The Difference Between Data Centers and Computer Rooms

Author: Peter Sacco

Abstract

The differences between a data center and a computer room are often misunderstood. Furthermore, the terms used to describe the location where companies provide a secure, power protected, and environmentally controlled space are often used inappropriately. This white paper provides a basis for understanding the differences between these locations and how they relate to each other.

Data Center Function

The functional requirements of any data center space are fourfold:
1. To provide a safe and secure place to locate mission critical equipment
2. To provide sufficient power protection to maintain the critical load
3. To provide adequate environmental controls, including cooling and fire safety, to operate the
space within the critical loads operating parameters
4. To provide communications connectivity both inside and outside the space

Data Center Philosophy

The goal of any data center is to provide continuous availability of all network services. Therefore,
whether discussing the network design strategy or the facility
design strategy the overall philosophy remains the same:

• Keep it as simple as possible
• Design for scalability
• Utilize modularity wherever possible
• Be flexible and adaptable to change

Data Center Description

The term 'data center' is used ubiquitously to describe the
space(s) serving as the operating theatre for the enterprise's
network service delivery. It has also been described by many
other names including computer room, datacenter (spelled
incorrectly), data centre (European), server room, network
room, network closet, telecommunications room and so on.

The most common differentiator between describing your
space as a data center and calling it a computer room tends to
be scale. However, the official delineator is how the space's
functional pieces are put together. The term 'data center' is the
description given when the entire site and building shell are
utilized exclusively as a data center site. Therefore, a data
center can be described as a larger space composed of
smaller spaces including:

• Computer Room(s)
• Telecommunications Room(s)
• Entrance Room(s)
• Network Operations Center
• Electrical Room(s)
• Mechanical Room(s)
• War Room / Conference Room(s)
• Staging Area, Storage, and Loading Dock
• People Spaces - Common Areas & General Office Spaces

Typically, the ratio of IT space to support space has declined to about 1:1 as compaction has emerged and
developed as a trend in the industry.

From this description it is obvious that a 'computer room' is a functional space within a 'data center'.
Interestingly enough, both spaces are described as places to secure information systems, technology data,
and infrastructure.

Typical Data Center Topology

The typical data center includes a single entrance room, one or more telecommunications rooms, one main
distribution area, and several horizontal distribution areas.

Data Center Systems and Sub-Systems

The following are just some of the major systems and sub-systems that make up any data center location:

Information Technology (IT) Infrastructure

• Network & Network Security Equipment
• Voice & Data Communications Equipment
• Server & Data Storage Equipment

Support Infrastructure

• Switchgear & Power Distribution
• Generator / ATS
• Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) & Energy Storage
• Computer Room Air Conditioners (CRAC)
• Heat Exchangers
• Fire Detection
• Fire Suppression
• Lighting
• Leak detection

Structured Cabling

• Backbone Cabling
• Horizontal Cabling
• Main Cross-connect (MC)
• Horizontal Cross-connect (HC)
• Zone ports or consolidation points
• Equipment ports
• Station ports

Architectural Elements

• Raised Floor
• Suspended Ceiling
• Surface Treatments
• Vapor Barrier
• Doors and Hardware
• Cabinets & Racks

Computer Room Description

The best description for a Computer Room however is a Collapsed Data Center where the entrance
room is contained within the computer room space.

The computer room is the space that serves the purpose of providing a secure environment for the
equipment and cabling directly related to the critical load.

Since this is the principle
location for network and server
infrastructure special
considerations must be given
to:

• Power protection
• Power distribution
• Cooling
• Humidity control
• Air distribution
• Fire Safety
• Floor layout
• Floor loading
• Service clearances
• Cable pathway
• Physical security
• Signage

Data Center Design Criteria

Rob Sneevely, in his book, Enterprise Data Center Design and Methodology, correctly defines the
criterion for a data center design as, ".the requirement that must be met to provide the system
capacities and availability necessary to run the business."

However, the design criterion for a data center project differs slightly from that of a computer room
project.