Do you run a small business and think about a server room arrangement? Such a premise setup is not as easy as it may seem. The process takes much effort and time and greatly influences the service life and smoothness of system functioning. Proper planning is a key to successful space allocation.
Why is planning important? A correctly developed layout allows eliminating mistakes, preventing overheating, and improving room ergonomics. It is the first step every businessman should take on the way to his own server room arrangement.
Helpful Tips to Setup Server Premises Wisely and Correctly
Planning starts long before the purchase of a server cabinet for hardware storage. When developing a server room setup, pay due attention to the following points.
Location, Size & Design
At this stage, you should clearly define the purpose, size, and needs of a future room. Consider the following parameters:
- location;
- spacing;
- technological needs (power);
- the number of components and their types.
Depending on these factors, choose a suitable premise. Make sure that a room satisfies all conditions, including a fire alarm system, and electricity supply. It is better to locate premises far from plumbing systems and utilities.
Suitable rack model
Businessmen will find a rich diversity of furniture models for server rooms on the market. When they install specialized furniture pieces, they can house dozens of devices in a relatively small area. Rigid constructions guarantee secure and durable equipment support and fastening. The following rack models are offered:
- 2-post racks;
- 4-upright bodies.
These furniture pieces do not have doors and side panels. Its construction consists of vertical posts with holes for hardware mounting and an adjustable framework at the bottom.
The variety of sizes impresses. Clients can find products to any demand, starting from small 6U-12U up to large spacious pieces of 36U-48U. Thus, businessmen can select appropriate models for any purpose. Numerous accessories, such as a server rack power strip, are offered.
Besides open-frame models, enclosed cabinets are also provided. They have side panels and doors that are suitable for installation in offices or public places due to the high level of protection.
Proper airflow
The issue of cooling and air circulation is vital for any IT system. Each component emits heat during performance. Thus, the temperature rises quickly, and hardware can overheat due to heat exchange if a cooling strategy is chosen improperly.
Open-frame racks are more beneficial in terms of natural cooling since the airflow is not hindered and can freely circulate through equipment. But, when natural cooling is not enough, specialists use tools for forced ventilation. The following cooling strategies are applied:
- fans;
- temperature control sensors.
The use of sensors and ventilation devices will help monitor the environment inside server products. If the temperature is higher than the norm, system administrators will receive alarms to the control board.
Cable management
This part of the cabinet organization implies routing wires to enable powering and communication between components and connect system units. Well-structured and laid cords allow for a neat appearance, easier and quick maintenance. Proper cable routing helps avoid accidental raptures. The following accessories are applied to keep wires neat and structured:
- plastic arms;
- ties, hooks;
- horizontal and vertical boxes.
Specialists use different techniques to organize wires and identify them quickly. Note the following strategies:
- cord labeling;
- marking with colorful stickers;
- combining wires in bundles according to certain requirements.
Open-frame racks are more convenient for cable management since specialists decide where and how to wire cords.
Efficient hardware layout
Visualization allows system administrators to plan the future allocation of devices in racks. A 3D layout helps eliminate possible mistakes during hardware installation. Also, it is easier to calculate the required furniture size.
When designing a layout, users can notice all the subtleties of the project and adjust free space between equipment, and wire cords.
Power feeding
If your IT ‘organism’ consists of many servers, computers, and other devices and requires a lot of power, make sure that the supplying PDU is capable of feeding it. Each hardware piece has diverse requirements for power consumption to run stably.
Patch panels and other accessories are used in systems to allocate power effectively and ensure sufficient feeding of all components. Such tools are produced for power distribution in the right amount without loss of energy. For businesses, it means cost saving.
Also, when planning server room organization, business owners should foresee all possible cases, including emergencies. Use uninterruptible power supply tools and backup cloud memory to ensure that a system will continue working in the case of a sudden power outage. This measure can save a company from downtime and potential data loss.
Server room installation is not an easy task. It requires thorough preparation and consideration. Businessmen should plan all aspects, starting from room examination up to the creation of a 3D layout. The preparatory stage is the most important and weighty. However, if you approach it seriously and put effort, it will simplify your future server room arrangement and make system administration more accessible.
