Noob Guide to Colocation | MIMO Rackshare

What Is Colocation?

Colocation ("colo") is when you rent space, power, and bandwidth inside a datacenter for your own hardware. Instead of running your homelab in a closet or garage, you move it into a facility built for uptime - with redundant power, cooling, and internet.

You still own and manage your servers, but the datacenter provides:

Physical space (in racks or "U" units)
Power feeds with redundant backups
Network connectivity to the internet
Environmental controls (cooling, humidity, fire suppression)
Security (locked cabinets, cameras, access control)

How Datacenter Space Is Sold

Colocation is usually sold by rack space, measured in rack units (U). A full rack is 42U tall - big enough for many servers. For smaller setups, datacenters often offer:

1U or 2U shared space:
Rent just enough room for a single server or two.
1/4 rack (10U):
A private section with a locking door, power, and bandwidth.
1/2 rack or full rack:
For larger installations or businesses.

Each rack space comes with a power allocation (e.g., 5A, 10A) and a network port. More power or faster internet means higher cost.

What Makes a Datacenter Different

If you're used to running gear at home, the datacenter environment is a major upgrade:

Power Redundancy:
Two power feeds are supplied from different circuits ("A+B")
Power Backup:
Every circuit is backed by UPS systems and generators.
Network Reliability:
Multiple upstream internet providers with automatic failover.
Climate Control:
Constant temperature and airflow for optimal server performance.
Security:
24/7 monitoring, access control, and logged entry systems.
Remote Hands:
On-site staff who can reboot, cable, or check equipment for you (for a fee).

Think of it as moving from a DIY setup to professional-grade hosting, without giving up control of your hardware.

What You'll Need to Bring

When you colocate, you're responsible for your own:

Servers and Network Gear:
All the equipment must be rack mountable.
Cables and Rails (for mounting):
The datacenter typically does not supply anything but the slot to mount your equipment in.
Configuration and Management:
You should be very familiar with the equipment and software you are installing.
Backups:
You are responsible ensuring your data is safe from hardware failures.

The datacenter provides the secure and reliable environment - you provide the equipment and the knowledge to manage it.

Getting Started

Decide how much space you need. Measure your gear in "U" height.
Plan power and bandwidth. Know how much power your servers draw and how much network you'll use.
Choose a provider. Local options make access easier.
Schedule installation. You'll typically bring your gear in during a set window.
Configure remotely. Once your hardware is in place, most management is done over SSH, IPMI, or VPN.

Why Start Small

Many hobbyists and small businesses may think colocation is only for big companies. Here at MIMO Rackshare, we believe everyone should have the opportunity to leverage the benefits of colocation. We offer as little as 1U at larger-scale unit pricing which lets you get comfortable with datacenter operations before scaling up.

Once you experience datacenter reliability - no more power outages, no more home bandwidth caps - it's hard to go back.