FEATURE DATA CENTRE MANAGEMENT EFFECTIVE IT RACK COMPONENTS
Rittal has summarised some of the key questions to ask to help ensure the success of any future installation and commissioning of racks
T
here are five main areas for IT and data centre managers to consider
when it comes to planning future rack developments. One of the most critical steps to consider is deciding the precise configuration of the internal components. This typically underpins the success of the whole project, especially when IT racks are not installed in a standardised data centre environment. Choosing the right rack to install
requires an understanding of the rack’s purpose, the routing of cabling for power supply and networks, and the ideal cooling solution.
WHAT WILL THE RACK BE USED FOR? The number and type of components will impact the size of the rack. If simply to be used to house servers, then an IT rack 600mm wide will suffice. If it is primarily for network components, the rack should be 800mm wide to accommodate the cabling. Increasingly, enterprises are combining server and network components within individual IT racks to make best possible use of existing infrastructure. An IT rack that is 42 units high, 800mm wide, and 1,200mm deep provides ample room for custom configurations and allows for future expansion.
WHAT FORM OF CLIMATE CONTROL IS NEEDED? Will the rack be installed in a room that doesn’t have an integrated cooling system? If so, then a suitable cooling
14 APRIL 2016 | ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING
system needs to be considered from the outset. If just a single IT rack is needed, then a cooling unit can simply be attached to it externally. Additionally, the rack should have a door with an air- tight seal. If entire room or row cooling is to be installed then a perforated door will be needed to allow a continuous airflow. There are various options for cooling IT
rack interiors depending on their use. For example, inside server enclosures the cool air should flow from front to back, while in network enclosures it should move along the parts that need to be cooled. In both scenarios, it is important to seal off the 19 inch shelves to ensure the cool air does not flow away from the targeted components. All open rack units should be closed off to separate warm and cool air. Effective seals and climate control solutions tailored to the IT rack’s specific purpose will translate into improved energy efficiency and will cut electricity costs for IT operations.
WHERE DO YOU WANT YOUR CABLES? A detailed plan for interior and exterior cable routing should be in place before a server enclosure is configured. The power supply in particular has to be considered. Many active IT components require a redundant power supply, which means there are two power distribution units (PDUs), making cable management more complex. Moreover, power and copper data cables must be kept apart to avoid interference.
Special attention must be paid to the minimum bend radius of the fibre- optic cables to prevent signal attenuation. If the racks are to be placed on a raised floor, then power and network cabling can simply be laid underneath. You can also mount cables under the ceiling and route them through the top of the rack. In this scenario, the roof plate needs to be configured correctly, openings should be closed off with brush strips creating a tight seal. This will simplifying cable management and improve energy efficiency. Typically, air-tightness and a defined air pressure must be maintained to prevent warm and cool air from mixing.
EXTERNAL CABLE MANAGEMENT? Crowded IT racks will have little available space to squeeze in new components. One answer is to route cables outside of the racks to allow cable ducts to pass through the side of the rack, routing cabling over the top so that it re-enters from the opposite side. This approach can save a great deal of space but it may make identifying individual cables more difficult and maintenance work more complicated. Wherever easy maintenance is a
priority, cables should be routed inside the racks. Pinpointing and replacing a single cable is then far simpler if there is a failure or if reconfiguration is required.
Rittal
www.rittal.com
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