PATCHING
Patching in the data centre Patch of the Day By Matt Goulding, Managing Director, Cannon Technologies
The modern data centre is a highly complex entity and a failure to specify the correct type of containment solution can have serious consequences for temperature control, while compromising the security of active equipment. While the days of the patching
Matt Goulding examines the evolution of the patching frame and explains what to look for when selecting this important infrastructure component.
frame being a simple passive product are long gone, a surprising number of data centres are still being configured using a number of different types of products from various manufacturers, which apart from looking disjointed, has potentially serious implications for equipment cooling and security.
Trend Setting Although cabinets are a mainstay of the data centre infrastructure, when it comes to patching the preferred option is to use purpose built frames. Ease of access and enhanced cabling density are just two of the reasons that patching frames have become so popular. However, most patching frames currently available have two serious downsides; a lack of security and no access control. Fortunately, some forward thinking
manufacturers are dealing with this issue by creating products that feature
tamperproof side panels and lockable but removable doors. While this level of enhanced physical security should be welcomed, compliance with data protection and corporate accountability based legislation, such as Sarbanes Oxley, BASEL II and PCI, requires auditable records of physical and electronic access.
Acting Up This means that active security is essential and passive key operated cabinet locks are inadequate. Instead, software controlled locks with PIN codes, RFID cards, fingerprint and iris/ retina scan biometrics are being used. This not only controls who can access the cabinet, but also when and for how long, raising alarms if there is an unauthorised attempt to gain access or if the cabinet remains open beyond a technician’s allocated time slot. The lock system can also be
configured to provide even higher security features. For example, to require two people, such as a technician and a security operative, to go through an authentication process before the cabinet will unlock. When in, CCTV cameras can be triggered to record the
access session or a simple photograph taken of the person involved. With all such systems a full audit trail, including the video footage, is stored for future reference. In fact, any security and access
control technology usually deployed in server racks can also be used in patching frames and use the same management control system. That is, of course, if the patching frame is from the same stable as the server cabinets. If they are not, there is a good chance that special metalwork will be necessary to plug air leaks, which is often a highly unsatisfactory solution.
Cool it Down The need to squeeze maximum processing and storage into the smallest space has led to a massive increase in the heat density of electronic equipment and in most data centres effective temperature control is essential. One way that this has been addressed
is to avoid installing cabling under a false floor, as it impedes the cold airflow, reduces cooling efficiency and affects power usage effectiveness. Rack mounted cable tray systems provide the most convenient, cost effective overhead cabling containment solution. The cables then flow into the top of the server cabinets and patching frames.
Suite Talk Although well designed for internal cable management, frames from structured cabling manufacturers tend not to ‘suite’ well with the server cabinets. This inconsistent approach can play havoc with even the best cooling system. This is especially evident with the cocooning approach that provides a system of overhead aisle panels and aisle end doors that effectively seal off the cold aisle. This ensures that the cold air emitted from the floor is sealed in a cocoon and is therefore unaffected by hot exhaust air and the cooling air can only exit through the equipment for which it is intended. Although it is normal to keep
When it comes to patching, the preferred option is to use purpose built frames. 46 NETCOMMS europe Volume II Issue 4 2012
patching separate from the cooled racks where possible, occasionally in-row
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