PACE-IT: Rack and Power Management

Rack and power management.

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Instructor, PACE-IT Program – Edmonds Community College

Areas of expertise Industry Certifications

PC Hardware

Network Administration

IT Project Management

Network Design

User Training

IT Troubleshooting

Qualifications Summary

Education

M.B.A., IT Management, Western Governor’s University

B.S., IT Security, Western Governor’s University

Entrepreneur, executive leader, and proven manger with 10+ years of experience turning complex issues into efficient and effective solutions.

Strengths include developing and mentoring diverse workforces, improving processes, analyzing business needs and creating the solutions required— with a focus on technology.

Brian K. Ferrill, M.B.A.

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Rack and power management.PACE-IT.

– Rack management.

– Power management.

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Rack management.Rack and power management.

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Rack systems are specially designed racks used to hold networking and computing equipment. Sometimes they are referred to as server racks.

These rack systems follow one of several different designs (e.g., they may be bolted to the floor or they may be freestanding); however, they all follow the same height specification.

The specification is the standard unit (U) and it involves the amount of vertical space that can be used to hold equipment. A U is equal to 1.75 inches. (e.g., a 15U rack has 26.25 inches of vertical storage space). Most rack servers and enterprise level networking equipment are designed to fit within rack systems.


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– Types of racks.» Racks are normally two-post or four-post racks.» Server rail racks have slide mounts to make it easy to

pull out servers to perform necessary maintenance.

– Device placement.» Devices that generate the most amount of heat, or are

not heat sensitive, should be placed toward the top of the rack.

» Devices that generate the least amount of heat, or are heat sensitive, should be placed toward the bottom of the rack.

» All equipment cold air intakes should face the same direction; all equipment exhaust outlets should, therefore, face the same direction (i.e., hot aisle/cold aisle).

– Airflow.» When mounting equipment in racks, vertical space

should be left between the equipment to promote adequate airflow.

» When multiple rows of racks are implemented, a hot aisle/cold aisle approach should be used to promote proper airflow and cooling.

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– Rack monitoring.» Racks should be monitored for environmental factors to

help ensure the health of the servers and other equipment.

• Monitors should be in place for: temperature, humidity, vibration, water leaks, smoke, and intrusion.

– Rack security.» Most rack systems do not come with rack security in

mind, but it can be easily added after rack installation.• Rack doors can be added that have either keyed or

electronic locks.» If the equipment is not secured, it can be easily stolen.

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Power management.Rack and power management.

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Power is often overlooked when designing a network; however, without power management, the network may never work properly.

Most people assume that when they plug a piece of equipment into a wall socket, that that piece of equipment is going to power up just fine. In most cases, this is true. However, if the circuit cannot provide enough amps to the equipment, damage may occur.

It is important to know the power requirements and loads for all of the equipment that will be in place. This helps to ensure that the proper electrical circuits are installed, so that sufficient power is delivered where it is needed.


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– Power converters.» Convert electrical energy from one form to another

(e.g., from AC to DC or from one voltage level to another).

• Power inverters: a type of power converter that specifically converts voltages DC to AC.

– UPS (uninterruptable power supply).

» Uses power converters to receive electrical current from an AC electrical source and pass it to a battery (or batteries) for storage.

» Uses a power inverter to receive DC current and pass it to another device as conditioned (well regulated) AC flow.

» Used to provide a steady stream of conditioned electrical power to components.

• Helps to protect sensitive electrical components from power anomalies (e.g., power spikes or power sags).

– Power redundancy.» Critical components should include redundant power

supplies.• If one of the power supplies fails, the other one takes

over immediately.

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What was covered.Rack and power management.

Rack systems are specifically developed to hold computing and networking equipment. Height is measured by the number of standard units that are available. Several different styles of racks are available, including freestanding. There several considerations when placing equipment in racks, including airflow. Racks should be monitored for environmental factors and rack security should be implemented.

Topic

Rack management.

Summary

Power management is often overlooked when designing network systems. One consideration is that the electrical circuit can supply enough amps for the equipment that is going to use it. Power converters are used to change one or more characteristic of electricity. A UPS can be used to supply a steady flow of conditioned power, helping to protect computing equipment. Redundant power supplies should be used with critical components.

Power management.

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This workforce solution was 100 percent funded by a $3 million grant awarded by the U.S. Department of Labor's Employment and Training Administration. The solution was created by the grantee and does not necessarily reflect the official position of the U.S. Department of Labor. The Department of Labor makes no guarantees, warranties, or assurances of any kind, express or implied, with respect to such information, including any information on linked sites and including, but not limited to, accuracy of the information or its completeness, timeliness, usefulness, adequacy, continued availability or ownership. Funded by the Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration, Grant #TC-23745-12-60-A-53.

PACE-IT is an equal opportunity employer/program and auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities. For those that are hearing impaired, a video phone is available at the Services for Students with Disabilities (SSD) office in Mountlake Terrace Hall 159. Check www.edcc.edu/ssd for office hours. Call 425.354.3113 on a video phone for more information about the PACE-IT program. For any additional special accommodations needed, call the SSD office at 425.640.1814. Edmonds Community College does not discriminate on the basis of race; color; religion; national origin; sex; disability; sexual orientation; age; citizenship, marital, or veteran status; or genetic information in its programs and activities.