Building a Data Center: How to Understand Tier Classifications

1
Building a Data Center How to Understand Tier
Classifications
2
Building a Data Center

• Four data center tier classifications exists,
  from basic Tier I to rigid Tier IV
• Balance the need for availability with the cost
  of redundancy higher tier level, means greater
  availability but at more cost
• Objectively identify performance levels
• Tier classification involves operation of the
  data center as a whole

3
Building a Data Center

• Tier I - Basic Site Infrastructure
• Has non-redundant capacity components and single,
  non-redundant distribution path
• Things to know about building Tier I
• Planned work will require all systems shut down
• Planned and unplanned disruptions will affect
  availability of computer equipment
• When preventive maintenance and repair occurs,
  data center infrastructure must be on complete
  shut down

4
Building a Data Center

• Tier II - Redundant Site Infrastructure Capacity
  Components
• Have redundant capacity components and single,
  non-redundant distribution path
• Things to know about Tier II
• No computer shut down required for removal of
  redundant capacity vs. System shut down required
  for removal of distribution paths
• Unplanned and planned work will affect data
  center availability

5
Building a Data Center

• Tier III - Concurrently Maintainable Site
  Infrastructure
• Have redundant capacity components and multiple
  independent distribution path. All IT equipment
  must be dual-powered
• Things to know about Tier III
• Elements and components can be removed from
  service without impacting computer equipment
• Sufficient and permanently installed capacity
  exists
• Unplanned activities can disrupt computer
  equipment
• Available alternative power sourcevv

6
Building a Data Center

• Tier IV -- Fault Tolerant Site Infrastructure
• Gauranteed highest levels of availability
• Most rigid category hosts mission critical
  compartmentalized systems, redundant subsystems,
  compartmentalized security and strict security
  control methods
• Things to know about Tier IV
• Fault tolerant data center. Power and cooling
  maintained after infrastructure failure

7
Building a Data Center

• Tier IV -- Fault Tolerant Site Infrastructure
• Things to know about Tier IV
• Failures within will not affect computer
  equipment.
• Sufficient capacity exists, no planned or
  unplanned activity can disrupt site
• Engine-generator is primary power source.
  Available alternative power source

8
Building a Data Center

• About the Author
• Arnie W. Evdokimo is chief executive officer of
  DP Air Corporation, a leading provider of data
  center design, build and maintenance services
  based in Phoenix. For more information about
  Building a Data Center, visit http//dpair.com/des
  ign-data-center/today.