With data networks requiring more and more capacity to handle faster speeds, server rooms are placed under strain; this can lead to over-heating and problems with data storage and system crashes. To this end, air conditioning should be viewed as a crucial component for any server room; you can build up cooling and airflow management solutions by sourcing high quality tools from suppliers, while also taking some precautions with your general server room layout.
Air conditioning should be used to keep cold air in circulation within a server room, and should be able to convert and recycle warm air generated by servers. Extended heating problems within a server room can cause system faults, and even permanent damage to hard drives and servers; this can lead to significant downtime for businesses, and can cause serious issues with data loss if you don’t have other backups.
When deciding on the right kind of air conditioning system for your needs, you need to think about investing in environmental sensors and monitors that can check humidity and temperature levels to alert you if they are reaching dangerous highs; portable air conditioners and fans can also be used to circulate cold air around server cabinets, and can create ‘cold corridors’ between devices to maintain a consistent temperature.
The best environmental monitoring systems tend to include options for remote access and management – good examples include Geist environment sensors, which have multiple ports and settings for managing conditions within a server room. It’s also worth remembering to keep an eye on dryness, as an overly dry server room can lead to problems with static electricity, which can damage equipment.
Airflow management can be improved through the use of server room accessories such as blanking panels, which can help to enhance air circulation around the floor of a room; baffles and raised castors can perform similar tasks, while vented floor tiles and grilles can help to prevent a room from becoming too humid. Shielded insulation for cables can also work to prevent overheating, and can be combined with patch panels to prevent tangles and multiple cables absorbing heat.
It’s consequently crucial to have a system in place for dealing with the air flow of your server room; failure to take these measures can cause significant problems with your servers, the performance of your network, and the security of your data. Making an investment in air conditioning units and environmental monitors and sensors can help you to maintain an optimum temperature for your server room, and can be combined with accessories to reduce the risk of over-heating. Getting an audit of your existing server room needs can be a useful step to make, while it’s worth considering whether you might benefit from reducing some of the load on your network through cloud storage.
Byline:
CJ is a blogger who regularly covers the latest solutions for server rooms and networks. She recommends using Comms Express for high quality server room tools and accessories. She also recommends performing a regular inspection of your server room to see how you make it more efficient.
