Bandwidth Utilization
The Network currently has plenty of excess capacity, even during peak hours. This allows for accommodating even the largest spikes in traffic that are often associated with the most popular Web sites. Our Partner is always adding network connectivity and new routes in an effort to make sure content is delivered to users as efficiently as possible. A low bandwidth utilization also allows for maximum uptime, even if one of the providers has an outage.