A Smooth Server Migration

I’m thrilled to share that I successfully migrated FashionAnything.com’s physical web server from Nassau County, NY to a Brooklyn, NY location. The process was smooth, and I’m proud to say that nearly zero downtime occurred during the transition.

Choosing the Right Platform

After experimenting with various cloud and virtualization software earlier, I finally settled on Windows Hyper-V as the perfect host for my new server. Its stability and speed have been a game-changer, allowing me to easily run multiple Linux and Windows servers as VMs.

Network Setup and Security

The network setup involved re-wiring several switches to ensure seamless connectivity. I also relocated the router next to the server for easy access. To manage Linux servers, I set up SSH keys, used WinSCP for FTP access, and deployed ispconfig 3 as a web hosting control panel. For email routing, I utilized Brevo, SendGrid, and Gmail.

Cloudflare to the Rescue

Thankfully, Cloudflare’s cloudflared Tunnels proved to be an invaluable resource during this migration. Their services – DNS, SSL/TLS, Security (WAF, DDoS), Speed, Caching, and Rules – acted as a first layer of protection for FashionAnything.com, safeguarding the site and its services with excellent results over 6+ months.

Power Backup and Redundancy

To prevent any potential disruptions due to electricity outages near NYC, I installed a new UPS battery backup system. Both the server and FIOS router were connected to this power backup, ensuring uninterrupted access to data and internet connectivity.

A Seamless Migration Experience

Overall, this migration was a resounding success! With a solid plan in place, a backup server during the physical moving process, and careful attention to network setup and security, I achieved nearly zero downtime.