Data Centre Infrastructure Fundamentals
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Ian Hollingworth RCDD, Head of Data Centre Services at STS explains why meticulous planning and intelligent infrastructure design are fundamental to the successful operation of a Data Centre.
Your data is only as good as the transport system on which it runs and it is critical that a resilient, scalable infrastructure is implemented if a Data Centre is to operate effectively. With 70% of network downtime attributed to the physical network layer, specifically cabling faults it is vital that the Data Centre is built on sound foundations. It is not unusual for a Data Centre to have over 100 miles of cable within its infrastructure; stored under the floor, in walls and in the ceiling, and so infrastructure installation is a complex task which requires meticulous planning.
The Data Centre cabling infrastructure should be thought of as a system which consists of cable, connectors, patch cords and panels with all components designed for maximum compatibility and performance. As minimally compliant cabling operating at maximum specified distances may result in transmission errors, it is recommended that cabling systems have more ‘headroom’ and exceed standards to guarantee performance with higher density cabling and higher data rates. Reliability and manageability must be taken into account as well as potential growth.
Because of the concentration of equipment within one area, the cable placement in a data centre is extremely dense. It is not practical to install communication cable in conduit,so it is normally laid in open trays under a raised floor. Because the cable is not contained like electrical cable, the cable’s fire rating and performance is of critical importance.
Cables that are properly managed are proven to improve network reliability by reducing the possibility of cable damage, bend radius violations, and the time required for identifying, routing, and re-routing cables.
The amount of data cable can grow along with bandwidth and storage requirements and consideration needs to be given as to whether there is sufficient ‘white space’ available including overhead and under floor cable pathways and trough space to allow for future growth.
Floor layout including the segregation of cool and warm air using hot and cold aisle configurations can also have a significant effect on the operation of the network and energy efficiency. STS offers a range of solutions from high-density fibre trunk cables that improve airflow and cooling up to seven times, to honeycomb enclosure doors designed to improve airflow in hot/cold aisle deployments.
Intelligent Infrastructure Management (IIM) systems that provide the ability to make changes and upgrades easily, will rely on effective cable management and, ensuring cable is properly organised on install makes it easier for future modifications to be made. Clear labelling and detailed documentation is vital, and a system that allows the application of change control procedures is a must in the running of a Data Centre.
The old perception of intelligent Infrastructure management being just “patch panels with flashing lights” is completely out of date. Intelligent patching solutions such as SYSTIMAX iPatch give the DC manager the ability to apply all these functions simply and in real time, ensuring that records are always up to date and that human error in patching jobs (the biggest cause of network downtime) are captured as soon as they happen with automated guidance of correct preventative actions. IIM systems are not meant to be a replacement of existing Network Management platforms such as HP Openview, Cisco Works, Tivoli etc, they are complimentary to these applications and extend the management reach from the switch port to the connecting Server, PC, or Device.
To ensure business continuity, Data Centre Managers have to provide high bandwidth, flexibility and enhanced security while ensuring continuous network availability. By focusing on Data Centre support systems, efficiencies can also be achieved with designers looking closely at power consumption, cooling requirements and capacity planning.
If you’re considering the implementation of a Data Centre environment call us for advice; we have a great deal of expertise and experience that we can share with you.
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