The following information provides technical staff with detail regarding requirements, restrictions, and recommendations for co-location of equipment.

Rack Related Information/Requirements

Due to limited space, the Research Data Center must restrict installations to rack-mounted hardware. Standard rack space will be made available by OIT at a cost based on the amount of rack space consumed. (# of U’s). Units may provide their own racks providing they comply with the standards outlined below.

Exceptions to standard racks or rack-mounted equipment require explicit approval from the RDC Advisory Board.

• Dimensions: 42u standard computer racks or racks whose dimensions are roughly 82”H x 24”W x 42”D (or smaller). These racks are short enough to fit through most doorways, are narrow enough to fit on one tile, and have a depth that won’t complicate service areas for other racks.
• Networking: The top 4U in each rack requiring network connections should be left empty for the installation of networking equipment. (See Network Related Information for more specifics.)
• Console Access: Groups supplying their own racks should plan to also supply console/remote management access as needed.
• Weight: Rack weights should be less than 1500 lbs. (loaded). Weights over 1500 lbs. should be distributed across multiple racks.
• Air Distribution/Cooling: Most racks now cool from the front and exhaust through the back. The room will have a “hot aisle/cold aisle” design where cool air coming from below the floor will be forced up the front of the racks in “cool” aisles. There are a number of means for cooling within racks and these are left largely to the rack owner except that if hot air is vented out of the front of the rack, special accommodations may be necessary.
• Rack Power: Circuits for racks will be ordered through Facilities Management and may require 4-6 weeks of lead time. OIT will try to make available some standard circuits (typically 30A/120V) to avoid lead time and expedite installation. Other configurations can be accommodated but will require a specific order. In-rack UPS systems can be accommodated and are encouraged.
• Rack Doors: Provided they do not cause problems for other racks, there are no specific door requirements.

Network Related Information/Requirements

The following describes the network within the Research Data Center. Special/additional network deployments may be possible.

• Network Layout: Network switches will be located outside of the Research Data Center facility. OIT will deploy networking from the switches to patch-panels located within racks. Wiring will be category 6. As the need for 10G service arises we will address it on a case by case basis.
• Network Connections: Connections from the patch-panels to the equipment will be coordinated on a case by case basis between OIT and the equipment owner. Wiring runs must be ordered and may require 4-6 week lead time. OIT will try to keep some network connections on hand to avoid lead time.
• Patch Panels: Networking will be isolated for each installation so that groups will not have to share patch panels. Panels can be run for up to 6, 7-12, or up to 24 connections. Costs for the panels and wiring will be figured into the rack installation costs. Rack owners are encouraged to anticipate future needs at time of installation as additional wiring into a rack can be disruptive to its operation.
• Subnets: The Research Data Center will be on its own subnet(s). Greater isolation can be accommodated if required.
• Extension of Other Building Subnets: The extension of other building subnets into the Research Data Center cannot be accommodated. The current campus network architecture does not allow for it.
• Data Rate: Transmission speed is up to 1GB (10/100/1000). This is direct from the network switch to the server.
• Latency: Latency is expected to be very minimal (less than 1ms).