4 Ways to Increase the Computing Efficiency of Your Colocation
November 4, 2024
The compound annual growth rate of the global colocation market is expected to hover around 14% per year through 2030. This is driven by a couple of key factors, including the continued development and increase of AI computing, and the increasing number of companies that are migrating to colocations to reduce operating costs and increase the ROI on their IT equipment and capabilities.
To truly capitalize on renting colocation space as opposed to building and operating a private data center, network engineers need to specify the right infrastructure — servers, enclosures, power distribution units (PDUs), and cooling units — to maximize network productivity and leverage data for meaningful business growth.
With this in mind, this article will look at four ways network engineers can increase the computing efficiency of their colocations, and how Rittal’s modular approach to colocation equipment can streamline and simplify this process.
Choose standardized IT enclosures
Optimizing your colocation facility starts with choosing IT enclosures that are designed for rapid configuration and installation that can be scaled quickly based on computing needs. Standardized IT enclosures that use a modular design can help network engineers accelerate installation by reducing the time, resources, and tooling required to customize enclosures based on variables like server rack density or cooling requirements.
Standardized IT enclosures can support a wider range of cable and component densities inside the enclosure to help customers leverage more efficient, powerful computing.
This standardized, modular approach to IT enclosures also allows for greater flexibility within the cabinet to support the highest cable and component installation densities, and the lack of internal obstructions maximizes the customization of internal rack or wire configurations.
Rittal’s TS IT Colo enclosure utilizes a comprehensive, standardized design that features full depth front and rear adjustable EIA rails, a full-size slide-in removable partition, and a standard hardware kit to simplify customization and installation tasks.
Plan for harsh operating conditions
As the colocation market grows and diversifies, more colocations will likely operate in harsh or uncontrolled environmental conditions, either in support of connected indoor installations or as standalone facilities. These types of uncontrolled environments include colocations that are being renovated or expanded where IT infrastructure is exposed to airborne hazards such as dust and debris.
This can be tricky for network engineers as some IT enclosures are designed for more extreme environmental deployments, and specifying enclosures that are not up to the task can result in decreased efficiency, or result in unplanned downtime due to maintenance or failure. Specifying IT equipment designed for durability and reliability can better equip your colocation infrastructure to handle the rigors of challenging deployments.
For example, Rittal’s CS Toptec outdoor enclosure is a standard solution that offers superior durability and reliability in a range of environmental conditions, including heat, cold, and moisture, as well as in harsh environments that contain airborne contaminants.
The CS Toptec outdoor enclosure uses a double-wall design to increase passive heat dissipation and reduce the impact of exposure to harsh UV light. UV-resistant paint finishes and stainless or aluminum construction options provide exceptional resistance to UV light damage to help maximize the performance and lifespan of the enclosure.
Prioritize protection and security
Network engineers are often faced with either choosing an IT enclosure that can be delivered quickly, or one that provides the required protection and reliability for challenging IT environments. This give-and-take can make it challenging to source an IT rack solution that is robust enough to prevent unauthorized access to the enclosure.
Rittal’s new TS IT Pro 24U enclosure is an ideal solution for network engineers to prioritize protection and security regardless of deployment. A robust carbon steel construction with a 3,000 lbs weight capacity makes this IT enclosure the ideal solution for demanding deployments without sacrificing security. The front and rear handles with keyed locks help prevent unauthorized entry at multiple locations on the enclosure.
The fully welded frame makes the TS IT Pro 24U compatible with operation and safety standards for a range of data center deployments, and UL, cUL, and EIA certifications help make Rittal’s IT enclosure one of the most reliable solutions on the market. This enhanced level of protection helps promote more consistent, efficient data processing.
Design cooling systems for high-density IT server configurations
The ability to facilitate targeted, consistent cooling outputs is key to maximize efficiency and productivity in a colocation facility or in any IT environment. What can complicate this task with colocations is the high-density IT server configurations and the high operational thermal loads that come along with it. Rack-based liquid cooling packages can help more efficiently support high-density heat loads with a focus on more targeted cooling outputs that reduces waste.
This is in part because airflow paths are shorter compared to row-based IT cooling systems, and because the cooling outputs are targeted to a smaller number of server racks, which results in a higher level of performance and efficiency.
Rittal’s Liquid Cooling Package Chilled Water (LCP CW) is a closed-loop, high-density cooling solution that is flexible, easy to scale, and offers greater cooling capacity with lower energy requirements. Rittal’s LCP CW cooling solution can support high-density thermal loads for single or multiple bayed IT enclosure configurations.
The LCP CW also includes comprehensive software for local and remote monitoring, network notifications, and real-time cooling data and analytics to help ensure high performance on a 24/7 basis.
Considering these components when specifying IT solutions for your colocation can help maximize IT computing productivity and efficiency. Rittal’s innovative approach to IT enclosures, power management, cooling units, and accessories can help network engineers create the ideal IT infrastructure for any application.
