an overview of network-critical physical infrastructure outline

7/27/2019 An Overview of Network-Critical Physical Infrastructure Outline

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An Overview of Network-Critical Physical Infrastructure Outline

Course description:

The physical infrastructure in the data center is the base of the pyramid upon which all computing,network and storage resources rest, and upon which all business critical applications rely. If thephysical infrastructure is not ready to handle server consolidation, for example, this could createserious problems. It would be like trying to redo the foundation after the house is built.

Building the right physical infrastructure is not a one-time undertaking and it means buildingsomething that is flexible and can adapt as the business requirements change, and as the

application mix changes. Those dynamics are consistently changing.

Whether its a multi-megawatt data center, a small LAN room, or even a small wiring closet with aVoIP switch deployment, equipment has to operate successfully and depends on the power,cooling, and physical infrastructure that supports it. That is what is meant by Network-CriticalPhysical Infrastructure (NCPI). It is the foundation one layer below the physical IT equipment likethe servers, or switches.

Course outline:

Learning Objectives

At the completion of this course, you will be able to Recognize the importance of having a solid Network-Critical Physical Infrastructure (NCPI) Define NCPI Describe the seven elements of NCPI Identify the challenges associated with the seven NCPI elements Discuss best practices associated with the seven NCPI elements

Agenda

Introduction The importance of NCPI

Seven elements of NCPI Power Cooling Racks and physical structure Security and fire protection Cabling Management Services


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Summary

Course Content or Material:

1) Introduction to Network-Critical Physical Infrastructurea) The physical infrastructure in the data center is the base of the pyramid upon which

i) All computing, network and storage resources restii) All business critical applications rely

b) When elements are purchased in isolation, the end result is a complex and unpredictableNCPI system

c) Management becomes more complex becausei) A variety of management systems must be used to provide visibility to the entire

systemii) Multiple service contracts become necessary

2) The challenges of traditional NCPIa) NCPI components were purchased from different vendors

i) Led to compatibility issues or problemsb) Systems were custom designed for each specific application

i) Took a great amount of time and effort to configure each data centerc) Data centers were built specifically for the room where they would be located

i) Meant that data centers were not easily movabled) A slow speed of deployment is unacceptable and inadequate

e) Purchasers needed to think ahead and plan for the future when initially buying a systemi) This planning led to the over sizing of data centers in order to plan for future business

needs

3) NCPI Element: Powera) The design of power infrastructure for mission critical installations has changed very little

since 1965b) The way that IT systems are deployed today has created new power-related problemsc) Power Challengesd) Power Solutions

i) Integration of the components of the power subsystem must move toward pre-

engineered, pre-manufactured solutionsii) Such solutions would be(1) Modular(2) Standardized(3) Expandable

4) NCPI Element: Coolinga) Cooling systems that are required to successfully remove heat from a data center


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i) Computer room air conditioners (CRAC)

ii) Associated subsystems that allow the CRAC to operateiii) Chillersiv) Cooling towersv) Condensersvi) Duct workvii) Pump packagesviii)Pipingix) Rack-level distribution devices

b) Cooling Challengesc) Cooling Solutions

i) There is a need for a new generation of adaptable cooling systems for mission critical

installations

5) NCPI Element: Physical Structurea) IEC approved the IEC 297-3 standard as a means to standardize the mechanical

dimensions of 19-inch (482.6 mm) enclosuresb) EIA 310 provides further standardization to rack mounting telecommunications and IT

equipmentc) Racks and Physical Structure Challengesd) Racks and Physical Structure Solutions

i) A systematic analysis of customer challenges relating to rack systems provides a clearstatement of direction for next generation mission critical installations

6) NCPI Element: Security/Fire Protectiona) Appropriate subsystems are

i) Physical security devices at the room and rack levelii) Fire detection and suppression systems

7) Security in Mission Critical Facilitiesa) Security systems which provide

i) Positive identificationii) Tracking of human activity

b) The need for physical security is every bit as great as the need for cyber-security of

networksc) Intruders who falsify their identity or intentions can cause enormous damage

8) Mitigating Fire Risksa) NFPA Codes and Design Standardsb) The National Fire Protection Association was established in 1896 to protect the public

against the dangers of electricity and firec) Fire Protection: Industry Best Practices


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9) NCPI Element: Cablinga) Cabling Installation Practicesi) Data cabling best practices

(1) Overhead deployments(2) Underfoot deployments(3) Rack installations(4) Testing cables

ii) Power cabling best practices(1) Described in the National Electric Code(2) Continuous load

(a)Any load left on for more than 3 hours

(3) De-rate amperages and wire sizes by 20%(a) The de-rating approach helps avoid overheated wires, shorts and fires

(4) If the copper is insufficient for the amperages required, the insulation will melt

10)NCPI Element: Managementa) Management is an element of NCPI that spans all of the other elementsb) Management Challengesc) Management Solutions

i) A full-featured NCPI management solution that is based on, and integrated with, openIT systems is essential in order to(1) Manage rapid change

(2)Achieve demanded levels of availability(3) Control total cost of ownership

11)NCPI Element: Servicesa) There is a broad range of services that are necessary to support NCPI systems

i) Consulting and design servicesii) Installation servicesiii) Maintenance and repair servicesiv) Monitoring servicesv) Decommissioning services

b) Services Challenges

c) Services Solutionsi) Surveys indicate customers are seeking a broad range of services from vendor-partners

ii) These services must demonstrate the same dedication to high quality and integrationthat the manufacturer exercises in designing and building the equipment

iii) Modern data center managers are looking for a single source of these services

12)Summary


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a) NCPI is foundational to a data center

b) There are seven elements of NCPIi) Powerii) Coolingiii) Racks and physical structureiv) Security and fire protectionv) Cablingvi) Managementvii) Services

Course Assessment: Test Your Knowledge

Course Survey: We Value Your Opinion

an overview of network-critical physical infrastructure outline

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