Data center (American English) or data centre (Commonwealth English)
plays a crucial role in enabling our online experiences. Without them,
the websites
and applications we rely on daily would cease to function. In fact,
data centers can be considered the very essence of the Internet itself.
What is a Data Center?
A data center is a facility that houses a multitude of powerful computers dedicated to managing a company's digital services. Its primary function is to process and deliver information to users upon request.These centers store, manage, and distribute data to users, making them capable of handling applications, databases, virtual machines, and more. Companies in need of data centers can either build their own or opt to rent them from private providers like Equinix, which is a popular choice due to its affordability and advanced infrastructure.
Benefits of Leasing Data Center
Leasing
data center from private companies offers numerous advantages,
particularly for small and emerging businesses. Here are some reasons
why this option is particularly suitable:
- Diverse options tailored to companies of varying sizes.
- Cost-effective compared to building an entire data center from scratch.
- Access to state-of-the-art equipment and regularly updated technologies.
- High level of security and protection.
- Exceptional technical support.
- Consistent and outstanding performance.
Data Center and Web Hosting
Web hosting providers operate their own data centers, which serve as the foundation for managing hosted websites. Some hosts choose to lease data centers from major companies like Google and Amazon, while others maintain their own facilities.Leading web hosting providers have data centers located in multiple regions worldwide, allowing users to select a server in the data center closest to their target audience. This proximity ensures faster loading times for visitors, as the distance between the data center and the site visitor is minimized.
Availability Zones: Safeguarding Data
One significant advantage of leasing data centers from large companies is the ability to safeguard data from potential damage. By utilizing multiple Availability Zones, you can ensure the preservation of your data and services even in the event of a failure in one area. These overlapping zones ensure continuous availability for you and your customers.Components of Data Center
The fundamental components of a data center include:
- Servers
- Server Racks (horizontal or vertical racks)
- Etisalat Network
- Security Devices
- Storage System
- Monitoring and Protection System
- Ventilation and Cooling System
Explanation of Components:
1. Servers:
A server is a highly powerful computer consisting of essential components, but with superior versions specifically designed for heavy-duty tasks, rarely found in home computers.Home computers typically rely on central processing units (CPUs) with a limited number of cores, usually not exceeding 8 cores, which are considered powerful in the realm of home computing.
In contrast, servers require processors with a minimum of 8 cores, but often utilize processors with up to 64 cores or more. The same principle applies to other components such as random access memory (RAM) and storage units.
2. Server Racks:
Data centers house a vast number of servers, often reaching thousands, which are installed and organized within specially designed racks.These racks vary in terms of capacity, materials, and the arrangement of servers within them. Some racks allow for vertical placement of servers, while others facilitate horizontal stacking. Additionally, racks can be either closed or open.
The most common types of server racks are as follows:
a. Blade Server Rack: Servers are installed vertically and consecutively.
b. Rack Server: Servers are installed horizontally, one above the other.
These racks can be housed in closed or open cabinets of various sizes, as shown in the following image:
3. Etisalat Network:
In a data center, servers need to maintain connectivity with each other and the Internet. To accomplish this, they rely on a network infrastructure comprising various devices, including:- Routers
- Network Switches
These network devices differ from their home-use counterparts, as they provide high-speed connectivity and data transfer, possess advanced security features, and are built to withstand heavy workloads over extended periods.
Similar to servers, these network devices are organized on dedicated shelves within the data center, featuring suitable ports and connections for networking cables.
4. Security Devices:
Data centers implement specific measures to safeguard against hacking attacks, malware, and viruses. These protective measures encompass:
- Protection programs designed for server operating systems.
- Hardware dedicated to physical security, such as Physical Firewall Devices.
Renowned antivirus companies offer specialized software editions for data centers, such as McAfee. Additionally, there are specialized companies, like Trellix (FireEye) and Symantec, that provide cybersecurity solutions tailored to these centers.
Firewall devices, crucial for network security, are manufactured by leading international networking companies such as: Cisco, Fortinet, CUJO, Netgear.
Below is an example image of a firewall hardware provided by Cisco, known as Cisco Firepower.
5. Storage System:
Servers in a data center handle storage units differently from home computers, primarily due to the requirements of high-speed data read and write operations, as well as continuous usage.
These units must not only offer exceptional speed but also withstand constant heavy workloads. Given the vast amounts of data stored in data center servers, they necessitate expansive storage capacities, which are typically managed through unique systems and programs that vary across data centers.
It is important to note that not all data centers employ the same methods for connectivity and installation of storage units.
There are several approaches to connect storage units to servers within a data center, with the most significant ones being:
a. Direct Attached Storage (DAS)
This method involves directly connecting storage units to the server. It means that servers in the data center are physically linked to the storage units either internally or through a separate unit, without relying on network or antenna connections.
By utilizing this approach, only the server connected to the storage units can access and utilize them. Unauthorized devices are prevented from accessing the units unless granted permission by the connected server.
This Image shows how servers in data centers communicate with DAS storage:
Finally, the server communicates with the storage units using communication cables, such as eSATA, in this method.
b. Network Attached Storage (NAS)
Storage units can be attached to servers through a Network Attached Storage (NAS) system. This approach allows files to be stored in a manner that enables multiple users and devices to work with data from a single volume.
Under this method, all servers are connected to a local area network (LAN), and each server communicates with the shared storage via a wired connection using an Ethernet cable.
Volumes operating in this manner are managed through dedicated programs and browser-accessible applications.
The accompanying image below shows how servers in data centers connect to storage in a NAS system.
c. Storage Area Network (SAN)
Storage units are connected to servers via a high-speed Storage Area Network (SAN). This method utilizes a private network that enables servers to access storage devices. The network comprises various interconnected devices, including switching devices and storage units, employing multiple technologies and communication protocols.
The image below illustrates the connectivity between servers and SAN storage within a data center.
There is a significant similarity between methods B and C regarding server connectivity. However, SAN offers several advantages, most notably its high-speed data transfer capability due to its reliance on fiber optic cables, unlike NAS, which uses copper cables.
In previous methods, storage units were typically installed within racks and then connected to the servers. Data centers often utilize specific file systems, such as popular RAID versions, to combine these units and treat them as a single entity.
Different types of storage units, varying in size and operating mechanisms, are used in each data center. The coordination of unit types and technologies (HDD-SSD) is crucial in these centers.
SSD units are employed for their ultra-fast data reading and writing speeds, enabling quick user access. HDD units, on the other hand, are favored for their durability and ability to handle a larger number of data operations.
6. Monitoring and Protection System:
To ensure the efficient and effective operation of any data center, a robust monitoring and protection system is essential. This system safeguards the data center at multiple levels and in various forms.The protection and control system within these centers fulfills the standard security role found in any company. Its purpose is to secure the data center's entrances and exits against theft attempts, employing surveillance cameras and advanced notification devices based on cutting-edge security technologies.
Additionally, the protection and monitoring system ensures the optimal functioning of all servers in the data center. This includes monitoring the electrical current, storage units, and identifying any technical malfunctions.
Furthermore, the external protection system works in conjunction with security devices to defend the center against cyber attacks. Typically housed in a dedicated room connected to all existing servers, the protection system displays their status on monitoring screens. In case of any errors, the system promptly alerts the responsible personnel, providing information on the error's location and nature.
7. Ventilation and Cooling System:
The aforementioned components consume significant amounts of electricity, generating heat. Moreover, the devices themselves emit heat. High temperatures have a detrimental impact on data center performance, potentially leading to complete failure and hazardous situations such as fires.Therefore, it is imperative for a data center to possess its own ventilation and cooling system. This system ensures that the center operates within the required temperature range of 5 to 25 degrees Celsius, while maintaining humidity levels between 20 to 80 percent.
What Are the Spaces in a Data Center?
Data centers Spaces can be divided into two main areas: the white space and the gray space.The white space contains:
- Storage units
- Network devices.
- The racks containing the servers.
- Cooling and ventilation system.
The gray space, which contains:
- Transformers.
- Generators.
- Refrigerants.
- An Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS).
Each area is typically managed by a dedicated team to ensure efficient operation at all times.
Types of Data Center (Usage)
1. Enterprise Data Center
Some companies choose to build their own data centers, particularly those that require customized communication networks. These centers are designed to meet specific standards and requirements set by the companies.Enterprise data centers can be located either within the company premises or in a separate location chosen for its advantageous features, such as robust communication networks or enhanced security measures.
For instance, a company may opt to separate its headquarters from its data center to safeguard the latter from potential risks. Alternatively, an organization might construct its data center in a region with a cold climate to reduce energy consumption for cooling purposes.
The management of these centers is typically handled by the company's internal IT department, which oversees the white space operations. The gray space management may involve either outsourcing or collaboration between the company's internal facilities management team and the IT department.
2. Multi-Tenant Data Center
Multi-tenant data centers offer space for companies to host their servers offsite. These centers provide essential components such as power, cooling, security, and networking equipment.Companies without sufficient space often choose this shared data center model, allowing them to allocate their financial and human resources to other areas of their operations.
The amount of space rented can be adjusted according to the company's specific needs, enabling scalability as required.
The demand for multi-tenant data centers is growing rapidly at a rate of 16 percent annually. These centers consistently update their hardware and technology more frequently compared to corporate and enterprise data centers.
3. Hyperscale Data Center
Hyperscale data centers are designed to support the IT infrastructure of large companies. Currently, there are approximately 700 hyperscale data centers worldwide, double the number from five years ago.While this figure might seem relatively small in comparison to the overall number of data centers globally (which exceeds 7 million), the establishment of hyperscale data centers continues to rise steadily.
Major tech giants like Amazon, Microsoft, and Google own more than half of all hyperscale data centers.
Giant data centers, similar to enterprise data centers, are owned and operated by the respective companies themselves. However, the primary distinction lies in the hyperscale centers' superior capabilities in cloud computing and big data storage.
A typical hyperscale data center comprises around 5,000 servers and covers an area of 10,000 square feet.
4. Micro Data Center
Micro data centers are small-scale facilities set up in close proximity to the companies or individuals utilizing them.The proximity between the center and the users offers several advantages:
- Real-time processing and analysis of data as it arrives or undergoes changes.
- Swift action based on data analysis.
- Reduction of communication delays between users and centers, particularly with smart devices.
When these small centers expand, increase their computing power, and add more servers, they become known as Edge Data Center.
Micro centers are often favored by small and micro-sized companies. However, as these businesses grow, they can scale up these centers to their maximum capacity and transform them into edge centers.
The term "edge centers" refers to their location in relation to communication networks, situated on the edge of the network used by these companies and in close proximity to their Internet connection centers, whether physically or technically.
5. Container Data Center
As the name suggests, a container data center is housed within a shipping container.Typically, this type of center consists of a container filled with plug-and-play data center components, including servers, storage, networking equipment, and various components found in the white and gray spaces of data centers.
Container data centers were invented approximately 15 years ago and are now utilized for both temporary and permanent needs. They can be deployed in construction sites or disaster-stricken areas, such as supporting alternative healthcare sites during a pandemic.
Whether for fixed or permanent usage, these centers save space or allow institutions to expand their capacity to accommodate new technologies. For example, educational institutions can add IT infrastructure to support digital classrooms.
The Largest Data Center Companies In The World
The data center industry includes several prominent companies, among them:These companies have market valuations ranging from 6 to 300 billion dollars. They provide a range of services, including computing, cloud services, and data storage and protection.
Conclusion
Understanding the basics of data centers allows webmasters and website
owners to make informed decisions regarding hosting, performance
optimization, troubleshooting, security, scalability, and compliance.
This knowledge contributes to the overall success and smooth operation
of their websites. And in this article, we aimed to provide a concise introductory guide explaining the technical role of data centers in our daily lives as websites owners or internet users in general.
