The highly secure data center NTR SDC™
A highly secure data center is a technical facility that ensures the highest level of security and protection of ICT equipment along with the highest availability of its services. It combines the strictest protected server space and the facilities of utility infrastructure, together with all the infrastructure built in accordance with Tier 3 or Tier 4, according to the classification of the organization Uptime institute. The facility is, like other data centers, composed of different rooms and a complex set of utility infrastructures. Among the facilities are the main system space, spaces for power supply systems – UPS systems, spaces for technical cooling systems, a diesel electric power generator, console spaces, convenient storage facilities, etc. The specialty of a highly secure data center lies in its safety and reliability. Security is achieved through two sets of measures. The first are definitely passive actions, which determine the level of protection of the system space and other areas. At this point we should highlight the key features of the system space:
- Fire resistant, tested to temperatures up to 1090°C, certified by ECB-S, in accordance with standard fire hazards of IT equipment EN 1047-2;
- Explosion resistance, tested with an explosion of 200 kt TNT at a distance of 40 m;
- Protection against ingress of water, tested with standing water of 40 cm height, protection against extinguishing agents and fluids IP x6 by IEC 60529;
- Protection against dust ingress, stage IP 5x by IEC 60 529;
- Protection against corrosive gasses according to DIN 18095;
- Unauthorized access (WK 3 by EN1627/1630 for the entire system and WK 4 for its parts).
In addition to the above, we have installed additional safety systems that provide active protection, such as:
- Smart LED lighting NTR LSL™,
- System cabins for the passage of one person NTR KOP™,
- Burglar proof and technical security systems,
- Video surveillance systems,
- System controlling access to individual system cabinets,
- Fire protection systems with stable fire extinguishers.
The elements of the utility infrastructure are located in separate rooms, but are connected to joint fire protection and other security elements. The utility infrastructure of the data center, such as power supply systems, technical cooling systems, etc. is designed with the purpose of providing the highest levels of availability with appropriate redundancy. According to the client’s wishes these are executed in a Tier 3 or Tier 4 configuration.
While planning the modular safe system space NTR SDC™ we pay close attention to:
Uninterruptible power supply system
Electrical energy is the basis for working IT equipment. Before we start to design the energy supply, we need to establish energy needs of the center. This is based on the expected load of the center whereby we take into account the average load of each system rack, average load of each telecommunication cabinet, load of other equipment like lighting, the average load of cooling systems and losses in devices (UPS, load banks, power switches etc.).
Efficient cooling
Planners need to select the optimal technical cooling, based on specific needs, which have to efficiently deal with all five basic challenges. At the same time, it is important to pay attention to the choice of devices. They must ensure effective cooling regardless of the environmental impacts. In our part of the world this means not only functioning during the winter, but even at temperatures as low as -20 degrees Celsius, something not all cooling systems can do.
While planning technical cooling it is necessary to take into account the specific load of each system and communications cabinet. We can start from the planned installation of equipment in the system cabinet. However it is difficult to accurately predict the type and placement of the equipment for a longer period of time. Therefore, when determining the type and method of cooling we take into account certain average values. With proper selection of the average load values we can also provide flexibility and expandability.
When choosing a suitable method of cooling we need to provide a sufficiently large quantity of cooling medium, along with ensuring effective transfer to sources of heat radiation - IT equipment.
Supervision and management of the infrastructure
When monitoring infrastructures we are faced with the specific problematic of various control systems. A majority of organizations already have an implemented central control system, but it is not entirely clear what its purpose is or what it provides.
Control systems are virtually always based on distributed data acquisition systems, where data from individual technological parts is captured on distributed aggregating systems. With these we aggregate digital and analog signals and drive digital and analog actuators over digital and analog ports. We also gather information and control devices over communication ports. Individual controllers are linked into the network. System incorporates a synoptic console that makes it easier to relay to other systems.
For the most demanding customers NTR has developed a comprehensive solution Data Center Infrastructure Management Software NTR™ DCIM, that enables complete management of entire infrastructure in complex data centers.
