A data center is simply a centralized location which contains a computing and networking system, for the purpose of collecting, storing, processing and distributing access to a large amount of data. The data center has existed since the invent of computers. It also contains a supercomputer that has become small in size now with the passage of time. As all the equipment started to get smaller and cheaper, the need for data processing got increased. Techs have started networking on multiple servers to increase the processing power. These large number of clustered servers and equipment can be housed in a room. And this room is called the data center.
In the present time, the data centers contain thousands of powerful servers that run twenty-four hours a day. Scroll down to know more about the data centers’ infrastructure.
Data Center Components
A data center is considered as a single thing but it is composed of a number of technical elements like routers, security devices, storage systems, servers, application delivery controllers and more. These additional components of the data center need to be stored and managed by IT. The data centers are very reliable, efficient, and secure which increases their priority in the networking world.
Infrastructure
A data center can be of a room size or in the shape of a building. Apart from technical equipment, the data centers also require significant infrastructure to keep the hardware and software up to date and operational. You can also check out the world’s largest network and datacenter infrastructure atlas on Infrapedia. The data center infrastructure includes power subsystems, uninterruptible power supplies, ventilation and cooling systems, backup generators and cabling to join external network operators.
Data Center Standards
To make it easy for IT leaders, it is necessary to understand what type of infrastructure is required in the data center. In 2005, the American National Standard Institute and Telecommunication Industry Association had published some standards for data centers. That standards define and guide the data centers’ design and implementation. The association has also suggested four tiers that include a modified server room. All the tiers together provide better security and reliability to the data center.