ScienceLovers - In this technological era, the need for data continues to increase. Almost everything has data, for example, like your webs...
That data will be stored in a data center. Maybe for those of you who have been in the IT world for a long time, you are familiar with this term.
Well, for those of you who are still laymen, take it easy. In this article, we will discuss in full, the definition of a data center to its types.
What is a Data Center?
Data center is a technology infrastructure that becomes the center of data storage on a large scale. Usually, the data center is also used as a place for installing enterprise-level computer servers that contain databases for websites or applications.
Web hosting service providers, application developers, and large businesses generally also rent space in data center facilities to operate servers.
Data centers usually have hundreds to thousands of racks containing server computers. These computers will later be used as data storage and management. In addition, in the rack there are also various devices and network cables needed for operation.
Because it stores important data on a large scale, the data center is also built with a high level of security, both in terms of the physical security of the building or the software configuration for each server in it.
Well, to choose a good data center, there are several criteria that are usually the benchmark:
- Location: the location of the data center must be in an area that is safe from floods, earthquakes, landslides or other hazards to keep it safe. Apart from the geographical side, the data center must also be located in an area that has stable internet access so that it can continue to be accessed online.
- Reliability: a good data center has a fast and efficient data access speed. One that affects the reliability in accessing data is the fiber optic internet network. An efficient network will affect the performance of the data center.
- Flexibility and scalability: one of the things that attracts users is the flexibility of the data center, for example, managing the scale of server usage. The design structure and devices used in the data center must be considered so that flexibility is maintained.
In addition to the three criteria above, the most important thing is that the data center must always be maintained or maintained regularly so that it can continue to function properly.
How Data Centers Work
As explained earlier, the data center contains a collection of server computers that have a major role in the operational needs of its users.
All servers in a data center can usually be accessed online through various portals. So that the data on the server can be accessed, the server will be connected to the internet through various network devices such as switches, routers and so on.
Data originating from the server will be forwarded to each router after it is received by the users.
Data Center Functions
In addition to the data center function as a place for data storage and processing, there are several other functions, especially for business people who make data their main priority.
The following are some of the data center functions such as:
As a large-scale data storage
Most of those who use data centers are governments, large companies or multinational companies. Which data they have is certainly not small.
Therefore cloud storage alone is not enough, they need more space. Apart from being a place to store, data will also be processed and distributed to users who need it.
By using a data center you don't have to worry if data is lost or deleted, because the data center definitely has backups.
As a private cloud
Not only as a data center, this data center can also function as a private cloud. In this case it's like to host internal business applications.
Examples include CRM (customer relationship management) and ERP (enterprise resource planning) software.
As principal repositories
As previously explained, the data center also has other infrastructure such as routers, servers, firewalls, switches and much more. Supporting requirements in this data center are referred to as principal repositories.
Criteria for Choosing a Good Data Center
When your company needs a data center and will rent it. There are several criteria before you decide to choose the data center, here are some things that a data center must have.
Power supply
The first thing to consider is the power source used. Every data center is equipped with a power supply, so that when a power outage occurs, the battery bank will display the data and the diesel generator can function properly.
If the data center has a good power source, interference with electricity can be minimized.
Data storage system
A good data center has good speed performance. To help with this, an adequate server specification is needed.
That's why today many are using multicore processors in order to get fast data processing. In addition to the server, you also need to use additional storage devices if it's lacking, such as an HDD or SSD.
Security system
Furthermore, no less important is the security system used in the data center. There are two types of security, namely physical or at the location of the data center and cyber security.
At the data center location, there are cameras to monitor all movements that occur in the building. In addition, not just anyone can enter the data center building, visitors must perform two-factor authentication or show a personal identity card.
In addition, you also need to be aware of threats that come from hackers, malware and spyware. This can be overcome with a firewall to prevent incoming access from outside, or various other prevention methods.
Bandwidth
The speed of data processing is also influenced by bandwidth, the greater the bandwidth, the faster the data transfer process. Just like when you are browsing, the greater the bps or bits per second, the faster you will access the internet.
In the data center, the need for large bandwidth can be met. Therefore, make sure you choose a data center that provides large bandwidth.
Location
The next criteria for a good data center is one that is located close to your company or business center. When carrying out the process of sending data to users, of course it will take time.
The further away your location is, the longer it is likely that the data will arrive, this can be caused by an obstacle in the middle of the delivery journey or commonly known as latency.
In contrast, if the location is near the obstacle, it can certainly be smaller, and the data transfer process will be faster, resulting in lower latency.
Types of Data Center
There are several types of data centers used, from the following types you can choose which one will be more suitable for your type of business or company.
Colocation Data Center
The first type is colocation, which is a company that provides data center rental along with its infrastructure, be it equipment, space or bandwidth.
So, instead of renting the cloud, you can directly rent hardware from certain data centers.
Enterprise Data Center
The next type is enterprise, this type of data center is owned by a private company. Usually the location of the data center is located not far from the company environment.
Because it is private property, you 100% have to fully manage and control it. In addition, you need to prepare your own equipment and accessories.
Cloud Data Center
Almost similar to the type of colocation, which uses the help of a third party, the difference is that this type of cloud is rented virtually, not hardware. When renting a virtual data center, you can also take advantage of other services provided by the provider.
Edge Data Center
As explained earlier, when the data transfer process is likely to occur latency or delay. To overcome this, you can build a data center in several locations. But don't forget to keep building the data center as close to the user as possible.
Micro Data Center
The last type of data center is a micro data center. When compared to others, this type has a smaller scope, because it only handles and processes data in certain areas.
Conclusion
At this point, you understand better what a data center is, how it works and its types. Make sure when choosing a data center for your company or business, follow the criteria as described earlier. So, you can get a data center with good quality for your business.
