Rack Fundamentals Transcript

Rack Fundamentals
Transcript
Slide 1
Welcome to Data Center University™ course on Rack Fundamentals.
Slide 2: Welcome
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Click the Notes tab to read a transcript of the narration.
Slide 3: Learning Objectives

At the completion of this course, you will be able to:
Identify common rack types
Identify and explain some common rack system challenges
Explain ways to improve rack cooling
Explain some of the physical considerations for rack layout
Slide 4: Introduction
As technology compaction has evolved from mainframes to blade servers the need for power, cooling and
space optimization has dramatically increased. In their simplest form, racks and enclosures are the building
blocks of a data center. Cutting edge rack technology streamlines the cable management and affords the
vertical stacking of IT equipment, reducing server sprawl and maximizing IT real estate. Therefore, the role
of the rack has become strategic to the availability of a given network. How these racks and enclosures are
selected and configured affects a data center’s availability and agility for years after an installation is
completed. This course will put you one step closer to understanding the importance and the impact racks
have on a data center.
Rack Fundamentals Page |1
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Slide 5: Industry Standards
Two types of standards for racks and enclosures are:
1. The 19 inch standard
2. Earthquake standards
Slide 6: The 19 Inch Standard

The Electronics Industries Association (EIA) established the EIA-310 standard to ensure physical
compatibility between racks, enclosures, and rack mounted equipment. The intent of the standard is to
ensure compatibility and flexibility within the Data Center. EIA-310 is used world-wide for 19-Inch Rack-
Mounted equipment.

EIA-310 defines the Rack Unit (U) to be the usable vertical space for a piece of rack mounted equipment.
The U is equal to 1.75 inches. If a rack is described to be 10U, it means that there is a physical interior
vertical space of 17.5 inches available for equipment mounting.

There are several types of vertical mounting rails for standard equipment. These include square holes for
“cage” (captive) nuts and clip nuts, or round holes, with or without threads.
The 19 Inch Standard defines important dimensions for racks, enclosures, and rack mounted equipment.
For example, EIA-310 defines minimum enclosure opening between rails to be 450 mm (17.72 inches), to
provide clearance for equipment chassis widths.
The width between the centers of the equipment mounting holes is 465 ± 1.6 mm (18.31 inches ± 0.063
inches).
The minimum enclosure width to provide clearance for equipment front panels/ bezels/ faceplates is 483.4
mm (19 inches).

Most enclosures now use square holes and cage nuts, although some customers require threaded holes or
non-threaded through holes. The more common square holes with cage nuts support several thread sizes
and types. If a cage nut’s threads get damaged, the repair is as easy as replacing the cage nut. Because
the cage nut “floats” in its mount, the nut has some freedom to move, which makes nut and bolt alignment
easier.
The trend for open frame racks is to have threaded holes. There are many thread sizes, but #12-24 is the
most common thread size. The main advantage of threaded holes placed directly into the rack is that
deployment is fast, since there are no cage nuts to install.
Slide 10: Earthquake Standards

Uniform Building Code (UBC) and Eurocode specify how enclosures should be bolted to the floor in
geographies where there is a high risk for earthquakes.
The Network Equipment Building System (NEBS) and the European Technical Standards Institute (ETSI)
standards have more stringent requirements than the UBC and Eurocode, and specify floor anchoring and
reinforced frame structures for enclosures.
Slide 11: Open Frame Rack
The Open Frame Rack comes in two basic types: Two Post and Four Post.
Slide 12: Two Post Frames

The Two Post frame also known as a relay rack holds equipment that can be front or center mounted. It is
typically used for lightweight applications in IT environments. Although the two post frame has a relatively
low price, it offers no security, no airflow control, low weight capacity and low stability.
Depending upon the manufacturer, common rack accessories may include shelving, vertical cable
organizers, brackets for power distribution, and baying kits which permit several racks to be joined together.
Slide 13: Four Post Frames
The Four Post frame allows equipment to be supported from the front and back, making it a more versatile
option than the two post frame. It is typically used for server, networking, and telecom applications in IT
environments. The obvious advantage to the Four Post frame is that it is physically stronger than the Two
Post frame and can support heavier equipment. Depending upon the manufacturer, common rack
accessories may include light and heavy-duty shelves, vertical cable organizers, brackets for power
distribution, and baying kits.
Slide 14: Advantages and Disadvantages of Open Frames

Open frames have the advantage of allowing easy access to equipment, and they can be easily assembled
by the owner. They are also a low cost, economical solution.
Significant disadvantages of open frames are:

They do not provide physical security/ protection
The equipment is exposed
They do not allow for optimized airflow in densely packed or high-heat-producing configurations
The Open Frame rack typically relies on natural convection to dissipate heat from equipment. As the density
of rack mounted equipment increases, natural convection has a limited ability to remove the heat that needs
to be dissipated. Enclosures, discussed in the next section of this course, provide an improved means to
control and manage airflow.
Slide 15: Enclosures

Enclosures are advanced rack containment systems. As these illustrations show, there are several varieties
of basic enclosure designs. However, most enclosures include front and rear doors, side panels, and a roof.
Within an enclosure, channels are created for forced air to move through rack-mounted equipment. These
channels provide enhanced air cooling capability over open racks.
Slide 16: Enclosures

Depending upon the manufacturer, enclosures may also have cable management options, power
distribution units, power protection devices, cooling devices, environmental management systems, and
other accessories.
(Image on next page)
Slide 17: Open Frame Racks vs. Enclosures
Compared to open frame racks, enclosures offer improved static load capacity, cooling, security, and multi-
vendor compatibility for rack mounted equipment.
Next, we will discuss some common enclosure types.
Slide 18: Server Enclosure

This slide shows an example of a server enclosure. There are different enclosure sizes for different
applications.
Server applications most commonly use 42U high x 600mm wide x 1070 mm deep. Server enclosures have
been getting deeper to support the higher densities of power and cabling. Some applications that have high
cable density, combine network switches with server equipment, or use side-to-side cooling instead of front-
to-back cooling. Those applications will require enclosures that are wider than 600mm.
Some rooms that have high ceilings may permit enclosures to be as tall as 47 U. Some 47U applications
may also require wide enclosures. When using tall enclosures, be cautious about safety regulations and
overhead fire suppression sprinklers.
Slide 19: Networking Enclosure

This slide shows an example of a network enclosure. High-density cabling or networking applications
typically require 42U x 750mm wide.
(Image on next page)
Slide 20: Networking Enclosure
As shown in this illustration from behind the networking enclosure, networking applications require wider
racks than server applications, to give room for cabling. A fully loaded networking enclosure can require up
to 2000 Category 5 or Category 6 network cables.
Slide 21: Seismic Enclosure
Here is an example of a seismic enclosure. Seismic enclosures are specially reinforced to protect
equipment from earthquakes. To ensure equipment and personnel safety, seismic enclosure installations
should conform to regional standards, such as NEBS or ETSI for Zone 4. Most commercial data centers and
telecom central offices that are not in high risk zones, utilize less stringent standards like the UBC or
Eurocode, rather than the stricter NEBS or ETSI standards.
Slide 22: Wall Mount Enclosure

Here is an example of a wall mount enclosure.
Rack Fundamentals P a g e | 10
Wall mount enclosures are useful when only a couple of pieces of rack equipment need to be enclosed. One
of the key features of the wall mount enclosure is its double-hinged frame construction, which allows easy
access to the rear of the rack mounted equipment.
Wall mount enclosures conserve floor space and provide a neat, clean installation for wiring closets.
Slide 23: Industry Survey Results

APC recently conducted a worldwide survey of CIOs, Facility Managers, and IT managers. Based on survey
findings, 5 areas have been identified for optimization with regard to rack system selection. They are:
1. Lifecycle Costs
2. Availability
3. Maintenance and Serviceability
4. Adaptability and Scalability (Flexibility)
5. Manageability
Slide 24: Lifecycle Costs

The survey found that optimizing lifecycle costs was the most important requirement to most organizations.
The most common problems that pose a challenge to the optimization of lifecycle costs with regard to rack
systems are:
Non-standardized racks Non-standardized racks lead to a higher total cost of ownership, due to the
unique design features dictated by the IT equipment manufacturers. These non-standard design
features result in difficulty with moves and the integration of multi-vendor equipment. A much better
solution is to purchase vendor-neutral racks with guaranteed universal compatibility. Vendor
neutral racks allow for greater flexibility when purchasing and mounting equipment, and more
standard processes for mounting and servicing equipment.
Slow speed of deployment. The time and work involved in the assembly of non-standard
equipment (racks) or even in migration and refreshes are costly, both in downtime and labor. Pre-
engineered solutions save time and simplify planning and installation.
Slide 25: Availability
The survey revealed that optimizing availability was also an important requirement. The most common
problems that pose a challenge to optimizing availability are:
1. Inadequate airflow to IT equipment damages hardware. This problem has increased over the last
few years with the dramatic increase in heat densities. And it is important to note that there is no
standard for measuring cooling effectiveness when comparing enclosures.
2. Inadequate power redundancy to the rack. The solution is to bring dual power paths to single or
dual-corded IT equipment.
3. Lack of physical security. Because of the increased demands to provide ample air, power, and data
to racks, the number of individuals accessing enclosures for service tasks has increased, leaving
the units more vulnerable to human error. Enclosures need to be physically secured with locking
doors and locking side panels to prevent unauthorized or accidental access.
4. Non-compliance with seismic requirements. The solution is to have all racks that are located in
Zone-4 regions to be in compliance with seismic building standards.
5. The following slides offer solutions for improving airflow as a means of increasing availability.
Slide 26: Improving Airflow: Door Ventilation

Good front-to-back airflow door ventilation is critical to effective cooling. This slide shows examples of
perforated front and rear doors that provide for maximum ventilation.
Slide 27: Improving Airflow: Blanking Panels
Blanking panels are covers that are placed over empty rack spaces. Keeping blanking panels snugly in
place prevents heated exhaust from being re-circulated and entering IT equipment intakes. The main reason
why blanking panels are not commonly used is that the benefits of blanking panels are not always
understood. People often fail to realize the cooling benefits that they provide, and mistakenly think that they
are for aesthetic purposes only or that they are difficult to install.
Slide 28: Improving Airflow: Blanking Panels

Having blanking panels that snap-in to any square-holed rack enclosure, and install without tools,
significantly reduces the time and labor cost associated with installing panels. In addition, by standardizing
on a panel size of 1U, racks can be populated easily, rather than dividing empty spaces into various-sized
panels of 1, 2, 4, and 8U.
Slide 29: Improving Airflow: Air Distribution Unit (ADU)
This slide show’s an Air Distribution Unit (ADU) installed in a rack system.
An ADU is a cooling device for raised floor applications that mounts at the bottom 2U of any EIA-310 19 inch
rack that has an open base. The blue lines represent cooling airflow. The ADU connects into the raised floor
and pulls supply air directly into the enclosure. This prevents the conditioned air from mixing with warmer
room air before reaching the equipment. The ADU minimizes temperature differences between the top and
bottom of the enclosure. It also prevents hot exhaust air from re-circulating to the inlet of the enclosure.
This is a detailed view of an ADU. An ADU is only recommended as a problem-solver for heat densities of
up to 3.5 kW per rack. An ADU is good for overcoming low ventilation pressure under raised floors.
Slide 30: Improving Airflow: Side Air Distribution Unit
This slide shows a side ADU installed above a rack mounted device with side-to-side airflow.
The blue lines represent cooling airflow. The red lines represent warm airflow. The side ADU pulls air in
from the cold aisle, and redirects and distributes it to the equipment inlet, located on the right side.
Slide 31: Improving Airflow: Air Removal Unit (ARU)

This slide shows the airflow for an Air Removal Unit (ARU).
The ARU is a scalable cooling solution, because it can be added to an existing rack enclosure, and requires
no internal rack space or raised floor connections to install. It replaces the rear door of an enclosure. This
example shows a unit with a redundant fan for improved availability.
Cool air enters the rack, exhausts out the rear of the rack equipment, is pulled through the rack Air Removal
Unit, and is released through the top.
The high powered fans in the Rack Air Removal Unit overcome the air resistance of cables in the rear of the
rack, and prevent exhaust air re-circulation. An optional, ducted exhaust system delivers hot air to the space
above a drop-down ceiling or some other type of enclosed overhead space, and eliminates the possibility of
hot air mixing with room air.
Slide 32: Maintenance and Serviceability

Maintenance and serviceability improve with practical experience. The most common problems that pose a
challenge to maintenance and serviceability are:
1. Server migration delays. Limited space and deployment speed typically cause server migration
delays. Enclosures that offer split doors save aisle space and make equipment access easier.
Quick release doors and side panels also save time.
2. Poor cable management leads to IT equipment damage, because of airflow obstruction. Wires that
form “rat’s nests” make it difficult to identify individual power and data cables. Abandoned cables
get intertwined with active cables, and block airflow under raised floors. Storing power and data
cables at the rear of the racks makes them easier to access. Routing data and power cables above
the racks makes them more organized and accessible, and eliminates potential “air dams” under
raised floors.
3. Non-standardized racks are a maintenance issue, because server manufacturers often state that
the warrantee is void if a server is placed in a rack that does not comply with specific rack
standards. Apart from aesthetics, this non-standard approach introduces complexity due to the
unique characteristics of each rack. Rack vendors should guarantee compatibility with all servers.
The racks should meet or exceed a server manufacturer’s ventilation and spatial requirements, and
comply with the Electronic Industries Alliance (EIA) 310-D standard for rack mounting IT and
networking equipment.
Slide 33: Adaptability and Scalability

The survey found that adaptability and scalability need to be optimized. Some of the problems that hinder
optimization are:
Frequently changing power and cooling requirements. Racks may have to support different power
requirements, multiple supply voltages or several outlet types. Rack systems therefore need to
provide tool-less Power Distribution Units (PDUs), and three phase power whips to support
changeover capability for different voltages, power capacities, and outlets.
Changing room layouts cause migration and mobility problems. Rack enclosures should provide
field-reversible doors, quick-release hinge pins, quick-release side panels, and castors for mobility.
Racks should also adapt to new overhead power and data cabling systems.
Slide 34: Manageability

Some of the problems that pose a challenge to optimizing manageability are:
Lack of environmental monitoring capability at the rack level. A lack of an environmental monitoring
capability leads to difficulty identifying thermal gradients from the top to the bottom of the rack. It
also causes difficulty detecting hazards such as smoke and humidity extremes. Any large thermal
gradient could lead to equipment damage or shutdown. The solution is to provide environmental
management devices, and a graphical user interface that allows remote monitoring, along with
automatic email, pager, or telephone notification of changes in the rack level environment.
Lack of power monitoring capability at the rack level. Monitoring racks is critical to availability.
Branch circuit logic monitoring is crucial. The solution is to provide display mechanisms that can
automatically report and manage power conditions on power strips at the rack level, locally or
remotely, through a digital display.
Lack of critical management of IT equipment. The study attributes this lack to the growing
popularity of server clusters. According to Dell’s senior manager of product marketing for clustering,
clustering is increasingly used in mission-critical environments. IT personnel want a solution to
centrally manage all equipment from one location.
Lack of security at the rack level. A solution is to provide rack locks as well display screens and
automatic notification to report and manage rack level security breaches.
Slide 35: Floor Plan

Lastly, physical considerations for rack layout are very important when designing a data center. Racks
should be arranged to form alternating hot and cold aisles. When choosing a rack, it is important to select
dimensions that work well with layout calculations. This illustration shows an optimal design with cold aisles
that are four feet wide and hot aisles that are three feet wide.
Slide 36: Summary

This course has covered Rack Standards, Rack Types, and Rack Enclosures, Best Practices for Rack
System Selection, and Physical Considerations for Rack Layout.
Major points to remember include:
How racks are selected and configured has a profound and lasting impact on a data center’s
availability, agility, and total cost of ownership
Enclosures enhance rack system cooling by preventing hot and cold air from mixing
Enclosures should be universal, modular, organized, and scalable
Racks should be arranged to form alternating hot and cold aisles
Slide 37: Thank You!

Thank you for participating in this course.

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Rack Fundamentals

Slide 3: Learning Objectives

Rack Fundamentals Page |1

Slide 6: The 19 Inch Standard

Slide 7: The 19 Inch Standard

Slide 8: The 19 Inch Standard

Rack Fundamentals Page |2

Slide 9: The 19 Inch Standard

Slide 10: Earthquake Standards

Rack Fundamentals Page |3

Slide 12: Two Post Frames

Rack Fundamentals Page |4

Slide 14: Advantages and Disadvantages of Open Frames

Significant disadvantages of open frames are:

Rack Fundamentals Page |5

Slide 15: Enclosures

Slide 16: Enclosures

(Image on next page)

Rack Fundamentals Page |6

Rack Fundamentals Page |7

Slide 18: Server Enclosure

Slide 19: Networking Enclosure

Rack Fundamentals Page |8

Rack Fundamentals Page |9

Slide 22: Wall Mount Enclosure

Slide 23: Industry Survey Results

Slide 24: Lifecycle Costs

Slide 26: Improving Airflow: Door Ventilation

Slide 28: Improving Airflow: Blanking Panels

Slide 31: Improving Airflow: Air Removal Unit (ARU)

Slide 32: Maintenance and Serviceability

Slide 33: Adaptability and Scalability

Slide 34: Manageability

Slide 35: Floor Plan

Slide 36: Summary

Slide 37: Thank You!

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