Server room: definition
The server room plays a central role in a company's technical infrastructure. This space, which is entirely dedicated to critical IT equipment, is necessary for the day-to-day operation of digital activities. The high level of security provided by the physical infrastructure optimizes availability by reducing response times, preserving integrity, and maximizing the performance delivered by information systems in support of business processes. Proper design and management are essential to optimizing the continuity of day-to-day operations and operational efficiency.
What is a computer server room?
IT infrastructure definition and roles
A computer server room is a physical space specifically designed to optimize the hosting of sensitive IT equipment, such as network switches, servers, storage systems, and other structural components. It is designed to provide a controlled and secure environment, ensuring the proper functioning of IT systems while meeting performance and sustainability requirements. Centralizing the infrastructure makes it much easier to share data between different workstations, pool resources, and ensure the security of the most sensitive assets.
It meets several fundamental requirements and characteristics, such as a strategic location, designed to limit unauthorized access and protect equipment from external risks. It also features enhanced physical security, incorporating intrusion alarm systems and fire prevention devices. Efficient thermal management is integrated to dissipate the heat generated by the equipment.
Modular optimization of space within company premises allows all IT equipment to be grouped together and maximizes hardware utilization.
The server room performs three key functions:
● Secure hosting of IT equipment
The security of IT equipment is enhanced with advanced intrusion alarm systems, preventive overheating detection, etc.
● Centralization of digital applications and services
This allows organizations to maintain precise and granular control over the most sensitive data and reduce associated maintenance/operating costs
● Guaranteed service continuity
Redundancy is optimized, so that in the event of a major incident such as a power outage, the server room's power supply is automatically switched to the backup power supply. This prevents any interruption. The physical infrastructure protects equipment from external threats and facilitates continuous monitoring of critical systems.
The technology hub function transforms the server room into a nerve center for internal and external communications. Internet boxes, telephone exchanges, backup equipment, and monitoring systems converge in this controlled space at the hosting provider or data center. This concentration of technology facilitates centralized administration and improves the technical teams' responsiveness to incidents or changes.
Differences between server rooms, server racks, and data centers
It is important to distinguish the three levels of infrastructure, which are primarily based on scale, complexity, and objectives. In a data center, a server rack is a standardized rack containing several pieces of equipment, such as servers and switches. A server room, on the other hand, has several racks in a specific area within the company. An Edge data center is a professional facility that hosts thousands of servers to meet the hosting needs of public or private organizations.
Corporate server rooms are characterized by their integration into existing premises and their size, which is adapted to internal needs. They generally have a smaller volume, between ten and sometimes a few hundred servers, depending on the infrastructure's size. Maintaining continuous control over the infrastructure allows for economies of scale compared to equipment scattered across various locations.
UltraEdge data centers promote the pooling of resources and the sharing of costs. Multiple redundancies, enhanced monitoring systems, and security standards with reinforced controls are integrated from the design phase onwards. This allows efficient outsourced hosting models to be offered to hosted partners.
Designing a high-performance server room
Location, size, and key equipment
Choosing the right location can have a significant impact on the performance and security of the server room. For example, basement locations should be avoided where possible to limit the risk of flooding. Having no openings to the outside environment can increase dust accumulation, which can affect the performance of highly sensitive equipment.
The size and surface area required depends mainly on the amount of hosting and associated projections in terms of growth. Twenty servers can represent an investment of around €40,000, and this figure can be even higher for next-generation servers. It is important to include space planning, support systems, and protective equipment in this estimate at an early stage. Careful planning is also required to anticipate future needs, including the recurring costs associated with upgrading IT equipment in the mid-term.
Each key equipment integrates patch panels and aims to better organize cabling, redundancy between power supply systems, and environmental monitoring devices. For example, the installation of raised floors or ceilings optimizes cable routing and improves the overall relevance of the installation.
The support infrastructure, which is particularly important at UltraEdge, has a positive impact on the maintainability and scalability of the server room.
Power supply planning and redundancy
Proper power management is essential for any server room. To cope with consumption peaks during start-ups or intensive loads, it is necessary to deliver stable and continuous power to the various IT equipment. This planning, which necessarily includes anticipating future needs and meeting current needs, must incorporate acceptable and mandatory safety margins.
By extension, a new-generation server, especially those with a GPU for AI, can increase energy requirements by a factor of 10 or more. Electrical redundancy eliminates single points of failure. By extension, a new-generation server, particularly those with a GPU for AI, can increase energy requirements tenfold or more. Electrical redundancy eliminates single points of failure that could paralyze the entire infrastructure. This protection generally revolves around two independent power sources, inverters sized to maintain service during switchovers, and generators for prolonged outages. A multi-layered architecture ensures maximum service durability, avoiding potential interruptions even if a critical incident occurs on the public power grid.
The installation of uninterruptible power supply (UPS) systems is the first line of defence against power system disruptions. Voltage variations compensate for micro-outages. Power is then transmitted via backup generators. Upstream, proper equipment sizing takes into account not only material autonomy criteria but also the constraints of heat dissipation generated by the batteries.
Network cabling infrastructure
Structured cabling vs. unstructured cabling
Structured cabling promotes methodical organization of network connections in line with current standards. This standardized UltraEdge approach optimizes the distribution of transmission media, unifies connectivity, and ultimately facilitates data center evolution. Centralizing connections via patch panels allows for almost instantaneous reconfiguration without having to modify horizontal cabling. And it maximizes the necessary flexibility!
Unstructured cabling establishes direct and immediate connections to IT equipment to meet more urgent needs. This highly pragmatic approach potentially reduces initial costs, but implies a high level of complexity, which can prove to be a headache for IT system supervisors. In fact, maintenance proves problematic in the medium term, especially in the absence of documentation or unified standards.
The higher the data rates, for example 100 Gigabits, the greater the constraints on the cable quality. Whereas a structured infrastructure via Edge data centers makes tech migrations much easier while minimizing investments in cabling, paths, and associated space.
Best practices for cable management
Directly optimizing airflow and accessibility for maintenance depends on good physical cable organization. To prevent electromagnetic interference, power and data cables must be separated. This maximizes network performance while avoiding technical bottlenecks, and cable path segmentation keeps bend radii to a minimum.
Automated labeling facilitates connection identification and speeds up maintenance work. Physical documentation must be compiled and linked to operational infrastructure management tools. For example, standardized color codes clearly distinguish between service types and speed up overall awareness.
Cable usage is optimized and clutter reduced by selecting the most suitable cable lengths. Customized optical jumpers avoid extreme lengths, which affect airflow.
This is why UltraEdge pays meticulous attention to every detail, with a focus on overall performance, while responding to changes with ideal space management between cable trays.
Cooling and heat control
Cooling systems
The significant heat generated by IT equipment must be efficiently dissipated to maintain its durability, reliability, and high performance. Some dedicated servers can consume hundreds of kilowatts per rack, making them a real challenge!
Cooling systems must maintain an ambient temperature between 18 and 27 degrees Celsius according to ASHRAE recommendations. Cooling solutions vary depending on thermal density and installation constraints. Forced-air cooling is suitable for low to medium density installations.
The adoption of one or more liquid cooling systems for data centers is essential for managing peak loads; the integration of closed circuits allows the coolant to be transported to heat sources. In our network of Edge data centers, energy efficiency is greatly improved, while minimizing noise pollution. The hybrid mix combines several cooling techniques and represents an ultra-efficient response to the latest technical developments. Smart sensors automatically respond to predetermined parameters based on actual usage conditions, greatly optimizing energy consumption. Finally, needs are proactively anticipated based on usage profiles.
Airflow management and containment
Optimizing airflow maximizes cooling efficiency and directs airflow to where it is needed. Proper IT equipment layout ideally follows the principle of separating hot aisles from cold aisles. This allows cool air to be redirected to the server-side air intakes and hot air to be evacuated without any parasitic effects.
The technique of thermal aisle containment maximizes this separation, significantly improving energy efficiency. Insulating thermal environments considerably reduces cooling requirements and homogenizes thermal conditions in different areas.
The ideal humidity level should vary little and aim for an optimum of 50% according to usage recommendations. This makes it easier to preserve electronic components and avoid condensation, which can damage electrical circuits. In fact, the integration of humidity control allows for adjustment to optimal conditions, even in the event of significant external variations.
Physical and software security
Fire, humidity, and intrusion protection
Effective fire protection involves adapting detection and extinction systems to the specific characteristics of IT equipment. Aspiration smoke detectors detect and anticipate unusual heat buildup. Inert gas expansion systems complement this protection and preserve equipment, unlike water systems, which would inevitably cause damage.
At UltraEdge, specialized protection is linked to significant investments that preserve durability and efficiency of IT equipment.
Any physical intrusion can be a threat and is sometimes underestimated by IT managers. Advanced access control, with a badge or biometric system, restricts access to pre-authorized individuals. An anti-intrusion device is implemented with external exit security. This 360-degree defense system is key in UltraEdge data centers!
It should be noted that continuous surveillance detects intrusion attempts and environmental anomalies. Opening sensors, motion detectors, and surveillance cameras form a multi-layered security perimeter. 24/24 and 7/7 supervision optimizes the immediacy of intervention and has a clear impact in the event of intrusion or malicious acts.
Access, video surveillance, and environmental control
Highly granular access control precisely defines which personnel are authorized to enter the server room, when, and under what conditions. Traceability is guaranteed for each entry. It also allows temporary access restrictions to be imposed if necessary. This facilitates security audits while helping to detect the source of any anomalies related to an incident.
The access system is complemented by video surveillance of each location, including the server room. This allows activities to be recorded, ensures that interventions comply with regulations, and provides tangible evidence in case of an incident or failure. HD cameras with infrared vision are additional assets for regular monitoring, even in low light conditions.
Finally, automatic alerts facilitated by environmental sensors—which measure temperature, humidity, air quality, and other factors—notify support teams in the event of sudden changes. As a preventive measure, monitoring reduces any risks of damage or reliability issues with IT equipment.
Maintenance, supervision, and service continuity
The advantage of this preventive maintenance is that interventions are defined ahead of time, based on the technical roadmap and performance thresholds. Data center operators such as UltraEdge or hosting providers ensure optimal availability of spare parts, and rapid intervention can be triggered in the event of a major incident.
The implementation of centralized dashboards with operational KPIs makes it possible to identify and measure the overall health of the infrastructure. This facilitates decision-making while optimizing team responsiveness with adequate tech resource distribution.
Anticipating failures and preparing backup procedures are necessary steps for optimum service continuity. In this context, the Disaster Recovery Plan (DRP) defines the specific actions to be taken. Preparation includes team training, documented procedures, and regular testing of backup systems.
Energy efficiency and optimization
How to reduce electricity consumption?
Optimizing energy consumption begins with a detailed audit of existing consumption. Equipment analysis identifies the most energy-intensive items and/or those with significant savings potential. Consolidating IT equipment can reduce power consumption while minimizing cooling requirements. The latest processors optimize consumption with performance equivalent to or superior to older equipment. In addition, high-efficiency power supplies reduce electrical conversion losses. The comprehensive and gradual modernization of IT equipment optimizes the energy balance without sudden technological disruption.
Intelligent management in data centers correlates the power of IT equipment in the server room with the actual load required. This dynamic approach can drastically reduce power consumption, regardless of usage profiles.
Calcul and PUE improvement
PUE, which stands for Power Usage Effectiveness, measures a facility's energy efficiency by comparing total consumption to that of IT equipment. The closer the PUE is to 1, the more efficient the facility is, as only the servers would be consuming electricity. The most optimized facilities have a PUE close to 1.1.
Improving PUE involves optimizing auxiliary systems such as power supply, lighting, cooling, and monitoring. For example, free cooling adapts to favorable weather conditions to reduce the consumption of air conditioning systems.
This can halve the energy requirements for cooling, depending on the geographical location. Real-time PUE monitoring tracks changes in equipment performance and identifies areas for optimization. Publishing these PUE-related indicators raises awareness and increases teams' commitment to environmental and energy issues. It also fosters best practices adoption!
Server room in UltraEdge data centers
The ultra-dense network of 250 Edge data centers at UltraEdge meets the dual challenges of adapting to local needs and improving the performance of critical applications or services. With the rapid digital revolution of recent years integrating IoT and AI closer to the population, this brings computing resources considerably closer to end users. The security standards and reliability of centralized installations are optimized. In addition, the high modularity of UltraEdge's shared hosting solutions adapts capacity to local needs, without oversizing.
We centralize the orchestration of our data centers in France, which maximizes performance and infrastructure management. Unified monitoring maintains IT configuration consistency and efficiently automates application deployments.
Moving to a hybrid architecture combines the advantages of local server rooms with the power of remote infrastructures. This optimizes costs and improves the efficiency of applications that are most latency-sensitive. UltraEdge enables organizations to interconnect cloud solutions with Edge data centers and adapt to specific business constraints to meet end-user connectivity requirements.