Data Centers

It's no accident that BTInet is able to offer the unparalleled level of reliable Internet services that we offer.  We've designed and developed a rock-solid infrastructure with performance and reliability in mind, including owning our own data center facility, utilizing redundant network connectivity, and implementing the monitoring and security measures necessary to ensure reliability and performance.

Data Center and Infrastructure
Located in our headquarters building in Bismarck, ND, BTInet owns our own data center facility, giving us total control over all aspects of its operation. Safely located in the Midwest, we are unaffected by the variety of natural disasters (hurricanes, earthquakes, etc.) that can and do affect other data centers. In addition, we also have points-of-presence in data centers in Fargo, ND and Sioux Falls, SD.

Our data center has been designed to avoid any single point of failure in both network connectivity and electrical power.  All carriers are connected via multiple fiber optic rings (OC-48 & OC-12), which enter the data center at diverse entry points and provide total communications redundancy. All core routers and switches have redundant power supplies and processors, as well as dual interface connections.

Our power system is designed with redundancy from the equipment to the street.  Equipment with redundant power supplies are fed by separate circuits, which are connected to separate panels, that are fed by separate transformers.  In the unlikely event of complete power loss to the building, all equipment would instantaneously fail over to our battery backup system until our backup diesel generators begin providing power indefinitely.  BTInet's redundant HVAC system is also supported by the backup power system, ensuring that the data center temperature and climate are always appropriately maintained, even in the event of a power failure.

Security and Monitoring
Our data center is staffed 24 hours-a-day, and is cardkey controlled to allow access only to authorized personnel.  After regular business hours, access to the floor and wing of the building where the data center resides is also restricted to authorized personnel.  All entries/exits are logged in our internal security department, and BTInet security staff regularly patrols the data center during non-business hours.

Network and system security is provided using a combination of multiple firewalls, access control lists, network based intrusion detection software, encryption, port wrapping and the disabling of unused network services.  We perform periodic, unscheduled security audits using third-party security firms to identify any potential problems before they can affect our network.  Our staff regularly attends security training and security conferences to stay ahead of the latest vulnerabilities.

Equipment and network connectivity are monitored 24 hours-a-day by our security department using various monitoring software.  In the event of a failure in hardware or connectivity, resolution of the issue will begin within minutes.