Tisco Media, in partnership with Hetzner, provides a resilient and redundant network infrastructure which allows for maximum uptime. Our substantial bandwidth capacity allows us to accommodate spikes in traffic, reducing the chance of customers experiencing network degradation.
Our cable routers are connected via fibre optic cables to MTN Business' backbone from where we have uncapped access to MTN Business' local and international network. Our Data Centres are connected to MTN Business via a 1GBit uplink. A second, redundant fibre optic cable follows a different path.
All of our network connections to MTN Business are protected from router failure by a pair of routers on both Hetzner and MTN Business' ends of the links running in active/passive failover mode.

Data Centre Components

Climate Control

The heat output of servers is considerable, and without environmental control, servers will fail or have their lifetime reduced considerably. To compensate for the heat output of Hetzner servers, all Data Centres are fitted with Air Conditioning systems designed to provide maximum cooling for the server environment. The Air Conditioners were installed and are maintained by experts, ensuring maximum efficiency.
The Remote Technology (RT) systems provide an early warning of air conditioner failure or other unusual environmental conditions. Should a fault or failure be detected, all our Data Centres are equipped with redundant Air Conditioner capacity.

Security and Monitoring

Biometric/Magnetic Access Control

All visitors to the Data Centres must be accompanied by a Hetzner employee at all times.
Access to the Cape Town Data Centres is controlled by a Biometric fingerprint access system. Hetzner is able to manage the movements of staff by identifying and verifying them with this fingerprint technology.
To access the Johannesburg Data Centres, employees need to pass through the building's security as well as Biometric Access control before reaching the actual Data Centre's keypad access system. A unique combination is entered into the keypad which will then disengage the magnetic hold on the doors.

24/7 Monitoring of premises

All South African Data Centres are monitored by CCTV cameras. In addition each building premises is patrolled by 24/7 security guards. The Great Westerford building is patrolled by Fidelity security and the Gallo Manor building is patrolled by ADT security.

UPS and Generators

An Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) is installed in each Data Centre to ensure our servers are instantly protected from any power interruptions. A diesel power generator takes over in the case of an outage. All Hetzner's UPS's have two hours of battery backup.

Fire Protection

Hetzner Data Centres are fitted with fire detection and fire suppression systems. When there is confirmation of a fire, the Suppression system releases an Argon-Nitrogen mixture which decreases the oxygen level to below the point at which combustion can take place whilst still being safe to personnel.

Technicians and Support

All critical systems (UPS, air conditioning, temperature ranges, managed servers etc.) are monitored 24/7/365 with notification via email and SMS to more than one support staff member. All servers in our Data Centres are installed and monitored by qualified technicians, minimising the risk of error or failure.

Network Framework

The Data Centres are equipped with server hardware needed for our Web Hosting, TruServ and Managed Dedicated servers. Cables, routers, switches and racks together with the servers form our robust internal network structure.
Cables – Cables are used to connect computers and peripherals. There are different types of cables with specific properties which are used to communicate specific kinds of information/data.
Routers – Routers are network devices that forward data packets along networks. Routers are placed at gateways, where two or more networks meet. They configure the best path between hosts.
Switches – Switches are small hardware devices which join multiple computers together within one local area network (LAN).
Racks – Racks are the frames or cabinets onto which Hetzner mount their server hardware.