AdvantageNov 19, 2024 11:47:48 AM5 min read

What is Data Center Architecture and Common Design Types (Part One)

Widespread industry shifts and technological developments have transformed data centers into dynamic, flexible hubs. These facilities now perform countless complex activities critical to enterprise success.

As a result, strategically designing these centers is essential.

Let’s delve into the details of data center architecture. We’ll dig into key components, describe the most common design types, and discuss enterprise-level considerations for maximum cost and operation efficiencies.

What is data center architecture?

A data center is a physical facility housing an organization’s data and related infrastructure. Data center architecture refers to the specific way these facilities are built and organized.

This architecture is becoming increasingly vital because cloud computing, big data, the Internet of Things (IoT), and artificial intelligence (AI) present continuously evolving demands.

Amidst these neverending digital transformations, enterprises must optimize their data center design to ensure continuity and high-level performance.

But what exactly does data center architecture encompass?

Five key components of data center architecture

Computing infrastructure

This component includes physical racks of servers. These servers are the foundation of data centers, providing processing power for facilities to complete applications.

Virtualization optimizes this element (and makes cloud computing possible) by allowing multiple virtual servers to function on one physical server. Industry shifts toward hyper-converged infrastructure (HCI)—a software solution that integrates disparate IT frameworks—further streamline modern computing.

Storage systems

Data center design encompasses a mix of storage technologies and physical resources to help manage data, such as:

Storage Area Network (SAN) solutions: Connect multiple servers with multiple storage devices at a block level. SAN solutions offer centralized storage, high speeds, and low latency on a dedicated network. They’re complex, expensive, and used for high-volume databases or enterprise-level applications.

Network-Attached Storage (NAS) solutions: Connect users with a centralized network at a file level. NAS frameworks facilitate file sharing and storage via ethernet. They’re simple and affordable.

Object storage: Organize files by grouping data into unique units called objects. This solution operates through a flat-level structure via ethernet. It’s highly scalable and made for unstructured data.
Storage equipment: Physical and digital assets like drives, storage controllers, tape libraries, and cloud-based storage components.

Due to the growing importance of data security, reliable storage is non-negotiable.

Networking infrastructure

Networking infrastructure is the nexus of interconnections between a data center’s components. This element enables communication and data transfer within a network while connecting internal systems to the Internet.

It includes equipment and connective systems like:

Switches
Routers
Hubs
Network bridges
Wireless access points
Cable modems
Network topologies

Effectively designed network infrastructure is essential for achieving high bandwidth and low latency. It’s also integral to seamless connectivity and operational cost-effectiveness.

Power and cooling systems

Robust power distribution systems augment network capacity, while backup power solutions prevent crashes and downtime. Cooling technologies reduce expenses by optimizing energy efficiency and preventing equipment from overheating.

These systems extend the life of equipment as they enhance performance across the board while ensuring continuity.

Security measures

Security measures are protective mechanisms featured in data center design, from disaster recovery planning to on-site guards. This component is more crucial than ever, as the number of data breaches more than tripled between 2013 and 2022, according to Apple.

These systems safeguard indispensable assets, mitigate risks, and ensure compliance. Such measures include physical elements such as access control with incorporated biometric scanning, surveillance systems, and advanced environmental monitoring software that scans for temperature changes.

They also include digital frameworks such as firewalls, anti-malware applications, and intrusion detection and prevention systems (IDPS).

Inside the most common data center types

Traditional

These data centers utilize a hierarchical model and are often located on-site. Their function and capacity are limited because their layered structure lowers latency and makes scaling difficult. The traditional data center model is becoming less relevant for modern enterprises as alternative structures are increasingly flexible, affordable, and efficient.

Modular

Modular data centers leverage prefabricated modules. This model accommodates simplified integration, streamlined scaling, and rapid enterprise-level deployment. It enables enterprise evolution without downtime or substantial upfront costs.

Hyperscale

Hyperscale data centers are massive. They utilize various advanced technologies, including modular architecture, automated frameworks, and resource-management systems. Many multi-location enterprises and cloud providers use the hyperscale model, as it can process large swaths of data while offering seamless scaling options.

Edge

Edge data centers are built near data sources or users. They reduce latency and offer instant insights by minimizing the distance data has to travel. The edge model benefits applications requiring high bandwidth and low latency, such as IoT devices or augmented-reality programs.

Enterprise considerations for modern data centers

As a strategic leader working to optimize your modern multi-location enterprise’s data center design, you should consider these factors:

1. Scalability

Flexible data center architecture evolves with your business by expanding and adapting as needed.

2. Resiliency

Resilient data center architecture presents safeguards like redundancy, fault tolerance, and disaster recovery planning. Without these backups, enterprise-level risks are enormous.

3. Efficiency

Efficiency-enhancing features like top-notch cooling systems or robust power distribution apparatuses optimize your data center’s Power Usage Effectiveness (PUE) score. They utilize resources strategically to augment performance, lower costs, and reduce downtime.

4. Security

Security systems protect your data center, preventing disastrous breaches and large-scale data losses. Your critical systems are sitting ducks without physical security, cybersecurity, and compliance requirements.

5. Automation

Automated software like predictive maintenance, resource allocation, and workload-balancing systems assist with data center monitoring and management. These tools expand your enterprise capacities while reducing errors.

6. Sustainability

Eco-friendly design features like renewable sources and energy-efficient hardware help you cut costs while going green. This consideration is increasingly vital as sustainable data center architecture continues to expand in popularity.

Conclusion: Taking enterprise data center design to the experts

Today, data centers face complex and continuously evolving challenges while performing countless critical tasks. These challenges render strategic data center design more crucial than ever.

Data center architecture features five key components, and most data centers represent one of four standard models. A range of considerations exist for enterprises regarding modern data centers.

The right global connectivity partner can help you weigh those considerations to achieve the perfect data center design.

Are you interested in elevating your enterprise capabilities with tailored solutions? Advantage Communications Group can help. We’re the experts on enterprise-level data center design and across-the-board technology optimization.

Why wait? Contact us today to start future-proofing your business.