Modern data processing without users is an idea that makes little sense. The network connecting IT devices and their internal and external users is a central component of data processing.

This, of course, also applies for the highly secure data center CITA and practically all services COMback offers. The decisive parameters for the performance are bandwidth and availability, while redundancy and a firewall design are used to achieve security.

External connectivity:
The data center site CITA is connected by four super regional telecommunications companies using separate fiber optic infrastructures. In addition to this modern technology, several hundreds of copper twin wires, which today can still be used for ISDN and analogous connections, lead into the building.
Based on this connectivity, more than six providers provide network services for our customers. Options range from simple ISDN dial-in lines to carrier’s carrier solutions for interconnecting data centers.

Internet connectivity:
Being a member of RIPE NCC, COMback can apply for IP addresses for dedicated applications and publish them on the Internet on our customers’ behalf. For internal purposes, COMback uses three Class-C address ranges with more than 700 routed IP addresses as well as a company-owned Autonomous System (AS), which is currently connected via the two Internet providers TelemaxX and Versatel with broadband connections. This infrastructure is primarily used for precautionary services, but to a small degree also for production.

Direct data connectivity:
Apart from using the Internet as a platform for encrypted communication (VPN), many customers are forced by legal regulations or severe security concerns to operate their own network infrastructure for interconnecting their sites. COMback provides TCP/IP-based services as well as the Fiber Channel and FICON protocols via routes for long-range data traffic.

The solutions offered are adjusted to the customers’ operational components and can be both hardware- and software-based, which enables cross-provider solutions.

Network segments:
At the CITA's site, there are several networks independent of each other, referred to as network segments.
These network segments can be provided by COMback on request, while the individual network segments are sealed off against each other and can be considered independent. This separation is executed in accordance with the customer’s wishes and can be achieved by using simple VLAN technology or by deploying fully independent hardware, isolating the network components in separate rooms.

Monitoring and Warning:
Based on agreements with the customer, a 24/7 monitoring of the operating components is possible. COMback’s staff will of course receive automatic warnings.

Firewall systems and security gateways:
COMback operates proprietary firewall systems in close understanding with the customer. The firewall systems are two-tiered and redundant and from two separate providers whenever possible, with COMback servicing only one of the two tiers.