SAS 012 – Building a Server Room

SysAdmin Show

Server Room Diagram

In today’s episode I go over all the requirements for building or remodeling a server room.

• Today’s Show – Building a Server Room
  • New construction or remodel
  • Project Management
    • Depending on the scope IT maybe expected to manage this project
    • If not managed by IT you will want to ensure you are involved as early as possible
  • Communication
    • Email is best to communicate instructions
    • It’s good to review, debate and plan in person or on the phone, but follow meetings up with emails outlining what is being done, by who and by when
    • If possible have someone take meeting notes
    • Room location
      • 1st floor or above, not a basement if possible
      • Opening to an office area, not a shop or garage
      • Away from outside walls
      • No windows
    • Room size
      • 2 racks minimum, 10′ x 10′
      • Will provide at least 3′ on every side
    • Floor, walls, ceiling
      • 9′ drop ceiling
      • Full height walls, no crawl spaces above the ceiling to other rooms
      • Painted drywall
      • Anti-Static floors
    • Door
      • Metal if possible
      • Open out
      • Locking
    • Lightning
      • LED if possible
      • Above from and rear of racks
    • A/C
      • Dedicated split unit
      • Calculate size
    • Power
      • Input power requirements
        • Hard line / Plug Type
        • Amps
      • UPS, Calculate size & run time
      • PDU
      • Generator backup
    • Racks
      • 7′ H, 3′ D, 2′ W
      • Cable management 6″
    • KVM
      • Console & KVM Switcher
    • Demarc
      • 3/4 Plywood, Painted
      • Outlets fed from UPS
    • Access Control
      • Unique key or electronic lock
    • Environmental Monitoring
      • Report of Temp, Humidity, Water
    • Storage
      • Cabinet
      • Safe
  • Budget
    • Sometimes dictated, sometimes generated by IT
    • Should include all materials and labor
    • Include time required by internal resources, so you can plan accordingly

• Final Thoughts
  • Many companies will not see the value in building a proper server room, do research to advocate for it
  • If you do not get involved early in the conversation it will be an afterthought and very difficult to do it properly
  • Server rooms don’t change very often, so expect that you will need to make it work for the next 5-10 years of growth
  • As with any negotiation divide you requirements into needs and wants. Don’t fight so hard for what you want that you cannot get what you need

Email me with any questions or comments on this episode: [e-mail]