High Density – choosing wisely

The role of data centres has changed significantly in recent years. This is the result of various developments, such as the Internet of Things, new (remote) working methods, ‘Big Data’, the rise of tablets and smartphones, Virtualisation, Cloud, Everything As A Service and innovative ways of storing and moving data. This is changing the way in which DCs are designed and operated.

 

To accommodate current and future applications Data centre infrastructure – internal and external - needs to be flexible, scalable and reliable. Data Centres need higher bandwidths and port densities, more processing power and greater energy efficiency. High-density (HD) capability will become more and more important to parties looking for third-party data centres and there’s a clear need to realize the largest possible port density in limited spaces. High density makes it possible to minimize the meet-me-room area and gain space for further racks and switches. Consolidating all POP servers in a 1U housing frees up space for switches and routers. Planning for Software Defined Network (SDN) architectures can be improved.

 

The solution should offer a lower cost per port than existing platforms, and provide a flexible upgrade path to accommodate needs for many years to come. Current HD fibre solutions for data centres generally offer up to 72 LC duplex ports per rack unit. However, edge networks, which move content such as HDTV programmes closer to end users, may need to support several consecutive generations of hardware and bandwidth standards. In this case, high density – higher than 100 ports per rack unit - is essential. Traditional 72 port per unit UHD solutions won’t suffice.

However, higher density can result in unmanageable cabling, making Moves, Adds and Changes (MACs), cable tracking and fault-finding impossible. Troubleshooting or making decisions regarding infrastructural changes based on incorrect, out-of-date or unreliable documentation is like walking a tightrope without a safety net. The prospect of difficult management makes many DC designers apprehensive about increasing density. However, manage,ment doesn’t need to be a major issue - if certain considerations are taken into account when creating HD solutions.  

 

Management skills

Cable management is key. Poorly though-out and maintained cabling can lead to interference and crosstalk, damage and failure. Trays and cables need to be installed and managed in a way that respects the radius of FO cables and ensure there are no cables or bundles resting upon others to avoid performance limitations, data transmission errors, damage and resulting downtime.

Only use quality terminations, test wherever necessary, label and colour-code, watch out for cramped conduits. Cooling is essential as higher density infrastructures require more energy and produce more heat. Higher density can also mean heavier racks, which needs to be factored in during design, installation or upgrade phases.

An integrated hardware and software system is required to automatically detect when cords are inserted or removed and documents the cabling infrastructure, including connected equipment. Everything can be monitored and administrated from a common software tool. The entire infrastructure is represented in a consistent, up to date database, offering precise, real-time information on the current state and future requirements of the data centre. Such systems improve operational efficiency and facilitate management of passive infrastructure.

Data centres need more and more bandwidth and current infrastructure won’t be able to keep up. Designing High Density data centres with the right kind of flexibility and reliability in mind, making smart technology choices today, can help solve bottlenecks now and in the future.