Hi. I apologize if this is the wrong forum for this. My situation is fairly odd. I have an application whose web tier is Linux-(or FreeBSD)-based and whose database requires Windows / SQL Server 2000. I won't go into the history that led to this situation other than to say that migrating away from SQL Server 2000 is not possible with our current time and resource constraints.

At some point, we'd like to consider a private rack to house this setup as the private network is important and we plan on needing to scale out on both the web and database tiers. In the meantime, however, we're trying to find something more cost effective that would allow us to host this with a simple two machine setup. We don't foresee needing a true private rack for 9-12 months.

I'm hoping I can go for a normal (i.e. non private rack) plan that would consist of a Linux/FreeBSD box and a Windows Standard box. The only thing stopping me from making the purchase right now is questions about the network layout between the two boxes. If anyone can provide answers or insights into these questions, it would be much appreciated.

1. Is it even possible to have SQL Server connectivity between two machines under a standard (i.e. non private rack) plan? i.e. Are there any firewall rules that would limit the connectivity between the two machines?
2. How will bandwidth be monitored between these two machines? I assume it would be metered normally, so I guess I should be asking whether there is any way around that.
3. Is there anything I can do to get a direct ethernet connection between the two boxes without going full-on private rack?

Again, I apologize if this is the wrong place to ask these questions. My plan is to get situated with EV1 as soon as possibke and to upgrade to a private rack when needed so I'm hoping EV1 would be willing to somehow accomodate this odd configuration.

Also, please do provide pointers to where this question might be better addressed. I considered submitting this to the custom order team but figured I'd check with the user forum first.

Thanks,

Ryan Tomayko

Your best bet is to email the custom orders team at ev1 for an official answer on this. What I can say from experience is:


1) Yes, there are absolutely no firewalls that limit this
2) The bandwidth is calculated whenever anything leaves the ethernet port so the traffic between the servers would be metered.
3) No, you are going to need a partial private rack at least to have this setup. Ev1 has a private network that can be used without bw limits but it is only 10Mbit and if you want gigabit probably just a little shy of idea The servers at ev1 are spread all over the place and a crossover is not nearly as easy as it sounds.

You are pretty much going to need to talk with custom orders, if you do this without a rack your bandwidth charges will most likely be very high. With a rack bandwidth is only measured as it leaves the switch so server > server transfer is free. Ev1 can also most likely setup a crossover cable between them.