Data centers are the hidden heroes of the Internet. How does a data center ensure that your IT environment stays online 24/7? An insight into the secret world of the data center.

For us, it goes without saying that IT environments are available around the clock. There’s a lot more to it than you think. A hosting provider does everything to keep its own servers, but also yours, online day and night.

Data centers are rarely if ever discussed. That’s actually a shame, because data centers keep your IT environment in order. Have you always wanted to know how a data center really works? Wesley Hof, CTO at Combell, takes us behind the scenes of the data center.

redundancy

“A good data center is designed to withstand natural disasters, fires, lightning strikes and unexpected power outages,” says Hof. “In order to cope with possible setbacks, everything is duplicated or made superfluous. If something goes wrong, the system immediately switches to a backup version.”

Redundancy is built into a data center in every way imaginable. Hof: “This means that all the essential facilities for maximum reliability are available twice. Therefore, if any part fails, the replacement will take over immediately without any breakdown.”

Under lock and key

If you’ve never seen the inside of a data center, that’s no coincidence. “You can’t just walk into a data center: everything is under lock and key. People with bad intentions are kept at a distance through highly secure access controls and security cameras. You must first authorize yourself at the security checkpoint and only then are you allowed to pass through the one-man gate. It’s impossible for someone to sneak in unnoticed,” explains Hof.

Security doesn’t just exist on the outside. “The high level of security also extends to the data center itself,” Hof continued. “A good example of this is the physical aspect, which starts with multiple rooms or areas in the data center.”

“We have several cages inside and these cages contain separate server racks, which are cabinets in which the servers are enclosed. They are also completely locked with separate locks. Everything to ensure that only the right people reach the right people.”

water and fire

Data centers must be prepared for the natural elements. “To go back to the layoffs: Nothing is left to chance,” Hof continued. “For example, the power supply is always guaranteed. Assuming there is a power outage, active UPS batteries would temporarily cover the outage until the diesel generators come online.”

Another important aspect in data centers is cooling. Hof explains: “Servers or electrical devices cannot withstand the heat well. That’s why cooled air is blown in from the tiles between the servers. This passes through the server and is expelled backwards through a closed corridor to use the air as efficiently as possible.”

“Even a fire is impossible,” reassures Hof. A reliable data center does not extinguish with water, but uses a special inert gas that removes oxygen from the air. This way, the servers will not be damaged if firefighting is required. So fire has no chance.”

Thank God, because waiters don’t like water either. Hof explains how servers in data centers stay dry. “Water in the IT infrastructure is obviously not the best friend. That is why the “double roof” principle is used. Another roof was built under the roof so that a water leak could never reach the servers. This is the only way a provider can offer you the highest guarantee,” he concludes.

This is a commercial contribution in collaboration with Combell. Click here for more information about the company’s solutions.