1.2 Data Center Flashcards
What is a data center?
A central location where all IT equipment and structured cabling are housed.
What are the key components of a data center?
Cable management, flooring, cooling (HVAC), equipment racks, and power systems.
Where are cables typically placed in a data center?
At the top of the room or under the floor.
What is structured cabling?
A standardized cabling system supporting multiple hardware uses from the work area to the data center.
Name the six subsystems of structured cabling.
- Entrance Facility
- Equipment Room
- Backbone Cabling
- Horizontal Cabling
- Telecommunications Room
- Work Area
What type of flooring is commonly used in data centers?
Raised flooring.
Why is raised flooring used?
It supports heavy racks and allows modular access for cabling and cooling.
What is an equipment rack?
A physical steel frame that houses servers, network equipment, and cables.
What are the standard dimensions of an equipment rack?
- Width: 19 inches
- Depth: 36 inches
- Height: Measured in U (1U = 1.7 inches)
If a rack is 42U, what is its height?
71.4 inches (5.95 ft).
Why is cooling important in data centers?
To prevent overheating and ensure equipment functions properly.
What is the recommended temperature range for data centers?
21°C to 24°C.
What are the two types of air conditioning systems used in data centers?
- CRAC (Computer Room Air Conditioning) – Uses refrigerant.
- CRAH (Computer Room Air Handler) – Uses chilled water.
What is the hot aisle/cold aisle design?
A cooling strategy where cold air is directed into racks, and hot air is vented out separately.
What are the common power ratings for data center equipment?
Volts (V), Amperes (A), Watts (W), and Volt-Amperes (VA).
What is the purpose of an Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS)?
To provide short-term power backup during transitions to a generator during outages.
Why should you never exceed a data center’s rated power supply?
It can cause an overload and potential equipment failure.
What are three key security measures in data centers?
- Physical Security – Restricted access with locks/key cards.
- Fire Protection – Smoke detectors, fire extinguishers, suppression systems.
- Safety Measures – Fire exits for emergency evacuation.
What is structured cabling?
The design and installation of a standardized cabling system that supports multiple hardware uses.
What are the primary standards for structured cabling?
EN50173 (Europe) and EIA/TIA 568 (US).
What are the six subsystems of structured cabling?
Entrance Facility, Equipment Room, Backbone Cabling, Horizontal Cabling, Telecommunications Room, Work Area.
What is the function of the entrance facility in structured cabling?
It contains cables, network demarcation points, protection devices, and other equipment that connect to the access provider or private network.
What is the function of the equipment room?
It is an environmentally controlled space housing telecommunications equipment and main cross-connects.
What does backbone cabling do?
Provides interconnection between telecommunications rooms, equipment rooms, access provider spaces, and entrance facilities.
What does the telecommunications room house?
It houses horizontal and backbone cable terminations, jumpers, patch cords, and sometimes intermediate or main cross-connects.
What is horizontal cabling?
It extends from the work area to the telecommunications room, typically up to 90 meters.
What components are in the work area subsystem?
Telecommunications outlets, connectors, and work area equipment.
What are the common cable management methods in data centers?
Overhead cable trays/ducts and underfloor cable trays.
Why is color-coding used in cable management?
To differentiate cable types and functions for easier identification.
Name one bad cable management practice.
Leaving cables tangled and unorganized, which can cause airflow obstruction and difficulty in maintenance.
What is a good cable management practice?
Using structured layouts, cable trays, and proper labeling to maintain organization.
