Data centers undertake critical tasks such as data storage, computing, and transmission, serving as the “digital heart” of enterprise operations.
I. Basic Concepts of Data Centers
1. Definition of a data center: A physical location or virtualized environment in which IT equipment such as servers, storage, and networks are centrally deployed to provide data processing, storage, and transmission services.
2. Data Center Classification: By size, they are classified as large (≥5000 racks), medium (500-5000 racks), and small (<500 racks); by purpose, they are classified as enterprise-level, internet-level, and cloud computing-level.
3. Tier Standard : A data center availability classification developed by the Uptime Institute, with Tier I to IV corresponding to different levels of redundancy and fault tolerance.
4. Data Center Lifecycle: Covering five stages: planning and design, construction and deployment, operation and maintenance, upgrade and renovation, and decommissioning and recycling.
5. Modular design: The data center is divided into independent functional modules (such as power supply, cooling, and network), which supports flexible expansion and rapid deployment.
6. Data center ecosystem: including infrastructure providers, IT equipment manufacturers, cloud service providers, operation and maintenance service providers, and industry users.
7. Data Center Role: Supporting core business operations such as enterprise digital transformation, cloud computing services, artificial intelligence computing, and IoT data processing.
8. Edge Data Center: A small data center deployed close to the data source to reduce latency and process real-time data (such as 5G base stations and industrial sites).
9. Hyperscale data centers: These have more than 100,000 servers and are operated by tech giants such as Google and Amazon, emphasizing automation and energy efficiency optimization.
10. Green Data Center : An environmentally friendly data center that reduces PUE (Power Usage Effectiveness) through energy-saving technologies, renewable energy, liquid cooling, and other means .
II. Data Center Infrastructure
11. Data center site selection: Geological stability, power supply, network conditions, climate environment and policy compliance need to be considered.
12. Building structure: The building adopts earthquake-resistant design, fireproof materials, and anti-static flooring to ensure physical safety and equipment stability.
13. Rack: Standard 19-inch rack, available in open, cold aisle closed, and micro-module types, supporting equipment installation and cable management.
14. Power supply and distribution system: including mains power input, UPS uninterruptible power supply , diesel generator, and distribution cabinet to ensure continuous power supply.
15. UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply): When the mains power is interrupted, it maintains the power supply to the equipment through the battery pack. Common types include online and standby types.
16. Diesel generator: As a backup power source for the UPS, it starts up during prolonged power outages to ensure the operation of critical equipment.
17. PDU (Power Distribution Unit): A power distribution device in the cabinet that supports multiple outputs and remote monitoring.
18. Refrigeration system: air-cooled (air conditioning unit), water-cooled (chiller + cooling tower), liquid-cooled (immersion/cold plate type), to maintain the operating temperature of the equipment.
19. Thermal Management: By isolating hot and cold aisles and optimizing airflow organization, the risk of hot spots is reduced and the cooling efficiency is improved.
20. Fire suppression system: Employs gaseous fire suppression (heptafluoropropane, IG541) and early smoke detection to prevent water damage from affecting equipment.