Tier 1 Networks

Connectivity

Our servers connect to the Internet through multiple, redundant connections provided by some of the largest backbone providers in the world - MCI/UUNET, Level 3/Genuity, Global Crossing - ensuring data delivery to your end users in the fastest, most efficient manner possible. People's Ware guarantees 99.99% uptime by utilizing redundant connections and data centers:

• Fully switched networks, with top quality components from Cisco Systems.
• Network Operations Centers (NOCs) wired with 100Mbps UTP Category 5 wiring.

Routing

Our networks utilize the Border Gate Protocol (BGP4). BGP4 protocol is the standard that allows for routing of packets of information sent out from the networks, thus creating a truly redundant network by routing traffic over the most efficient route possible. Due to our redundant, entirely switched Cisco powered networks, data is automatically redirected through another route in the event of a router failure. Should one of our backbone providers fail, packets are automatically redirected through another provider.

Bandwidth

With top-of-the-line Cisco Systems 7000 series backbone grade routers installed on the core layer, and Layer 3 switching on the distribution layer, superior segmentation and increased bandwidth is provided across the backbones. Each server is connected to its own switched 100Mbps port, reducing congestion. This configuration provides maximum uptime in the event one of our providers faces an outage. Bandwidth utilization is continuously monitored, allowing us to accommodate even the largest bandwidth surges.

It is a common misconception that the amount of bandwidth (size of the pipes that carry data) solely differentiates web hosting companies. In reality, it is not the size of the pipe that matters, it is the utilization levels that matter. We employ multiple redundant connections which allow us to guarantee customers a maximum of 60 per cent capacity utilization at peak times and an average of 40 per cent utilization across the networks.

Monitoring

In addition to multi-homed connections, 24/7 network monitoring occurs through all NOCs. The operation centers monitor each HTTP port, and conduct Ping tests every 5 minutes to verify that the servers are active. In the event that a port is unreachable, an email is sent to every member of the technical staff. Additionally, the NOCs provide our engineers with real-time status, notification and forecasting of network events. Our data centers are monitored 24/7 by highly qualified network engineers and administrators.