The current situation is as follows: I have joined a new company to provide support for clients who are hosted in a "small server room." There are currently seven servers behind DNAT configured for shorewall (an inherited arrangement), and a simple long-range switch manages network traffic inside the room. Thankfully, there is one good UPS that provides backup power for around 25-30 minutes.
However, the room lacks cooling and I have knocked out air conditioners, a separate power line, and one end of optics. One of the major providers in the country with a net of 100 megabits on the outside and a gigabit on local resources is present there. They have recently reported that they will be installing a second rack with 18 client servers in the near future.
I am seeking advice from experienced professionals who have created small data centers for their own companies. I would appreciate advice on how to build the right infrastructure.
My questions are as follows:
1. What is a good replacement for the "shorewall" gateway? Would something from Cisco be appropriate or are there cheaper alternatives available? I doubt that the bosses will immediately approve the cost of a Cisco product, but it is possible. Are there other models of core routers that are affordable?
2. Should we lay down a gigabit network inside the server room from the start?
Budget is an issue, so we may need to negotiate funding. We have also ordered a diesel generator as a backup in case of power outages.
Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Linux can handle speeds of up to gigabit without issue. It is worth investing in gigabit equipment from the start, which is cheap and readily available. You may also want to consider channel aggregation as a way to bind multiple gigabit channels together if necessary.
Would you mind sharing the electricity consumption (in kW)?
As previously mentioned, Linux can comfortably handle speeds up to gigabit, so it's best not to mess with it. However, if there is a need for such high speeds locally or if new equipment is required for new customers, investing in gigabit equipment would be wise. Otherwise, it would be a misuse of funds that could be put to better use elsewhere.
Investing in gigabit equipment from the start is a smart move since it's affordable and can result in significant profits, particularly with backups and virtual machines. As for cooling, a basic split system will suffice, but avoid purchasing low-quality units. To ensure proper functioning, install two air conditioners, alternating their use every few weeks. Additionally, it's important to avoid placing conduits on top of racks or equipment, as this increases the risk of equipment damage if the block leaks. In the event of a floor leak, the damage is less severe.
During the server room design phase, it's important to carefully consider factors such as room size, server equipment, fire protection, and cooling. The goal is to create a space that accommodates current and future IT infrastructure needs while making efficient use of the available space. Leaving too much idle space can lead to unnecessary costs, while excessive use of space may increase risks and result in expensive incidents. The technical aspects of the room entail soundproof walls, special access doors, antistatic floors, and temperature control equipment. Properly preparing the equipment involves calculating the necessary power density and grounding electrical systems for server racks.
Additionally, servers must be installed with proper backup power sources and certified cables, and all cables and equipment must be removed and labeled before disposal. Emergency response procedures should be established and regularly reviewed, while policies and procedures outlining the upkeep of tools and equipment must be developed and updated annually.
Finally, the placement of server equipment must be carefully considered to minimize cable lengths and ensure critical systems have redundant power supplies. As technology continues to evolve, new suppliers and specialized solutions will emerge to meet the growing demand for computing power.
1. Gateway Replacement: If you're looking for a replacement for Shorewall, there are several options available depending on your specific requirements and budget. Cisco is a trusted brand, but there are other affordable alternatives as well. Some popular choices include Juniper Networks, Fortinet, MikroTik, and Ubiquiti. It might be worth exploring these options and comparing their features, pricing, and customer reviews to find the best fit for your needs.
2. Network Upgrade: Upgrading to a gigabit network inside the server room can improve performance and accommodate future growth. However, whether it's necessary from the start depends on your current and anticipated network traffic. If your existing network is already experiencing congestion or if you anticipate significant growth in the near future, investing in a gigabit network would be beneficial. If not, you could start with a 100 Mbps network and plan for a future upgrade when required.
In addition to the above, since cooling seems to be an issue, it's crucial to address this as soon as possible. Proper cooling is essential for maintaining the temperature within acceptable limits and to ensure the longevity and reliability of the equipment. You may want to consider installing dedicated air conditioning units or improving the overall ventilation in the server room.
Lastly, having a backup generator is a wise decision to ensure uninterrupted power supply during outages.
considerations for building the right infrastructure for your small data center:
3. Redundancy: It's important to plan for redundancy in critical components to minimize single points of failure. This includes redundant power supplies for servers, network switches, and routers. Consider deploying redundant network paths using technologies like Link Aggregation Control Protocol (LACP) or Spanning Tree Protocol (STP) to ensure high availability.
4. Network Security: As you expand the number of client servers, it becomes crucial to prioritize network security. Implementing firewalls, intrusion detection systems (IDS), and intrusion prevention systems (IPS) can help protect your network from potential threats. Invest in security appliances or software solutions that fit within your budget.
5. Scalability: Ensure that your infrastructure is designed with future growth in mind. Plan for expansion in terms of additional server racks, network ports, and power requirements. Choosing modular components that can be easily scaled up or down will save you time and money in the long run.
6. Monitoring and Management: Implement a robust monitoring and management system to keep track of server health, network performance, and power usage. This can help identify issues proactively and allow for efficient troubleshooting. Consider using network management tools like Nagios, Zabbix, or SolarWinds.
7. dоcumentation: Maintain thorough dоcumentation of your infrastructure setup, including network diagrams, IP addressing schemes, cable layouts, and configuration files. This will help with troubleshooting, future upgrades, and overall maintenance.