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 the
physical infrastructure is not ready to handle server consolidation, for example, this could create
serious 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 building
something that is flexible and can adapt as the business requirements change, and as the
application mix changes. Those dynamics are consistently changing.

Whether it’s a multi-megawatt data center, a small LAN room, or even a small wiring closet with a
VoIP 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-Critical
Physical Infrastructure (NCPI). It is the foundation one layer below the physical IT equipment like
the 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 Infrastructure

a) The physical infrastructure in the data center is the base of the pyramid upon which
i) All computing, network and storage resources rest
ii) All business critical applications rely
b) When elements are purchased in isolation, the end result is a complex and unpredictable
NCPI system
c) Management becomes more complex because
i) A variety of management systems must be used to provide visibility to the entire
system
ii) Multiple service contracts become necessary

2) The challenges of traditional NCPI

a) NCPI components were purchased from different vendors
i) Led to compatibility issues or problems
b) Systems were custom designed for each specific application
i) Took a great amount of time and effort to configure each data center
c) Data centers were built specifically for the room where they would be located
i) Meant that data centers were not easily movable
d) A slow speed of deployment is unacceptable and inadequate
e) Purchasers needed to think ahead and plan for the future when initially buying a system
i) This planning led to the over sizing of data centers in order to plan for future business
needs

3) NCPI Element: Power

a) The design of power infrastructure for mission critical installations has changed very little
since 1965
b) The way that IT systems are deployed today has created new power-related problems
c) Power Challenges
d) Power Solutions
i) Integration of the components of the power subsystem must move toward pre-
engineered, pre-manufactured solutions
ii) Such solutions would be
(1) Modular
(2) Standardized
(3) Expandable

4) NCPI Element: Cooling

a) 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 operate
iii) Chillers
iv) Cooling towers
v) Condensers
vi) Duct work
vii) Pump packages
viii) Piping
ix) Rack-level distribution devices
b) Cooling Challenges
c) Cooling Solutions
i) There is a need for a new generation of adaptable cooling systems for mission critical
installations

5) NCPI Element: Physical Structure

a) IEC approved the IEC 297-3 standard as a means to standardize the mechanical
dimensions of 19-inch (482.6 mm) enclosures
b) EIA 310 provides further standardization to rack mounting telecommunications and IT
equipment
c) Racks and Physical Structure Challenges
d) Racks and Physical Structure Solutions
i) A systematic analysis of customer challenges relating to rack systems provides a clear
statement of direction for next generation mission critical installations

6) NCPI Element: Security/Fire Protection

a) Appropriate subsystems are
i) Physical security devices at the room and rack level
ii) Fire detection and suppression systems

7) Security in Mission Critical Facilities

a) Security systems which provide
i) Positive identification
ii) Tracking of human activity
b) The need for physical security is every bit as great as the need for cyber-security of
networks
c) Intruders who falsify their identity or intentions can cause enormous damage

8) Mitigating Fire Risks

a) NFPA Codes and Design Standards
b) The National Fire Protection Association was established in 1896 to protect the public
against the dangers of electricity and fire
c) Fire Protection: Industry Best Practices

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9) NCPI Element: Cabling
a) Cabling Installation Practices
i) 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: Management

a) Management is an element of NCPI that spans all of the other elements
b) Management Challenges
c) Management Solutions
i) A full-featured NCPI management solution that is based on, and integrated with, open
IT 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: Services

a) There is a broad range of services that are necessary to support NCPI systems
i) Consulting and design services
ii) Installation services
iii) Maintenance and repair services
iv) Monitoring services
v) Decommissioning services
b) Services Challenges
c) Services Solutions
i) 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 integration
that 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 NCPI
i) Power
ii) Cooling
iii) Racks and physical structure
iv) Security and fire protection
v) Cabling
vi) Management
vii) Services

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