Data centers are a critical component of the modern digital economy, providing essential infrastructure and services to organizations of all sizes. However, as data centers continue to grow in size and complexity, the challenge of maximizing space and efficiency has become increasingly important. Rack optimization and zero U hardware are two ways you can improve space utilization in existing and future data centers.
What is Rack Optimization?
Rack optimization involves maximizing the efficient use of rack space within your data center by reducing the amount of space required by IT equipment.
Ways to optimize your rack space include: 
- Upgrading to high-density racks
- Using blade servers
- Cable Management
- Using smaller equipment that fits in the rack
Simply allowing for more IT equipment to be deployed in the same amount of space can result in significant savings in terms of both cost and energy usage.
Best Practices for Rack Optimization:
Cable Management: Effective cable management is critical to maximizing space in a data center rack. This includes routing cables in an organized manner, using cable ties and cable management trays to keep cables neat and tidy, using the right cable lengths, and labeling cables to ensure easy identification.
Airflow Management: Proper airflow management is essential for the efficient cooling of IT equipment in the rack. A few things you can do to manage and improve your airflow include closing the open spaces of the vertical plane of IT equipment intakes, organizing cables, using blanking panels and rack grommets, and sealing between mounting rails and the sides of cabinets.
Power Management: Efficient power management helps to reduce energy consumption, lowers cooling costs, and minimizes downtime. Power distribution units (PDUs) with metering and remote management capabilities can provide real-time information on power usage and help optimize power distribution in the data center.
Equipment Density: High-density computing equipment, such as blade servers, can provide significant space savings in your data center compared to traditional standalone servers. However, these high-density configurations also require specialized cooling and power management solutions.
What is Zero U Hardware?
Zero U hardware refers to IT equipment that can be mounted outside the data center rack in a centralized location, freeing up valuable rack space. This includes Automatic Transfer Switches (ATSs) and other networking equipment. In addition to freeing up space in the rack, Zero U hardware also allows for more efficient use of space in the data center as a whole.
Benefits of Zero U Hardware
Space Savings: As mentioned above, Zero U hardware eliminates the need for dedicated rack space. This is especially important for data centers that have limited floor space or are operating at near capacity.
Improved Accessibility: Zero U hardware makes it easier to access and maintain equipment in the rack. This reduces downtime and minimizes the need for maintenance work in the data center.
Improved Power and Cooling: Zero U hardware can improve power and cooling efficiency by reducing the number of cables, devices, and large equipment in the data center. This can result in lower energy consumption and cooling costs.
Enhanced Security: Zero U hardware can be secured in a central location, reducing the risk of theft or unauthorized access to sensitive data.
In conclusion, rack optimization and zero U hardware are key tools for data centers looking to save space, increase efficiency, and reduce costs. By implementing best practices for rack optimization and utilizing zero U hardware, data centers can improve airflow management, cable management, power distribution, and equipment density, while minimizing downtime and reducing energy consumption and cooling costs.
How Can Zonit Help You Improve Your Space Utilization?
Cable Management: Our patented Z-Lock dual-locking cords securely connect on both ends of the cord regardless of the brand of PDU or manufacturer of IT hardware, reducing the risk of network outages or other issues caused by vibrations, bumps, or loose cords.
We carry a variety of cords including C13-C14, C14-C15, and C19-C20 configurations available in a variety of sizes and colors. By allowing you to pick the size you need, you can reduce the issues of packing, bending, and kinks.
We are so confident in the materials and the construction of our Z-LOCK dual-sided cables that we offer the best warranty in the industry – three years!
And right now, we have over 200,000 Z-LOCKS stocked and available – with zero lead time.
Zero U: Our Z-ATS Micro is simply the easiest and most cost-effective way to minimize downtime and provide redundant power at all times. The Micro was designed to automatically switch from the primary power source (A) to the backup source (B) as needed.
Benefits of the Z-ATS Micro:
- It’s fast…in less than 14ms the load is secure
- Takes up ZERO-U in the rack
- No programming, software, or firmware updates
- Cost-effective 1-to-1 solution
Our Z-PDS is the Swiss army knife of power distribution that reduces breaker positions and whips by up to 2/3. The Z-PDS can go above the rack or be attached to an overhead cable ladder providing Zero U, or it can go in the rack and take up 2 U.
The Z-PDS:
- Is A+B redundantly powered 3-phase RPP / PDU
- Provides circuit breaker protection for each phase of each output
- Can pull single-phase, split single-phase, or three-phase power in 208V, 415V, and 480V flavors
Contact one of our representatives at sales@zonit.com or visit our Data Center Use case page to learn more.
Check out these related articles:
https://www.iotforall.com/challenges-faced-by-data-centers
https://www.networkworld.com/article/2253274/the-incredible-shrinking-data-center.html