In our rapidly expanding digital age, the safekeeping of data is essential. As such, there must be a great deal of consideration in the design and construction of a data center. Below, we’ll briefly go over a few of the most vital structural elements needed to keep these high-tech systems running optimally.
Specializing in the collection, processing, storage and sharing of data, data centers can range from a basic server room to a sizable technological environment. The purpose of these centers is to house critical network equipment and provide uninterrupted operation for either one organization or multiple simultaneously. With these data center systems continuously expanding and improving, the worldwide market is expected to exceed $222 billion in 2023.
To properly house these intricate systems and effectively manage an organization’s data requires a lot of specialized infrastructure. One primary consideration is power. Obtaining most of their power from electricity grids, data centers rely on significant amounts of energy to keep servers and other essential equipment running. Without a sufficient power supply capacity, a data center may experience interruptions that could damage the equipment and result in expensive downtimes. When establishing a new center, ensuring adequate power accessibility is a top priority.
Another structural necessity is cooling equipment. Depending on the size of the structure, air conditioning units may not be enough to keep the servers from overheating. Fortunately, there are numerous cooling solutions, with each one demanding specific requirements. Often, modern water-cooling systems are used to regulate heat and provide greater energy efficiency. Optimizing airflow with specialized paneling, barriers and equipment placement can also help protect these expensive systems.
A third major concern is security. From the physical security measures needed to safeguard the facility to the internal network security processes, a high degree of defense is paramount in keeping sensitive data safe. Restricting access often involves biometric security systems, advanced surveillance cameras, security guards and strategic placement of all entrances and exits. Firewalls, IDSs and data encryption protocols should also be implemented to better protect the network.
Lastly, it’s important to bear in mind the necessary floorspace to house the data center, not just now but in the future as well. Going forward, scalability and flexibility are critical concerns, as the web grows bigger and more complex every day. Even new data centers should be capable and equipped to accommodate upgrades as the need arises.
These considerations and others like them make consulting a design-builder vital. For further information on the key structural elements when establishing a data center, please see the accompanying resource.
Guide created by The Weitz Company, a leader in aviation construction
