Running multiple dedicated serverS from home

[awoody2011]

I've been thinking about running a couple dedicated gamming servers from my home and renting them out the the gaming community. I've built many computers in the past so hardware wont be a problem. I was thinking about building 5 or so high end servers just for gaming. I know i am going to need a really fast connection. Will t1 cover it? i mean for all 5 servers. I have never had a real network.. well not more than 2 home computers on cable. I am not sure how to handle the connection aspect of this. in the 'real' world is each server supposed to have its own t1 line? or can i split it 5 ways and still be good? how is it really supposed to be done.
I know that some ISPs do not like when people run dedicated servers, but i also know that chances of them actaully doing anything about it are slim. With t1 providers and other fast connections is this a problem?

I came across this verizon FiOS that is available in my area, it is VERY affordable compared to t1 and up and the speeds look really fast. they advertise 'Up to 30 Mbps/5 Mbps'.

I am looking into this as more of a fun hobby, altho if i could make some money at it, or even just to cover some of the cost that would be great.

I just really need a baseline, something to get going from. any help on ANY of the abouve would be great. thanks

[mbossman2]

1st off: check the T's and C's of the ISP....many will not allow servers on a residential account.

[awoody201]

Originally Posted by awoody2011 I know that some ISPs do not like when people run dedicated servers, but i also know that chances of them actaully doing anything about it are slim. With t1 providers and other fast connections is this a problem?

I had figured that but whats the worst there gonna do call me and tell me to stop? but thanks for input more please.


I'm even more worried if there is even any market for this service. is there any demand at all?

[Staren]

If you are buying a T1, they have to expent you are going to be running something major. I would doubt the TOS would be even close to that of a resadental cable or dsl service.

As for demand, not sure. I don't do that kind of gaming. I'm an MMO player myself.

[glc]

You need a commercial grade package (T1, cable, DSL) with multiple IP addresses. Look for a plan for small businesses. I have a few customers that have a multipurpose T1 - they get 6 local phone lines and 1 mbit data bandwidth and 8 IP addresses for about $400 a month (this includes unlimited local service on the 6 lines and router rental). Companies such as XO Communications and Cimco offer this. Comcast is getting into business cable, if they are your local cable provider, check with them for a suitable package.

I would not even try to run 5 public game servers off a residential account - the port forwarding on a NAT would be a nightmare and your ISP will shut you down when they see your usage and connection statistics.

If FIOS is available, you need to discuss the multiple IP and server issues with Verizon - maybe they have a plan that would be suitable and permissable for that use.

A single T1 should be fine for 5 game servers - its not the ultimate bandwidth that counts - it's the latency. I remember 10 years ago when I had a local dialup ISP who used a SINGLE T1 for connection to the outside world. This was shared with the entire customer base on a 28.8 modem bank and he even offered website hosting over it in addition to the mail and news servers.