Have you ever wondered what goes on behind the scenes at a data centre? Data centres may look boring from the outside (and most go unnoticed), 但不要被表象所迷惑. They are actually a fundamental part of our critical national infrastructure and power the modern economy!
Remember, there would be no Netflix and Uber without data centres!
Our engineers often get asked what it’s like to work in a data centre and very few people seem to understand or are able to explain what they do or how they operate. So we’ve put together a short guide to explain how we maintain the daily running of our data centre and help businesses with their operations.
可靠或冗余系统 & 组件
当我们谈论IT基础设施时, there are many factors and most of which are physical 组件. 这些例子有:
- 权力
- 网络连接
- 服务器
- 冷却系统
- 火灾探测与防护
- 环境监测系统.
Redundant system implementation helps us prevent a single point of failure.
权力 & 联合包裹
Our data centre power is supplied by an on-site sub-station and routed through automatic generator/联合包裹 transfer panels to ensure continuity. 当电源故障时, customers are protected through the latest Riello Multi权力 联合包裹 (Uninterruptible 权力 Supply) which is configured in N+1. This means we maintain a ‘hot’ standby spare module in case of any failure/fault. 在长时间停电的情况下, we have an on-site three-phase diesel generator that can be run for as long as needed though our third-party maintenance and fueling agreements.
网络连接
We use multiple network providers with diverse incoming connections. This reduces any chance of loss of connectivity due to external factors. 每个连接都在自己的硬件上终止. We use HSRP (Hot Standby Router Protocol) which manages the redundancy and ensures if one connection should fail for whatever reason, 对我们客户的连接没有影响. 整个过程是自动化的，无缝的.
服务器
We carefully maintain servers and follow service lifecycle for upgrade and replacement. This process helps to maintain system configuration at its best and helps prevent physical failure of servers. We’re a Dell Partner and our preferred choice for all server hardware.
HVAC (Heating, ventilation and air conditioning) Cooling System
Data centre environments play a critical role in the performance and longevity of servers. We powerful Fujitsu and Airedale coolers to keep the data hall at a consistent temperature all year round and to provide resiliency in the event of a unit failing. We have a secondary independent cooling system which provides further redundancy as we understand the critical role that HVAC plays in a data centre environment. We also have extensive environmental monitoring in place to detect excessive humidity, moisture or water ingress at key points of the building.
消防
The data centre is equipped with multiple smoke and heat sensors to provide early warning of any fire risks. The fire detection system is linked to our alarm system and is monitored 24 x7 through our own systems and via external monitoring.
良好的电缆管理
当人们想到数据中心的电缆时, the first thing that may come to mind is a big spaghetti mess (spaghetti cables are a crime!). We make sure our cables are arranged in the neatest way possible, especially if they are in close proximity with server racks.
This is known as structured cabling and the benefits include improved airflow and cooling and to easily identify cables. Data centre engineers take great pride in their cable management, to them it’s art.
如你所见, there is a lot to keep on top of when working in and maintaining the day to day running of a data centre. 这个列表并不详尽, but does give a good indication of the multiple operations that go on inside a data centre facility. It’s important to us that we’re in control of our own infrastructure as it means our customers can have complete confidence in our ability to keep them online.
If you are interested in learning more about our data centre facilities or any of 我们的服务 请 保持联系 今天和我们在一起. Alternatively, if you would like to book a data centre tour, call us on 0164 464 6101.
