DATA CENTER NETWORKS - INTEGRATING IT and FACILITIES

There are many networks within the data center beyond the core IP based Local Area Network.  Networks within the data center are made up of discrete IT and facility system networks.  Often the installation of these networks are planned, designed, installed and managed by individual silos of responsibility resulting in a lack of coordination and a common set of guidelines or standards.

The networks can be categorized into three main systems:

1. Data Center LAN/SAN/WAN – the core network supporting all servers and storage platforms.
2. Building LAN – IP network supporting all desktop PC & Telephony devices outside the computer room.
3. Facility Building Management Systems – all facility related networks outside of the typical server and storage platforms and desktop PC & telephones.

Although these main network categories are discrete in their topology, they do interface to provide key management functionality for data center facility managers, computer operators and network administrators.  It is important that these networks are planned and designed in a coordinated effort to ensure:

• It is clearly understood which staffing roles require access to each network
• Who is responsible to manage each network
• Who is responsible to manage the interfaces between the networks and what levels of security are required at each network interface
• Do these networks need to adhere to a common hardware platform or operating system, and if not who manages the decisions regarding which hardware platforms and operating systems are acceptable
• Who is responsible to plan, design and install the:
  • Network Architecture
  • Network Topology
  • Network Cable Plant
  • Network Pathways

The benifits of a coordinated design between these discrete networks include:

• Implementation costs savings by eliminating replication in pathway or cable plant scope of work between electrical contractor, low voltage contractor or systems integrator.
• Clearly defined external vendor responsibilities and expectations
• Clear definition of who, within internal staff, is responsible for the management of each discrete network.
• Use of common standards and installation means and methods for the pathways and cable plant.
• Corporate network standards can be clearly defined and followed.

Isaak Technologies is experienced in planning and designing all three main categories of networks, including the network architecture, topology, cable plant and pathways.

Isaak Technologies routinely provides evaluations of vendor services and technologies, from a variety of vendors and manufacturers.  This helps our clients make rational and economically intelligent decisions about which technologies to deploy in their data center. We do not sell or represent any manufacturer, and therefore are able to remain impartial, evaluating each solution on technical, functional, operational and financial merits.