Data Center Cable Management (2)

Peek into the data center, and you might spot server racks sporting snarled messes of spaghetti cabling instead of neatly tied bundles. Several strategies can help to consolidate and better manage computer cabling in the data center.




Implement a converged networking architecture

With the increased density of servers, storage and networking devices, cabling needs also increase. Blade server systems converge IO and networking to connect servers; storage; networks; and keyboard, video and mouse (KVM) systems. Using converged networking adapters (CNA) or mezzanine cards in blade systems enables the same adapter to be used for both storage and general network activity. Converged adapters simplify connectivity and improve flexibility in how CNAs will be deployed going forward.

Network devices such as switches are often added to server and storage cabinets. For example, a top-of-rack, bottom-of-rack or embedded switch aggregates the network and I/O connections within a server cabinet to simplify connectivity to an end-of-row or group of switches. Low-performing servers or storage can use low-cost, low-performance network interfaces to connect to a local switch, while a high-speed uplink connects to a core switch.


Deploy cable management technologies and best practices

Do you know which cable goes where and what it connects to? Can you easily identify different types of networks by looking at the cable or identifier tags? Are power and network cables clearly identified? If not, your organization needs some form of a cable management system.

Cable management systems, including patch panels, trunk and fan-in, fan-out cabling for overhead and under-floor applications, are useful for organizing cabling. Cable management tools include diagnostics to verify signal quality and dB loss for optical cabling, cleaning and repair for connectors, as well as asset management and tracking systems.

For a relatively low-tech option, label cable endpoints to track what the cable is being used for. Solutions can be as simple as a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet or as sophisticated as a configuration management database with intelligent fiber-optic management systems. An intelligent fiber system includes mechanisms attached to the cabling to facilitate tracking and identify cabling.


Verify airflow in and around cabling

While not typically considered green IT, cabling can impact airflow and, in turn, data center cooling costs. A well-designed cable conveyance system enables easy access for maintenance while allowing cool air to efficiently circulate where needed. Improved airflow means air conditioning doesn’t have to work as hard, which reduces power consumption and energy costs.

Deploy Cat 5 for KVM needs

Simplify support for KVM devices by seeking solutions that leverage Category 5 cabling to let Ethernet wiring do double duty. If network consolidation leaves your organization with unneeded Cat 5 cabling, repurpose it to support KVM needs.


Don’t create problems by cost-cutting

In the quest to reduce costs, there can be a temptation to cut corners with lower quality cable and connectors. This can cause problems. For example, consolidating too much onto a single resource or cable can create a single point of failure. Invest in quality cabling to reduce total cost of ownership.Without cable and associated management, servers, storage and network devices aren’t able to communicate with each other, access the power they need or be monitored. Proper cable management can help maximize the return on your investment in technology.


About The Blogger

Strategic Media Asia (SMA, www.stmedia-asia.com) is a leading technical training and event organizer for corporations specialized in data center design & build, E&M facilities, telecom, ICT, finance and colocation. Currently, SMA delivers a series of data center trainings and qualification programs in Hong Kong, Taiwan and Macau.

All these events / training seminars are designed to support the leadership needs of senior executives (Chief Information Officers, IT Directors / Managers, Facilities Managers, company decision makers, etc.) and to provide useful and applicable knowledge.

For detail, please visit our data center courses & training seminars at http://www.stmedia-asia.com/trainings.html.

Data Center Cable Management (1)

Data centers represent some of the most demanding performance technology in the communications infrastructure market. Choosing the right cabling and cable management system is one of the most important aspects of data center design. Reliability, in combination with extreme density, should guide your choice of products. Data center longevity is also a consideration, especially when it comes time to upgrade to 40G and 100G Ethernet.

Tight Buffer Cable

Cabling infrastructure is the backbone of your data center. The rugged characteristics of tight buffer cabling reduce risk of downtime caused by cable failure. With increasing density and the subsequent increased risk of strain on your cabling system, reliability is essential when evaluating cabling needs.

Fiber is immune to electromagnetic interference and is specially designed for higher bandwidths (data rates) than other types of cables. As fiber becomes the prominent transport medium in the data center, it’s important to research and select the latest in data center products and technologies. Choose companies with experience in developing and supplying cable products perfected for the most critical communications applications.


Preterminated Fiber and Copper Cabling Systems

The sheer number of connections in the data center has increased dramatically and will continue to do so with the advent of the 40G and 100Gbit/s Ethernet standards. These new standards require increased fiber counts for a single data connection beyond the conventional duplex configuration. Look for the highest density of connectivity. Preterminated copper and fiber cables are the preferred choice for several reasons.

First, the operator is less of a factor in the termination process required for either fiber optic or copper cables since no special skill set is required for termination or testing of preterminated cables. This also eliminates the concern of alien crosstalk testing on the copper side. No external contractors are needed, saving your company both time and money.

Secondly, preterminated cables eliminate excess loops, as they are cut to specified lengths. Preterminated copper or fiber optic cables can be customized to your specific needs for easy, perfectly cabled installation, eliminating the problem of excessive slack storage.






10G Copper Cat6A PoE Ready Preterminated Cabling System

If your data center supports PoE enabled devices, such as cameras for surveillance and security or IP telephony, then copper cabling may be an appropriate choice for your facility. Choose products that allow you to build a foundation that will support both high-speed data and provide device power simultaneously. Preterminated Cat6A panels and cabling systems offer the foundation you are looking for to support current and future PoE devices.


Integrated Cable Management

Cable management is the key for accessibility and a clean visual appearance of any data center. In recent years, this has become even more pressing as the value of rack space has driven densities for both copper and fiber applications.

Combined with the high data counts for the 40G and 100GBit/s Ethernet standards, cable management has seen an unprecedented level of interest to accommodate the densities of today and anticipated densities of tomorrow. Ideally, choose products that ensure accessibility of all ports, have horizontal and vertical management mechanisms on the front of the panel, and smooth coupling mechanisms between the cassettes and the panel chassis.

Upgradability

A solid technical roadmap is key to installing infrastructure that is suitable for your current needs, as well as accommodating both anticipated and unanticipated needs for the future. Spend some time now researching the marketplace and choose products designed specifically with this in mind.

Choose fiber cassettes that are upgradable from 10G Ethernet to either 40G or 100G, and panels suitable for all technologies. Preterminated trunk cables used for 10G today can be leveraged into 40 or 100G tomorrow, simply by installing the respective new technology cassettes that suit your bandwidth needs.


About The Blogger


Strategic Media Asia (SMA, www.stmedia-asia.com) is a leading technical training and event organizer for corporations specialized in data center design & build, E&M facilities, telecom, ICT, finance and colocation. Currently, SMA delivers a series of data center trainings and qualification programs in Hong Kong, Taiwan and Macau.

All these events / training seminars are designed to support the leadership needs of senior executives (Chief Information Officers, IT Directors / Managers, Facilities Managers, company decision makers, etc.) and to provide useful and applicable knowledge.

For detail, please visit our data center courses & training seminars at http://www.stmedia-asia.com/trainings.html.

Certified Data Center Design Professional (CDCDP)

You are cordially invited to join the credential program organised by CNet Training, UK

CDCDP, Certified Data Center Design Professional, combines with 3-day Core Unit and 4-day Advanced Unit delivered by experienced instructors from CNet Training. It targets to electrical & mechanical engineers, facilities / data center managers, data center operators, system analyst, IT management, etc. who are responsible for critical infrastructure and facilities.


The 3-day Core Unit of CDCDP covers key theories for data center design and international standards, whereas the 4-day Advanced Unit of CDCDP combines with four modules - Data Center Efficiency, Cooling, Design Management and Power - more focused on the best way to implement the design processes.


Completion of the two units and examinations will receive a Level 5 accreditation (Certified Data Center Management Design Professional, CDCMDP) granted by (BTEC) Edexcel, a Pearson group. All units are conducted in English by instructors from CNet Training, UK.


Kindly visit the local site of CDCDP at www.stmedia-asia.com/cdcdp or download a detailed program brochure HERE. You can also visit the official site at CNet Training (www.cnet-training.com/regions/asia-pacific).






About The Blogger

Strategic Media Asia (SMA, www.stmedia-asia.com) is a leading technical training and event organizer for corporations specialized in data center design & build, E&M facilities, telecom, ICT, finance and co-location services. Based in Hong Kong, SMA currently delivers a series of data center training courses and credential programs in South China regions.

SMA is an authorized regional agent of CNet Training in Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan and South China.

For detail, please visit our data center courses & training seminars at http://www.stmedia-asia.com/trainings.html.

Strategic Media Asia becomes a CPD Course Provider of the Hong Kong Institution of Engineers (HKIE)

We are pleased to announce that Strategic Media Asia Ltd (SMA) becomes one of the CPD Course Providers of Hong Kong Institution of Engineers (HKIE) during 20 - 21 February 2014:


Data Center Facilities Design and Infrastructure Engineering


Further to the professional members of IDC industry and the management of critical infrastructure, the course is also designed to suit CPD needs of Scheme A trainees and Corporate Members of HKIE.

SMA, a critical infrastructure training and event organizer based in Hong Kong, will continue to provide an interactive environment and opportunities for members of IDC industry and engineers to exchange professional views and experience on critical infrastructure and E&M facilities.

For more information of the training programs and industry events, please visit HERE.

Data Center Design: Battery-based / Static UPS or Rotary UPS?

UPSs vary greatly in physical size, weight, form factor (e.g., standalone vs. rack-based), capacity, supported input power source (e.g., single phase vs. 3-phase), technological design, and cost.

When considering the procurement of a UPS for a data center or other mission critical facility, there are a number of design and acquisition decisions to make such as:

1. The size of the load to be protected
2. The battery runtime required
3. The proper input and output voltages
4. The right type of system (i.e. on-line, line-interactive, etc.)
5. Pricing and performance seen within manufacturer product portfolios
6. The advances in technologies
7. The ideal level of redundancy (i.e., N, N+1, 2N, 2N+1, etc.)
8. The required output distribution

This time our focus will be limited to comparing 3-phase battery-based UPS and rotary UPSs that support data centers. Some of the common 3-phase UPS architectures are listed below:


- Double Conversion On-Line UPS
- Delta Conversion On-Line UPS
- Engine-coupled Rotary UPS
- Flywheel UPS


Other Single phase UPS systems (will be discussed later):

• Standby UPS (single-phase load ranges from 100 to 1,500 VA)
• Line Interactive UPS (single-phase load ranges from 0.5 to 10 kVA)
• Standby Ferro UPS (single-phase load ranges from 3 to 15 kVA)

Double Conversion On-Line UPS

This design is by far the most common type for loads above 10 kVA. A double conversion UPS is considered ‘on-line’ because its nearly ideal output waveform is derived completely from battery power through its inverter. As such, this isolates the output from the input. The input primarily serves to continually charge the battery.

Therefore, during an AC power failure, on-line operation results in no transfer time. Since 100% of the load power is converted twice, once from AC to DC (to charge the battery) and a second time from DC to AC (for the output), a double conversion UPS is inherently less efficient than offline UPS types.

These UPSs are available in a broad range of sizes for three-phase loads from 10 to 1,000 kVA. Furthermore, these UPSs can be arranged in a vast array of configurations to achieve high availability for very large three-phase data center loads.

Delta Conversion On-Line UPS

That design is a more recent topology that was originally patented and utilized exclusively by APC for its Silcon-series 3-phase UPS line.

The advantage of this topology is its energy efficiency. It achieves high efficiency by not processing 100% of the power, 100% of the time, as is the case with a double conversion UPS.

Rather, it processes only the portion of the power that is outside of the ‘window’ of an acceptable power waveform, while at the same time having an output that is on-line with load such that there is only a load step change from steady-state to full battery-load operation. As such, this technology is best suited for the highest power applications and well above 1,000 kW.

Engine-coupled Rotary UPS

A rotary UPS is one that unlike the prior approaches does not rely on electronics to pass through or recreate an output AC waveform. Rather, a rotary UPS relies on a mechanical motor and generator to create a pure sine wave output without the need for filter capacitors. Additionally, the resulting low input impedance allows the ability to handle any type of load no matter how ‘dirty’ it may be.

Also, this approach yields an ability to handle high fault currents and provide isolation from high harmonic load input currents. Finally, a rotary UPS can be configured to use direct diesel bypass. By comparison, a static (or battery-based) UPS, can only source its load from a generator in a ‘break before make’ fashion. Due to the nature of its ability to handle ‘difficult’ loads, rotary UPSs are large in size and expensive. As such, they are reserved for large loads in excess of 1,000 kW.

The advantages of Rotary UPS:

1. Most energy efficient UPS/CPS system
2. Use of stored kinetic energy
3. No batteries required, that means no chemical waste!
4. Save energy for battery room's ventilation and cooling 
5. Lowest Total Cost of Ownership (TCO)
6. Highest power factor
7. No conditioned battery room required, that means saving space
8. Long life time
9. Efficiency about 96%

Flywheel UPS

Flywheel UPS system is similar to the settings of battery-based UPS system. The rotary UPS is called “rotary” because rotating components (such as a motor-generator) within the UPS are used to transfer power to the load. The true definition of a rotary UPS is any UPS whose output sine wave is the result of rotating generation. Therefore, the UPS in Figure below, although it utilizes a flywheel as a rotating temporary energy storage source in case the utility fails, is not, by definition, a rotary UPS.

About The Blogger


Strategic Media Asia (SMA, www.stmedia-asia.com) is a leading technical training and event organizer for corporations specialized in data center design & build, E&M facilities, telecom, ICT, finance and colocation. Currently, SMA delivers a series of data center trainings and qualification programs in Hong Kong, Taiwan and Macau.

All these events / training seminars are designed to support the leadership needs of senior executives (Chief Information Officers, IT Directors / Managers, Facilities Managers, company decision makers, etc.) and to provide useful and applicable knowledge.

For detail, please visit our data center courses & training seminars at http://www.stmedia-asia.com/trainings.html.

Diesel Fuel: How Critical for your Standby Power?

Data center downtime is a familiar topic in the industry; however avoiding down time through proactive fuel management is not common knowledge in the field despite an emerging relevance. A vast majority of data centers use diesel to supply their backup power systems.

Historically diesel could be stored for extended periods at a time and function smoothly when needed. Unfortunately, this is no longer the case. The environmental burden of diesel has been reduced by government mandates reducing the sulphur content of diesel and introducing bio-diesel blends. However, in doing so, the need to manage stored diesel has surfaced.


Changes in Diesel

The process to remove sulphur in diesel can affect the functionality of the fuel, to compensate, refiners include additives. Some of these additives, such as certain forms of lubricants, de-icers and bio-diesel itself increase the ability of the fuel to absorb water.


Effects on Your Generator

Water in diesel causes problems and subsequently leads to diesel generators either not kicking in, or failing mid-operation, when standby power is needed in emergency backup situations. It will be a disaster situation when data centers and other critical facilities, such as hospitals, faced severe down time as a result of backup generators not functioning as expected.


Fuel Management: Fuel Testing

A comprehensive fuel management strategy begins with knowing what type of fuel you have, and the state it is being stored in. Research into bio-diesel mandates in your area and perform regular onsite and offsite testing to see the bio-diesel, water and microbial contamination of your fuel (microbial growth is a sign that troubles lie ahead).


Fuel Management: Fuel Polishing

According to Polaris Laboratories, “in systems prone to water contamination,” (such as fuel storage tanks) “it is imperative that the contaminated oil be able to shed water, or demulsify in order to maintain lubricity, viscosity and prevent the formation of acids.”


To begin creating a fuel management protocol, evaluate the tank, piping and generator set up to highlight areas of weakness; consider the impact of likely site temperature and humidity ranges.


The Uptime Institute’s technical paper, titled Biodiesel, suggests finding a fuel polishing system utilizing coalescing filters which have been proven to remove water suspended within the fuel (emulsified water). An automated fuel polishing system is recommended; continuously remove water and particulates, ensuring emergency ready fuel all the time.




About The Blogger


Strategic Media Asia (SMA, www.stmedia-asia.com) is a leading technical training and event organizer for corporations specialized in data center design & build, E&M facilities, telecom, ICT, finance and colocation. Currently, SMA delivers a series of data center trainings and qualification programs in Hong Kong, Taiwan and Macau.

All these events / training seminars are designed to support the leadership needs of senior executives (Chief Information Officers, IT Directors / Managers, Facilities Managers, company decision makers, etc.) and to provide useful and applicable knowledge.

For detail, please visit our data center courses & training seminars at http://www.stmedia-asia.com/trainings.html.

Generators: Key to Improve Reliability (7 x 24)

When it comes to reliability, diesel generators are far and away the most important facility in a data center, and regulatory mandates on fuel may be creating new problems that could raise generator failure rates. Reducing its failures has more than 10 times the impact of reducing other component rates.

There are three key threats to generator reliability – fuel quality problems due to old fuel mixing with newer fuel; quality issues with new Ultra-Low Sulphur Diesel and bio-diesel fuels; and wear and tear from efforts to start cold generators as quickly as possible.


Fuel Tanks and Mixing Diesel

The leading problem with generators is not the failure to start, but the failure to run properly once the generator has started. One of the key factors is fuel quality: mixing small amounts of older diesel remains in the bottom of a tank with newer diesel when it is refilled.


Ultra-Low Sulphur Diesel

Another factor is the regulatory requirement to use Ultra Low-Sulphur Diesel Fuel (ULSD). While ULSD improves the emissions profile of generators, it is less stable than older distillate diesel fuels with a maximum storage time of 6 months. Even if stabilizers are added to extend the storage time, this could result in a higher incidence of accelerated wear on seals.


There are four recommendations on managing the challenge:

(1) Empty and inspect fuel tanks whenever possible (with a good maintenance & operation scheme).

(2) Refine your generator testing policies. Test them as you will run them and the tests should run for 24 to 72 hours to simulate an extended utility outage, which will draw down diesel supplies in ways not seen in shorter periods.

(3) Sample your diesel fuel on a regular basis to track fuel quality.

(4) Make sure you have better connections and agreement with more than one fuel companies so they provide high quality diesel fuel and assistance within a short period of time (say within 2 - 3 hours).

About The Blogger

Strategic Media Asia (SMA, www.stmedia-asia.com) is a leading technical training and event organizer for corporations specialized in data center design & build, E&M facilities, telecom, ICT, finance and colocation. Currently, SMA delivers a series of data center trainings and qualification programs in Hong Kong, Taiwan and Macau.

All these events / training seminars are designed to support the leadership needs of senior executives (Chief Information Officers, IT Directors / Managers, Facilities Managers, company decision makers, etc.) and to provide useful and applicable knowledge.

For detail, please visit SMA's Technical Training Seminars & Data Center Qualification Programs.

The "water-based data center" by Google

A mystery structure being built on a huge vessel in the middle of San Francisco Bay that Google is turning its idea of a floating data center into a reality.

While Google did not confirm the development, CNET reports it has evidence suggesting the 'secret project' could be a Google sea-faring data center.

Google patented a 'water-based data center' in 2009, describing an environmentally friendly, sea-powered telecommunications and storage system:

"A system includes a floating platform-mounted computer data center comprising a plurality of computing units, a sea-based electrical generator in electrical connection with the plurality of computing units, and one or more sea-water cooling units for providing cooling to the plurality of computing units"

While it is hard to say for sure that the structure is in fact a floating data center at the moment, Google, the technology giant, has a history of putting data centers in places with cheap cooling, as well as undertaking odd and unexpected projects like trying to bring Internet access to developing nations via balloons and blimps.

 

Now for Sale - Training Manual of "HVAC Design and Cooling Specialist for Data Center Efficiency"

HVAC DESIGN & COOLING SPECIALIST FOR DATA CENTER EFFICIENCY

This is a training manual developed by a team of experienced Chartered Engineers (CEng). For data center operators and facilities managers, we help you to understand key challenges and consider different factors, from design, testing, commissioning, sustainability and efficiency, of HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) system for data centers.

In addition, the manual details the guidelines of data centers’ cooling criteria, HVAC load development, air distribution, liquid cooling, contamination, availability and redundancy, Computer Fluid Dynamic (CFD) model, energy efficiency, etc., from general theory to technical implementation.

To predict a data center’s power and heat loads over the years ahead is the hardest thing for data center owners. It introduces datacom power trends and cooling applications showing expected growth in power density for different types of computing equipment out to 2020.

Total Number of Page: 106

Total Number of Slide Contained: 204

Size: 210mm x 300mm x 10mm

Language: English

Color: Black & White

CD / Soft Copy: Not Included

THE MANUAL CONTENT

Datacom Equipment Power Trends and Cooling Applications

(a) load trends and their applications

(b) air cooling and liquid cooling of computer equipment

Design Consideration

(a) design criteria and HVAC load

(b) computer room cooling and air distribution

(c) liquid cooling

(d) availability and redundancy

(e) integration with other MEP system

(f) controls and computer fluid dynamics

Testing and Commissioning

(a) air cleanliness test, heat load test

(b) factory acceptance test and site acceptance test

(c) integrated performance test (IST)

Sustainable Design

(a) combined heat power plant (CHP)

(b) solar, geothermal and evaporative cooling method

(c) air side economizers

(d) desiccant unit

Energy Efficiency

(a) power usage effectiveness (PUE)

(b) chilled water plant optimization

(c) water side and air side equipment

(d) part load operation

(e) controls and energy management

(f) LEED certified data center

(g) building energy code

ORDER METHOD

Please contact us at info@stmedia-asia.com
The manual is also available on eBay: http://www.ebay.com/usr/st-media

Data Center Power & Cooling Strategies

In today’s world of high-density data center equipment, power and cooling needs are a supply and demand problem. You should understand the supply limitations of a data center and the demand of the equipment. The cost of data centers is on the rise as a result of the increased power capacity required. While server costs have remained virtually consistent, power density has been increasing.

It’s imperative for CFOs to understand the cost of energy relative to the cost of the server because the need for more data centers is increasing due to the demand for more business applications.

Powering and cooling your own data center is not only of budgetary concern, there is risk in the continuity of the physical environment itself. It is recommended that the temperature ranges 16-24*C with a humidity of 40-55%. The temperature is constantly on the rise because the electrical power used heats the air.

Unless that heat is removed, the ambient temperature will rise, resulting in equipment malfunction. Too much humidity will cause water to condense on internal parts and not enough humidity can produce static electricity discharge problems which will damage components.







When housing your own center, it is critical that all elements of the electrical system, including backups, should be fully duplicated and critical servers connected to both the ‘A’ and ‘B’ power feeds. Your backup power should consist of one or more uninterrupted power supplies (UPS), battery banks, or diesel generators. Static switches are sometimes used to ensure instantaneous switch-over in the event of a power failure. Power is the critical element in a data center because its performance affects the proper execution of every other system in the facility.

If you choose to house your IT operations in data centers, computer rooms, NOC’s, or server farms, be diligent in your research of power and cooling systems because they need to be carefully coordinated. Your equipment and data need 24 hours of protection 7 days a week.


About The Blogger


Strategic Media Asia (SMA, www.stmedia-asia.com) is a leading technical training and event organizer for corporations specialized in data center design & build, E&M facilities, telecom, ICT, finance and colocation services. Currently, SMA delivers a series of data center trainings and qualification programs in Hong Kong, Taiwan and Macau.

All these events / training seminars are designed to support the leadership needs of senior executives (Chief Information Officers, IT Directors / Managers, Facilities Managers, company decision makers, etc.) and to provide useful and applicable knowledge.

For detail, please visit SMA's Technical Training Seminars & Data Center Qualification Programs.