Build the Best Data Center Facility for Your Business (paperback)

by Alger, Douglas

• ISBN13: 9781587143717
• ISBN10: 1587143712
• Edition: 1st
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2005-06-16
• Publisher: Cisco Press

Summary

A comprehensive guide to designing and operating reliable server environments Keep your data center cool, clean, scalable, and secure Learn the five principles of effective data center design Avoid the natural and man-made hazards that can jeopardize a data center site Learn how to lay out key infrastructure objects within the data center for greatest efficiency, from buffer zones to server rows Apply proven installation methods by studying sample illustrations of both overhead and under-floor systems Extract the best practices and design strategies for both in-room and standby electrical infrastructure Avoid accidental downtime, improve productivity, and ensure user safety Safeguard and streamline your network infrastructure with a well-organized physical hierarchy Understand the special challenges of retrofitting overburdened server environments Implement solutions from a wide array of sample illustrations and examples of essential data center signage Safeguard servers with operations standards for people working in or visiting the data center Download templates used by Cisco to design its data centers, customizable to square footage and geography Avoid excess construction costs by designing a data center that meets your needs today and for many years to come All data centers are unique, but they all share the same mission: to protect your company's valuable information. Build the Best Data Center Facility for Your Businessanswers your individual questions in one flexible step-by-step reference guide. Benefit from the author's concise and practical approach to data center design and management. The author distills this complex topic by sharing his first-hand and worldwide experience and expertise. Regardless of your experience level, you can fill your knowledge gaps on how to safeguard your company's valuable equipment and intellectual property. This easy-to-navigate book is divided into two parts: Part I covers data center design and physical infrastructure details, and Part II covers data center management and operations. You can also access supplementary online materials for installation instructions, which include customizable data center design templates, written cabling specifications, and sample drawings. If you need a starting point for designing your first data center, regardless of size; if you need to prepare yourself with comprehensive strategies to retrofit or improve an existing o≠ or if you need proven methods to manage a data center for maximum productivity-this book is your readily accessible, comprehensive resource for answers and insights. Invest in the best future for your business by learning how to build and manage robust and productive data centers now. This book is part of the Networking Technology Series from Cisco Press&sb" which offers networking professionals valuable information for constructing efficient networks, understanding new technologies, and building successful careers.

Author Biography

Douglas Alger is a team leader of the Data Center Infrastructure team at Cisco Systems®, where he helps design, support, and manage the company’s worldwide data centers. He has participated in more than 50 major data center projects, involving new construction or comprehensive infrastructure upgrades.

 

Doug joined Cisco® in 1997. His prior career was as a newspaper reporter, where he wrote for several newspapers, including the Los Angeles Times. He has a bachelor’s degree in journalism from San Jose State University.

 

Table of Contents

Foreword

Introduction

Part I          Designing the Data Center Infrastructure

Chapter 1   Approaching the Data Center Project

Understanding the Value of Your Data Center

Deciding Whether to Outsource

Defining Requirements and Roles

Client Needs

Cross-Functional Support

Architecting a Productive Data Center

Make It Robust

Make It Modular

Make It Flexible

Standardize

Promote Good Habits

Previewing Data Center Components

Physical Space

Raised Flooring

In-Room Electrical

Standby Power

Cabling

Cooling

Fire Suppression

Other Infrastructure Components

Establishing Data Center Design Criteria

Availability

Infrastructure Tiers

One Room or Several?

Life Span

Budget Decisions

Managing a Data Center Project

The Design Package

Working with Experts

Tips for a Successful Project

Summary

Chapter 2   Choosing an Optimal Site

 Assessing Viable Locations for Your Data Center

Building Codes and the Data Center Site

Site Risk Factors

Natural Disasters

Pollution

Electromagnetic Interference

Vibration

Political Climates

Flight Paths

Evaluating Physical Attributes of the Data Center Site

Relative Location

Accessibility

Disaster Recovery Options

Pre-Existing Infrastructure

Power Analysis

Cooling Capabilities

Structured Cabling

Amenities and Obstacles

Clearances

Weight Issues

Loading Dock

Freight Elevators

Problem Areas

Distribution of Key Systems

Confirming Service Availability to the Data Center Site

Prioritizing Needs for the Data Center Site

Summary

Chapter 3   Quantifying Data Center Space

Sizing the Data Center

Financial and Other Considerations When Sizing the Data Center

Employee-Based Sizing Method

Equipment-Based Sizing Method

Other Influencing Factors When Sizing Your Data Center

Determining Shape and Placement of Your Data Center

Desirable and Undesirable Spaces to Place Your Data Center

Growth Paths for Your Data Center’s Space

Consolidation Options for Your Data Center

Structure and Finishes of the Data Center

Associated Data Center Support Rooms

Electrical Room

Networking Room

Loading Dock

Build Room

Storage Room

Operations Command Center

Backup Room

Media Storage Area

Vendor Service Areas

Summary

Chapter 4   Laying Out the Data Center

Drawing Tools Available to Create Your Data Center Layout

The Floor Grid

Defining Spaces for Physical Elements of Your Data Center

Mechanical Equipment

Power Distribution Units

Air Handlers

Fire Suppression Tanks

Buffer Zones

Aisles

Equipment Rows

Form Versus Function

Setting Row Dimensions

Networking Rows

Orienting Rows

Weight Issues

Seismic Mitigation

Dealing with Obstacles

Irregular Spaces

Structural Columns

Piping

System Controls

Telephones

Common Problems

The Floor Grid Is Positioned Incorrectly

Infrastructure Items Are Installed Backwards

Floor Space Between Rows Is Too Narrow

Infrastructure Items Are Uncoordinated or Misplaced

Summary

Chapter 5   Overhead or Under-Floor Installation?

Overhead Installation

Under-Floor Installation

Separation of Power and Data

Plenum and Non-Plenum Spaces

Ceiling Components

Raised Floor Components

Floor Height

Ramps and Lifts

Weight Bearing Ability

Types of Floor Tiles

Floor Tiles and Static

Termination Details

The Subfloor

Common Problems

Tile Cut-outs Are Poorly Sized or in the Wrong Location

Cabling Installed in Plenum Spaces Aren’t Properly Rated

The Raised Floor System Isn’t Strong Enough to Accommodate Equipment

Summary

Chapter 6   Creating a Robust Electrical System

Recommended Electrical System Features

Isolated Power

Avoiding Single Points of Failure

Maintenance Bypass Options

Remote Infrastructure Management

In-Room Power

Determining Power Requirements

Power Distribution

Power Redundancy

Wiring, Component, and Termination Options

Labeling and Documenting

Convenience Outlets

Emergency Power Off

Standby Power

Load Requirements

Batteries

Generators

Monitoring Lights

Labeling and Documenting

Installation and Grounding

Signal Reference Grid

Testing and Verification

Common Problems

Summary

Chapter 7   Designing a Scalable Network Infrastructure

Importance of the Physical Network

Cabling Hierarchy

Cable Characteristics

Copper Cabling

Fiber-Optic Cable

Multimode Fiber

Singlemode Fiber

Cabling Costs

Storage Area Networks (SANs)

Determining Connectivity Requirements

Network Redundancy

Networking Room

Common Termination Options

Copper Cabling Terminators

Fiber Cabling Terminators

Color-Coding Cabling Materials

Building-to-Building Connectivity

Recommended Installation Practices

General Installation

Bundling Structured Cabling

Minimum Bend Radius

Reverse Fiber Positioning

Labeling the Structured Cabling System

Cabinet Installations

Testing and Verifying Structured Cabling

Wire Management

Common Problems

Summary

Chapter 8   Keeping It Cool

Cooling Requirements

Chilled Liquid Cooling

House Air

Makeup Air

Cooling Quantities and Temperature Ranges

Redundancy in Your Cooling Infrastructure

Cooling Distribution and Air Pressure

Humidity

Layout, Cabinets, and Cooling

Space

Positioning Air Handlers

Hot and Cold Aisles

Cabinet Design

Fire Suppression

Suppression Materials

Sprinklers

Manual Controls

Design Details

Air Sampling and Smoke Detection

Fire Alarms

Handheld Extinguishers

Common Problems

Summary

Chapter 9   Removing Skeletons from Your Server Closet

Lack of Space

Space Saving Measures

New Construction

Chaos

Infrastructure Shortcomings

Power

Connectivity

Cooling

Fire Suppression

Structural Support

Paradigm Shifts

Acquisitions

Large-Scale Server Moves

Summary

Part II         Managing the Data Center

Chapter 10 Organizing Your Way to an Easier Job

The Need For Organization

Organizing Equipment: Form vs Function

Clustering by Function

Organizing by Business Group

Grouping by Manufacturer

Not Organizing at All

Planning for Growth

Controlling Incoming Equipment

Summary

Chapter 11 Labeling and Signage

Choosing a Numbering Scheme

Recommended Labeling Practices

Cable Runs

Electrical Conduits

Cabinet Locations

Servers and Networking Devices

Server Rows

Piping

Essential Signage

Fire Alarm Instructions

Fire Suppression System Instructions

Emergency Power Off Instructions

Monitoring Lights

Emergency Contacts

Final Note

Summary

Chapter 12 Stocking and Standardizing

Equipping a Data Center

Patch Cords and Adapters

Server Cabinets

Tools

Accessories

Equipment Spares

Summary

Chapter 13 Safeguarding the Servers

Physical Access Restrictions

Door Controls

Cages

Locking Cabinets

Closed-Circuit Television Coverage

Access Policies and Procedures

“Do’s”

Implement Change Management

Change Defined

Change Request Essentials

When to Make Changes

Use Only Approved Materials

Follow Security Procedures

“Don’ts”

Don’t Leave Trash in the Data Center

Don’t Steal Items or Infrastructure

Don’t String Cables Between Cabinets

Good Installation Practices

Manage Cabinet Space

Properly Use Rack Units

The Balance of Power

Route Cabling Neatly

Label Thoroughly

Data Center Tours

Summary

Chapter 14 Mapping, Monitoring, and Metrics

Documenting the Data Center

Floor Plan

As-Builts

Server Inventory

Applications

Processes

Features and Philosophies

Monitoring from Afar

Web Cameras

Amperage Meters

Temperature Sensors

Humidity Sensors

Gathering Metrics

Maintaining an Incident Log

Availability Metrics

Other Useful Data

Summary

Chapter 15 Maintaining a World-Class Environment

The Importance of Data Center Maintenance

Regular Upkeep

Professional Cleaning

Vendor Qualifications and Credentials

Approved Cleaning Equipment and Materials

Pre-Cleaning Steps

Standards of Operations

Cleaning Procedures

Above-Ceiling

Below-Ceiling

Servers and Networking Devices

Other Above-Floor Items

Floor Surface

Subfloor

Post-Cleaning Steps

Frequency

Common Problems

Summary

Glossary

Index