Data Center Design

Data center design is the process of planning and creating the physical layout and infrastructure of a data center to ensure optimal performance, efficiency, reliability, and scalability. Effective data center design is crucial for supporting the computational and storage needs of modern businesses and ensuring the seamless operation of IT services.

Key Components of Data Center Design

Some of the most important aspects of data center design include:

• Site selection. Choosing the right location for a data center involves evaluating factors such as geographical stability, climate, accessibility, and proximity to power and network resources. The site must be secure and conducive to reliable operations.
• Architecture and layout. This includes the physical layout of the facility, encompassing space planning, rack arrangement, airflow patterns, and pathways for power and data cables. Efficient layout design maximizes space utilization and enhances cooling efficiency.
• Power infrastructure. A robust power infrastructure is essential for data center reliability. This includes primary power sources, backup generators, uninterruptible power supplies (UPS), and power distribution units (PDUs) to ensure continuous and stable power delivery.
• Cooling systems. Effective cooling systems are critical to maintain optimal operating temperatures for servers and other equipment. Designs often include air conditioning units, raised floors, hot and cold aisle containment, and advanced cooling technologies to manage heat dissipation.
• Networking infrastructure. A well-designed data center includes high-speed, redundant network connections to ensure reliable and fast data transfer. This includes switches, routers, fiber optics, and structured cabling.
• Security measures. Physical security measures such as biometric access controls, surveillance cameras, and secure entry points protect the data center from unauthorized access and potential threats.
• Scalability and flexibility. Data center design must accommodate future growth and technological advancements. Modular designs and flexible infrastructure allow for easy upgrades and expansions without significant disruptions.
• Redundancy and reliability. Redundant systems for power, cooling, and networking are incorporated to minimize the risk of downtime. This includes N+1, N+2, and 2N redundancy configurations to ensure continuous operation even during component failures.

Why Data Center Design Is Important

The design of a data center has an impact on:

• Performance. Well-designed data centers ensure optimal performance of IT equipment, supporting high computational and storage demands.
• Operational Efficiency. Efficient layouts, cooling systems, and power management reduce operational costs and energy consumption.
• Reliability. Redundant systems and robust infrastructure minimize downtime, ensuring continuous availability of IT services.
• Scalability. Scalable and flexible designs allow data centers to adapt to evolving technology and business needs, facilitating easy upgrades and expansions.
• Security. Comprehensive security measures protect sensitive data and critical infrastructure from physical and cyber threats.

Common Data Center Design Standards

Data center design standards provide guidelines to ensure the reliability, efficiency, and security of data center facilities. Each standard provides a framework that covers different aspects of data center design and operation, enabling organizations to build facilities that meet their specific requirements and industry best practices.

The most common data center design standards are:

• Uptime Institute's tier standards. The Uptime Institute's Tier Classification System is one of the most widely recognized standards for data center design and performance. It classifies data centers into four tiers based on their infrastructure and ability to sustain operations.
  • Tier I. Basic capacity. Single path for power and cooling distribution, no redundancy, and 99.671% availability.
  • Tier II. Redundant capacity components. Single path for power and cooling distribution, some redundant components, and 99.741% availability.
  • Tier III. Concurrently maintainable
    • Multiple power and cooling distribution paths but only one active, redundant components, maintenance can occur without downtime, and 99.982% availability.
  • Tier IV. Fault tolerant. Multiple active power and cooling distribution paths, fully redundant components, can sustain at least one worst-case unplanned event without downtime, and 99.995% availability.
•  ANSI/TIA-942. The Telecommunications Industry Association's ANSI/TIA-942 standard specifies requirements for data center infrastructure, including site space and layout, cabling infrastructure, and reliability. It also uses a tiered classification similar to the Uptime Institute's tiers but with different criteria.
  • TIA-942 Rating 1. Basic. Single path for power and cooling and limited protection against physical events.
  • TIA-942 Rating 2. Redundant capacity component site infrastructure. Redundant components and less susceptible to disruptions.
  • TIA-942 Rating 3. Concurrently maintainable site infrastructure. Multiple independent distribution paths and allows for maintenance without downtime.
  • TIA-942 Rating 4. Fault tolerant site infrastructure. Physically isolated systems and protection against most physical events.
• BICSI-002. The Building Industry Consulting Service International (BICSI) standard provides comprehensive guidelines for the design and implementation of data center infrastructure. BICSI-002 covers various aspects including site selection, space planning, electrical design, HVAC, security, and fire protection.
• ISO/IEC 24764. The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) jointly developed ISO/IEC 24764 for information technology—generic cabling systems for data centers. It outlines specifications for cabling infrastructure, ensuring compatibility and performance.
• LEED certification. The Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification, managed by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), evaluates the environmental performance of data centers. LEED certification focuses on sustainability aspects such as energy efficiency, water usage, air quality, and materials used in construction.
• NFPA 75 and NFPA 76. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) provides standards specifically for the protection of information technology equipment (NFPA 75) and telecommunications facilities (NFPA 76). These standards address fire detection, suppression, and overall safety protocols.
• ASHRAE 90.4. The American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) developed standard 90.4 to address the energy efficiency of data centers. It provides guidelines for designing energy-efficient mechanical and electrical systems.

Design, Manage, and Automate Your Data Center Rollouts with DCIM Software

Leading data center professionals use modern Data Center Infrastructure Management (DCIM) software to simplify and automate how they design and manage their data center roll outs.

With DCIM software, you can:

• Easily perform what-if analysis. Simulate the impact of moves, adds, and changes on your capacity to know if you can utilize existing resource capacity or need to purchase more.
• Gain complete infrastructure project management. The project management feature enables you to consolidate tools, eliminate swivel chair management, and improve productivity and collaboration. 
• Get the most out of existing resources. Reduce stranded capacity and increase efficiency by intelligently finding and reserving the perfect cabinet space for deploying new equipment in seconds.
• Visualize a 3D digital twin of your data center. See your assets and connections with overlaid power and environmental sensor readings to remotely design and manage your physical data center infrastructure.

Want to see how Sunbird’s world-leading DCIM software helps you plan and manage your data center rollouts? Get your free test drive now!