C-Tech Solutions

Keeping a well-maintained server room is the backbone of any successful business. From small start up to large corporation, the efficiency and longevity of your equipment hinge on how well this server environment is managed. As one of the North-East’s most reliable fibre optic cabling installation firms, we at C-Tech have seen it all! We understand the intricacies of keeping a server room in tip top condition.

Here we lay out some essential tips to ensure your server room remains at peak performance.

An Optimised Cooling and Ventilation System Can Keep Your Server Room Healthy for Longer

The two main points here are consistent temperature control and efficient airflow management. Let’s look at each of these individually:

Consistent Temperature Control

One of the most critical parts of maintenance of a server room is keeping it at the correct temperature. These servers can generate a lot of heat, which can lead to overheating, reduced performance and, in some cases, total system failure. A server room’s ideal temperature is between 20 and 22 degrees Celsius. A high quality HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning system) is the key to keeping your server room cool.

Efficient Airflow Management

Proper airflow is a great way to control the room’s temperature. We recommend keeping server racks organised in a way that promotes air circulation. By alternating rows of server racks – and having one row face a cooler aisle and another face a hot aisle – you keep warm exhaust air separate from cool intake air. This is called hot and cold aisle containment. Contact us to find out more about how we can help organise your server room in this way.

Fibre Optic Cabling = Robust Network Infrastructure

Fibre optic cabling is superior to copper cabling in many ways. It is less susceptible to electro magnetic interference, making it a safer bet to keep your data secure. For optimal performance, these cables should be maintained regularly and stored properly.

Ensure cables are neatly organised and labelled well. Another tip is to regularly inspect these cables for any signs of damage. These cables are delicate, and any repairs should be left to the professionals.

Find a Security and Monitoring System that Works for You

Physical security of your server room is just as important as cyber security. Make sure you know who is coming in and out of there. Restricting access is also advised, especially in a larger company. Alarm systems, surveillance cameras, or a good, old-fashioned sign in and out system are all ways to monitor who has access to these cables and may even deter people from entering when they shouldn’t.

Monitor the Environment

If you keep an eye on the environment, you can be ready to act if things start to go awry. There are plenty of systems which track humidity levels, temperature fluctuations, water leaks and smoke. This way, you can keep on top of any environmental changes and save your company huge bills and time losses should things go wrong.

The health of your server room has a direct impact on your technology’s productivity and performance. Following steps above can save you time and energy in the long run. Make sure your server room is properly maintained, structured and organised. Keep track of who has access to make sure your technology is safe. Finally, monitoring certain conditions keep you ahead of the game and can detect as early as possible if conditions need to be addressed.

At C-Tech Solutions, we can help with your server room queries and concerns, from installation to service and maintenance. Give us a call to find out how we can help you.