A peek inside NextDC’s S2 data centre
NextDC let ZDNet inside its second of three facilities in Sydney. Here’s a look at the 30MW facility located in Macquarie Park, 13 kilometres north-west of the Sydney CBD. ...
Data centers provide the backbone for many tech services we take for granted, but what goes on behind those doors -- and why might firms including Apple and Google be interested in moving over?
Another factor which brings down the cost of running data centers in Iceland is the year-round temperature. The country experiences temperature of between -2c and 14c all year, with few sudden spikes or declines. This, in turn, means that data centers in the country have no need for extensive mechanical cooling equipment, and largely rely on direct free air.
High-spec and powerful computing equipment require cooling frequently. If the equipment is not kept at a reasonable temperature, processing efficiency can decrease -- and in some cases, components may fail. To keep things cool, equipment and servers are stored in racks, while cool air is send up through holes in the floor, pulled through aisles before being pushed upwards through air vents.
Fans clustered in threes are part of the process. If one fails, two others work harder. If two fail, neighboring fan clusters pick up the slack.
Another advantage of not having to employ mechanical cooling -- aside from the expense -- is that fewer staff are needed, which heightens security.
Caption by: Charlie Osborne
Join Discussion