IPHH, NTC Relocate Live Server on Hamburg Subway With Zero Downtime

Sascha P

Technicians preserved a six-year continuous uptime record across a seven-kilometer transit by hot-wiring the chassis power supply to a mobile battery cart and routing live traffic over a cellular VPN tunnel.

AI-assisted summary of Moving online webserver using public transport — original source. Check the original for full context.

Source published: 2010-10-05

Key ideas

A team of five technicians successfully relocated a live production web server across Hamburg via public transport without downtime or disconnecting from the internet. (0:12)
A hardware modification was required to bridge power: technicians disassembled one internal rectifier module and soldered an external AC bypass directly to the PCB to connect a mobile UPS. (0:12)
Uninterrupted connectivity during the 6 to 7 km transit was achieved using a mobile 3G data card routed through an OpenVPN tunnel connected to an external gateway server. (3:04)
The server preserved a baseline uptime of over 6 years and 7 months throughout the journey across multiple U-Bahn stations before being re-racked and restored to factory specs. (3:04)

Detailed notes

## Background Published on YouTube by Sascha P on October 5, 2010, the video follows a crew of five technicians relocating an active web server to a new data center. According to the page description, the team takes on the challenge of moving the server without shutting it down or severing its internet connection, deliberately choosing public transit over a car.

## TL;DR To preserve a server uptime record of over six years during a six-to-seven-kilometer move across Hamburg, technicians modify a rectifier module with a custom power bypass to hot-swap between mains power and a heavy-duty rolling UPS. Continuous internet connectivity is maintained on the go via a 3G mobile data card paired with an OpenVPN tunnel anchoring its static public IP. The crew wheels the running machine through the Hamburg U-Bahn transit system, navigating stairs, platforms, and train transfers between Rödingsmarkt and Hammer Kirche. Upon arriving at the target facility, they slide the live server directly into its new equipment rack, restore building power, and de-solder the temporary bypass wiring.

## Atmosphere & style The presentation channels a classic early-2010s hacker ethos, blending casual tech camaraderie with tongue-in-cheek humor, German pop-culture references, and banter about powering appliances off battery carts. Despite the easygoing mood, an undercurrent of palpable tension persists, as a single loose solder joint or jostled rail platform could instantly wipe out years of continuous uptime. The emotional arc transitions from anxious suspense during the initial live power bypass to triumphant satisfaction as the still-running chassis is securely racked in its new home.

## Bulletin - [00:12](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vQ5MA685ApE&t=12s) A team of five technicians successfully relocated a live production web server across Hamburg via public transport without downtime or disconnecting from the internet. - [00:12](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vQ5MA685ApE&t=12s) A hardware modification was required to bridge power: technicians disassembled one internal rectifier module and soldered an external AC bypass directly to the PCB to connect a mobile UPS. - [03:04](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vQ5MA685ApE&t=184s) Uninterrupted connectivity during the 6 to 7 km transit was achieved using a mobile 3G data card routed through an OpenVPN tunnel connected to an external gateway server. - [03:04](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vQ5MA685ApE&t=184s) The server preserved a baseline uptime of over 6 years and 7 months throughout the journey across multiple U-Bahn stations before being re-racked and restored to factory specs.

## Key takeaways - [00:12](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vQ5MA685ApE&t=12s) The project aimed to transport an active web server 6 to 7 kilometers to a new datacenter using public transport without interrupting power or network connectivity. - [00:12](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vQ5MA685ApE&t=12s) Because the dual-rectifier chassis shared only one external AC input, one rectifier module had to be custom-modified with soldered leads to enable a live hot-swap to battery power. - [00:12](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vQ5MA685ApE&t=12s) Backup transit electricity was provided by a heavy-duty industrial UPS mounted on a wheeled cart supplied by NTC. - [03:04](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vQ5MA685ApE&t=184s) Continuous public IP reachability during the journey was maintained through a 3G cellular card tunneling via OpenVPN to a remote gateway. - [03:04](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vQ5MA685ApE&t=184s) Prior to rolling out, diagnostic checks on a PDA confirmed the server had accumulated an active uptime of 6 years, 7 months, 17 days, 18 hours, and 17 minutes. - [05:04](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vQ5MA685ApE&t=304s) The transit route relied on the Hamburg U-Bahn network, beginning at Rödingsmarkt station and transferring through Berliner Tor to Hammer Kirche. - [05:04](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vQ5MA685ApE&t=304s) The crew had to manually maneuver the heavy battery and server cart up station stairs and over platform gaps while shielding the hardware from moisture. - [05:04](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vQ5MA685ApE&t=304s) Periodic status audits along the subway route confirmed the server stayed operational and the UPS battery maintained full capacity throughout the journey. - [08:08](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vQ5MA685ApE&t=488s) Upon arrival at the destination datacenter, the still-running chassis was immediately mounted into the target server rack before disconnecting the mobile UPS. - [08:08](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vQ5MA685ApE&t=488s) Because the bypass cable blocked the rectifier cooling fan, technicians de-soldered the temporary wiring and restored the power supply to factory configuration inside the datacenter.

## Detailed walkthrough ### [00:12](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vQ5MA685ApE&t=12s) Modifying the Server's Power Supply for Hot-Swapping

The objective of the mission is to relocate an active production web server over an approximate distance of six to seven kilometers without powering it down or severing its connection to the internet. The primary hardware hurdle stems from the server chassis design: while the unit possesses an almost redundant internal power supply system utilizing two rectifier modules, it routes external electricity through only one shared AC plug. To facilitate a seamless switch from wall power to an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) without a microsecond of downtime, technician Robert dismantles one of the two rectifier modules directly from the chassis. He removes the internal transformer, unfastens screws and PCB connectors, and unsolders the primary AC jack.

Robert feeds a temporary AC power bypass cable through the ventilation fan housing and solders the leads directly to the module's printed circuit board. Henrik presents the freshly retrofitted rectifier module, preparing to slide it back into the running machine. To keep the hardware alive throughout the journey, Mr. Boettger of the company NTC supplies a high-capacity professional UPS mounted onto a rolling transport cart wrapped in company branding. With the temporary cable in place, the team plugs the modified power unit into an active outlet to verify that it carries the load before disconnecting the main line. The tension is palpable, as the host remarks: “If not, this project is quickly ending and I wouldn't have had to load the camera.” The bypass holds the server voltage steady, clearing the way for the mobile phase.

- Hardware configuration: Dual internal rectifier modules sharing a single external chassis AC input. - Hardware modification: Secondary rectifier disassembled, original AC jack de-soldered, and external leads soldered through the fan vent directly to PCB contacts. - Backup power equipment: Heavy-duty mobile UPS mounted on a wheeled platform, provided by Mr. Boettger from NTC.

```mermaid flowchart TD accTitle: Power and Network Transit Architecture accDescr: Diagram showing the redundant power and mobile networking pathways keeping the server alive during transit.

subgraph PowerSystem["Power Handover System"] A["Mains AC Outlet"] -->|"Hot bypass"| B["Modified Rectifier PCB"] C["Mobile NTC UPS Cart"] -->|"Secondary feed"| B B --> D["Web Server"] end

subgraph NetworkRouting["Network Transit Routing"] D --> E["3G Data Card"] E --> F["OpenVPN Tunnel"] F --> G["Gateway Server"] G --> H["Public Internet / Public IP"] end ```

[03:04](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vQ5MA685ApE&t=184s) Establishing Continuous Connectivity and the Route Plan

Maintaining uninterrupted live network availability while rolling through the streets of Hamburg requires a custom routing configuration. The server routes all traffic through a mobile 3G cellular data card paired with an OpenVPN tunnel connected to an external gateway server, which dynamically anchors and forwards the machine's static public IP address. As the team readies the cart to roll out of the facility, they banter about the transport cart’s compatibility with a drive-in and joke about stopping at a McDonald’s to switch over to a T-Mobile public Wi-Fi hotspot.

A team member calls out the classic German television quote: “Rene, get the car!”, which is immediately corrected to “Harry!”, poking fun at the detective series *Derrick*. With a globe on hand, the route is humorously plotted on a continental scale, pointing directly to the spot south of Denmark where Hamburg lies. Before setting out on the public roads, the team checks the web server's live status page using a PDA web browser. The uptime display reads 6 years, 7 months, 17 days, 18 hours, 17 minutes, and 44 seconds without a reboot. Having rolled roughly 60 meters out onto the pavement, the host proudly states: “No one every did this before!”

- Transit network stack: Mobile 3G cellular data card coupled to an OpenVPN tunnel to maintain public IP reachability. - Server baseline uptime: 6 years, 7 months, 17 days, 18 hours, 17 minutes, 44 seconds. - Route geography: Starting within central Hamburg toward the destination data center across a 6 to 7 km transit path.

[05:04](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vQ5MA685ApE&t=304s) Boarding the U-Bahn: From Rödingsmarkt to Berliner Tor and Hammer Kirche

The team opts to bypass conventional automotive transport entirely, maneuvering the server and heavy battery cart directly into the Hamburg U-Bahn rapid transit system. At 7:55 PM (five minutes to eight), the group arrives at Rödingsmarkt station with only two minutes remaining before their train pulls in. A quick uptime audit reveals that the server clock has smoothly advanced from 18 hours and 20 minutes to 18 hours and 37 minutes, confirming that the rig has withstood the vibrations of moving across city pavements.

The crew navigates the train doors, platform gaps, barriers, and puddles of water, holding plastic sheeting ready to shield the exposed server chassis against wet weather. By 8:07 PM, they disembark to transfer at Berliner Tor station. They hold briefly on the platform, confirming again at 8:15 PM that the operating system remains fully responsive. By 8:20 PM, they reach Hammer Kirche station, wrestling the heavy rolling cart up flights of stairs. At 8:27 PM, the team conducts a diagnostic check on the NTC UPS. The inverter continues delivering optimal voltage and the battery reserve remains at full capacity, prompting jokes that they should have plugged in a microwave to heat up a snack during the ride. As they re-emerge onto street level, a team member notes with relief: “We are perfectly on time.”

- Departure milestone: Rödingsmarkt U-Bahn station at 19:55; train boarded with 2 minutes to spare. - Midpoint transfers: Berliner Tor transit junction reached at 20:07; system checks verified at 20:15. - Platform traversal: Hammer Kirche station reached at 20:20; cart carried up station stairwells. - Battery health: UPS maintaining peak voltage and full charge capacity at 20:27.

[08:08](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vQ5MA685ApE&t=488s) Arrival at the Destination Datacenter and Rack Reassembly

Emerging from the subway station, the crew pushes the cart along the sidewalk for the final leg, navigating the last few hundred meters down the street and nearly rolling right past the entrance of the destination facility. Shortly after 9:00 PM, they arrive inside the new server room and immediately begin mounting the still-running chassis into the awaiting equipment rack.

With the server securely seated in the rack rails, the team unplugs the rolling NTC UPS, setting off its warning beeper as they transition the server back onto permanent facility power. Because the bypass cable runs through the fan shroud—preventing the cooling fan from spinning—the modification cannot remain in place permanently. Technicians carefully de-solder the temporary bypass leads from the rectifier PCB, reconnect the internal wiring harnesses, and restore the module to its factory form. Reflecting on the completed endeavor, Sascha concludes: “I'd say this can only be done with IPHH and NTC”, signing off with the declaration that the server professionals are out.

- Arrival time: Just past 21:00 at the target data center rack. - Commissioning process: Chassis racked live, building AC power restored, and the external UPS unplugged. - Final maintenance: Temporary wiring de-soldered from the rectifier board to re-engage the chassis cooling fan and return the redundant power supply to its factory specification. - Participating partners: Project executed in cooperation between hosting provider IPHH and UPS specialist NTC.

## Mentioned Sascha P, Robert, Henrik, Mr. Boettger, NTC, IPHH, OpenVPN, Hamburg U-Bahn, Rödingsmarkt station, Berliner Tor station, Hammer Kirche station, Derrick, McDonald's, T-Mobile

## Video description Five guys moving a server to a new datacenter without shutting it down. Without cutting it off from the internet. And as using a car would have been too easy, they used public transport.

[Source](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vQ5MA685ApE)

中文简报

IPHH与NTC通过汉堡地铁不宕机迁移运行中服务器技术人员将机箱电源改装连接至移动电池手推车，并通过蜂窝VPN隧道路由实时流量，在7公里的运输途中保持了连续运行六年的记录。为了在穿越汉堡市的6至7公里迁移过程中保持服务器超过六年的连续运行记录，技术人员通过定制的旁路电源对整流模块进行了改装，以在市电和重型移动UPS之间实现热插拔。在移动过程中，系统通过一张3G移动数据卡搭配锚定其静态公网IP的OpenVPN隧道来维持持续的网络连接。工作人员推着处于运行状态的机器穿行于汉堡地铁（U-Bahn）系统，在Rödingsmarkt和Hammer Kirche之间上下楼梯、穿过站台并换乘列车。抵达目标机房后，他们将仍在运行的服务器直接滑入新机架，恢复建筑供电，并焊拆了临时的旁路飞线。一个由五名技术人员组成的团队通过公共交通成功跨越汉堡迁移了一台运行中的生产环境Web服务器，全程无宕机且未断开互联网。 (0:12) 为实现电力桥接，团队进行了硬件改造：技术人员拆解了一个内部整流模块，并将一条外部交流旁路直接焊接到PCB板上以连接移动UPS。 (0:12) 在6至7公里的运输途中，团队使用连接至外部网关服务器的OpenVPN隧道及移动3G数据卡，实现了不间断的网络连接。 (3:04) 在穿越多个地铁站的整个旅程中，该服务器保持了超过6年零7个月的基础连续运行时间，随后被重新上架并恢复至出厂规格。 (3:04)

Detailed notes — zh

## Background 该视频由频道 Sascha P 于 2010 年 10 月 5 日发布在 YouTube 平台上。视频简介描述了五名技术人员在完全不关机、不中断网络连接的前提下，放弃使用汽车这种相对轻松的方案，转而利用公共交通将一台正在运行的服务器物理迁移至新数据中心的过程。 ## TL;DR 为了在一台运行长达 6 年多的在线 Web 服务器迁移时不损失 Uptime，技术团队对单输入整流电源进行了硬核焊接改造，通过风扇孔引出临时供电接驳移动 UPS，并借助 3G 数据卡与 OpenVPN 隧道中继维持公网 IP 路由。随后，团队推着重型手推车穿越汉堡市区的地铁网络，克服雨水天气、站台缝隙与楼梯负重，成功在 1 小时内将设备护送至目标数据中心。服务器在进驻新机柜后完成市电回切，并现场二次焊接拆除临时飞线以恢复风扇散热，最终在全程零宕机、零断网的状态下圆满收官。 ## Atmosphere & style 全片洋溢着浓厚硬核的极客精神与随性幽默的德式工匠气息。从起初带电改造硬件时屏息凝神的巨大心理压力，到成功搭乘地铁穿梭汉堡市区时推车调侃“进麦当劳蹭网”的轻松惬意，整个过程既有严肃精密的工程操作，又充满了一群好朋友合伙搞技术恶作剧般的探索快感。画风真实质朴，沉重推车颠簸与 Uptime 数字不断滚动的强烈反差，让整场迁移冒险充满了独特的真实感与成就感。 ## Bulletin - [00:12](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vQ5MA685ApE&t=12s) 汉堡技术团队成功完成了一项极端物理迁移：在完全不关机、不断网的情况下，将一台连续在线超 6 年半的 Web 服务器通过地铁等公共交通搬迁约 7 公里至新机房。 - [00:12](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vQ5MA685ApE&t=12s) 团队通过现场解构整流模块并将临时供电引线直接焊在 PCB 板上，配合 NTC 赞助的手推车式大容量 UPS 实现了无断电平滑供电切换。 - [02:42](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vQ5MA685ApE&t=162s) 网络连通性依靠 3G（UMTS）数据网卡与远程 OpenVPN 隧道技术，将公网 IP 流量实时透明路由至移动中的服务器终端。 - [08:31](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vQ5MA685ApE&t=511s) 在耗时约一小时的地铁换乘与雨天徒步搬运后，服务器顺利上架新机房，团队随即在机架旁再次焊接复原整流器及风扇结构。 ## Key takeaways - [00:12](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vQ5MA685ApE&t=12s) 迁移任务的核心挑战在于目标服务器仅具备单个外部 AC 输入口，无法原生支持双路热插拔冗余切换，必须对硬件进行破坏性电气改造。 - [00:12](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vQ5MA685ApE&t=12s) 工程师通过拆解整流模块、穿过风扇孔位将临时交流线缆直接焊接在电路板上，制造出独立的第二路移动供电接入点。 - [00:12](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vQ5MA685ApE&t=12s) 供电保障依赖 NTC 提供的特制大容量手推车工业级 UPS，确保了整趟公共交通运输过程中的电压稳定与超额容量储备。 - [02:42](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vQ5MA685ApE&t=162s) 采用 3G (UMTS) 移动数据卡结合 OpenVPN 虚拟专用网隧道，将原始公网 IP 流量转发至手推车，保证公网用户访问完全无感知。 - [02:42](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vQ5MA685ApE&t=162s) 出发前 PDA 监测显示该服务器已连续稳定运行（Uptime）6 年 7 个月 17 天 18 小时以上，极具保持不宕机迁移的纪念价值。 - [04:51](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vQ5MA685ApE&t=291s) 团队特意放弃汽车运输，选择经由 Rödingsmarkt、Berliner Tor 至 Hammer Kirche 的汉堡公共交通（U-Bahn/S-Bahn）网络以增加极限挑战难度。 - [04:51](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vQ5MA685ApE&t=291s) 转运过程中团队克服了恶劣天气、路面積水短路隐患、列车站台缝隙以及无电梯车站全手动搬运重型推车的严峻物理后勤考验。 - [08:31](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vQ5MA685ApE&t=511s) 迁移全流程历时约一小时，全程公网网页访问与服务状态均保持无缝在线，分秒不差抵达目的机房。 - [08:31](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vQ5MA685ApE&t=511s) 完成机柜上架并接入机房市电后，工程师在现场迅速用电烙铁拆除临时引线并复原散热风扇，排除了长期服役的过热隐患。 - [08:31](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vQ5MA685ApE&t=511s) 此次不关机物理搬迁壮举由主机服务商 IPHH 与电力设备商 NTC 共同协同支持完成。 ## Detailed walkthrough ### [00:12](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vQ5MA685ApE&t=12s) 改造电源模块：在线不关机迁移的硬件准备团队面临着一项近乎疯狂的任务：将一台正在运行的 Web 服务器物理迁移大约 7 公里至新的数据中心，并且在整个迁移过程中绝不断电关机。这台服务器在内部具备准冗余供电设计（双整流模块），但外部机壳上却只有一个公共交流电源输入接口。为了在不断电的情况下将供电平滑切换至移动电源，团队必须先拆下其中一个整流模块进行电气改造。工程师罗伯特（Robert）拆解了电源，移除了整流器上的变压器与印刷电路板（PCB）连接件，并将一根临时的交流供电线穿过风扇孔位，直接焊接在 PCB 板上。这样一来，他们就能通过焊接出的临时接线接入不间断电源（UPS），从而实现无缝供电切换。 ```mermaid flowchart TD accTitle: 服务器供电与网络迁移架构 accDescr: 展示服务器在公共交通迁移过程中如何保持不间断供电与公网连接 subgraph Power ["供电保障系统"] UPS["NTC 移动大容量 UPS"] -->|"临时供电引线\n(焊接穿过风扇孔)"| ModPSU["改造后的整流模块"] ModPSU --> Server["在线服务器\n(维持运行状态)"] end subgraph Network ["网络路由系统"] Client["公网访问请求"] --> VPN["远程 OpenVPN 服务器"] VPN -->|"公网 IP 流量路由"| Modem["3G (UMTS) 数据卡"] Modem --> Server end ``` 来自 NTC 公司的伯特格先生（Mr. Boettger）慷慨赞助了一台大容量工业级 UPS，这台设备被安置在一辆特制手推车上，周围贴满了宣传广告，负责在整段公共交通行程中为服务器提供稳定电压。亨里克（Henrik）手持改造完成的电源模块准备将其重新插回运行中的服务器。测试插电切换的关键时刻伴随着巨大的心理压力，拍摄者紧张地记录道：“如果我们失败了，这个项目立刻就会泡汤，那我甚至都不用给摄像机充电了。”伴随着临时电源线成功接入插座，指示灯显示一切正常，第一阶段的带电硬件改造顺利通过。 - **迁移目标**：在完全不关机、不掉线的前提下，将在线 Web 服务器移动约 6 至 7 公里。 - **硬件限制**：服务器虽有两个整流模块，但机身仅有一个交流输入接口，无法直接双路热插拔换线。 - **改造手段**：焊下原有交流输入插座，将临时 AC 线缆直接焊接至整流器 PCB，穿过风扇引出机壳。 - **供电设备**：由 NTC 公司提供的移动大容量推车式 UPS 系统。 --- ### [02:42](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vQ5MA685ApE&t=162s) 维持网络连线与手推车上的“移动机房” 解决了电力续航问题后，团队转向了维持网络连线的挑战。他们为服务器配备了一张 3G（UMTS）上网数据卡，并通过 OpenVPN 建立隧道连接到一台远程中继服务器，由该服务器将原有的公网 IP 地址实时路由转发至移动中的 3G 终端，从而确保外部访问完全不受物理位移的影响。现场气氛随之轻松起来，大家推着装有服务器和 UPS 的小车开起了玩笑。有人提议说：“你觉得我们中途能推着服务器去麦当劳停一下吗？”另一个人附和道，他们完全可以蹭麦当劳的 T-Mobile Wi-Fi 节点，而且这辆手推车的造型“简直就是为汽车穿梭餐厅（Drive-in）量身定做的”。准备出发之际，现场还发生了一段德式幽默互动。有人模仿经典探案电视剧喊了一句：“勒内，快去取车！”随后立刻被纠正这句名台词原本应该是“哈利”。他们甚至现场拿出一个地球仪来展示这次行动的宏大路线，指着丹麦以南标有“汉堡”（Hamburg）的位置，半开玩笑地比划着他们要从汉堡的这个角落穿越到另一个角落。随后，操作人员拿出一台 PDA 掌上电脑，通过浏览器打开了服务器托管的网页以验证实时连通性。屏幕上的运行时间计数器赫然显示：6 年 7 个月 17 天 18 小时 17 分 44 秒在线！此时小车已经向前移动了大约 60 米，团队自豪地宣称：“据我所知，以前绝对没有任何人干过这种事！” - **网络方案**：3G 无线数据网卡 + OpenVPN 隧道，实现公网 IP 无缝中继路由。 - **系统运行时间**：启程时系统 Uptime 达到惊人的 6 年 7 个月 17 天 18 小时 17 分 44 秒。 - **移动装备**：搭载 UPS、服务器、外置线缆及雨雪防护塑料膜的重型手推车。 --- ### [04:51](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vQ5MA685ApE&t=291s) 地铁大冒险：穿行汉堡公共交通系统由于使用汽车运输缺乏挑战性，团队选择了一条更为硬核的路线：搭乘汉堡的公共交通工具（U-Bahn/S-Bahn）。晚上 7 点 55 分，他们推着设备赶到了勒丁斯市场（Rödingsmarkt）地铁站，距离发车仅剩两分钟。在站台上，他们再次刷新 PDA 确认服务器状态，系统运行时间已经从出发前的 18 小时 20 分钟平稳递增至 18 小时 37 分钟。列车进站后，队员们小心翼翼地推着沉重的小车跨越站台缝隙与无障碍闸机，其间不断互相提醒“注意插头”、“小心地上的积水”，生怕任何震动或水汽导致短路跳闸。随后小车顺利换乘并穿过汉堡各主要站点。晚上 8 点 07 分左右，列车抵达柏林门站（Berliner Tor），鉴于室外天气状况，大家重新将塑料保护膜罩在精密的服务器上方以防雨淋。8 点 20 分，队伍抵达哈默教堂站（Hammer Kirche），面对地铁站的台阶，几个小伙子只能硬生生将极其沉重的小车抬上楼梯，还不忘调侃道：“来吧，就当是找乐子锻炼身体了！”晚上 8 点 27 分，他们顺利出站，时间节点与预定计划分秒不差。检查 UPS 仪表盘发现其仍处于满格容量与完美输出电压。队员们甚至意犹未尽地开玩笑说，车上其实还有富余电量带一台微波炉，路上正好能热个快餐吃。 - **行经路线**：经由 Rödingsmarkt 站进站乘车，途经 Berliner Tor 枢纽站，至 Hammer Kirche 站出站。 - **状态监测**：行程全程监控 Uptime，在各换乘点持续验证网页可达性与系统稳定性。 - **后勤考验**：克服站台高度差、雨水积水隐患以及无电梯楼梯的手动搬运负重。 --- ### [08:31](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vQ5MA685ApE&t=511s) 抵达新机房与恢复供电结构晚上 8 点半过后，队伍沿着既定街道直行推进，距离目的地仅剩最后几百米。由于周围建筑外观相似，大家一边推车疾行一边确认门牌，甚至差点走过了头：“哦，原来就在这儿！我们差点一口气冲过去了！”晚上 9 点刚过，团队顺利进入目标机房，并迅速将服务器抬入机柜滑轨开始固定安装。整个搬迁历程耗时约一小时，期间服务器没有发生任何宕机事故，公网访问亦始终在线。接下来的收尾工作同样需要高度专注。固定好服务器后，他们先将机房的正式交流市电接入第一路供电，随后拔掉手推车上的临时 UPS 电源引线，失去了负载的 UPS 立刻发出长鸣警报。为了彻底消除安全隐患，团队必须把此前为了引线而穿过风扇孔的临时电缆全部拆下，重新在机架旁进行现场焊接，将整流器模块复原至出厂状态。正如现场技术人员指出的那样，他们绝不能让临时焊接线一直留在里面，特别是“不能让风扇处于停转不工作的状态下继续服役”。随着模块复原并重新插入机箱，这项壮举圆满完成。视频最后，录制者满意地对两家支持单位致谢：“我想说，这种壮举只有在 IPHH 和 NTC 的支持下才能办到——服务器专家们，收工大吉！” - **到达时间**：21:00 刚过即进入目标数据中心机房进行上架（Rack Mounting）。 - **回切复原**：先接入机房标准交流供电，拔除移动 UPS，然后现场再次动用电烙铁拆除临时跨接线，修复被线缆阻挡的风扇，确保散热正常。 - **合作支持**：整个行动由主机托管服务商 IPHH（Internet Port Hamburg）与电力保障供应商 NTC 协同完成。 ## Mentioned Robert, Henrik, Mr. Boettger, NTC, IPHH, OpenVPN, 3G, UMTS, T-Mobile, Rödingsmarkt, Berliner Tor, Hammer Kirche, Hamburg, U-Bahn, S-Bahn, Sascha P ## Video description Five guys moving a server to a new datacenter without shutting it down. Without cutting it off from the internet. And as using a car would have been too easy, they used public transport. [Source](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vQ5MA685ApE)

Original transcript

[0:12] Let me show you what this is about .. [0:14] This server here... [0:18] .. we want to move today [0:20] without shutting it down [0:22] approx 7 kilometers. [0:24] We have an almost redundant power supply [0:27] With only one power connection [0:29] and we have already removed one module [0:31] of the two rectifiers. [0:34] And Robert is currently working on it [0:36] Let's see if we can connect a [0:39] new AC temporary power cable to it through the fan [0:41] that we'd solder directly on the PCB [0:43] so that we can switch the main power connection [0:45] to a UPS system to keep the server up [0:47] during the move. We'll see. [0:48] Lets check what Robert's doing. [0:51] Unbelievable! Just a second ago Robert [0:53] disassambled the power supply and removed the [0:55] transformer from this rectifier. [0:57] He only had to remove some screws and this [0:59] connector here from the PCB. [1:03] There it was. Phenomenal! [1:05] Now Robert only has to unsolder this jack [1:08] that the power supply connects to the AC power [1:12] then we'll install the new cable and [1:14] and we're almost done. Right Robert? [1:18] So this is Henrik and he holds the power supply [1:21] in his hands that we will insert in the server [1:24] now that we want to move approx 6-7 km. [1:32] The problem -as you know- the server has [1:34] only one power connection thus the second [1:36] power supply that we modified. [1:41] And we also have a professional power [1:44] distribution system and .. [1:49] over there is Mr. Boettger of the company [1:52] NTC who is so generous to provide a [1:54] powerful UPS system. [1:58] And here's some ad. Most important! [2:02] This UPS will take over the voltage feed [2:04] during the server's move. [2:07] Here is what this UPS on a cart looks like. [2:09] Ah there is more ad on the side. [2:11] The UPS comes with a special packaging. [2:14] Of course. [2:16] So, whats next? [2:18] Oh we are so excited. Now we'll try whether [2:21] this power supply module with this special [2:23] modification actually works and [2:26] is able to keep up the server's operations [2:28] while switching to the UPS. [2:30] If not, this project is quickly ending [2:32] and I wouldn't have had to load the camera. [2:41] Now I connect this temporary plug to the outlet, too [2:50] Okay! [2:52] Looks good. [3:04] Yeah so what we are doing now is [3:07] we want to keep up the online connection [3:10] of the server using a 3G data card and [3:13] a OpenVPN connection to a server that will [3:16] route to us the server's public IP. [3:20] Do you think we can stop by McDonalds or so? [3:24] With the server? [3:26] We could switch to the T-Mobile Wifi there. [3:30] This cart is perfectly made for drive-in. [3:38] Watch the plug! [3:46] Lets move this [3:50] Rene, get the car! [3:52] Thats supposed to be "Harry!" [3:56] Oh we got a globe here. [3:59] Can we show from where to where we are moving? [4:03] I love to! [4:05] We prepared a special map for this demonstration. [4:07] You have to imagine: we are right here [4:10] south of Denmark where it says "Hamburg". [4:13] And we want to move from this corner [4:18] to this corner. [4:22] Oh I'll take my hat. [4:32] We have a webbrowser here in the PDA [4:35] and here is the server's website showing [4:38] the uptime. 6 years, 7 months, 17 days, [4:40] 18 hours, 17 minutes, 44 seconds - [4:42] ONLINE! [4:44] And we approximately moved 60 meters already! [4:48] No one every did this before! [4:50] I'd say. [4:58] ..yeah.. we'll go to Roedingsmarkt .. [5:04] So as we see here: it is 5 minutes to 8. [5:06] We are the the station ... uh .. [5:08] where are we? [5:10] Rödingsmarkt. 2 minutes until departure. [5:16] Is it still running? [5:22] Lets see. We were at 18 hours, 20 minutes ... [5:25] and now we are at 18 hours, 37 minutes! [5:28] There is the train! [5:34] Some barrier ... works? [5:37] Let me help ... [5:40] Okay. [5:42] Watch out! [5:43] Got it. [5:53] Beware the water 0:05:59.000,0:05:03.000 So we are here at Berliner Tor. [6:03] There you can see it. [6:06] The time: 7 past 8. [6:16] Should we put the plastic-foil on again? [6:22] Here's the time again. Quarter past ... [6:24] and here is one more cut. [6:29] Stop at Berliner Tor. But the servers runs. [6:34] So. We are Hammer Kirche. Time? [6:37] 20 past ... [6:43] Come, Rene! [7:05] You look good from behind! [7:10] Ouch. Lets bring it upstairs again! [7:12] Yeah! Just for fun! [7:29] It is now 8:27. [7:32] Very good. [7:36] We are perfectly on time. [7:40] What does the UPS say? [7:43] Perfect voltage! [7:46] Still full capacity! [7:51] We also had this idea of taking a microwave with us [7:54] For a quick snack. [8:05] Very good [8:08] Which way to go? [8:12] Straight ahead down this street. [8:30] Only a few 100 meters to the destination ... [8:32] ... even less. [8:39] We are there! [8:41] Oh here it is? We almost rushed past! [8:51] It is short after 9. We are mounting the server [8:53] to the new rack. [9:04] Now unplugging the UPS [9:09] Its beeping again. [9:16] Now we unplug the temporary supply again [9:18] as we have to solder it back because [9:20] we can't leave it like this [9:22] especially not with the fan that is [9:24] thats not working. [9:36] I'd say this can only be done with [9:38] IPHH and NTC [9:44] And I say: the server-pros are out!