An Enhanced Approach to Distribution Control Systems for Data Center Management

ABSTRACT
The proposed approach presented for data center infrastructure monitoring and ma
nagement allows rapid deployment of a reliable, real-time monitoring system to i
mprove efficiency and operations. Using battery operated low-power wireless sens
ing devices, and retrieving data directly from the equipment, data is collected
through a noninvasive and non-interruptive process. Collected data can be used i
n many ways to make more informed decisions, to reduce downtime and cost of oper
ations, to improve efficiency and key indicators, to perform energy audits, phys
ical space planning, and develop predictive behavior models. Data center profess
ionals must think critically to determine what data is needed for each particula
r case, also considering future scenarios. This practice avoids missing importan
t measurements and helps avoid the collection of useless data. Going forward, da
ta center monitoring and management systems must include end-to-end resource man
agement, covering both the IT equipment and supporting infrastructure. The abili
ty to directly access measurements related to power, environment, and resource u
tilization opens new windows for optimization. This not only supports management
, relocation, replacement, and other actions, but creates opportunities for tran
sferring data from server to server to control power and environmental parameter
s. The proposed infrastructure contributes to enhanced reliability and predictab
ility and reduced risk of downtime.