Connectivity must be prioritized in DCIM systems
You have to think about the network if you want to get the most out of a DCIM investment.
By Donna DonnawitzNovember 5, 2012
Data center infrastructure management solutions are emerging as an important technological option. Cloud computing, virtualization, big data and other emerging technologies are pushing data centers to expand their capabilities, creating a sector that is striving to maximize efficiency in light of rising utility costs. DCIM tools have become prominent because they allow managers to effectively control everything from the servers to the cooling and power architectures, ensuring efficiency across all areas of operations. According to a recent Cabling Installation & Maintenance report, achieving this level of functionality is highly dependent on being able to effectively manage cabling as a strategic part of data center operations.
Aligning the network with DCIM
When businesses think about their data center infrastructure, they tend to think of servers and storage equipment first. HVAC systems, power architectures and cooling are also considered critical. However, many people simply look at cabling as the part of the data center that exists in the background, letting everything else happen around it. The reality is that cabling is what makes everything else happen. As a result, it is vital that companies develop methods for managing their cabling architectures as a key component of the data center, the report said.
The primary function of a DCIM solution is to provide a database of all of the hardware and infrastructure systems within a data center and allow users to manage them through an application. The report explained that this system is essential to successfully optimizing a data center by maximizing hardware efficiency. However, many organizations fail to get the most out of their data center because they do not look at cabling as a strategic asset. Inefficient cabling systems can have an adverse impact on data center efficiency. Because of this, it is becoming essential to include cabling within the DCIM to optimize the setup.
Considering a multi-protocol environment
Whether you are using DCIM or another form of data center management, it is vital that organizations consider the most efficient way to establish cabling infrastructure to meet operational needs. In some cases, this means using more fiber-optic cabling and less copper in different parts of the data center. To accomplish this effectively, you are generally better off using fiber to Ethernet media converters, which not only enable interoperability, but also provide advanced functionality that improves network performance.
Perle has an extensive range of Managed and Unmanaged Fiber Media Converters to extended copper-based Ethernet equipment over a fiber optic link, multimode to multimode and multimode to single mode fiber up to 160km.
Aligning the network with DCIM
When businesses think about their data center infrastructure, they tend to think of servers and storage equipment first. HVAC systems, power architectures and cooling are also considered critical. However, many people simply look at cabling as the part of the data center that exists in the background, letting everything else happen around it. The reality is that cabling is what makes everything else happen. As a result, it is vital that companies develop methods for managing their cabling architectures as a key component of the data center, the report said.
The primary function of a DCIM solution is to provide a database of all of the hardware and infrastructure systems within a data center and allow users to manage them through an application. The report explained that this system is essential to successfully optimizing a data center by maximizing hardware efficiency. However, many organizations fail to get the most out of their data center because they do not look at cabling as a strategic asset. Inefficient cabling systems can have an adverse impact on data center efficiency. Because of this, it is becoming essential to include cabling within the DCIM to optimize the setup.
Considering a multi-protocol environment
Whether you are using DCIM or another form of data center management, it is vital that organizations consider the most efficient way to establish cabling infrastructure to meet operational needs. In some cases, this means using more fiber-optic cabling and less copper in different parts of the data center. To accomplish this effectively, you are generally better off using fiber to Ethernet media converters, which not only enable interoperability, but also provide advanced functionality that improves network performance.
Perle has an extensive range of Managed and Unmanaged Fiber Media Converters to extended copper-based Ethernet equipment over a fiber optic link, multimode to multimode and multimode to single mode fiber up to 160km.
