Colocation Cage in Data Centers Features, Uses, and Benefits

Colocation cages in data centers are secure, enclosed spaces made of fencing or mesh that house multiple server racks for a single client, offering enhanced physical security, customization, scalability, and dedicated access to power, cooling, and networking. At Cyfuture Cloud, these cages provide businesses with a private area within our Tier 3+ facilities, balancing cost-efficiency and control for mission-critical IT infrastructure. Key benefits include superior protection against unauthorized access, flexibility to scale from 4 to over 100 racks, and integration with Cyfuture Cloud's hybrid cloud services for seamless performance.​

Features, Uses, and Benefits Explained

Colocation cages represent a step up from basic rack space, delivering a semi-private environment tailored for enterprises needing more than shared access but less than a full suite.

Core Features

Cages typically feature robust construction with 35mm perforated steel panels or wire mesh for airflow and visibility, biometric access controls, CCTV surveillance, and tamper-resistant hardware. Cyfuture Cloud enhances these with options like vision-blocking panels, remote monitoring via platforms similar to ONEDC, and redundant power feeds for 99.999% uptime. Sizes range from small 4-rack enclosures to expansive 1000+ rack setups, allowing customization for unique layouts.​

Additional security layers include two-factor authentication, dedicated locks, and integration with facility-wide systems, ensuring only authorized personnel enter. Cooling is optimized through hot/cold aisle containment, while carrier-neutral networking supports low-latency connections essential for AI workloads and cloud bursting—core to Cyfuture Cloud's GPU and cloud offerings.​

Primary Uses

Businesses use colocation cages to host sensitive servers, storage arrays, or GPU clusters requiring physical isolation, such as financial services for compliance (e.g., PCI DSS), healthcare for HIPAA data, or tech firms running proprietary AI models. Cyfuture Cloud clients deploy cages for hybrid setups, combining on-prem hardware with our cloud services for disaster recovery, low-latency inferencing, or scaling during peak demands like e-commerce surges. Unlike public cloud, cages give full hardware control while leveraging data center redundancies.​

They're ideal for growing enterprises avoiding capex on facilities, enabling quick migrations or expansions without downtime. In Cyfuture Cloud's ecosystem, cages support multi-cloud architectures, peering with major carriers for optimized traffic.​

Key Benefits

- Security: Physical barriers prevent tampering, outperforming open racks; ideal for high-stakes environments.​

- Scalability: Easily add racks as needs grow, with flexible leasing—cost-effective for variable workloads.​

- Cost Savings: Shared infrastructure reduces opex by 30-50% vs. private data centers, including power at $0.10-0.15/kWh and 24/7 support.​

- Reliability: Tier 3+ uptime, redundant cooling/power, and Cyfuture Cloud's DR tools minimize risks.​

- Customization: Tailor for airflow, cabling, or even private cooling units, enhancing efficiency for GPU-heavy tasks.​

Cyfuture Cloud's cages integrate with our AI/cloud platforms, offering seamless hybrid benefits like auto-scaling and compliance-ready setups.

Conclusion

Colocation cages deliver a powerful blend of security, flexibility, and efficiency, making them essential for enterprises prioritizing control in shared data centers. Cyfuture Cloud leverages these in our state-of-the-art facilities to empower businesses with reliable, scalable infrastructure that future-proofs IT strategies amid AI and cloud growth. Opt for Cyfuture Cloud cages to achieve enterprise-grade performance without the burdens of full ownership.​

Follow-up Questions & Answers

Q1: How do colocation cages differ from racks or suites at Cyfuture Cloud?
A: Racks offer shared space for 1-2 units with basic access; cages provide enclosed multi-rack privacy; suites are fully private rooms. Cyfuture Cloud recommends cages for mid-tier needs balancing cost and security.​

Q2: What are typical pricing models for Cyfuture Cloud cages?
A: Pricing starts at per-rack/month (~$500-1500) plus power/cross-connect fees, with custom quotes based on size/power. Contact Cyfuture Cloud for tailored plans.​

Q3: Can Cyfuture Cloud cages support GPU as a Service?
A: Yes, with high-density power (up to 20kW/rack) and cooling for NVIDIA clusters, integrating with our GPUaaS for hybrid AI deployments.​

Q4: How secure are Cyfuture Cloud's colocation cages?
A: Featuring biometrics, 24/7 surveillance, and SSAE 18 compliance, they exceed industry standards for physical and cyber protection.​