When designing a data center network, your company wants to minimize the number of network switches to manage.
What type of physical cabling layout would be the best choice?
An End of Row (EoR) design minimizes the number of network switches, as multiple racks can share a single switch at the end of a row, reducing switch counts and simplifying management. This design centralizes network switching to fewer points, which reduces the complexity and number of switches required compared to a Top of Rack (ToR) design, where each rack typically has its own switch.
Detailed Explanation:
In EoR designs, each row has a single network switch that handles the connections for all racks within that row. This reduces the number of individual switches needed and centralizes network management, which is ideal for minimizing equipment and simplifying infrastructure in the data center.
EPI Data Center Specialist References:
EPI promotes the EoR design as a way to reduce switch counts and streamline management in data centers. This configuration allows for easier scaling and maintenance while maintaining efficient network connectivity.
What indicates the breaking capacity of a fuse or breaker?
The breaking capacity of a fuse or breaker indicates the maximum current it can safely interrupt without being damaged or creating a dangerous arc. This value is crucial for ensuring that the device can handle fault conditions and prevent equipment damage or fire risks due to excessive current flow.
Detailed Explanation:
The breaking capacity, also known as the interrupting rating, ensures that the fuse or breaker can safely handle fault currents up to a specified limit. Exceeding this capacity could result in the device failing to interrupt the current, potentially causing hazardous conditions like electrical arcs.
EPI Data Center Specialist References:
EPI training underscores the importance of matching fuses and breakers with appropriate breaking capacities for the anticipated fault levels in data centers to ensure reliable and safe operation.
You are allowed to use a calculator for this question.
A computer room has a net volume of approximately 2,500 m / 88,287 ft.
The temperature is 20 C / 68 F.
The required design concentration is 7%.
The S-Factor is 0.1359 (metric) / 1.885 (imperial).
Calculate the amount of gas required for this computer room based on FM200. What is the correct weight?
The amount of FM200 gas required can be calculated using the formula:
WeightofGas=NetVolumeDesignConcentrationS-Factor\text{Weight of Gas} = \text{Net Volume} \times \text{Design Concentration} \times \text{S-Factor}WeightofGas=NetVolumeDesignConcentrationS-Factor
Using metric units:
Net Volume: 2,500 m
Design Concentration: 7% (or 0.07)
S-Factor: 0.1359
Calculation:
2,500m30.070.1359=821.325kg2,500 \, \text{m}^3 \times 0.07 \times 0.1359 = 821.325 \, \text{kg}2,500m30.070.1359=821.325kg
Rounded to the closest answer: 820 kg
In imperial units:
Net Volume: 88,287 ft
S-Factor: 1.885
Calculation:
88,287ft30.071.885=1,165.27lbs88,287 \, \text{ft}^3 \times 0.07 \times 1.885 = 1,165.27 \, \text{lbs}88,287ft30.071.885=1,165.27lbs
Rounded, this is approximately 1,800 lbs.
EPI Data Center Specialist References:
EPI instructs on using specific formulas and S-factors provided by manufacturers for each gas type, ensuring that calculations reflect the correct concentration for the given room volume.
The humidity in the computer room has changed from about 50% down to 35% Relative Humidity (RH).
What influence does this have on Electrostatic Discharge (ESD)?
As relative humidity decreases, Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) risks increase. Lower humidity levels reduce the amount of moisture in the air, which normally helps dissipate static charges. When the humidity drops from 50% to 35%, the likelihood of static electricity accumulating on surfaces rises, leading to a higher potential for ESD incidents that could damage sensitive IT equipment.
Detailed Explanation:
ESD events are more common in dry environments because there is less atmospheric moisture to neutralize electrical charges. Maintaining relative humidity above 40% helps minimize the risk of ESD, which is why data centers often control humidity levels tightly to protect equipment from static discharge that could cause hardware failures or data loss.
EPI Data Center Specialist References:
EPI data center best practices stress the importance of maintaining stable humidity levels to prevent ESD, particularly in computer rooms. Recommended humidity ranges are typically above 40% to prevent conditions that would foster static buildup.
Do you need to consider bullet (ballistics) protection when designing a data center?
Bullet (ballistics) protection is typically considered only for data centers that are potential targets or located near such targets. While ANSI/TIA-942 does not specifically require bulletproofing for all data centers, it is prudent to consider it based on location risk assessments, especially if the facility is in a high-risk area or near critical infrastructure that could attract threats.
Detailed Explanation:
Protective measures like bulletproofing depend on the threat landscape and the data center's exposure to risks such as crime or terrorism. Assessments for physical security are typically customized based on location-specific risks rather than being universally required by data center standards.
EPI Data Center Specialist References:
EPI guidelines emphasize customizing physical security measures based on threat assessments, suggesting that bulletproofing is appropriate in specific circumstances where the facility's risk profile justifies additional security measures.