Colocation Rack and Stack - How to Prepare: A Concise Guide

  1. Introduction Understanding
    "Rack and Stack" is crucial for efficient server installation and operations. This guide, provided by TotalChoice Hosting, LLC (Herein known as TCH), will cover the essentials of preparation and execution.

  2. Pre-Deployment Planning
    Efficient pre-deployment of your equipment is crucial for a smooth transition to colocation. To facilitate this process and minimize the time spent on-site, specific preparation steps are required based on the type of colocation service you choose.
    • Shared Colocation Clients: If you are utilizing shared colocation services provided by TCH, installing all software and operating systems on your servers before they arrive at the data center is essential. This preparation includes configuring necessary applications and ensuring your systems are fully operational and ready for immediate deployment. This step is vital as it reduces the amount of on-site preparation needed and helps streamline the scheduling of your installation. Doing this work in advance maximizes the efficiency of the move-in process and reduces potential downtime.
    • Full Rack Clients: Clients who have leased full rack spaces from TCH  enjoy more flexibility. Since these clients are not restricted to escorted access only, they can choose to perform software installations and system configurations directly at the data center. This option benefits those who might need to perform complex setups or last-minute configurations. Full rack clients have the advantage of setting up their infrastructure on-site without the need for extensive pre-arrival preparation.

  1. Site Survey and Rack Space Evaluation Visit the site to evaluate:
    • TotalChoice Hosting Data Center Staff
    • Layout of the Facility
    • The allocated rack space
    • Power availability and cooling systems to ensure the environment meets your hardware’s requirements

  1. Designing Your Rack Layout
    Effective rack design is crucial for maximizing space utilization, ensuring easy maintenance access, and optimizing airflow to prevent equipment overheating. Here are key considerations for planning your rack layout provided by TCH:
    • Weight Distribution: Start by placing heavier equipment, such as large servers and UPS units, at the bottom of the rack. This improves stability and reduces the risk of the rack tipping over.
    • Accessibility for Full Rack Clients: Full rack clients can arrange equipment to optimize accessibility and ease of maintenance. Frequently accessed devices should be placed at a comfortable height to facilitate regular operations.
    • Airflow Optimization: Adherence to the data center’s hot aisle isolation is critical. Ensure all equipment is oriented to exhaust hot air directly into the hot aisle. This setup enhances cooling efficiency and prevents hot air recirculation, which is vital for maintaining optimal operating temperatures and reducing energy consumption.
    • Fiber Optic Connectivity: If you have purchased fiber optic connectivity to TCH's top-of-rack switching gear, note that you must provide your own optic transceivers for your equipment. TCH will supply the optic that connects to its networking gear, but you are responsible for the transceivers that connect to your gear. This ensures compatibility and optimal performance of your fiber connections. In some cases, TCH will stock certain transceivers and those are available for purchase.
    • Cable Management: Implement robust cable management systems to keep cables organized and out of airflow pathways. Utilize vertical and horizontal cable organizers to route cables neatly, which reduces the risk of disconnections and enhances airflow.
    • Scalability and Future Growth: For full rack clients, reserve space for potential growth in IT infrastructure and leave adequate room in the rack for new equipment. Deploy modular systems that can be easily adjusted as your setup evolves.

  1. Network Setup and Configuration:
  • Connect and label all cables according to your network diagram.
  • Performing initial network tests to ensure connectivity.

  1. Testing and Documentation After Installation:
  • Test each component to verify functionality.
  • Document the setup, noting all serial numbers and configurations.
  • Remove any shipping materials and place them in the outside garbage dumpster. Remember that storing combustible materials is strictly prohibited, and they must be removed as soon as possible.
  • Provide a copy of your Rack Layout and Network Diagram to TCH. This will allow faster “Smart Hand’s Response Times.”

  1. Facility Amenities and Resources
    TCH provides a range of amenities designed to enhance clients' comfort and productivity while working on-site. These facilities ensure clients have everything they need for effective setup and ongoing maintenance of their colocation infrastructure.
    • Crash Carts: Equipped with keyboards, mice, and monitors, these carts are readily available for clients to connect and configure their equipment directly within the rack space.
    • Shared Quiet Office: A well-lit office space featuring desks and chairs offers a quiet environment for clients to perform administrative tasks or handle prolonged configuration work without disturbance.
    • Ladders: Sturdy ladders are available for easy access to equipment placed high within the racks. These ensure safety and convenience when installing or maintaining equipment at the top of the racks.
    • RU Blanks: To help control airflow in racks' non-used RU spaces, TCH offers a free supply of RU Blanks. These are available in the Quiet Office and can improve cooling efficiency and prevent the mixing of hot and cold air in partially filled racks.
    • Networking and Power Supplies: TCH sells essential supplies, including power cord splitters for dual PSU operation from one power receptacle, ethernet cables, and fiber optic cables. Additionally, we stock spare optical transceivers; however, availability depends on the brand specific to the colocation client’s gear.
    • Public Restrooms: Conveniently located within the facility, public restrooms are available to all clients, ensuring comfort during extended work or visits to the data center.
    • Free Public Parking: Ample and well-lit free public parking is available to all clients, ensuring easy and secure access to the facility anytime.

These amenities are provided to all clients to support various operational needs, from initial setup to routine maintenance, ensuring a productive and safe working environment within the data center.