Although a server may not consume power as aggressively as an induction cooker, it is still a significant power user compared to an ordinary PC.
The primary focus of server hardware application is to ensure operational stability and continuity. A stable power supply is fundamental to maintaining the stability of the hardware system. Therefore, when arranging the power system within the server room, in addition to ensuring sufficient power supply from the mains, it is also important to have backup systems in place for unexpected power outages.
For instance, if a server room contains 100 servers with an average rated power of 500 watts each, equipping a large UPS distribution cabinet with 96 high-spec dedicated batteries can ideally ensure that the servers continue to operate for 8 hours after the mains power is cut off (realistically around 6.5 hours in practical applications).
The average CPU temperature of most server brands on the market is over 60°C during operation without additional control devices, and the internal case temperature is above 40°C. During busy concurrent processing, these readings may increase by 10-20°C, which greatly differs from the theoretical values in the manuals. If a server operates at these elevated temperatures for an hour during heavy loads, who knows what might happen next? Thus, when establishing a server operating environment, it is essential to implement temperature control.
So how do we create a temperature-controlled environment? By using an air conditioning system!
In an IDC or ISP server room with many servers, it's necessary to have one or two large-capacity central air conditioning units to maintain daily temperature control, along with one or two backup units of the same specifications. For smaller setups with fewer than ten servers, at least a total cooling capacity of 3 tons or more should be provided using upright or outdoor wall-mounted air conditioning units (indoor wall-mounted units should be avoided to prevent water leakage and serious consequences). Keep the room temperature between 15-23°C.
Additionally, if it’s a large server room, it’s best to equip it with temperature sensors for monitoring.
Controlling the humidity around the server is also very important.
Assuming the server operates in a relatively dry environment, static electricity can easily build up around metal equipment during contact and friction. The impact of static electricity on servers is well known; if a discharge occurs, it could easily damage vital components such as capacitors or CPUs, leading to system crashes and posing serious risks to personnel safety.
In server rooms located in the northern regions, it’s advisable to place a humidifier; in southern areas, especially on the first floor, in addition to using moisture-resistant materials under the floor in larger rooms, placing some lime sandbags or similar moisture-absorbing infrastructure can help prevent excessive humidity. The humidity should be maintained between 45-55%.
Moreover, on rainy days, windows in smaller server rooms should preferably remain closed to avoid rainwater entering, which could create unnecessary electrical hazards in this densely packed electrical environment.
Many may think that fire hazard control is insignificant because most facilities in the server room are made of insulated materials. However, there have been numerous fire incidents in server rooms. Always choose reputable and reliable brands for electrical outlets, and avoid placing test outlets near water dispensers. Exercise caution during electroplating and soldering work, and enforce a strict no-smoking policy in the server room.
Of course, once human factors are addressed, we must also prepare for unforeseen environmental factors. Buildings without smoke detectors should have an independent alarm system installed.
Electronic equipment is highly sensitive to lightning, and negligence can lead to danger.
Many buildings do not pay much attention to lightning protection facilities. If a server room is located in a building without lightning rods, it is advisable to coordinate with property management to install lightning protection equipment on the roof to direct lightning strikes safely to the ground.
Servers are high-performance machines that can be quite fragile. Some servers may be exposed to the air for extended periods, and when dust in the air accumulates, it can cause the fans and other components inside the machine to fail; additionally, dust accumulation significantly shortens the lifespan of most internal components, including the motherboard and CPU.
Therefore, if conditions allow, it is best to invest in professional server cabinets for the server room. Before entering, staff should wear disposable dust covers or personal clean slippers. Generally, external visitors should not be allowed in the server room.
Direct sunlight can significantly increase server temperatures, and higher temperatures increase the likelihood of problems, which is detrimental to server system stability. Furthermore, direct sunlight can be very damaging to monitors; it can reduce their lifespan by half or more due to prolonged exposure.
In IDC and ISP server rooms, exposure to any light is practically nonexistent, making it easy to manage this aspect well.
In smaller server rooms, where space utilization is critical due to rental costs, facilities can become congested, and there may be a large window nearby. For those who yearn for fresh air but must remain inside, it can be quite stifling. You never know when someone might open the curtains or windows to let in sunlight and fresh air. While it’s pleasant for people, it can be disastrous for machines.
Therefore, in server rooms where sunlight can shine through windows directly onto the servers, it’s best to implement a rule prohibiting the opening of curtains and windows. However, rules should be humane; it’s considerate to schedule several breaks throughout the day for staff to get fresh air.
Each server has a certain limit for pressure tolerance. While they may have metal casings, there is always a maximum pressure value. Tower servers are generally independent upright machines, and even with horizontal stacking, the limited space means there won’t be many stacked servers, so pressure concerns regarding the external environment are minimal.
For example, a good quality 1U rack-mount server typically can support about 5-7 units of the same specification; stronger racks can support around 6-8 units of 1U servers.
Thus, when setting up rack specifications, it’s essential to budget wisely and avoid placing too many units on a single shelf.
Space control for servers is primarily for planning and management, and it also helps achieve better temperature control for effective heat dissipation.
Poorly organized server placement or scattered network cables can cause visual frustration and create difficulties when issues arise that need to be addressed.
Good space management not only looks good but also assists in temperature control; for example, if a bunch of network cables is cluttered behind a rack, what happens? Airflow to the servers below is blocked, leading to increased temperatures!
In small server rooms, especially tower servers against walls, a distance of about 12 cm from the wall is ideal to optimize space, maintain temperature control, and keep cables like power and KVM well-managed.
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