Frequently Asked Questions
Company Questions
Datacenter / Network Questions
Dedicated Server Questions
VPS Questions
- What is a virtual server?
- What operating systems can I use on my virtual server?
- What hardware is my server running on?
- What about backups? Will you backup my server?
- How is bandwidth usage calculated?
- How are bandwidth overages calculated?
- Can I upgrade my plan once I've signed up?
- Are virtual servers as secure as dedicated servers?
When was Sandbox IT Solutions established?
Sandbox IT Solutions has been a legally registered LLC in the state of California since early 2007. We've been doing IT consulting and web services for many of our same loyal customers since our inception.
Where is the Sandbox Datacenter?
All our servers are currently located at 530 West 6th Street, Los Angeles, CA. Our colocation provider allows us to offer world class datacenter facilities right in "Telecom Center LA" while maintaining our own hardware and networking infrastructure.
What kind of hardware do you provide?
We provide high quality hardware from Intel, Supermicro, Seagate and Western Digital. Custom hardware configurations are welcome if you need them, just let us know how we can help you!
Who are your bandwidth providers?
Sandbox IT Solutions' premier location allows us to be directly connected to, or one hop away from, the following providers:
- MZIMA
- Level(3)
- Global Crossing
- Sprint
- Savvis
- nLAYER
- XEEX
- Any2Exchange Peers
Do you resell servers from someone else?
We do not resell servers for another provider, all dedicated servers are located in our Downtown Los Angeles location and hardware is wholly owned by Sandbox. As such we have direct access to the hardware and do not have to wait for other providers if a problem arises.
What about power redundancy?
Our servers are housed in a world class datacenter that has some of the following redundancy features:
- Uninterruptible Power Supply Units (Battery)
- Multiple Caterpillar 2000KvA Gensets
- Automatic Power Source Switching
- Incoming Voltage Conditioning
How fast is your network?
We'll welcome you to check out our network speeds downloading a 10 Megabyte test file or using this test IP: 216.144.225.250.
How is bandwidth usage calculated for dedicated servers?
Bandwidth is calculated in Mbits using the 95th percentile billing method. You'll be charged the greater of incoming or outgoing, not both combined.
How are bandwidth overages calculated for dedicated servers?
Overage charges will be determined by multiplying the amount of bandwidth over your limited used by our bandwidth overage price per Mbit.
Will the network speed of my server be limited?
By default we will not limit your data transfer speeds. Some people prefer their servers to be limited to prevent any unforseen overage at the end of the billing cycle. If you want to get your server limited so you won't go over your limit just let us know and we'll be happy to set it up!
Will Sandbox help me install software on my server?
Our server are unmanaged, this means that you're responsible for installing software and maintaining your server. We know that from time to time you may require assistance and as such we are available to provide software support at an additional charge. If you need assistance just let us know and we can work with you to determine a price and get your problem resolved.
What about backups? Will you backup my dedicated server?
By default we do not back up our customers dedicated servers. Every server we offer comes with two internal hard drives to make backups as easy to maintain for you as possible. As with any provider we always recommend that clients maintain off site backups of any very important data in addition to your secondary hard drive. If you would like to setup a backup system for your server we can accomodate you on our backup servers, please submit a ticket to get more information about this service.
I want a custom setup, can you customize how my hardware is setup?
Sure, one of the benefits of working with a more personal and support oriented hosting company is that we are always open to creating the perfect system for the customer. Whether it's just special hardware, crossovers or even seperate switches we're happy to accomodate. Please submit a ticket if you have a question about custom setups.
What is a Virtual Private Server or VPS?
A VPS is designed for those who may have out grown the shared hosting platform and those who need to have complete control over their server without the cost of purchasing a dedicated server. A VPS allows full control of the operating system while offering a fraction of the resources in a dedicated server. Your virtual server is housed on a powerfull server with other virtual servers, and you will have a control panel in which you can completely control your VPS. You can reboot it, shut it down, even reinstall the entire operating system on your own and instantly.
What operating systems can I use on my VPS?
Currently we offer the following operating systems on our VPS systems:
- CentOS
- Debian
- Fedora Core
- Gentoo
What kind of hardware is my VPS on?
What kind of hardware your virtual server is housed on is very important. Depending on how important your site and data are you may have different levels of required service. At Sandbox IT Solutions we offer services catered to those who have important data and sites they cannot afford to have offline. To maintain this quality and level of service we are carefull not to overload our servers and all our VPS nodes utilize RAID technology to provide a data safeguard in the event of a hard drive failure.
What about backups? Will you backup my VPS?
Yes, because our VPS systems are geared toward reliability and quality service we back up all virtual servers daily. We always reccomend that critical data be backed up off site in addition for the maximum level of protection. If you would like us to help you achieve this, please email our sales department to discuss your options!
How is VPS bandwidth usage calculated?
Bandwidth for virtual servers is calculated based on the total amount of megabytes transferred and recieved by your virtual server. You can view these stats in your control panel at any time.
How are bandwidth overages calculated for a VPS?
Should you go beyond your monthly bandwidth allowance the overage will be caculated by multiplying the amount over in megabytes by the overage charge per megabyte.
Can I upgrade my VPS once I order?
Absolutely. Should you find that you require additional resources we can always upgrade your account once it has been created. We can upgrade your account quickly with little or no downtime to you. If you are looking to upgrade your account right now please feel free to submit a ticket to our sales department!
Are Virtual Servers as secure as a dedicated server?
Yes, each virtual server is totally seperate from the other virtual servers. Given this, it is important to keep security in mind while administering your own server. Since a virutal server has the same level of flexibility and control as a dedicated server it also has the same security risks. If you have questions about your account or need assistance securing it we are happy to help. Please contact us for more information.