Data centers are a critical, yet unseen, part of our daily lives.
Any time we access the internet, on our phones, or at home, we use the power of data centers in order to send and receive data over long distances quickly and seamlessly. Data centers power all kinds of data transfers, from streaming a show on Netflix to uploading top-secret encrypted data.
But what is actually in a data center? What hardware do these behemoths use to handle the internet’s traffic? What advanced technology lurks within those window-less 100,000-square-foot concrete slabs? In this article, we’ll find out.
Please note that this article isn’t about what data centers are and why you need them – you can find that in our other article on this topic here.
In this article, we’ll focus more on the specific pieces of data centers, so you can have a better understanding of what these critical components of any IT ecosystem are.
What Is a Data Center?
A data center is a dedicated facility designed to house computer systems, networking equipment, and storage systems that support critical applications and data. The most common type of data centers these days are outfitted with technology that facilitates data transfer and storage – not only serving to store vast quantities of data, but helping transport this data from one location to another.
As time has gone on, the need for data centers has only grown, and as the need for them has grown, they have also grown in sophistication and specialization. Companies may use data centers for general storage, or they may use it for one specific transfer of one specific type of data from one specific place to another. In general, however, data centers are built to provide high availability, scalability, and security, making them essential for managing large volumes of data and ensuring the smooth operation of various IT services.
Key Components of a Data Center
So what actually are data centers? Well, they’re a blend of the purpose-built software and hardware that accomplishes whatever goal the data center was built for, whether that’s facilitating traffic transfer or data storage.
When we think of data centers, we usually think of big rows of servers in a giant warehouse – but that’s only a piece of the puzzle. Data centers are intricate environments with multiple layers of hardware and technology working in tandem to accomplish some technological feat.
In general, however, here are the fundamental elements of any data center.
1. Servers
Servers are the cornerstone of a data center, handling various tasks such as data processing, storage, and management. They come in several types, each suited to different needs:
- Rack Servers: These servers are mounted in standard racks and are designed for high-density computing. Rack servers can be configured with multiple processors and large amounts of memory, making them ideal for handling demanding applications. Rack servers offer high performance and scalability in a compact form factor.
- Blade Servers: Blade servers are slim, modular units that fit into a chassis which provides power, cooling, and connectivity. This design allows for a higher density of servers in a smaller footprint, making blade servers ideal for environments where space is a constraint.
- Tower Servers: These resemble traditional desktop computers and are often used in smaller data centers or for specific applications that do not require the density of rack or blade servers.
2. Storage Systems
Another essential part of data centers is some sort of storage solution to manage and protect vast quantities of data that any data center will inevitably handle. In most data centers, you’ll see one of the following types of storage.
- Direct Attached Storage (DAS): DAS systems are directly connected to a server and provide high-speed access to data. They are typically used for applications requiring rapid data retrieval and are often employed in scenarios where centralized storage is not feasible. Intel provides insights into the performance advantages of DAS systems.
- Network Attached Storage (NAS): NAS devices are connected to a network and provide centralized data access to multiple users and systems. NAS is commonly used for file storage and sharing in environments where data needs to be accessible by various devices.
- Storage Area Network (SAN): SANs are high-speed networks that provide access to consolidated, block-level data storage. SANs are used in environments requiring high performance and scalability, such as large databases and virtualized environments.
3. Networking Equipment
Networking equipment ensures the connectivity and data flow between servers, storage systems, and other components. These pieces of equipment aren’t really that different from the stuff you’ve probably handled at home. Here’s some pieces of networking equipment you’ll find in any data center.
- Routers: Routers manage the flow of data between different networks, ensuring that data packets are directed to their intended destinations. They are crucial for connecting data centers to the Internet and other external networks.
- Switches: Switches connect devices within a network and manage data traffic to optimize network performance. They are used to build internal networks within data centers, ensuring efficient communication between servers and storage systems.
- Firewalls: Firewalls protect data centers from unauthorized access and cyber threats by monitoring and controlling network traffic. They are an essential component of a data center’s security infrastructure.
4. Cooling Systems and Strategies
Maintaining the correct temperature is crucial for preventing equipment from overheating and ensuring the reliable operation of any data center. If anything overheats, not only will users face downtime and issues retrieving data – the data itself is susceptible to corruption or loss. Cooling systems are absolutely critical in any data center.
Data centers use specialized air conditioning units to maintain optimal temperatures and humidity levels. These units are designed to handle the significant heat generated by servers and other equipment.
Chillers, for example, are commonly used in data centers. They are systems that push cool water that circulates through the data center’s cooling system. This water absorbs heat from the air and is then cooled by the chiller before being recirculated.
A common layout strategy for data centers is called Hot Aisle/Cold Aisle Containment, which involves arranging server racks in alternating hot and cold aisles to improve cooling efficiency. By isolating hot and cold airflows, data centers can reduce cooling costs and improve energy efficiency.
5. Power Supply Systems
Obviously, power supply systems are essential for ensuring uninterrupted data center operations. Having backup systems and backup systems for the backup systems are critical for any data center, as providing uninterrupted service is one of the key directives for a data center. Some common power supply systems for data centers include:
- Uninterruptible Power Supplies (UPS): UPS systems provide backup power during outages and protect against power surges. They are crucial for maintaining continuous operations and preventing data loss.
- Generators: Generators provide extended power supply during prolonged outages. Data centers often use diesel or natural gas generators to ensure that operations continue even during extended power disruptions. Cummins provides various generator options for data centers.
- Power Distribution Units (PDUs): PDUs distribute electrical power to different components within the data center. They come in various configurations and provide features such as remote monitoring and management.
6. Security Systems
Many businesses’ data is as good as gold, and as you might expect, businesses want to protect that data with robust security. Security systems for data centers protect sensitive data from both physical and cyber threats.
When it comes to physical security, data centers implement access control systems, surveillance cameras, and on-site security personnel to protect against unauthorized entry and physical threats.
Cybersecurity measures include firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and data encryption to protect against cyber threats. These technologies help safeguard sensitive data and maintain the integrity of data center operations.
7. Management and Monitoring Systems
Effective management and monitoring – as we’ve said a thousand times – are fundamental to any effective IT operation and data centers are no exception. Any data center should have robust M&M systems, so your team can ensure consistent coverage and operation. Here are some of the types of monitoring that data centers commonly use.
- Environmental Monitoring: Tools for tracking temperature, humidity, and other environmental factors to ensure optimal operating conditions. Sunbird provides advanced monitoring solutions to help manage data center environments.
- Performance Monitoring: Systems for assessing the performance of servers, storage, and networking equipment. This helps identify and address potential issues before they impact operations. Nagios offers performance monitoring solutions for data centers.
- Incident Management: Tools for detecting and responding to hardware failures or security breaches. Incident management systems help minimize downtime and ensure rapid recovery from any disruptions.
Conclusion
A data center is a sophisticated environment designed to support critical IT operations and data management. By understanding what is actually inside a data center, we are able to understand a business’s unique need for these critical pieces of IT infrastructure.
From servers and storage systems to cooling and power supply, each element of a data center plays a crucial role in ensuring smooth and reliable operations so critical to a successful data center operation.
As the industry continues to evolve, new technologies and trends will shape the future of data centers, enhancing their efficiency and sustainability. As you can imagine, AI and machine learning are at the forefront of the coming changes to the data center.
For further information on data centers, check out our previous article on the topic. We’re sure this isn’t the last time we’ll be touching on data centers, so see you again next time!