Colocation FAQ
Xneelo’s Colocation offering is a cost-effective option for businesses that require a stable, high-performance network while maintaining complete control over the hardware and server administration. Hosted in xneelo’s state-of-the-art Data Centre Park (Samrand, Gauteng), you supply the hardware, we offer you the full benefit of a world-class, carrier-neutral facility.
Xneelo will provide the rack space, power and network infrastructure. Our Samrand Data Centre is carrier-neutral, therefore you can select to make use of your own network service provider.
Rack Setup
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Is a PDU included?
We provide two standard, ‘Dumb’ Power Distribution Units (PDU) per rack.
We refer to the PDU as standard and this relates to the standard C13 and standard C19 socket outlets on the PDU. The C13 and C19 socket outlets are standard outlets used in the Data Centre electrical distribution system. Our Full Rack PDU consists of 20 x C13 and 4 x C19 socket outlets and is equipped with a 4mm² Electrical supply cable with a 32amp Industrial socket outlet.
A half rack has 8x C13 ports on each feed (A&B) only.
The PDU is wired into 4 subcircuits inside the PDU.
The additional feed is provided for redundancy purposes only and should not be used for additional power capacity. Your rack is not allowed to exceed the allocated maximum demand as specified in the product matrix. Dual power feeds are provided as backup to a failure of one of the power feeds, but also enables xneelo to conduct power maintenance without having to disrupt power to your rack. If you run single power supply equipment in your rack, it is your responsibility to install a Static Transfer Switch to which the device will be connected in order to benefit from the redundant power feeds provided.
A full rack has 20x C13 ports on each feed (A&B) and 4x C19 ports on each feed (A&B).
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Do you offer Smart PDU?
No, we do not offer Smart PDUs. We provide two standard, ‘Dumb’ Power Distribution Units (PDU) per rack.
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Power adapters
You are required to only use SABS approved power adapters. No multi-plugs will be permitted. If you have special power requirements, please make contact with an xneelo customer representative to discuss your requirements prior to commencing with the installation of your equipment
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Blanking plates
Your equipment is located in a carefully controlled environment. You are required to ensure that blanking plates are replaced in unused areas within the rack to ensure optimal airflow inside the hosting rack. Not doing this has a detrimental impact on the efficacy of the cooling infrastructure, to the detriment of all services hosted within the same environment.
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What are the shelf dimensions?
The shelf dimensions are: 47.5cm (wide) x 67cm (deep)
Contact us if you would like the details of companies that specialise in shelves and brush panels.
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What is an STS switch?
STS – Static Transfer Switch is automatic static switching equipment designed to transfer electric loads between two independent AC power sources without interruption. The static transfer switch (STS) is an electrical device that allows the instantaneous transfer of power sources to the load.
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Can I colocate a tower server?
Yes, but we will request that you place it on its side unless you put more than one server on the shelf. The reason for this is to protect the integrity and efficiency of our cooling infrastructure. With large gaping holes in the rack we will not be able to maintain pressure inside the pod.
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How do I ship my equipment to you?
Please ensure that you notify us of your intent to ship hardware to us. Mark all your boxes clearly with the following:
- Customer Name
- Customer Number
- Rack Location
Please be aware that xneelo can not take responsibility for the safety and security of your equipment during the shipping or storage period of your hardware.
Access
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Do you offer remote hands and eyes?
We offer a Rack Assist service to all Colocation customers who require assistance from one of our Data Centre Technicians. This assistance is limited to server reboots and rack pin resets.
While we will notify you of anything that our Data Centre Technicians pick up with regards to your Rack’s hardware when doing rounds, xneelo is not responsible for monitoring the servers in your Rack. Our Data Centre Technicians only monitor blanking plates, brush panels and check to see that there are no flammable items in the rack, not server hardware.
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How do I arrange temporary (visitor) access to the data centre?
To grant access to temporary visitors, please contact us with the required information. Temporary access is limited to 24 hours from activation.
See How to grant visitors access to your Colocation rack for more information on Data Centre Access.
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How do I revoke someone’s access?
Access to the rack is controlled by you (the customer). You will remain responsible for the integrity of the security protocols. You can revoke access to your rack via the xneelo Control Panel at any time.
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Do permanent access holders need to book every visit?
Permanent access holders generally do not need appointments for routine entry, but site rules may still apply. For more information see How to grant visitors access to your Colocation rack.
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Which locations are available?
Colocation is available in our Samrand Data Centre in Johannesburg only.
Environment
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Can I work on my server in your data centre?
Yes, we do have a client area available which you may use to work on your servers. Please ensure to take your own tools along as tools are not provided.
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Cooling
Air conditioning in the Colocation pods work on a hot/cold aisle configuration.
Server and networking equipment is mounted with the intake fans blowing the cool air from the inside of the rack through the equipment to the outside, which is then expelled as hot air.
The temperature within the Pod is maintained at 18-27 degrees Celsius.
Numerous overhead and underfloor probes constantly monitor the temperature and pressure, feeding the information in real-time to the air conditioner PLCs which automatically maintain and adjust the CRAC units within the preset thresholds.
Colocation customers need to ensure that:
- There is no obstruction in front of the air intake of the server.
- Proper cable management practices are implemented e.g. cables should be neatly bound and channeled away from air intakes of their servers.
- Ensure that the server exhausts its heat towards the rear of the rack i.e. not into the cold aisle.
- Ensure all server fans are in optimal working condition.
Network
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How will you present connectivity to our rack?
Connectivity to your rack will be presented via CAT6 UTP (Unshielded twisted pair).
Power & Maintenance
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What power allocation do I get per rack?
Half rack 10A (~2kW) with 2×16A redundant feeds
Full rack 20A (~4kW) with 2×32A redundant feeds
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Why is the operational limit lower than the breaker rating?
The operational limit is set below the breaker rating to meet safety, operational and compliance requirements.
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What should I do before planned power maintenance?
If one feed is affected (example: B-Feed) by power maintenance, move load to the other feed to remain UPS-protected. Dual-PSU equipment should fail over if cabled correctly.
Cross-connects
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Can I connect my hosted server to my Colocation rack using a Private Network?
No. A Private Network between a hosted server and a Colocation rack is not supported due to network and VLAN design restrictions.
Plans & Billing
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Do you offer Colocation options that are smaller than a half rack?
No. Only half/full racks are offered. You may contact us for reseller details for smaller requirements.
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Are there fixed contract terms?
All hosting services are billed month-to-month. A 24-month auto-renewal does not apply to colocation.
Security/Compliance Docs
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Can xneelo provide SOC 1/2, ISO 27001, or ISAE 3402 reports?
No. Xneelo does not provide SOC 1, SOC 2, ISO 27001, or ISAE 3402 reports. See our Security and Reliability article for more information.





