2.4 - Installing Networks, Power, and Environmental Factors

How to install networks?

Need distribution frames (passive cable termination, punch down blocks, and patch panels)

All Transport media (copper, fiber, voice and data

What is Main Distribution Frame (MDF)?

Central point of the network –Usually in a data center

Termination point for WAN links –Connects the inside to the outside

Good test point –Test in both directions (ex/internal)

What is Intermediate Distribution Frame (IDF)?

Extension of the Main Distribution Frame - switches on different floors that go back to the main distribution frame

Used in medium to large org.

What are the common dimensions of the equipment racks for networks?

19” rack width

1.75” rack height (1U=1.75”)

How to cool a data center?

HVAC must be integrated into the fire system

Some specialized should set it up

Has separate aisles for heating and cooling

What are locked cabinets in data centers for?

additional security

What are control patch panel?

Wires from computers/devices → punch down block on one side and RJ45 connector on other side

What is a fiber distribution panel?

Permanent fiber installation - Patch panel at both ends

Fiber bend radius - Breaks when bent too tightly

What are Ampere (Amps, A)?

The rate of electron flow past a point in one second

Like the diameter of the hose

What is Voltage (volt, V)?

Electrical “pressure” pushing the electrons

How open the faucet is

Common 120 volts, 240 volts

What are watts?

How much energy (electrical load) is being consumed?

Easy to calculate volts * amps = watts

What are kinds of currents?

Alternating current (AC) and Direct current (DC)

What is Direct current (DC)

Current moves in one direction with a constant voltage

Most devices use DC voltage

What is Alternating current (DC)

Direction of current constantly reverses

Distributes electricity efficiently over long distances

Most Power sources uses AC voltage

Frequency of this cycle is important– US- 10 to 120 volts of AC (VAC), 60 hertz (Hz)

What is Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS)? What are the common types?

Short-term backup power used for blackouts, brownouts, and surges

Offline/Standby UPS– waits til power is off before turning on

Line-interactive UPS– turn up and down to compensate for brownouts

On-line/Double-conversion UPS - always on

What are Power distribution units (PDUs)

provide multiple power outlets

include monitoring and control - manage power capacity, enable or disable individual outlets

What are environmental factors that affect data centers?

Humidity, temperature and fire suppression

What is the best humidity range for data centers? What happens if there is too much? What happens if there is too little? How is the humidity managed?

40-60% humidity

too high= condensation

too low= static discharge

HVAC manages temp and humidity by sensors

What is the best temp. range for data centers? How is the temp managed? What are the external factors?

64-81* F

HVAC manages temp and humidity by using sensors

Outdoor temp and is system load increases

What is fire suppression?

To keep data center safe from fires, it used inert gases and chemical agents that is integrated into the HVAC system

What does the HVAC do in data centers?

HVAC manages temp and humidity by using sensors

Monitor for carbon monoxide

Enable/disable air handlers