Tag: modular data center

“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

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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.