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Build the Best Data Center Facility for Your Business

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  • Description
  • Sample Content
  • Updates
  • Copyright 2005
  • Edition: 1st
  • Book
  • ISBN-10: 1-58705-182-6
  • ISBN-13: 978-1-58705-182-1
  • eBook (Watermarked)
  • ISBN-10: 1-58705-442-6
  • ISBN-13: 978-1-58705-442-6

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 Business answers 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 one; 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‚ which offers networking professionals valuable information for constructing efficient networks, understanding new technologies, and building successful careers.

  • Online Sample Chapter

    Choosing an Optimal Location for Your Data Center

    Downloadable Sample Chapter

    Download - 183 KB -- Chapter 2: Choosing an Optimal Site

    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 DataCenter

    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

    Index

    Download - 81 KB -- Index

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