Full rack colocation is a data center deployment model in which a customer rents an entire server rack exclusively. The company has full control over the rack, including physical space, allocated power capacity, and the ability to deploy and manage its own equipment.
Unlike shared rack or half rack options, where a rack is divided among multiple customers, full rack colocation provides complete isolation at both the space and equipment levels. The customer independently determines which servers, networking devices, and storage systems are installed in the rack.
Full rack colocation is commonly chosen by organizations for which the following factors are critical:
- full control over infrastructure
- high equipment density
- predictable power consumption
- scalability without changing the deployment model
In this setup, the data center is responsible for the core infrastructure, including power delivery, cooling, physical security, and network availability.
How Full Rack Colocation Works
From an operational perspective, full rack colocation represents a clear division of responsibilities between the customer and the data center.
The data center provides:
- a physical server rack
- connections to the power distribution system
- cooling
- basic network infrastructure
- physical security and access control
The customer, in turn, is responsible for:
- servers and network equipment
- operating systems and software
- network configuration within the rack
- monitoring and maintaining the hardware
The rack is installed in a shared data hall but remains fully dedicated to a single customer. This allows flexible control over hardware configuration, density, and architecture without the limitations typically associated with partial rack deployments.
Full Rack vs Other Colocation Options
To understand when full rack colocation is the optimal choice, it is useful to compare it with other colocation models.
- Shared rack. Suitable for small workloads and test environments, but limited in terms of power, density, and security.
- Half rack. A compromise option where the customer rents part of a rack. It works for moderate workloads but makes scaling more complex.
- Private cage. A separately enclosed area for multiple racks. Suitable for large deployments, but requires higher volumes and budgets.
Full rack colocation occupies a middle ground, combining isolation and scalability without the complexity and cost associated with cage-based deployments.
Typical Full Rack Specifications
Standard full rack colocation specifications define what equipment can be deployed in a rack and at what density. These parameters directly affect performance, reliability, and the overall cost of deployment.
Rack Size and Units
The most common format is 42U, although some data centers also offer 45U racks and custom configurations.
Rack height determines:
- the maximum number of servers
- the ability to install networking and switching equipment
- overall infrastructure density
For environments with high equipment density, it is important to consider not only the number of rack units, but also the maximum allowable load per rack.
Power Capacity per Rack
Power availability is one of the key parameters of full rack colocation.
Typical options include:
- standard racks with moderate density
- high-density racks designed for compute- and storage-intensive workloads
Available power is measured in kilowatts and directly influences the type of equipment that can be installed. Incorrect power planning is a common factor that limits scalability.
Power Distribution Units (PDU)
Each rack is equipped with PDUs that distribute power to servers and network devices. Depending on the data center tier, PDUs may include:
- basic PDUs
- intelligent PDUs with monitoring
- PDUs with remote management
Monitoring capabilities make it possible to track power consumption and detect anomalies at an early stage.
Power, Cooling, and Redundancy
Power delivery and cooling are the foundation of stable full rack colocation operations.
Power Redundancy
Most data centers offer A/B power feeds, where a rack is connected to two independent power sources. This setup allows customers to:
- continue operations in the event of a single power path failure
- connect equipment with dual power supplies
- improve overall infrastructure resiliency
Redundancy is typically implemented using N+1 or 2N designs, depending on the required reliability level.
Cooling Models
Cooling is designed based on equipment density and thermal load. Common approaches include:
- hot aisle / cold aisle configurations
- containment of hot and cold aisles
- localized cooling for high-density racks
Proper cooling planning is critical to prevent overheating and hardware degradation.
Network Connectivity Options
Network capabilities are a key factor when selecting full rack colocation, as they directly impact service availability, latency, and scalability.
Carrier-Neutral Data Centers
Most data centers offering full rack colocation operate as carrier-neutral facilities. This means customers can choose from multiple carriers and internet transit providers.
Key benefits include:
- no dependency on a single provider
- the ability to optimize routing and costs
- simplified network redundancy
Cross-Connects
A cross-connect is a physical connection between a customer’s rack and the equipment of a provider or another customer within the same data center.
Cross-connects are commonly used for:
- connecting to internet transit
- establishing private connections with partners
- linking to cloud providers
Compared to external network connections, cross-connects deliver lower latency and higher reliability.
Internet Transit and Private Connectivity
Full rack colocation supports multiple connectivity models:
- internet transit
- private peering
- dedicated links to corporate networks
This flexibility enables both public-facing and fully private network architectures.
Cloud On-Ramps
Many data centers offer direct connections to public cloud platforms. This simplifies the deployment of hybrid cloud architectures and reduces latency when interacting with cloud services.
Security and Compliance
Physical security and compliance are mandatory requirements for full rack colocation.
Physical Security
Data centers typically provide:
- multi-layer access control
- video surveillance
- 24/7 security personnel
- logging and auditing of all visits
A dedicated rack further reduces the risk of unauthorized access to customer equipment.
Compliance Standards
Depending on the region and data center type, various compliance standards may be supported.
Certifications demonstrate:
- infrastructure reliability
- compliance with customer and regulatory requirements
- maturity of operational processes
For organizations in regulated industries, this factor is critical when selecting a colocation facility.
Full Rack Colocation Costs
The cost of full rack colocation is composed of several components and depends not only on rack rental, but also on the surrounding infrastructure parameters. Key pricing drivers include:
Space and Rack Allocation
The base cost component is the rental of the rack itself. Unlike shared or half rack options, a full rack is billed in its entirety, regardless of how many rack units are actually used. This provides predictability, but requires careful planning of equipment density.
Power Consumption
In many data centers, pricing is directly tied to:
- allocated power capacity
- actual energy consumption
The higher the equipment density, the greater the impact of power usage and cooling on the total cost.
Cross-Connects and Network Services
The following services are typically billed separately:
- cross-connects
- internet transit
- private connectivity
- connections to cloud platforms
For infrastructures with intensive network interactions, these costs can be comparable to the cost of the rack itself.
Remote Hands and Support
Additional data center services, such as remote hands, are usually charged separately. They are commonly used when the customer does not have an on-site technical team.
Who Should Choose Full Rack Colocation
Full rack colocation is not suitable for every type of business, but it is an optimal solution for a number of specific scenarios.
SaaS Providers
SaaS providers choose full rack colocation to achieve:
- greater control over performance
- deployment of high-density infrastructure
- predictable network and power characteristics
Service Providers
Hosting providers and managed service providers (MSPs) use full rack colocation as a core building block for their own platforms.
Enterprises
Large organizations deploy full racks for:
- mission-critical systems
- private cloud infrastructure
- hybrid cloud integrations
Hybrid Cloud Architectures
Full rack colocation is often used as an intermediate layer between on-premises infrastructure and public clouds, providing stable and controlled connectivity.
Pros and Cons of Full Rack Colocation
Advantages:
- complete rack isolation
- flexibility in hardware deployment
- high density and scalability
- predictable infrastructure
Limitations:
- higher minimum cost of entry
- the need for careful power planning
- responsibility for hardware remains with the customer
How to Choose a Full Rack Colocation Provider
When selecting a full rack colocation provider, it is important to consider:
- available power capacity and redundancy options
- the data center’s network ecosystem
- SLAs and support levels
- scalability options
- geographic location
Key Takeaways
Full rack colocation is a balanced deployment model that delivers control, isolation, and scalability without the complexity of large-scale colocation setups.
Key points:
- a full rack provides a dedicated server rack
- it is well suited for SaaS providers, service providers, and enterprises
Costs are driven by space, power, and networking, and choosing the right provider is critical for long-term efficiency.
