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“Ping, power, pipe” is shorthand for the basic ingredients of a colocation service: remote access to hosted computers, electrical power for the equipment, and network connectivity to and from the data center. It describes a service concept, not a promise of specific performance figures.
What “ping,” “power” and “pipe” mean
- Ping: Remote access to computers hosted in the facility. The word does not set a target ping time or latency.
- Power: The facility’s electrical supply for the customer’s equipment.
- Pipe: Internet or network connectivity into and out of the facility.
The phrase is associated with multi-tenant data centers (MTDCs) and colocation, where customers place or lease space for their computing equipment in a shared facility. Belden describes the shorthand as a way people compare and evaluate MTDCs (Belden).
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What the phrase does not specify
“Ping, power, pipe” is not a complete technical specification or a formal set of required thresholds. By itself, it does not promise a particular bandwidth, latency, power density, uptime, redundancy level or service-level agreement (SLA). Those details need to be established in the provider’s technical documentation and contract.
How to assess a colocation service
Use the phrase as a starting point, then check the operational details that determine whether a facility fits your needs:
#1 Best Overall
- Save valuable floor space: 6U wall mount server cabinet Dimensions: 13.78" H x21.65" W x17.72" D.Maximum mounting depth is 14.2"
- Keep critical network equipment secure: glass door and side panels are lockable to prevent unauthorized access. Front door can be installed on either side of the front of the cabinet to satisfy your door swing orientation preference
- Easy equipment configuration: Fully adjustable mounting rails and numbered U positions, with square holes for easy equipment mounting with top and bottom punch-out panels for easy cable access
- Durability: Made of high quality cold rolled steel holds up to 110lb (50kg) (Easy Assembly Required)
- PCI & HIPPA and EIA/ECA-310-E compliant
- Connectivity: Which network providers and connection options are available? How is connectivity backed up?
- Power and recovery: What arrangements apply during an outage, and how are services restored?
- Support and service levels: What support is included, and which performance or response commitments are written into the SLA?
- Third parties: Which suppliers underpin the service, including the facility’s connectivity and other critical operations?
- Additional considerations: Depending on the workload, flexibility, customer service, sustainability and services beyond space, power and connectivity may also matter.
The Cloud Security Alliance’s SaaS governance guidance includes support, SLAs, third-party supplier lists and underlying “ping power pipe” suppliers among provider-risk assessment considerations (Cloud Security Alliance).
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.A company-specific example
Planisware’s 2024 Universal Registration Document, published in 2025, uses the phrase in describing its own multi-tenant data center arrangements. The company says it leases data center locations for its servers while retaining ownership and maintenance responsibility for its hardware. It also reports backup internet suppliers and a Data Recovery Plan for power outages. Planisware states that 100% of the sites hosting its group’s servers were classified as resilient in 2024; that figure describes its own sites and is not an industry-wide benchmark (Planisware 2024 Universal Registration Document).
Quick Recap
Rank #3
- Sturdy:4u server rack is construct from cold rolled steel, with a weight capacity of 110lbs(50kg); Electrostatic powder coat prevents rust and corrosion,quality finish
- Direct use:Open and use, not having to assemble it.Network rack can be placed flat or mounted on the wall,also can be installed vertically under the table
- Design Features:maximum mounting depth of 14 in,cables can be fixed on the side panel;Open frame server rack achieves effortless inspection, replacement and assemble
- Installation:wall mount network rack is easy to install,with instructions or videos for reference;Equipped with multiple accessories, suitable for different needs
- Application:EIA/ECA-310-E Compliant;wall mounted 4u rack fits all 19" racks and cabinets to hold various IT, network, and AV equipment;wall mount rack available in 4U, 6U, and 8U to choose
Rank #2
- Save valuable floor space: 12U wall mount server cabinet Dimensions: 24.25" H x21.65" W x17.72" D. MAXIMUM MOUNTING DEPTH is 14.2".
- Keep critical network equipment secure: glass door and side panels are lockable to prevent unauthorized access; Front door can be installed on either side of the front of the cabinet to satisfy your door swing orientation preference
- Easy equipment configuration: Fully adjustable mounting rails and numbered U positions, with square holes for easy equipment mounting with top and bottom punchout panels for easy cable access
- Durability: Made of high quality cold rolled steel holds up to 110lb (50kg) (Easy Assembly Required)
- PCI & HIPPA and EIA/ECA-310-E compliant
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