Data Center

A data center is a separate room (or building) that houses computing platforms, disk storage, and switching equipment.

The data center accumulates the organization’s data within itself, processes it, and also guarantees its safety and ensures its backup.

Classification

Data centers are divided into several main types:

1. A classic data center is an ordinary building with an increased level of protection. The equipment is placed according to the requirements that are required from the data center. This type appeared first and remains relevant today, despite other alternatives. Some users build their own data centers for their own purposes, while others prefer to rent them.
2. A cloud data center provides users with virtual space for their tasks. This is convenient because the user receives a ready-made solution and pays only for the actual usage of resources.
3. A modular data center is assembled from different modules which are delivered to the user. It is convenient in case of frequent relocations.
4. Containerized. Similar to the modular one, only it comes in a protected container. The main reason for using it is heavy-duty conditions.

Users can use various options of data centers depending on the current task. The cloud data center provides the greatest mobility, while the containerized model, which is deployed on the user’s premises, has the greatest reliability.

Backing-up

Any data center consists of different main nodes, which ensure the working process and reliability of the data center. The most critical of these must be backed up. When building a data center, there are two basic options.

The first is the N+1 backup scheme, in which each critical component is duplicated. If one of them fails, the second replaces it.

The second option is 2N, in which there are two independent components in the infrastructure. If one fails, the second takes over the load.

All other variants involve mixing the first two in different proportions. For example, a 2N+1 solution implies that the user has two identical components and one backup component. Even if both fail, the third will take the load.

The last option, which is used to maximize reliability, is 2(N+1). Any element, even the replacing one, has its duplicate. Thus the user gets a fault-tolerant infrastructure in which any element has at least one backup.

A data center is a necessity for any enterprise. It provides storage and processing of information, as well as guarantees its security. Any data center is built according to the principle of redundant modules, which ensures reliability and guarantees data safety.