Common Data Center Challenges

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Network systems cater to any facility, business, or infrastructure. Sets of IT equipment help generate solutions, resolve tasks, process datum, and store information. Thus, they are needed everywhere.

An IT system is a set of high-precision hardware pieces. They are vulnerable to all sorts of changes and impacts. Thus, any external influence can cause malfunction, damage, or downtime. This is why it is important to guarantee a sufficient level of equipment protection from both intentional and unintentional impacts.

Thus, common server problems are the subject of this article. We're going to list the most popular hazards and provide solutions to them.

Typical Problems in DCs

Below, let's have a detailed overview of common server issues and solutions. We'll explain what problems may occur if you neglect particular hazards and provide ways to eliminate them. First, note that all problems fall into physical and technical ones.

Physical Issues

Power Outages

Network equipment requires constant feeding since devices work using electricity. In the case of power surges or outages, workflow interruption occurs, which leads to data loss, hardware downtime, and failure in operation. Even when the system is restored, servers need more time to reboot. Every minute of downtime results in extra expenses for businesses.

Thus, it is essential for each data center to have a backup power system that is capable of supporting an IT system in the case of an emergency power outage. Use generators and backup power sources to prevent the system from lacking power for operation.

Natural Element Interference

The environment can significantly influence the performance of network hardware. The following natural factors are the most aggressive:

1. Pollutants, debris, and other contaminants. Dust tends to penetrate server rack bodies and settle on equipment. By accumulating over a long time, a dust layer is so thick that it impedes hardware heat exchange, resulting in overheating. If debris settles on fan blades, it hardens the speed of rotation, as well as less airflow penetrates the construction, which also eventually leads to ventilation problems.

2. Climatic parameters such as humidity and temperature. Low humidity causes electric charge accumulation that increases the risk of fire, while high humidity results in rusting and condensation. Moisture can ruin circuit boards and devices, leaving the system downtime for days. Problems with a temperature regime lead to overheating and insufficient power allocation.

As for the solution for these common data center problems, there are several options. To cope with dust settlement, it is necessary to use side panels or enclosed cabinets that do not let debris reach devices freely.

As for climate control, multiple sensors are installed to monitor and adjust the temperature and humidity in server rooms and directly in cabinets. To reduce the risk of overheating, you can also consider open-framed models, such as 2-post network racks from Sysracks.

The company comes as a reputable distributor and manufacturer of data center furniture. A wide catalog of models is represented on the website - Sysracks.com. Managers always assist clients in selecting appropriate models for their needs.

Outdated Firmware

Nowadays, technologies are developing very fast. New, upgraded models appear regularly. Thus, firmware becomes obsolescent quickly. If you have outdated firmware, this may impede the smooth and quick functioning of your system. Obsolescent firmware is more prone to troubleshoot.

To avoid system lagging due to outdated firmware and ensure its efficient performance, replace obsolescent models with newer, updated models.

Damage to Hardware

Physical damage to hardware fall into two main groups, namely, intentional and accidental. Intentional damage means that intruders break servers or other system devices to do harm to your business or facility. Unintentional damage implies any break or rapture due to incaution (for instance, during maintenance). The following objects are prone to physical damage:

• servers;

• active equipment (routers, PCs, switches, etc.);

• cables;

• cooling devices.

To protect equipment from physical damage, take into account cabinet location. It is necessary to use durable metal cabinets of closed types or shock-proof models, especially if a rack is installed in a public place. If you plan to install the rack in a closed server room, make sure to use security measures to limit access to the premise. Biometrical lockers, personal passes, surveillance systems, and other measures are applied to prevent third-party people from entering the room.

Technical Problems

Now, let's consider common server issues that may occur with software when dealing with IT system setup.

Cybersecurity Issues

Modern hackers are experienced enough to get access to any information they want. They use advanced software to hack the needed system and get users' personal info. Since servers store huge volumes of information, they can become a target of hackers who want to steal data.

Trying to protect your systems and information from hacker attacks, make sure to develop high-security counterattack software that will prevent unauthorized breaches. Hire professional software engineers to get the best-protected solution.

System Overload

If one server is used by multiple users (for example, when sharing one system with other employees in an office), the system may lag and freeze. Delays and errors frequently appear on monitors. Moreover, this also influences the productivity of employees.

Invite a specialist to examine your server. A professional assessment will help understand where the system's capacity is enough to cater to all employees. The specialist will also advise on how to cope with this issue.

Configuration Settings

A wrongly set server comes as another popular problem. IT systems require precise configuring since even one small setting can influence an entire system, remaining it inactive. Thus, pay attention to specific settings and recheck them regularly.

Network Glitches

Problems with connectivity to the Internet frequently become an annoying issue for users. If you want to get rid of this nasty trouble, it is reasonable to buy services from a trusted Internet Service Provider that will eliminate all Web-related issues and guarantee smooth and uninterruptible surfing of the Internet. For network systems, it means free communication between units under any condition.

Here are the top data center issues. Now, you know what problems you may face when arranging a network system and how to eliminate them. Yet, note that if you maintain and monitor system functioning regularly and set up all configurations correctly, you may not face them at all. Regular checks and maintenance are the best keys to problem minimizing and smooth performance.