Data Center Handbook

9Architecture Design: Data Center Rack Floor Plan and Facility Layout Design

Phil Isaak

Isaak Technologies Inc., Minneapolis, MN, USA

9.1 Introduction

The success of the data center floor plan design process is dependent on the participation of the facility design team and the information technology design team. The facility design team will consist of the building architect and the electrical, mechanical, and structural engineers. The information technology design team will consist of those responsible for the network topology, server and storage platform architecture, and network cabling infrastructure design.

The design of the data center layout must be developed with input from all the key stakeholders from the facility and IT groups within the organization. This integrated design approach will help to ensure that the data center will function and perform throughout the facility life cycle, providing operational efficiency to support the many technology life cycles that the data center facility will see.

9.2 Overview of Rack and Cabinet Design

9.2.1 Two- and Four-Post Racks

Two- and four-post racks are open frames with rail spacing that should meet the EIA/CEA-310-E manufacturing standards.

The mounting rail rack units (RU) (1 RU = 1.75 in.) should be clearly marked on all rails. The RU markings typically start at 1 on the bottom. However, there are some manufacturers with products that start RU number 1 at the top. The RU designations should be consistently applied ...