> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://help.freakhosting.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Understanding Our DDoS Protection Providers

> Discover the advanced mitigation layers used at FREAKHOSTING. Learn about the unique strengths of Dataforest and Cosmicguard in securing your services.

## Multi-Layered Network Security

To ensure absolute uptime and peak performance for every client, FREAKHOSTING uses a hybrid security architecture powered by two specialized DDoS mitigation providers: **Dataforest** and **Cosmicguard**. Each provider is selected based on its unique ability to handle specific types of network traffic and attack vectors. This guide explains the technical strengths of each layer and helps you identify which provider is currently safeguarding your digital assets.

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Difficulty" icon="gauge-low">
    Beginner
  </Card>

  <Card title="Time" icon="clock">
    4 Minutes
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

***

## Dataforest: Versatile Protocol Filtering

Dataforest serves as our primary mitigation layer for a vast array of general applications and complex game engines. It is characterized by its high degree of rule granularity and massive volumetric capacity.

* **Extensive Profile Library:** Includes expertly tuned "Protection Profiles" for almost any common service, including Minecraft, FiveM, and standard Web/SSH traffic.
* **Advanced Layer 7 Filtering:** Capable of deep packet inspection to identify and neutralize sophisticated application-layer attacks.
* **Geographic Control:** Features integrated ASN and country-level blocking to eliminate entire malicious regions from reaching your network.

***

## Cosmicguard: High-Performance Game Mitigation

Cosmicguard is a specialized mitigation network engineered specifically for latency-sensitive gaming environments that use the Steam ecosystem and Valve's network protocols.

* **A2S Hardware Caching:** uses hardware-level caching for server query information (A2S), preventing query-based floods from impacting game engine performance.
* **SteamNET Integration:** Superior handling of the unique traffic patterns used by titles like Counter-Strike 2, Rust, and Team Fortress 2.
* **Rapid Micro-Burst Detection:** Employs ultra-fast detection algorithms designed to neutralize small, high-intensity bursts that traditional firewalls might overlook.

***

## Technical Comparison

| Feature                    | Dataforest                 | Cosmicguard           |
| :------------------------- | :------------------------- | :-------------------- |
| **Best For**               | Minecraft, FiveM, Web, SSH | CS2, Rust, TF2, GMod  |
| **A2S Query Caching**      | Not Supported              | **Fully Supported**   |
| **ASN / Country Blocking** | **Fully Supported**        | Not Supported         |
| **Custom Rule Types**      | TCP & UDP                  | TCP, UDP & ICMP       |
| **Latency Profile**        | Industry Standard          | **Ultra-Low Latency** |

***

## Identifying Your Assigned Provider

You can verify which layer is protecting your specific IP address by following these steps.

<Steps>
  <Step title="Access the Firewall Panel">
    Log in to the [Firewall Management Portal](https://firewall.freakhosting.com).
  </Step>

  <Step title="Navigate to IP Addresses">
    Open the **[IP Addresses](https://firewall.freakhosting.com/dashboard/ip-addresses)** management tab.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Review the Provider Label">
    Locate your IP address in the list. The system will display a clear badge indicating either **Dataforest** or **Cosmicguard** next to the address.
  </Step>
</Steps>

<Note>
  ### Requesting a Provider Migration

  If your project requires a specific technical feature (such as A2S Caching) that is exclusive to a different provider, please [Open a Support Ticket](https://freakhosting.com/clientarea/submitticket.php). Our network engineers can evaluate your requirements and migrate your service to the appropriate mitigation cluster.
</Note>

***

<Note>
  ### Need Extra Help?

  If you encounter any issues, our support team is ready to assist:

  * **Live Chat:** Quick assistance via our website.
  * **Support Ticket:** [Open a Ticket](https://freakhosting.com/clientarea/submitticket.php)
  * **Discord:** [Join our Community](https://discord.gg/freakhosting)
  * **Email:** [support@freakhosting.com](mailto:support@freakhosting.com)
</Note>

<Tip>
  ### Save on Your Hosting

  Ready to get a new server? Use code **KB20** at checkout for **20% off** your first month!
</Tip>

***

<div align="center">
  **Last Updated:** January 2026 | **Security:** Multi-layered mitigation for absolute uptime.
</div>