Distribution Systems

Question 1

Cable Distribution System

Answer 1

■ Organized system connecting network backbone to end users via
distribution frames
■ Design should be hierarchical for logical and functional placement within
buildings

Question 2

Demarcation Point

Answer 2

● Location at which the Internet Service Provider (ISP) connection
ends, and network infrastructure and cabling actually begins
● Marks entrance of WAN into facility
● Responsibility shifts to organization beyond this point

Question 3

Main Distribution Frame (MDF)

Answer 3

● Primary starting point for interior cabling distribution
● Houses main point of presence router and backbone switch
○ Backbone switch connects all network components

Question 4

Intermediate Distribution Frame (IDF)

Answer 4

● Branches out from MDF to serve smaller areas
● Contains edge switches for local connections

Question 5

● Cable Trays

Answer 5

○ A unit or assembly of units that form a rigid structural
system to securely support the cables and raceways

■ Horizontal – installed in drop ceilings or beneath
raised floors
■ Vertical – vertical cross-connect, minimizing vertical
cable crossings between floors

Question 6

Racks

Answer 6

● Hold network equipment for efficient space management
● Various types:
○ 2-post – for lighter equipment/patch pannels/network
cabling
○ 4-post – for heavier equipment
○ Wall-mounted – space-saving solution for smaller
equipment
○ Rack enclosures – for high-value equipment

Question 7

Patch Panels

Answer 7

• Organize and facilitate connections within network infrastructure

● Utilize both sides
○ Front – network jacks (RJ-45 network ports)
○ Back – 110 punchdown block

Question 8

110 Block

Answer 8

○ A type of punchdown block used for both voice and data
applications that rely on CAT 5 or newer copper-based
networks
○ Installed using a punchdown tool
● Preferred over direct connections for network maintenance and port protection

Question 9

Fiber Distribution Panel

Answer 9

● Facilitate fiber connections without punchdown blocks
● Uses SC, LC, ST , or MTRJ
● Can act as a converter for types of fiber connection

Question 10

Powder Distribution Systems

Answer 10

Crucial for consistent and reliable power delivery

Question 11

Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS)

Answer 11

■ An electrical apparatus that provides emergency power during main
power failures
■ Offers surge protection and line conditioning
■ Typically lasts 15 to 30 minutes
■ Installed at the bottom of each rack in data centers
■ Some data centers use larger UPS systems supporting multiple racks or
the entire facility

Question 12

Power Distribution Unit (PDU)

Answer 12

■ A specialized device that distributes electric power to network
components and computing equipment
■ Advanced power strips with power monitoring and control features
■ May be rack-mounted or in large cabinets for rows of servers
■ Provides surge protection but not full protection against complete power
loss

Question 13

Generators

Answer 13

■ Installed outside data centers for longer-term power during outages
■ Powered by diesel, gasoline, or propane
■ Paired with UPS or battery backup for seamless power transition
■ Automatic transfer switch shifts power between UPS and generator

Question 14

Power Load Management

Answer 14

■ Critical for preventing circuit overloads and ensuring efficient power
usage
■ Careful calculation and monitoring of power loads on circuits
■ New equipment installations require assessing power impact and
balancing loads across data center

Question 15

Voltage

Answer 15

● Electric potential difference crucial in power distribution
● US standard – 120 volts
● European standard – 230 volts
■ Equipment must match voltage standards to operate properly
■ Dual voltage equipment can operate on both standards
■ Mismatched voltage can damage or destroy equipment

Question 16

Voltage Considerations

Answer 16

Key Considerations
■ Install UPS, PDU, and backup generator for comprehensive power
management
■ Ensure seamless power transition and protection against outages for data
center reliability
■ Consider powe

Question 17

Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system

Answer 17

■ Technology designed for indoor environmental comfort that provides
temperature control, humidity management, and airflow regulation
■ Important for hardware and networking devices

Question 18

Humidity Levels

Answer 18

■ Humidity
● Refers to the concentration of water vapor in the air
■ Too much humidity can cause condensation, leading to corrosion or
electrical shorts
■ Too little humidity can cause static buildup, potentially damaging
sensitive electronics
■ Maintain relative humidity level of 40-60%

Question 19

Airflow Management

Answer 19

■ Important for dissipating heat generated by equipment in data centers
■ Proper airflow management is crucial to prevent overheating or system
shutdowns

Question 20

Port-side Exhaust and Intake (“Hot/cold aisle” Configuration)

Answer 20

● Strategic method of air distribution in which server racks are
positioned in alternating rows with cold and hot air
● Maximizes cooling efficiency
● Reduces energy consumption

Question 21

Design Considerations

Answer 21

■ Plan data center layouts with HVAC factors in mind
■ Proper rack spacing and orientation for efficient airflow
■ Use raised floor systems to push cold air upward into racks and expel hot
air
■ Configure ceiling plenums to return cooled air to the data center
○ Integration of HVAC system is imperative for uninterrupted operation and
optimal performance of network and data center equipment

Question 22

Wet Pipe System

Answer 22

■ Most basic type of fire suppression system
■ Involves sprinkler system with pipes always containing water
■ Activation occurs when fire alarm triggers valve opening, releasing water
■ Common in traditional office buildings but poses risk of water damage to
equipment

Question 23

Pre-action System

Answer 23

■ Aim to minimize accidental releases
■ Requires both detector actuation (e.g., smoke detector) and sprinkler
activation before water release
■ Offers enhanced security similar to two-factor authentication for fire
system

Question 24

Special Suppression System

Answer 24

■ Utilize clean agents like halon, carbon agent, or inert gas
■ Displaces oxygen in the room, suffocating fire
■ Presents suffocation risk to people
● Requires alarms and supplemental oxygen for personnel
○ Safety Measures
■ Install clean agent systems to prevent water damage to equipment
■ Ensure systems are professionally installed and annually inspected
■ Be prepared for potential fire incidents by having suppression systems
ready for use
○ While hoping to avoid fire incidents, it’s crucial to have properly installed and
maintained fire suppression systems in data centers to mitigate risks effectively