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 its 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 preengineered, 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 vendorpartners 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 Course Assessment: Test Your Knowledge Course Survey: We Value Your Opinion

2013 Schneider Electric. All rights reserved. All trademarks provided are the property of their respective owners.