R&M Data Center Handbook

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Cabinet systems with a minimum width of 800 mm are recommended with
regard to the 19" server cabinet. They allow a consistent cable management
system to be set up in a vertical and horizontal direction. Cabinet
depth is usually determined by the passive and active components to be
installed. A cabinet depth of 1000 mm to 1200 mm is recommended for
the installation of active components.
Ideally, a server cabinet has a modular structure, ensuring reliability at
manageable costs. A modular cabinet can be dismantled or moved to a
different location if needed. Modularity is also important with containment
solutions and climate control concepts.
Equally important is stability. Given the high packing densities of modern
server systems and storage solutions incl. the power supply units, capacity
loads of over 1000 kg are required for server racks. This means that
cabinet floors and sliding rails must also be designed for high loads. Loads
of 150 kg per floor tile or rail are feasible today.
Cable management is another important aspect. With growing transmission
speeds, it is absolutely essential to run power and data cables
separately in copper cabling systems so as to avoid interference.
Due to increasing server performance and higher packing density in racks, ventilation concepts such as perforated
doors and insulation between hot and cold areas in the rack are more and more important. Further productivityimproving
and energy-optimized solutions can be achieved by means of cold/hot aisle approaches, which are part
of the rack solution.
Documentation and Labeling
A further essential prerequisite for a good cabling system administration and a sound planning of upgrades and
extensions is meticulous, continuously updated documentation. There are numerous options available, from
individual Excel lists to elaborate software-based documentation tools. It is absolutely essential that the documentation
reflect the current state and the cabling that is actually installed at any given point in time.
Related to documentation is the labeling of the cables; it should be unambiguous, easy to read and readable even
in poor visibility conditions. Here too, numerous options exist, up to barcode-based identification labels. Which
option is best depends on specific data center requirements. Maintaining uniform, company-wide nomenclature is
also important. To ensure unambiguous cable labeling, central data administration is recommended.
1.7. Intelligent Cable Management Solutions
Data and power supply cables need to be planned in advance and their routing must be documented to allow
immediate response to updates in concepts and requirements. The cable routing on cable racks and runs needs
to be planned meticulously. Raised floors are often used for cable routing and allow maintenance work to be
carried out in the data center without the need for any structural work. Further information appears in sections
3.5.3. and 3.5.4.
Cable penetration seals, however, often prove to be a weak point. Like walls, ceilings and doors, penetration seals
need to fulfill all safety requirements with respect to fire, gas and water protection. To allow for swift and efficient
changes and retrofittings in the cabling, they also need to be flexible.
1.8. Network Hardware and Virtualization
A comprehensive examination of a data center must include server security needs and the network. Many
companies have already converted their phone systems to Voice over IP (VoIP), and the virtualization of servers
and storage systems is spreading rapidly. Virtualized clients will be the next step.
This development means that business-critical services will be run over data links, which also carry the power to
the terminal devices via Power over Ethernet (PoE). Along with the growing importance of network technology to
ensure uninterrupted business operations, security requirements are growing in this area too.
The rack is the basis for dimensioning servers as well as components in network technology. Since active
components are standardized to 19", network cabinets are usually based on the same platform. Requirements
with regard to stability, fire protection and access control are comparable as well.
Page 12 of 156 © 08/2011 Reichle & De-Massari AG R&M Data Center Handbook V2.0