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Utilizing a sophisticated connection, computing, and storage services, a data center gives able to
share access to systems and content. Regulatory requirements created to support in the building,
construction, and maintenance of data center amenities to assure data security and availability.
Equipment like rackmount servers and electric supply modules, as well as applications like
server OS and network tracking tools, make up a dedicated data center. As many significant
businesses rely on the offerings that data centers supply, it has a critical purpose (checkpoint,
n.d.).
Our team has been tasked with building a data center for Columbia Hospital so that a proper
Customer Relationship Management (CRM) platform can be implemented at the hospital,
enabling professionals to handle communication systems in a single mailbox, streamline
physician relationships, drive collaborative efforts among collaborators, and participate service
users – all while integrating with a medical practice's established electronic health record (EHR).
Aside from that, proper data center architecture management is critical, since numerous elements
must be carefully considered, like efficiency, reliability, adaptability, and mobility in rapidly
installing and implementing innovative operations. To meet the test criteria, such a structure
needs careful preparation, analysis, and reasoning.
2 Problem Statement
As a health-care institution, Columbia Hospital must handle more than 8 million patients while
also enabling clinicians to handle messages in a single interface, streamline doctor interactions,
foster cooperation among colleagues, and empower clients. The health care firm mandated the
database to store the documents in the specialized data center platform, that functions as a
logbook and interactions among the Columbia hospital and the clients for their details data in an
internet-based way to handle the personal health information.
Manageability
Maintenance accessibility must be simple, yet data security requirements must be met. Whenever
picking a data center site, geographic security is a critical factor to address. Manageability
generally encompasses information management. Data in the data center must be essential to
effectively and efficiently examined by SPIC supervision so that it fulfills the need of Columbia
Hospital technological standard. Moreover, the purpose of manageability is to take consideration
of the organization’s services, technologies, budget of the system and many more. In absence of
manageability, it impossible to detect vulnerability.
Adaptability
Competence to adapt to different intelligent health systems and modifications experienced, and
also construct an appropriate faster reaction platform for assessing the patient's health state and
monitoring the interaction group's activities. Moreover, in case of the data center for fulfilling
Columbia hospital technological standard, adaptability must be considered so that the hospital is
capable of changing technology and able to adapt new technologies so that it provides
satisfaction to customers resulting into change in technology that can applicable to health sectors
of the organizations.
Scalability
Scalability is the process of handling the growing amount work as it will be preplanned.
Columbia hospital may require expansion in the future so to meet the requirement of that
condition while designing data center we must look into to the scalability in the data center
without affecting the elements that will be present in the data center. It should be taken into
consideration, if not it may affect the data center in the long run if the addition of the system or
equipment are required in the data center. Any changes that are acquired in the future data center
should be handled efficiently without affecting the existing system that is in the data center.
Affordability
As it requires capital to run the data center, affordability is the important factor that should be
looked upon. The total cost of ownership must not be too much to handle the by the hospital. The
data center for the Columbia hospital should be affordable so it can be easy for them to pay for
the operational expense in data farm. The SPIC MALAYSIA will keep the total cost of
ownership low to make sure that the expense of operating the data center is not too expensive for
the Columbia hospital.
Availability
The degree from which a component or service is operational and available when it is needed is
known as availability. The most crucial variable in a data center is having a dependable system
architecture. Data center availability is also threatened by a deficiency of cooling which can
result in interruption of infrastructure becomes moreover heated. Long-term improper power
supply, susceptibility to extremes of heat or cold, dryness, component failures, and plain old age
are all threats to IT equipment (Hartman, 2012).
Security
The EHR will be kept in the same database system as the Customer relationship management.
Patient health records are the sort of data that is intended to be handled by the data center. As a
result, the planned data center must provide the greatest level of data protection. It will ensure
integrity of data and retain Columbia Hospitals consumer trust.
The connection connecting a data center organized wiring network and cross - functional and
cross cable, including access supplier and service, is housed in the entrance room. The access
supplier settlement devices and access supplier gear are housed in this area. ER eliminates the
requirement for workers to go in the data center, it saves time and money. Furthermore, data
centers may feature numerous ER to offer resilience as well as prevent breaching the limit wire
connections for access supplier networks. The vast distribution center connects the entrance
room to the data center. The primary distribution center and the entrance room may be
contiguous or merged (blog.siemon, 2022).
EDA is where end equipment, such as computing devices and telecommunications equipment, is
stored. These regions are not intended to be used as an entrance, major distribution space, or
horizontal distribution space. Inside the horizontal cabling, an optional connectivity point known
as a zone distribution area may exist. This zone is situated between the horizontal distribution
area and the equipment distribution area in order to order to permit for regular reconfiguration
and flexibility (blog.siemon, 2022).
A switch is a piece of networking equipment that uses packet switching to link two or more
devices. It receives and forwards information to the endpoint device. Switches generally similar
to routers, however a router may forward packets across multiple networks, whereas a switch can
only communicate between nodes on the same networks (techopedia, 2020).
Router
A router is a network device that receives, analyzes, and forwards data across the network. It is
frequently used by Internet companies to transfer data from origin to endpoint in the arrangement
of a web page, photo, mp3 format, or a video clip. Moreover, connection of WAN take place
due to the use of router. Furthermore, using the destination's IP address, it may deliver data
across the world (javatpoint, 2021).
3.3.2 Servers
Rack Server
A server rack, also known as a rack-mounted servers or machine, is a machine that is meant to be
installed in a wedge - shaped framework. A server rack's benefits entail higher quality room
protection and management for rack servers, enhanced expandability, excessive air circulation
when combined with a cooling mechanism, and relieve of conventional computer upkeep and
troubleshooting, as their model enables professionals and companies to glide smoothly rack
servers to and from them. Servers rack typically, like other servers, offer users with data and
unique functions. They're prevalent in network infrastructure with tens, if not thousands, of
rackmount servers and containers. It's also frequently seen in the profession, aiding military and
intelligence uses (Daniel, 2020).
Virtual Server
A virtual server, as opposed to a single server, distributes hardware / software capabilities with
other OS's. IT are popular as, thanks to virtualization technologies, they may offer better
improved asset allocation and are much more budget. Previously, a hardware server's computing
capacity is allocated to a single job or program. Maintaining a large number of hardware servers
takes a lot of room, electricity, and investment. Better deployment of projects and services,
increased catastrophe restoration and agility planning, and reduced or eradicated latency are all
advantages of virtual servers. Technology economic output, mobility, profitability, and response
all improve with virtual machines. Decreased operational expenses and investment, as well as
easier data center operations, are further advantages of virtual servers (avinetworks, 2022).
3.3.3 Storage
SAN (Storage Area Network)
SAN stands for Storage Area Network, which is a customized, high-speed network that allows
storage to be accessed on a block-by-block basis. Hosts, switches, storage components, and
storage devices are often found in SANs, which are connected via a variety of technologies,
topologies, and protocols. Multiple locations can be connected using SANs. It is used to
transport massive amounts of data in a serial, continuous, high-speed fashion (up to 16 Gbit/s).
SAN are mainly used for the enhance the accessibility of applications, to improve the
performance of the application, to Improve the efficiency and usage of storage and for the better
data protection and security. For high-availability, high-performance systems, SAN are now built
on the application of Fiber Network ethics (SNIA, 2022).
NAS allows authorized system client and other consumers to put and get data across central core.
It is also referred to as a simple-to-manage file server. NAS is simple to use and not an IT
professional are required to operate it. It is also lower in cost and data backup is simple and
convenient, ensuring that it is always available when you need it. NAS allow system on the
network to access the data medium. It is good in storing data in a secure and trustworthy manner
(seagate, 2022).
Source : (https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/cms/asset/3b37651a-818e-4e0e-8110-f72c906ff162/
jfr312686-fig-0005-m.png)
The internet infrastructure of Malaysia is depicted in the diagram below. Many ISP rely on this
Malaysian internet to deliver internet connectivity. The data center must be situated in one of the
locations illustrated in the picture, according to this map. This would provide connectivity to the
data center from anywhere in Malaysia.
Figure ii: Internet Infrastructure of Malaysia
4.3 Security
When picking a site for a data center, security is crucial. Dynamic defenses like security
personnel and latent deterrents like surveillance cameras are examples of physical security. To
protect the data center against cyber-attacks, a defense and security strategy should be used.
Eavesdropping, ransomware, and malicious programs are the most frequent computer security
dangers, thus data centers should have a reliable and encrypted network with many tiers of
firewall and a network monitoring tool in place to avoid them.
4.4 Raised Floor
A raised floor is one of the most common types of flooring. The decision to install a raised floor
is influenced by a number of factors. Raised floor are very simple to adapt to alterations and
additions, and they allow for the retrofitting of next-generation technology into adjacent
infrastructure. Raised floors help to encourage a variety of thermal loads despite rising density. It
also minimizes the size of the space in which the data center is situated. Since a compact area is
simpler to cool than a large room, it is undertaken. The size of the room that has to be chilled
shrinks when using a raised floor technique. Many modern data center cooling methods
include cold or hot air via the elevated floor. The possibilities to install cold or hot aisle cooling
solutions in the data center are possible when using a raised floor. Numerous cable handling
alternatives are available when you incorporate a raised floor. Cables can be routed beneath the
floor with raised flooring. Finally, the raised floor must be minimum 30-36 inches tall to meet
with the tier 4 data center criteria. Requirement’s fulfillment is critical for instilling trust in the
data center's operation and attracting other businesses to use it as a connectivity facility
(accessfloorsystems, n.d.).
5 Design
5.1 Critical Building System
As the data are increasing day by day there has been a surge in the demand of high-quality data
center where they can store the data with high protection and 24/7 operating phase so whenever
the company requires the data, the data should be handed to them as quickly and as easily
possible as it can be. There has been 4 different tier of data center by uptime institute where the
organization can choose according to their requirements. SPIC MALAYSIA is required to build
a data center for Columbia hospital, so tier 4 is the best option as it is operated 24/7 and only has
0.4 downtime annually. Also, SPIC MALAYSIA focuses on the important functions of the
critical building system and some of them are: air conditioning, live data monitoring,
temperature control , power system, Fire protection system, security system, raised floor system
and many more so that they hospital data center can run efficiently and more perfectly.
Source : (https://ih1.dpstele.com/images/hot-cold-aisle.png)
Source : (https://www.sunbirddcim.com/sites/all/themes/sunbirddcim/build/images/resources/
learnDcim-featured-monitoringWork.png)
Source : (https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Maroua-Haddad-3/publication/321914588/figure/
fig2/AS:667627391315971@1536186182242/Electric-System-Distribution-of-a-data-center-
source-11.ppm)
5.2 Planning
To start any project of any field there must be planning and then development and after that
implementation is required. Planning is the first and foremost essential part to start the project.
By looking the different requirements, we have planned a data center for the Columbia hospital.
Based on the figure 1 the equipment requirement of the data center we have planned according to
it.
Where we are required to take any one tier where there is Single Point of Failure (SPOF) or no
SPOF in the data center. First for the selection of the tier we should first look at the components
that are required to build the data center for the Columbia hospital. For this data center we should
select the tier whose components like power system, down time and sources are high.
Source: (https://www.zenlayer.com/blog/data-center-tiers-classified-important/)
According to the requirement of the Columbia Hospital we have selected the 4th tier for this data
center. It is very much suitable for the Columbia Hospital data center. It has only the down time
of 2 hour per annum in compared to other tier it is very less and downtime results in the loss of
the company so less the downtime is equal to less loss.
Source : (https://www.ccexpert.us/network-design/images/7896_153_140-cisco-multilayer-
infrastructure.jpg)
An Energy Management System (EMS) controls the complexities of the facility 's energy usage
components, allowing businesses to optimize its functioning and make sound financial choices
about how you utilize it. Businesses may take these choices in real moment using a decent EMS
from any location with an Internet connectivity. It is more than simply a piece of software; it's a
critical economic resource (energywise, 2017).
6 Hardware Component
6.1 Cabling
6.1.1 Coaxial Cable
While it is complicated to setup, coaxial cabling is very robust to signal blockage. In comparison
to twisted pair cables, it can accommodate longer wire connections among network devices. It is
divided into two categories: thick and thin. It features a single copper wire in the middle, with a
plastic coating between it and the looped metal cover providing insulation (networkdrops, 2019).
Figure x: Coaxial Cable
Source: (https://fcit.usf.edu/network/chap4/pics/coaxial.gif)
Source : (https://fcit.usf.edu/network/chap4/pics/fiberop.gif)
Source: (https://imamagnets.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Uninterruptible-power-supplies-
UPS.png )
6.2.2 Rack Power Distribution Unit (RPDU)
Rack Power Distribution Units (RPDUs) are the main connection in the power supply, ensuring
that IT loads get crucial power. Inside the data center, the RPDU is used to supply power to
many sorts of IT gear. The RPDU doesn't really produce electricity; instead, it spreads it from
the existing power supply (vertiv, 2022).
Source: (https://www.raritan.com/assets/ram/case_studies/images/ebay-case-study-pdu-image-
closeup.jpg)
Furthermore, firewalls and intrusion prevention systems (IPS) must be recommended to provide
a high degree of security by delivering innovative manageability, increased efficiency, and
cutting-edge protection. Another option to safeguard data center from fire is to use a clean agent,
that may quench a fire quickly and restrict the fire's damage to the data center appliances while
using no water. Deploying security detector in gates or buildings to tremble and disrupt if
someone tries to breach the perimeter defense. Thermal sensors and boundary lighting can also
be used. Security alarms and smart card or regulated locks, along with multicast locking
mechanisms for doorways, are examples of additional assistance (POLIT, 2021).
Source : (https://www.boosthoster.com/tour/images/image_map2.jpg)
9 Conclusion
The whole project was based on the designing the data center and for that SPLC has been tasked
with that for Columbia hospital. The data center that needs to be implemented need to be
scalable, manageable, affordable and many more. Different hardware component such UPS,
cooling system has been considered. We have also considered the security in the data center of
Columbia hospital. At last, we have met all the requirements for the data center designing.
10 Project Plan
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