Category: Data Center Trends

Data center downtime is no joke. It can literally make the difference between a data center surviving and failing. And a new study by the Ponemon Institute shows that modern data centers and data centers at the edge are more susceptible to downtime than ever before. This is because data centers are much more complex than they ever have been. Most core data centers suffer 2.4 facility shutdowns per year, and some of those last around 138 minutes – more than two hours! Edge computing data centers experience twice as many shutdowns, but that average half the duration of core data center outages.

Posted on April 12, 2022September 17, 2025 by Louis Chompff

Faster Polymer Plastic Cables? Not So Fast!

Just about a year ago a group from MIT demonstrated a polymer plastic cable the size of a human hair that could transmit data faster than copper – much faster.

How fast? Well, they recorded speeds of more than 100 gigabits per second! So where is this new technology and where is it headed? Well, here are some answers for you.

Key Takeaways

By the end of this article, you’ll know:

The speed of polymer plastic cables compared to other cables.
How Polymer plastic cables simplify connections.
The future potential and current limitations of polymer plastic cables.

The Need for Speed

First, perhaps we need to qualify what this speed is, and why computers and data centers need it.

The first big deal is that these cables act like copper – they can directly connect devices without the need to reformat data. While standard fiber cables are faster, they require a converter to change light signals to electrical signals at each end of the connection.

Of course, there are a lot of immediate uses for faster cables like these, including in data centers. Artificial intelligence applications like self-driving cars, manufacturing, and countless other applications where data provided as close to “real-time” as possible makes a huge difference.

But of course, as with all such applications, speed is not the only factor.

Distance

At the moment in a laboratory setting, these cables are only good for short distances, not long ones. That doesn’t mean researchers are not confident in the impact these cables can have.

Think of a polymer plastic cable that is both durable and lightweight, and can transmit terabits of data over a meter or beyond? Theoretically, this is the possibility, with the idea that such cables could replace USB and even the faster USB-C cables.

Even at shorter lengths, such cables could be exceptionally useful for transferring data between more than one chip inside a device. The thinner fibers could be used to revolutionize these applications as well, making even smaller and more efficient devices possible.

We Have the Power

The problem as it currently exists is that transferring data through copper cables consumes more and more power, to the point of diminishing returns, and such transfer generates heat – a lot of heat that must be dissipated and can actually cause damage to cables.

The fiber optic alternative is not always compatible with silicon chips without the light to electronic transfer mentioned above. The idea behind polymer plastic is to save energy, generate less heat, and still allow for compact connections.

If this is such a great idea, why is it not on the market yet?

From Laboratory To Market

To transfer such technology from the lab to the market takes a lot of work and requires some potential changes. First, the technology needs to be tested and perfected at a higher level. Since the concept has been established, other labs are now working on it as well, and this could be the fastest part of the process.

But there is more:

New standards would have to be developed for IEEE, established, and agreed upon
Potentially, new connectors would need to be created for these cables to interface with other chips and other devices
The manufacture of new cables needs to be established at scale before they can become commonly used in any application.
A supply chain or the use of existing ones must be established to get cables from the plant to the end-user.

Does this sound like a lot? It is, but it has been done before. The question is, what do those who are building data centers – and would use these cables on a regular basis – think?

The Future is Now

“The need for speed has never been so great,” Bill Lambert, a data center engineer told us. “Ten years ago, no one would even have been talking about devices that would need this kind of speed. We would have told you we would never need that capacity.”

And he’s right. Many of the devices we now use every day, and their speeds would have been unimaginable before, let alone the amount of data we use. But the more we look at the uses for real-time data, the faster we need to get that information from one place to another.

“It’s like the work from anywhere revolution,” he told us. “The last two years have totally changed what data transfer and speed look like, inside and outside of data centers. It’s a sure bet that the next few will revolutionize these ideas again.”

In an ever-changing field where speed and data matter more than ever, science has just begun to catch up with what we need. And we’re lucky enough to be a part of it.

Have a question about updating the infrastructure in your current data center or want to learn more about building the infrastructure in a new one? Contact us here at AnD Cable Products. We have everything from the cable management you need to remote monitoring and more.

We’re glad to be your partners going forward to tomorrow and beyond.

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FAQs

What are polymer plastic cables?

Polymer plastic cables are a new type of data cable, developed by a group at MIT, that can transmit data faster than traditional copper cables. They are extremely thin, about the size of a human hair.

How fast are these cables?

The MIT team recorded speeds of more than 100 gigabits per second, which is significantly faster than copper cables.

What are the main advantages of these cables over copper and fiber?

No signal conversion: Unlike standard fiber optic cables, they can directly connect devices without needing a converter to change light signals to electrical signals.
Energy efficiency: They consume less power and generate less heat than copper cables, which helps save energy and prevents heat-related damage.
Compactness: Their thin and lightweight design makes them ideal for small, efficient devices and for use in data centers where space is a premium.

What are the current limitations of this technology?

Currently, these cables are only effective for short distances, primarily in a laboratory setting. They are not yet suitable for long-distance data transfer.

When will these cables be available on the market?

The technology is still in the “laboratory to market” phase. The process requires further testing, perfecting the technology, and establishing new standards and manufacturing processes before it can be widely used.

What applications could benefit from this new cable technology?

Faster polymer plastic cables could be used in a variety of applications, especially those requiring near real-time data transfer, such as data centers and applications for artificial intelligence like self-driving cars. They could also potentially replace USB and USB-C cables and be used for data transfer between chips inside a device.

About the Author

Louis Chompff – Founder & Managing Director, AnD Cable Products
Louis established AnD Cable Products – Intelligently Designed Cable Management in 1989. Prior to this he enjoyed a 20+ year career with a leading global telecommunications company in a variety of senior data management positions. Louis is an enthusiastic inventor who designed, patented and brought to market his innovative Zero U cable management racks and Unitag cable labels, both of which have become industry-leading network cable management products. AnD Cable Products only offer products that are intelligently designed, increase efficiency, are durable and reliable, re-usable, easy to use or reduce equipment costs. He is the principal author of the Cable Management Blog, where you can find network cable management ideas, server rack cabling techniques and rack space saving tips, data center trends, latest innovations and more.
Visit https://andcable.com or shop online at https://andcable.com/shop/

Posted on February 13, 2022September 18, 2025 by Louis Chompff

How a Fire-Rated Power Distribution System Reduces Risk

Fires are not super common in data centers, but they do happen, and most often when they do, they are not reported (at least not in the news). Much of the reason for this is that fires are usually small and quickly contained. It is unusual for a data center to become fully engulfed.

Even when such fires are reported on, details can be sketchy, causes, and investigations hidden behind NDA’s and are therefore difficult to learn from. While companies want to retain control over the narrative and how it impacts their reputation, the information around fires can and should be shared within the industry to prevent further similar events. And there are some things you can do now – such as remote monitoring – to keep your staff and facilities safe.

Key Takeaways

By the end of this article, you’ll know:

The few key fire risks common to all data centers.
The importance of fire prevention and how to accomplish it in a data center.
The use of fire-rated busbar trunking systems and the guidelines for their testing.

*Remote monitoring can help your data center keep staff and equipment safe from fire damage*

The OVHCloud Incident

On 10 March 2021, near midnight local time, a fire started in the OVHCloud SBG2 data center, quickly got out of control, and even damaged two other nearby data centers. The fire started near two UPS units, one of which was worked on that same day.

The company is considered a European alternative to the giant US cloud operators and is a key participant in the European Union’s GaiaX cloud project. Data centers serve some key functions in the French government, the UK vehicle licensing department, and others. Operations were directly impacted by the fire, although the company did have backup data centers, and quickly restored service to most customers.

But poor design and operational practices that seem to sacrifice dependability for innovation have caused some issues, including major outages, for OVHCloud. The fire just punctuated an ongoing issue but also caused many data center operators and customers to pause and think about something probably not mentioned often enough: the risk of fire in data centers.

What are the Fire Risks?

When broken down there are a few key fire risks common to all data centers, and most of the time they are relatively easy to mitigate.

Electrical Equipment – temperature changes can increase this risk, and of course, a source of risk is also backup power equipment. Generator rooms that contain gas or diesel fumes can create intense fires quickly that would be hard to fight.
Cables – data center power cables are usually not enough to start a fire by themselves, but a damaged cable can release sparks or overheat and cause a small fire or thermal incident that can then spread. Proper cable management and monitoring of underfloor and overhead cabling can help prevent these events.
HVAC Infrastructure – heating and cooling units present some fire danger to data centers and should be inspected often and monitored carefully. Its operation is also critical to maintaining optimal temperatures in the data center to prevent other thermal events.
External Fire Sources – California wildfires. The recent blaze in Boulder. The Texas fires last year. All are examples of external fire risk to data centers, specifically those Edge data centers in less populated areas.

Most of these can be controlled by properly managing the data center, but there are some events that can only be prepared for. Having fire suppression systems and plans in place is critical regardless of the likelihood of the danger.

Fire Prevention Systems

Of course, the best prescription for dealing with fire is prevention. The key to this in the modern data center environment is a complete remote monitoring system. The A150 Network Monitoring System is designed specifically for data centers, IT rooms, and confidential lab operators with virtual graphics showing temperature, rack power consumption, and humidity.

But most importantly for this topic, the system provides alerts for mission critical events like the sudden temperature changes associated with fires, smoke alarms, and sprinkler activation alerts. You can also be alerted to things like power spikes, a rise in server temperatures, or even UPS unit failures so you can make emergency repairs and mitigate fire risk before one starts.

The reality is that anything you can do to prevent fire before it happens is preferrable than anything you can do to suppress and extinguish an active blaze. However, those are contingencies you need to prepare for.

Fire Rated Power Distribution Systems

There are two primary principles when it comes to any fire safety plan, anywhere. They are the two P’s: prevent (which we discussed above) and protect. Part of both of these is the vital role of uninterrupted power. Enter the role of a fire-rated busbar trunking system.

These systems can be operational for a period of up to two or even three hours depending on their ratings. They’re also cased in a fire-retardant self-extinguishing resin that essentially protects the power supply itself. The idea is that this will give first responders time to extinguish the fire before it can spread.

How do you choose the right one for your data center? Well, there are established guidelines that indicate the type of fire, the duration they were tested for, how they endured water spray, such as that from sprinkler systems, and the power supply integrity in a fire situation.

Technically, they look like this:

BS IEC 60331-1: 2019 – Tests for electric cables under fire conditions; circuit integrity
BS 8602:2013 – Method for assessment of fire integrity of cast resin busbar trunking systems for the safety-critical power distribution to life safety and firefighting systems
BS 6387:2013 (CWZ Protocol) – Test method for resistance to fire of cables required to maintain circuit integrity under fire conditions. Fire-resistant cables are classified by a sequence of symbols (for example, CWZ) in accordance with the fire resistance criteria they meet, the selected test temperature, and the length of the fire resistance test per BS 6387
NFPA 75 – Standard for the fire protection of IT equipment
ISO 834 – Fire resistance tests- elements of building construction
ATEX & IECEx – ATEX certification is given to equipment that has gone through rigorous testing outlined by European Union directives and proved safe to use in specific environments with explosive atmospheres, according to the zone/s they are certified to be used in.

The most important part of this discussion is the planning stage. It’s vital to have a disaster plan in place and address both prevention and keeping a fire from happening in the first place to protect the data center and minimize the fire’s impact.

The more we learn from data center fires, the more likely we are to be able to prevent them going forward, and mitigate the damage in the rare event they do occur.

Need some advice on cable management, remote monitoring, or other aspects of data center planning? Contact us – we’d love to start a conversation about how we can help you with your data center management plan.

Physical Layer Environment Network Security Monitoring and Control

Full visibility, network security and control of your physical layer environment. Monitor your entire hybrid cloud and IT infrastructure from a cloud-based, integrated dashboard:

Introducing the A150 System
A150 System Architecture – High-Level Overview
A150 System Features
System Controller Hardware and Specifications
Monitoring Controllers, Probes and Sensors

Learn About Physical Layer Network Security

FAQs

Why is a fire-rated power distribution system important for data centers?

A fire-rated power distribution system helps reduce the risk of fires in data centers. While fires in these facilities may not be common, they can lead to significant and costly downtime and data loss.

What are the primary fire risks in a data center?

The main fire risks come from electrical equipment, cables, HVAC infrastructure, and external sources such as wildfires.

What is the difference between fire prevention and fire protection in this context?

Fire prevention focuses on proactive measures to stop a fire from starting. This includes using remote monitoring systems to detect early signs of trouble, like sudden temperature changes or power spikes. Fire protection involves measures to protect the power supply and other critical systems after a fire has started, ensuring they remain operational.

What is a fire-rated busbar trunking system?

A fire-rated busbar trunking system is an alternative to traditional cabling for power distribution. It is encased in a fire-retardant resin and is designed to remain operational for up to three hours during a fire, helping to ensure a continuous power supply.

Are there any industry standards or guidelines for these systems?

Yes, these systems adhere to various established guidelines and certifications, including BS IEC 60331-1, NFPA 75, and ATEX.

About the Author

Posted on November 15, 2021September 18, 2025 by Louis Chompff

Extreme Ultraviolet (EUV) Lithography – Keeping Moore’s Law Alive

In 1975, looking at the next decade, a guy named Gordon Moore revised his previous forecast of the number of integrated circuits in a microchip doubling every year to doubling every two years. Moore was not a prophet, nor a brilliant data analyst, but as his prediction held true, it later became known as a law.

The law has become more of a guide, influencing the policies for research and development of the largest companies and chip manufacturers in the world. And it, and a new machine helping to keep Moore’s law alive, are what your iPhone and those robots from Boston Dynamics with the best dance moves have in common.

Key Takeaways

By the end of this article, you’ll know:

What Lithography is.
How the extreme ultraviolet lithography machines have kept Moore’s law alive.
The Challenges of keeping Moore’s law going into the future.

Let There Be Light

First, we must understand lithography, an analogous method for making printed circuits. Technically defined, lithography is printing on a plane surface treated to repel the material being printed except where it is intended (or in the case of circuits, needed) to stick.

The use of light for this treating and etching process is common, but one machine, built by ASML, a Dutch company that has cornered the market for etching the tiniest nanoscopic features into microchips with light, is playing a huge role in keeping Moore’s law viable.

ASML introduced the first extreme ultraviolet (EUV) lithography machines for mass production in 2017, after decades spent mastering the technique, and the machine needed for the process is to put it mildly, massive and mind blowing. It’s expensive too, with a sticker price of around $150 million. TSMC, Samsung, and Intell are initial customers.

Amazon Prime won’t be enough to get the massive machine delivered, unless you have 40 freight containers, three cargo planes, and 20 trucks on standby. What’s the big deal with this machine, and why does it (and it’s future children) matter?

How it Works

Think of a machine the size of a bus with 2 kilometers of cabling and over 100,000 parts. Inside are a series of nano-mirrors polished to precision that literally project extremely focused ultraviolet light into future chips to etch features that are often just a few atoms wide. That’s right, atoms.

This means chips with components smaller (and more durable in many ways) than they have ever been. Smaller chips that are just as powerful, nano-sensors that are just as sensitive or accurate in a fraction of the space they take up now, and more will enable chips to get tinier, lighter, and more powerful than ever before.

The Moore’s Law Limit

How small can chips get? Some think that Moore’s law is reaching the point where it is no longer viable, for three key reasons:

Electrical leakage – As transistors get smaller, they at first become more efficient, but as they have reached nano-size, the transistor often can’t handle all of the electricity, and that means heat, and heat means potential damage to the transistor and maybe even the entire chip in some circumstances. Therefore, we can only decrease the size of a chip as we increase cooling power.
Heat – The electrical leakage and resulting heat means that one of two things must be limited: the amount of voltage or the number of the transistors in a given chip, thus limiting the power. The technology of Extreme Ultroviolet Lithography may offer some help in this area, but that remains unknown.
Economics – The price of this machine is just one factor. As chips get hotter and need more cooling the cost of keeping a data center at a viable temperature goes up, and that cost must be passed on to someone, generally the consumer. And businesses also want to extend the life of their equipment, ensuring it lasts as long as possible. Faster equipment with a shorter lifespan may not be as appealing to the average buyer or data center manager.

What does all this mean when we break it down?

Well, the data center of tomorrow may be a fraction of the size of those we have today. Or it may be equally as large, but able to store and deliver data at rates we can’t even imagine. Equipment, servers, remote sensors, everything may keep shrinking, to a point. But there will be a point when Moore’s law will no longer be valid or achievable, and that day may come sooner rather than later.

Are you running the data center of today, but looking forward to the data center of tomorrow? Are you interested in the latest remote monitoring and cabling solutions? Contact us at AnD Cable Products. We’d love to talk about what tomorrow looks like, and how we can help you head the right direction today.

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FAQs

What is Moore’s Law?

Moore’s Law is a guiding principle in the chip manufacturing industry, first predicted by Gordon Moore in 1975. It states that the number of integrated circuits on a microchip will double approximately every two years. This has been a key driver for the creation of smaller, more powerful microchips over the decades.

How is Extreme Ultraviolet (EUV) Lithography related to Moore’s Law?

EUV lithography is a technology that helps keep Moore’s Law alive. It uses focused ultraviolet light to etch incredibly tiny features onto microchips, which allows for smaller and more dense transistor designs. This process enables the creation of more powerful and durable chips, continuing the trend of increasing transistor count predicted by Moore’s Law.

What makes EUV lithography so unique?

EUV lithography utilizes a highly precise process with specialized mirrors to project light and create features that are only a few atoms wide. The equipment used for this is massive and extremely expensive, with the first machines for mass production introduced by the Dutch company ASML in 2017.

Is Moore’s Law facing any challenges?

Yes, Moore’s Law is reaching its physical and economic limits. The article notes three key challenges:

Electrical Leakage: As transistors become smaller, they are more prone to electrical leakage, which generates heat.
Heat: The heat generated by electrical leakage can damage the chip and limits the number of transistors or the amount of voltage that can be included.
Economics: The high cost of EUV machines (around $150 million) and the increased cooling requirements for data centers add to the overall economic burden of continued scaling.

Will Moore’s Law continue indefinitely?

The article suggests that while EUV lithography helps extend Moore’s Law, there will eventually be a point where it is no longer achievable due to the physical and economic limitations mentioned. However, the technology may also lead to the development of smaller data centers and equipment as a result of its progression.

About the Author

Posted on October 6, 2021September 18, 2025 by Louis Chompff

Edge Data Centers – Space and the Final Frontier

Computing on the edge: it seems that everyone is doing it, from big industry to manufacturers, from ISPs to Cloud Computing centers. When you can locate computing and analytics power closer to machines connected via the IoT and other data sources, the faster you can gather data, and the more data you can store and analyze in a timely manner. For some, edge data centers seem like the final frontier for data.

Key Takeaways

By the end of this article, you’ll know:

The challenges faced by edge data centers.
The solutions for efficient space usage in edge data centers.
Economic impact of efficient space utilization.

Feature Edge Data Centers - Space and the Final Frontier - Cable Management Blog

This has resulted in data centers that vary in size, from the size of a very large cabinet to those contained in the space of a small shipping container. But like any journey to the edge, there are challenges and risks. There are two primary ones we will address here:

Temperature – Because of the small spaces edge data centers often occupy, airflow and temperature control can be tricky.
Space – Smaller size also means that saving space is critical, and on the flip side, can also enable more airflow and indirect cooling in a confined area.

In this way, the two primary challenges are related, and often a solution that mitigates one will also help mitigate the other. Let’s take a quick look at each of these.

Controlling the Environment on the Edge

The temperatures that edge data centers operate at are critical. And there is a huge difference between the cooling we need for a building designed to keep people comfortable, and a building designed to serve machines. Think of it this way: if someone opens the door to your office, you may feel a blast of warm or cold air, depending on the time of year. Your discomfort disappears quickly when the door closes, as the HVAC system takes over, and brings air back into the broad temperature tolerances humans can endure.

However, what happens when you go to an edge data center and open the door? The answer is, it depends on where it is. Large, brick and mortar data centers can be located in areas with minimal environmental challenges and low risk of natural disasters. But edge data centers must be located, well, where they are needed. That means in dusty and dirty environments, areas with extreme temperature fluctuations, and more.

There are really only two choices:

Develop and deploy equipment designed to withstand extremes, at a higher price point. A good example is cellular equipment like that developed by AT&T. However, the cost of this equipment is too high for standard edge data center deployment at scale.
Work with existing, readily available equipment and use unique strategies to combat environmental changes at a small scale, including using tents or shrouds for entry and exit, using handheld temperature and humidity monitors to evaluate current conditions, and developing strategic plans for unexpected events.

Another part of the solution is to use remote monitoring, AI and the IoT in edge data centers to mitigate the need for human intervention. Monitoring the health of equipment and preventing disaster in the first place is one of the keys to efficient management of edge data centers.

This is but one of the challenges data center managers face. The second is the efficient use of available space.

Saving Space

While cooling and environmental control are critical, so is the efficient use of space. This can result in increased airflow and easier HVAC solutions while also enabling more servers to be installed in the same amount of space.

This involves a few key steps:

Rack Selection – Whether a data center uses 23” or 19” racks, there are rack solutions that take up less space, and are also able to use better rack management options.
Cable Management – ZeroU horizontal cable managers makes more room for servers in a single rack, and they prevent the “spaghetti mess” that can happen in server racks, and be especially problematic in edge data centers that are more compact.
Compact Vertical Cable Management – 11U cable managers also save space and keep cables organized and easy to access should moves, changes, or repairs be needed.

Anything that can be done to save space in an edge data center makes facing the other challenges related to environmental control easier, but it also has another impact: an economic one. The less space you need to get the computing power you need, the more compact your data center can be. Alternatively, this can give you space to scale as needed without creating yet another data center space.

At the edge, there are always challenges, but there are also solutions. From controlling the environment in and around the data center to using the space in the most efficient way possible, with the right equipment, these obstacles can be transformed into opportunities to change not only how much data is collected and how quickly it can be acted upon, but where it happens as well.

Do you have questions about saving space in your edge data center? Are you looking for remote monitoring solutions? Then contact us here at AnD Cable. We’d love to start a conversation about how we can help you.

FAQs

What is an edge data center?

An edge data center is a computing facility located close to data sources, such as those connected by the Internet of Things (IoT), to enable faster data gathering, storage, and analysis.

What are the main challenges associated with deploying edge data centers?

The two primary challenges are managing temperature fluctuations and efficiently using space.

How can temperature challenges be addressed in edge data centers?

Temperature control can be handled in two ways: by using specialized, expensive equipment, or by using more affordable, standard equipment with strategic solutions like remote monitoring, AI, and IoT to mitigate environmental changes.

Why is space efficiency so important for edge data centers?

Saving space is critical because it improves airflow and cooling, which helps maintain equipment performance. It also allows for more servers to be installed and provides room for future expansion.

What are some solutions for effective space management in edge data centers?

Effective space management can be achieved by selecting the right racks and implementing efficient cable management solutions, such as ZeroU horizontal and 11U vertical cable managers.

About the Author

Posted on May 19, 2021September 18, 2025 by Louis Chompff

How to Prevent Data Center Downtime

Data center downtime is no joke. It can literally make the difference between a data center surviving and failing. And a new study by the Ponemon Institute shows that modern data centers and data centers at the edge are more susceptible to downtime than ever before. This is because data centers are much more complex than they ever have been. Most core data centers suffer 2.4 facility shutdowns per year, and some of those last around 138 minutes – more than two hours! Edge computing data centers experience twice as many shutdowns, but that average half the duration of core data center outages.

In addition, it is helpful to remember that although total facility failures occur with the least frequency, individual server or rack failures can also be costly, especially in Edge data centers, where every piece of equipment has some critical function.

At the outset it is also important that we define core data centers and edge data centers. Edge data centers are usually about ⅓ the size of their counterparts, although the term edge does not refer to size. Edge refers more to the data center location, generally closer to where the data center is needed to increase speed and response times, and save bandwidth.

Key Takeaways

By the end of this article, you’ll know:

How investment in new equipment and following best practices for data center management can prevent data center downtime.
How Comprehensive employee training cuts down data center downtime.
The importance of documenting everything and embracing redundancy.

Conflicting Priorities

Data center managers are faced with decisions about efficiency, the transition to Net Zero carbon emissions, and avoiding redundancies whenever possible, but this also can leave them susceptible to downtime events if a problem occurs. This is illustrated by the causes of downtime: UPS battery failures, human error, equipment failures, other UPS equipment failures, and cyberattacks.

Respondents to the survey revealed that over half (54%) are not using best-practices, and that risks of data center downtime are increased because of cost concerns.

The Cost of Downtime

While cost concerns often increase the risk of downtime, the actual cost of downtime can be much greater. According to a 2014 survey by Gartner, facility downtime cost an average of nearly $5,600 per minute, or between $140,000 to over half a million dollars per hour depending on the organization size. These costs continue to rise, with more recent statistics from the Ponemon Institute survey mentioned above calculating average costs at nearly $9,000 per minute.

It’s more than just the money costs though. The real cost comes in reputation and customer service. Data centers that suffer above average downtime are much more likely to go bankrupt. Uptime is perhaps more critical than it ever has been, and customers remember problems far more easily than they remember reliable service over time.

So what do we do to prevent data center downtime?

How to Prevent Data Center Downtime

There are solutions to downtime issues, and many are known to data center managers. However, they are easier said than done. Here are a few of them:

Adopt best-practices – The fact that most data centers know they are not following best-practices reveals they know what to do, they are just not doing it.
Invest in new equipment – Equipment failures come in outdated equipment not up to the current needs of the data center. Replacing it is one of the easiest ways to reduce or eliminate downtime.
Improve your training – Be sure that all employees, both existing and new, are aware of best practices and what you expect of them on the job. Make training comprehensive and focus on outcomes and skills that build long-term success.
Improve your documentation – Your data center plans, including power, cabling, cable management plans, and others should be thoroughly documented and available to employees. If not, in the words of Captain Picard, “Make it so.”
Don’t fight redundancy – Redundancy is a good thing for the most part. You certainly don’t want to overdo it, but you do need to have contingency plans and equipment in case downtime does happen.

Of course, these solutions are simplified, nor are they always possible for data center managers to achieve with the resources they have available.

There is Room for Improvement

The takeaway from this data is twofold. First, data center downtime at these rates are unacceptable for most organizations. The second is that there are solutions, and there is plenty of room for improvement. Among the solutions mentioned above, there are some critical elements.

Redundancy – This has been preached from the beginning for both core and edge data centers, yet half of data centers have issues in this area. As a result, there is a trend toward more redundant equipment, especially at the edge, as large and small operations seek to better manage data center downtime.
Remote monitoring systems and AI – The other advancement that seeks to solve the issue of human error and detect equipment issues before they become a problem is remote monitoring and AI. Machine learning can help data center managers fix issues before downtime occurs, and helps them respond faster when a problem does occur.

Simply adding these two things can take data centers a long way toward greater uptime and more reliable service. After all, this is the goal of both core and edge computing.

Whether you manage an existing data center or you are considering starting one from scratch, we here at AnD Cable Products are here for you. We can help you with everything from cable and rack management to labeling systems and remote monitoring. Have questions? Contact us today. We’d love to start a conversation about your specific needs.

Physical Layer Environment Network Security Monitoring and Control

Full visibility, network security and control of your physical layer environment. Monitor your entire hybrid cloud and IT infrastructure from a cloud-based, integrated dashboard:

Introducing the A150 System
A150 System Architecture – High-Level Overview
A150 System Features
System Controller Hardware and Specifications
Monitoring Controllers, Probes and Sensors

Learn About Physical Layer Network Security

FAQs

What is the average cost of data center downtime?

According to a recent study by the Ponemon Institute, the average cost of data center downtime is nearly $9,000 per minute.

What are the main causes of data center downtime?

The main causes of downtime include human error, outdated equipment, and a lack of proper planning and documentation.

How can data centers reduce human error?

Human error can be reduced by improving training for all employees, both new and existing, and by having thorough documentation of all data center plans.

Is redundancy important for preventing downtime?

Yes, the article emphasizes the importance of redundancy and having contingency plans and equipment to ensure service continuity.

How can new technology help prevent data center downtime?

The use of remote monitoring systems and AI can help detect and fix issues before they cause downtime and allow for faster responses when problems do occur.

About the Author

Louis Chompff, Founder & Managing Director, AnD Cable Products
Louis established AnD Cable Products – Intelligently Designed Cable Management in 1989. Prior to this he enjoyed a 20+ year career with a leading global telecommunications company in a variety of senior data management positions. Louis is an enthusiastic inventor who designed, patented and brought to market his innovative Zero U cable management racks and Unitag cabel labels, both of which have become industry-leading network cable management products. AnD Cable Products only offer products that are intelligently designed, increase efficiency, are durable and reliable, re-usable, easy to use or reduce equipment costs. He is the principal author of the Cable Management Blog, where you can find network cable management ideas, server rack cabling techniques and space saving tips, data center trends, latest innovations and more.
Visit https://andcable.com or shop online https://andcable.com/shop/

Posted on April 22, 2021March 9, 2026 by Louis Chompff

Modular or Traditional Data Center Builds – Which is Better?

Modular or Traditional Data Center Build - Which is Better? Cable Management Blog

“The future of data centers is modular,” one popular website states. “The traditional data center is not dead,” says another. Who is right? What is the future of data centers? Is one better than the other, and if so, why?

Here are some pros and cons, and some potential answers data center managers might want to consider.

Key Takeaways

By the end of this article, you’ll know:

The financial and real estate considerations when choosing between modular and traditional.
The deployment speed considerations between modular and traditional data centers.
The considerations of power usage and security when choosing between modular and traditional data centers.

Jump to Section:

Modular vs. Traditional Data Center PUE
Security
Modular vs. Traditional Real Estate
Building Costs
Deployment Speed
So which one is better?

Modular vs. Traditional Data Center PUE

One of the first things we talk about with modular or traditional data centers is PUE, or Power Usage Efficiency. Most of the time, modular data centers have a lower PUE. However, there is a cost associated with that number.

Traditional data center builds often have a higher PUE initially because there is space for expansion and adding additional equipment. This can sometimes come with higher HVAC and other costs until the data center is at capacity and running at maximum efficiency. We’ll talk about that factor more in a moment.

For modular data centers, because they are constructed with tight specifications and already at an efficient capacity per module, the PUE is lower from the start. All components are easily matched, and compact spaces are easier to control when it comes to cooling, humidity, and other factors.

What is the downside? When a brick and mortar data center is up and running at capacity and the design has been well executed, PUE levels can be similar, and it can be much simpler to make moves and changes without additional modules and construction.

Security

As with PUE, there are two sides to this coin. The modular data center can be easier to secure, as they are more compact and self-contained. When installed behind a secure barrier with video and other surveillance measures, the physical security of a modular data center can be assured.

The flip side? Modular data centers may evolve and require additions over time, meaning the physical space will also have to be modified. Proper planning can mitigate this issue, but a traditional data center build can be easier to manage from this perspective, with security built into the construction itself, along with remote monitoring and other security features that must be handled differently with modular data centers.

The argument over which is better can go either way, but the permanence of a traditional data center build often wins out when it comes to security discussions.

Modular vs. Traditional Real Estate

When locating a data center, we have talked about things like accessibility to a green power grid, the ability to construct your own green energy backups, and more. Real Estate that satisfies all of those requirements can be hard to find, and prices reflect that premium.

So in this case, the more compact modular data center build has some distinct advantages. The less real estate you need, the less initial costs will be to purchase (or lease) space for the data center. This also has an impact on another factor: the cost of the build.

Building Costs

Constructing a modular data center is much cheaper than constructing a traditional one, effectively 30% less. That is a huge number when you talk about initial costs. Combined with the lower cost of real estate, deploying a modular data center is much more efficient for those looking towards hyperscaling and co-location.

This has been shown to be especially true as more “work from anywhere” options become available, and the need for high-speed data center capacity shifts from city centers and similar areas to residential and suburban ones.

This leads us to our next advantage:

Deployment Speed

The time needed to construct a traditional data center is much greater than that needed to deploy a modular data center. The average data center takes 18-24 months from start to finish, but you can save around 30% of that time by going the modular data center route.

In part, this is because you avoid traditional construction delays due to bad weather, seasonal construction, and more.

This is not to say modular deployment is better – it is simply faster. It could be argued that a traditional build will last longer and the overall construction will be of higher quality, but that is not always the case. Many modular data centers are created with a similar lifespan in mind and can last just as long as a traditional build.

So which one is better?

The bottom line when it comes to which one is better, a modular or traditional data center build, the answer is, it depends. Ask these questions:

How urgent is the need for this data center?
Where will the data center be located? What is the costs associated with a greater holding of real estate?
What is the purpose of this data center? Is the need for moves and changes anticipated?
What kind of security is needed, and what is possible in the data center location?
What is the long-term plan for this data center?

The answers in your situation may vary, but as much as the traditional data center is not dead, the modular data center is on the rise, and for many situations, it’s the best option.

No matter whether you are creating a modular data center or doing a traditional build, your rack and cable management matter, as does your labeling system and your physical layer security. At AnD Cable Products, we can help with all of these things. Give us a call today, tell us about your situation, and we’d be happy to have a conversation about how we can help.

We’re here for all of your data center needs.

Physical Layer Environment Network Security Monitoring and Control

Full visibility, network security and control of your physical layer environment. Monitor your entire hybrid cloud and IT infrastructure from a cloud-based, integrated dashboard:

Introducing the A150 System
A150 System Architecture – High-Level Overview
A150 System Features
System Controller Hardware and Specifications
Monitoring Controllers, Probes and Sensors

Learn About Physical Layer Network Security

FAQs

What is the main difference between a modular and a traditional data center?

A traditional data center is a large, purpose-built facility constructed on-site over a long period. In contrast, a modular data center is built off-site in pre-fabricated modules that are later assembled on location, allowing for faster deployment and greater flexibility.

Which type of data center is more cost-effective?

Modular data centers are typically more cost-effective. They are about 30% cheaper to construct due to their prefabricated nature and require less real estate.

How do their deployment times compare?

Modular data centers have a significant advantage in terms of deployment speed. They can be deployed in a fraction of the time, saving approximately 30% of the time compared to traditional builds, which can take 18-24 months.

What about energy efficiency (PUE)?

Modular data centers generally have a lower initial Power Usage Effectiveness (PUE) because their compact, self-contained design is highly efficient from the start. Traditional data centers may have a higher PUE initially and become more efficient as they reach full capacity.

Is one more secure than the other?

Modular data centers are often easier to secure initially because they are compact and self-contained units. However, a traditional build with integrated security systems may offer more manageable, long-term security management.

Which option is better for my business?

The best choice depends on several factors, including your budget, real estate availability, timeline, and long-term expansion plans. Modular data centers are ideal for rapid deployment and situations where space is limited, while traditional builds are suited for large-scale, long-term investments.

About the Author

Posted on April 7, 2021September 18, 2025 by Louis Chompff

4 Steps to Prepare Your Data Center for Net Zero Carbon Emissions

The race to net zero carbon emissions is on – our economy and our world depend on it. The data center industry, one that tends to gobble up lots of power is at the forefront of a number of initiatives being implemented around the world. How will you prepare your data center for net zero carbon emissions? Here’s 4 steps that will get you started.

Key Takeaways

By the end of this article, you’ll know:

Why to make a commitment to reducing carbon footprint and decarbonization
How using sustainable energy sources and operating at peak efficiency cuts carbon footprint.
The importance of reaching net zero carbon emissions while maximizing uptime.

Jump to Section:

The Situation Now
Step One – Make a Commitment
Step Two – Use Sustainable Energy Sources
Step Three – Operate at Peak Efficiency
Step Four – Build-in Resilience and Agility

The Situation Now

Data centers first became the focus of Greenpeace and other groups back in the mid-to-early 2010 boom. The focus at that time was on enterprise-level data centers – the big guys, in other words. The fact that data centers used lots of power became evident and so the move toward minimizing that impact grew in both urgency and popularity.

So much so that the position of Chief Sustainability Officer (CSO) grew to overtake the emerging position of Chief Security Officers. Those in charge of cybersecurity ended up having to change their title to CISO (Chief Information Security Officer) because CSO had already been widely recognized.

Since then, smaller edge computing data centers have become the new focus. With COVID hastening the transition, today, cloud computing, AI, remote monitoring and other data center management trends have now established a level of control and sustainability not previously thought possible.

Thanks in part to these technological developments, net zero carbon emissions now feels more achievable and less like the plot-line in a futuristic sci-fi flick. So, in what areas of the data center can emissions be reduced?

Step One – Make a Commitment

There are several individual measures that promote sustainability. The key is to take all of those individual components and standards and work them into an ecosystem that supports your emissions goal.

Companies and countries alike are making a commitment to reducing carbon emissions as a part of their brand. However, words are not enough, and these companies – including the largest hyperscaling data center companies in the world – are taking action. Advances are happening quickly in the area of artificial intelligence (AI), remote management and data center design. Being on the leading edge of these developments shows that your data center is part of this commitment to a “greener cloud infrastructure.”

Like most strategies, it’s only once a firm commitment at the top of the organization has been made that the necessary actions can be taken, including providing leaders with the authority to make decisions that align with the goal and that resources, responsibilities and accountabilities are allocated.

Step Two – Use Sustainable Energy Sources

Solar, wind and even hydroelectric power are all sustainable sources of power that can make dependence on coal and other carbon-intense fuels a thing of the past. Companies like Tesla and Microsoft are testing and deploying battery technology that can run data centers longer than ever before, even with no sun or wind available.

This means only using the local grid as your primary power source if sustainable energy is available 24+7. Otherwise, the data center will need to provide at least some sustainable sources of its own, like a solar or wind farm designed to directly support a data center.

Because this is expensive, only the largest, hyperscale companies with large data centers can be 100% self-sufficient. Hybrid solutions could help to bridge the gap, such as supplementing local power supplies with solar and wind on site. Selecting a site that’s close to a local, sustainable power grid should be a factor in choosing where to locate your data center and will support the goal of n et zero carbon emissions.

Step Three – Operate at Peak Efficiency

For data centers, not only should your power be sourced responsibly, but your data center needs to operate efficiently. One way to reduce carbon dependency is to simply use less power. Strategies can include initiatives such as pro-active device monitoring to identify ‘Zombie Servers’ – stacks that contribute little to performance, but still use significant resources to maintain.

The efficient and responsible use of power, as covered by the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 12, is about Responsible Production and Consumption. Some other standards include:

PUE (Power Use Effectiveness) – Determined by dividing the power coming into the data center by the power used by the computer infrastructure.
LEED (Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design) – A green building certification program that rates building design
PAR4 – A new form of power measurement that accurately measures IT equipment power usage to help optimally plan for capacity.
ASHRAE (The American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers) – Standards for the temperature and humidity operating ranges for IT equipment and data centers.
CCF (Cooling Capacity Factor) – CCF is a metric used to evaluate rated cooling capacity against how that capacity is actually used.

These standards are just a few of those used to rate the efficiency of a data center and are designed to help data centers move toward net zero through more effective use of the power they have available.

Step Four – Build-in Resilience and Agility

The real job of a data center is uptime. Yes, customers want a green data center that is moving toward, if not already achieving, net zero emissions. However, at the same time, they expect that there will be no reduction in service. They expect full uptime, speed, and data protection.

This means that systems must not only be green, but must be reliable and include redundancies, power backups, and other protections, including cybersecurity and physical layer security to protect both customer assets and their data.

The good news is that not only is clean energy better for the environment, but it is also more reliable in many cases, allowing data centers to keep uptime near 99.999% standards. This is a balance that sustainable data centers must constantly monitor, adjust to and plan for.

Net zero carbon emissions is the standard of the future. Your data center can prepare now. Use clean energy, and plan to scale with that energy use in mind. Use the energy you have efficiently and plan for resiliency as part of your transition strategy. It’s what clients and customers and the world deserves.

Have questions about optimizing your physical layer, monitoring and remote control or ways to use your floor space efficiently? Contact Us at AnD Cable Products. We’re here to help.

Physical Layer Environment Network Security Monitoring and Control

Full visibility, network security and control of your physical layer environment. Monitor your entire hybrid cloud and IT infrastructure from a cloud-based, integrated dashboard:

Introducing the A150 System
A150 System Architecture – High-Level Overview
A150 System Features
System Controller Hardware and Specifications
Monitoring Controllers, Probes and Sensors

Learn About Physical Layer Network Security

FAQs

What is the first and most critical step to a more sustainable data center?

The first step is to measure energy usage. The most commonly used industry standard for this is Power Usage Effectiveness (PUE).

Why is measuring PUE important?

PUE is an individual benchmark for performance and a starting point for measuring success. It helps identify changes in power usage, trends, and spikes, enabling informed decisions for upgrades and infrastructure changes to improve sustainability.

What are the four key steps outlined in the article for preparing a data center for net-zero carbon emissions?

–Make a Commitment: Embrace individual measures that promote sustainability.

–Use Sustainable Energy Sources: Utilize sources like solar, wind, and hydroelectric power, and consider hybrid solutions.

–Operate at Peak Efficiency: Reduce power consumption by strategies such as proactive device monitoring and identifying “Zombie Servers” (servers that contribute little to performance but still use significant resources).

–Build-in Resilience and Agility: Ensure systems are not only green but also reliable, with redundancies and power backups to maintain uptime.

What is the goal of operating at peak efficiency?

The goal is to use less power. The article mentions strategies like using PUE, LEED, and PAR4 standards to rate efficiency.

About the Author

Posted on March 18, 2021September 18, 2025 by Louis Chompff

8 Critical Data Center Practices for Floor Design and Delivery

Woman Drawing Data Center Floor Plan Designs on Glass Wall

The physical layer of the internet, the data center, is largely dependent on floor plans, not only the floor design and type of the floor itself, but where you put everything, and how that impacts data accessibility and delivery for your clients.

Perhaps the most important feature of any data center is agility and flexibility. To prepare for the future, floor plans must have the ability to adapt built-in. How do we get there?

Key Takeaways

By the end of this article, you’ll know:

The best practices to achieve agility and flexibility in floor design and delivery.
The importance of balancing density and capacity.
How to accomplish a holistic approach to floor design and delivery.

Jump to Section:

Density and Capacity
Prepping for Future Architecture and Changes
Storage and Cooling
Building Management Systems
Built-in Redundancy
Remote Management
Physical Layer Security
Using Renewable Energy

Woman Drawing Data Center Floor Plan Designs — To prepare for the future, data center floor plans must have the ability to adapt built-in

1. Density and Capacity

First, we must think in terms of both density and capacity: there is always a tradeoff between power and space. A denser server system will require a more sophisticated power and cooling strategy, which may in the long run be more costly per watt than a less aggressive approach.

The most common answer is a blend of both high and low-density rack layouts to get the maximum benefits of each. Modular density allows for the addition of capacity over time and with energy costs higher than the cost of space (at least currently) a less dense approach makes more sense for most applications and data center floor designs.

2. Prepping for Future Architecture and Changes

This brings us nicely to the next point. Server configurations are constantly changing, and likely will continue to do so going forward. Balancing density and capacity when it comes to data center floor design makes it easier to make moves and changes when the need arises.

A forward-thinking floor design simply means you are ready when whatever technology is next taking over the market. Think of how your current layout can be adapted to new forms and layouts.

3. Storage and Cooling

This naturally leads to storage and cooling, which is directly related to density and capacity, and future thinking. You must consider how you will store data, what kind of servers and racks you will use, and even where you will source them and other materials.

A part of that will also be your cooling plan. How will you cool your systems? Will you have an underfloor wiring plan or an overhead one? What kind of floor will you have? What will your HVAC system look like, and how will access to the building be controlled? This is all something to think about while looking at your floor designs.

4. Building Management Systems

What does your building management system look like, and how well does it meet your data center needs. There are several aspects to consider, including your maintenance services

Generators
UPS Batteries and backups
Electrical supply infrastructure
Mechanical systems maintenance

All these various pieces require various levels of maintenance, and physical accessibility must be a consideration. This also leads to our next point.

5. Built-in Redundancy

When maintenance occurs or disaster strikes, redundant systems need to be in place to keep the stellar uptime customers demand. This must be a part of your data center floor design from the start. This is a part of not only data center service, but physical and data layer security as well.

6. Remote Management

If 2020 has taught us anything, it’s that people can do many things remotely in an amazing way. While remote monitoring and even management of data centers have been possible for quite some time, the pandemic propelled it to a mainstream priority. Any data center design conceived going forward must be structured to enable remote monitoring and management.

This goes relates to everything, from building management systems to server management systems. Sensors can detect when something is wrong, in many cases take action to correct the issue, and inform human data center management of the issues, so that permanent corrections can be implemented.

7. Physical Layer Security

Of course, a part of remote management leads to physical layer network security. This includes everything from digital locks for entrances with biometric security in place to door alarms, AI monitoring of camera systems, and more.

These systems are far better than an on-premises security team, can be monitored from anywhere, and both managers and if necessary the appropriate authorities can be notified of any incident requiring attention.

8. Using Renewable Energy

Finally, an important part of data center management and development going forward is the use of renewable energy. While this does not always impact the physical layout of the interior of your data center, it may impact your power and electrical configurations, the redundancies you need to have built into your data center, and the area you have to expand the physical footprint of your data center going forward.

A big part of your data center floor design and how you arrange both high and low-density areas of the data center is related to the server racks, cable management products, and physical layer security systems you choose.

At AnD Cable Products, we can make sure you have everything you need to set things up properly from the start or to make moves and changes as you need to. Contact Us today! We’d love to discuss your data center needs.

Physical Layer Environment Network Security Monitoring and Control

Full visibility, network security and control of your physical layer environment. Monitor your entire hybrid cloud and IT infrastructure from a cloud-based, integrated dashboard:

Introducing the A150 System
A150 System Architecture – High-Level Overview
A150 System Features
System Controller Hardware and Specifications
Monitoring Controllers, Probes and Sensors

Learn About Physical Layer Network Security

FAQs

Why is density and capacity a key consideration in data center floor design?

There is a trade-off between power and space in a data center. A denser server system requires more sophisticated power and cooling. A flexible floor design should balance high-density and low-density layouts to get the maximum benefits of each, allowing for capacity additions over time.

How does a forward-thinking floor design prepare for future changes?

A forward-thinking design ensures the floor plan can adapt to future server configurations and technological changes. By balancing density and capacity, the design makes it easier to make moves and changes as new technology takes over the market, ensuring the data center is ready for what’s next.

What is the relationship between data center floor design, storage, and cooling?

Storage and cooling are directly related to density and capacity. The floor design must consider how data will be stored, the types of servers and racks used, and the cooling plan. This includes decisions on underfloor vs. overhead wiring, the type of floor, and the HVAC system.

How do Building Management Systems (BMS) fit into data center design?

A BMS is an essential component that manages various aspects of a data center, including maintenance services, generators, UPS batteries, and electrical and mechanical systems. Sensors within the BMS can detect issues, take corrective action, and alert human management.

What is the role of built-in redundancy?

Built-in redundancy is crucial for minimizing downtime. It involves creating a system that can continue to function correctly despite failures by incorporating network diversity, system redundancies, and disaster recovery planning.

How does remote management impact data center floor design?

Remote management allows for control and visibility of the data center’s physical layer environment from a central dashboard. This includes monitoring physical security, network security, and infrastructure to ensure the system runs smoothly without requiring constant on-site management.

Why is physical layer security important in a data center floor design?

Physical layer security is critical for preventing on-site breaches and protecting corporate data. This includes access control, CCTV surveillance, and intrusion detection systems, which work alongside cybersecurity measures to safeguard the entire IT environment.

How can data center design incorporate renewable energy?

A forward-thinking design should consider sourcing renewable energy to reduce the data center’s environmental impact and operating costs. Incorporating efficient cooling systems and optimizing power distribution are also key practices for energy efficiency.

About the Author

Posted on February 9, 2021September 19, 2025 by Louis Chompff

Dead Servers Walking – Zombie Servers and Data Center Efficiency

Data centers use a lot of power, and while the move to renewable energy helps, other efficiencies must be created to keep these power-hungry behemoths in check. It is estimated that 2% of the carbon emissions in the world come from data centers, and that will only increase as we stream more, save more on the cloud, and demand internet that is faster and faster. However, there is a monster or monsters lurking in nearly every data center – zombie servers.

Key Takeaways

By the end of this article, you’ll know:

What zombie servers are and their impact on carbon footprint.
The challenge of identifying zombie servers.
Solutions for identifying and managing zombie servers.

Jump to Section:

Just Resting?
“Power! Power!”
Wake Me Up or Just Go-Go
Zombie Hunting

Rather than roaming the world dragging their feet and looking for brains, these zombie servers quietly draw power, making a data center much less power efficient that it could be. It’s not just power either. There is also the hidden cost of the space these servers take up. What are “zombie servers” and what do we do about them?

Just Resting?

Even as demand for larger, faster data centers increases, there is a significant push for those data centers to be more efficient. So many data centers use less power as they expand. This is in part due to Power Useage Effectiveness (PUE) standards that determine how well a data center uses the power available to them.

Zombie servers are servers that still use power… but don’t actually do any work. These energy wasters can be difficult to find, especially in large data centers with thousands of servers. Part of the problem is that unlike powering off your laptop, a server is always using energy even when it is “idle.” It’s never truly off. Since the idea is to get equipment to use less energy by doing more work, it is vital that these servers be identified.

“Power! Power!”

The reason quite simply is power usage. Since the server is never truly idle, it is hard to find, because all the servers in a stack may appear to be pulling equal amounts of power, but it can be hard to determine which ones are doing the most work. While AI monitoring helps, it is still not a foolproof solution.

Not to mention the fact that many data centers have not yet implemented that technology. Traditional Data Center Infrastructure Management (DCIM) software can help with power usage and cooling, but in order to achieve newer and stricter efficiency standards, data centers must take additional steps we’ll talk about in a moment.

In fact, as recently as 2015, a study found that 1 in 3 servers in data centers were “zombies”, either comatose or consuming energy and doing little to no work. Immediately, many data centers began to take steps to locate, isolate, and remove these zombie servers. “It’s a matter of technical efficiency,” Jonathan Koomey, a research fellow at Stanford University told Computer World.

Wake Me Up or Just Go-Go

There are two choices when it comes to zombie servers: once located, you can either wake them up and put them to work, or you can move them out of the system. Alternatively, you can move their computing functions to the cloud. The problem is a bit more complex though.

Data centers are often fearful of removing some zombie servers in case they may be needed, or are more mission critical than first thought. This can result in zombies staying online and sucking power longer than necessary. However, as power savings have been proven in other instances, more data centers have become proactive in seeking and taking these servers offline.

Zombie Hunting

What’s the answer? In concept, it is pretty simple. An intelligent DCIM can help by creating certain reports either regularly or on demand. They include information like:

Charting of trends
Power capacity trend and analysis
Power charge back reporting
Failover testing
Active power by month and device

The active power by month and device can help you establish baseline power needs and consumption. Then changes can be tracked to determine what servers are underutilized or even not doing any work at all.

The key is a truly holistic approach using all the modern tools at our disposal. The piecemeal approach of shutting down a server here or there will result in only minimal power savings. Optimizing all aspects of on-site infrastructure is essential.

Need help understanding zombie servers? Are you looking for other solutions to free up space in your data center? Or are you in need of remote monitoring and physical network security options? We’re here to help.

Physical Layer Environment Network Security Monitoring and Control

Full visibility, network security and control of your physical layer environment. Monitor your entire hybrid cloud and IT infrastructure from a cloud-based, integrated dashboard:

Introducing the A150 System
A150 System Architecture – High-Level Overview
A150 System Features
System Controller Hardware and Specifications
Monitoring Controllers, Probes and Sensors

Learn About Physical Layer Network Security

FAQs

What are zombie servers?

Zombie servers are underutilized or completely unused servers that remain powered on and consume energy, space, and cooling resources within a data center. They are “undead” because while they are technically operational, they aren’t actively performing useful work. A 2015 study found that as many as one in three servers in some data centers were zombies.

Why are zombie servers a problem?

Zombie servers cause two main problems: wasted power and wasted space. They quietly draw electricity, making a data center much less power-efficient than it could be. They also take up valuable physical space that could be used for active, revenue-generating servers. This inefficiency goes against the industry-wide push for higher Power Usage Effectiveness (PUE) standards.

Why are they so difficult to find?

Finding zombie servers is difficult, especially in large data centers with thousands of machines. Servers are never truly “off” and always draw some power, even when idle. This makes it challenging to distinguish them from servers that are doing work. While modern tools like AI monitoring can help, many data centers have yet to implement such technology.

What can be done about zombie servers?

-Once identified, there are two main options for dealing with zombie servers:

-Recommission them: Put the server to work on a new task. This is a good option if you have a need for the server’s computing power.

-Decommission them: Take the server offline and remove it from the data center. This frees up space and reduces power consumption.

-Alternatively, some organizations opt to migrate the functions of a zombie server to the cloud.

How can my organization proactively hunt for zombie servers?

Proactive zombie hunting requires a holistic, systematic approach rather than a piecemeal one. The most effective method is using an intelligent Data Center Infrastructure Management (DCIM) system. This software can generate reports to help you:

-Establish baseline power needs and consumption.

-Track changes to identify underutilized servers.

-Analyze power capacity trends.

-Monitor active power by month and device.

-By using these tools, data centers can locate, isolate, and remove or repurpose these servers, leading to significant power savings and improved efficiency.

About the Author

Posted on January 26, 2021September 19, 2025 by Louis Chompff

Key Considerations When Choosing Your Next Data Center Location

In business, the adage location, location, location has always been a concern for any physical structure. This is true of data centers as well. When it comes to your next data center location, where do you build?

Key Takeaway

By the end of this article, you’ll know:

Safety and network proximity considerations when picking locations.
Cost and talent considerations when picking locations.
The importance of locations with access to renewable energy sources and innovating cooling methods.

Jump to Section:

Data Center Starts
Safety and Network Proximity
Taxes, Labor, and Incentives
Going Green is the New Black
Key Takeaways

There are several prime locations around the country for the mega data centers that are popping up everywhere, but there will always be a need for local data centers, and as the need for more storage and faster data rates increases, so will the size and configuration of those data centers. But what influences location? There are two primary factors: safety, and network exchange proximity. Let’s take a closer look.

Data Center Starts

AOL started in Northern Virginia with its first data center. As the area grew, the communities invested in technology and network hubs that attracted more tech giants. In fact, Microsoft bought land in the Loudoun area for around 1.4 million per acre just this year, showing that the value of data center land in that area will not be taking a dive anytime soon.

The Pacific Northwest is also a data center hub, with Amazon leading the way along with several other large tech companies. One reason is that water is plentiful in these wet areas and can be harnessed easily for cooling purposes.

That was just the start, of course. Since then, locations have popped up all over the country.

Safety and Network Proximity

But you can’t just build data centers where you have access to water, and as the Microsoft story illustrates, building near other data centers may be cost prohibitive for many companies. While the Pacific Northwest is also a great location for other reasons, data centers must be built in other places.

Where is the ideal place to build? Well, as with many other things, it depends, but of course the two primary concerns above must be kept in mind. For instance, you could build in the middle of nowhere, where land is cheap, water is plentiful, and there are few weather-related concerns. But if you don’t have a solid connection to the network, your data center will never work.

Taxes, Labor, and Incentives

Taxes, labor, and incentives are all normal costs and benefits of doing business in any given location. For instance, in California the tax laws can be complicated, labor regulations are more restrictive than in some other neighboring states. However, some counties or municipalities offer tax incentives to data centers located there.

In addition, many will be close to network hubs, and will also have talent to draw upon when the time comes to hire new employees. This can be another vital factor in data center location. The right talent can be hard to find in the tech industry, and nearby universities, an appealing community surrounding the data center, and other factors can heavily influence recruiting.

It’s a good idea to keep things under wraps when first negotiating a data center site. Otherwise, bidding wars, protests from community members who may not want to see a data center in their area, and others can derail the best plan before it even gets a chance to get started.

Another consideration is power and access to sustainable resources.

Going Green is the New Black

A huge consideration for data centers is their environmental impact. Choosing a location with a high solar score, for example, allows a data center to operate primarily on renewable energy. The same is true for nearby hydroelectric and wind energy. One of the primary things driving this trend is consumer interest.

Because the consumer wants to do business with companies investing in renewable energy, those same companies partner with data center partners who share the same values. It all comes down to energy and where it comes from.

In this way, companies have gotten creative, locating data centers in cooler northern climates, placing them underwater, and locating them in caves and other areas underground. All of these efforts are attempting to take advantage of natural cooling factors to save energy and improve efficiency.

As much as possible, the location of a data center should be coupled with environmental responsibility and sources of renewable energy.

Key Takeaways

Does all of this sound a bit complicated? It can be. Also there are simply times when you are limited in your selection by geography, local zoning, and the land available to you. But choosing a data center location, much like choosing the location of any other business, will depend on your individual circumstances.

Once you are ready to build, we here at AnD Cable Products can help you with a variety of products to help you maximize your space, get the right cables for your data center, provide labelling products, and even help with physical layer network security and monitoring.

Have questions? Contact us today. We’re happy to talk about your needs for new data center builds or simply moves and changes in current facilities. Join our email list to get the latest news and data center tips. No spam, ever.

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FAQs

What are the primary factors that influence data center location?

The two primary factors that influence data center location are safety from natural disasters and other threats, and network exchange proximity to ensure fast and reliable data transmission.

Besides safety and network proximity, what other factors are considered when choosing a data center location?

In addition to safety and network proximity, other important factors include local taxes, labor costs, and government incentives. The availability of a skilled workforce and the overall appeal of the community are also significant considerations for hiring and recruiting.

Why is environmental responsibility a growing concern for data centers?

Data centers have a significant environmental impact, and there is a growing trend to choose locations that allow for operation using renewable energy sources like solar, wind, or hydroelectric power. This is driven by consumer demand for businesses that prioritize sustainability.

How can a data center leverage its location for environmental benefits?

Data centers are being strategically located in places that offer natural cooling advantages to reduce energy consumption. Examples include building in cooler northern climates, underwater, or in underground caves to leverage natural temperature regulation.

Why is it important to be discreet when initially negotiating a data center site?

Keeping negotiations for a new data center site under wraps is crucial to prevent bidding wars for land and to avoid potential protests from community members who may not want a data center in their area. This discretion helps ensure the project can proceed smoothly without unexpected obstacles.