Preface

Reichle & De-Massari AG (R&M), a manufacturer of high-quality cabling systems for data centers and data networks, presents this handbook as an up-to-date guide for all individuals involved in data center operations – including IT planners, installers, operators as well as employees. The purpose of this handbook is to impart users with the fundamental knowledge required in planning, constructing and operating data centers and to help users identify the numerous challenges encountered in those areas. It is based on the latest version of the relevant standards (as of August 2013), the technical principles involved in implementing 10 Gigabit Ethernet systems and R&M's experience in bringing a number of data center projects to success.

Data centers today are of vital importance in running companies and markets. Regardless of their size, high availability and peak performance are a basic data center requirement, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. High-quality equipment alone is not enough to ensure trouble-free operation. Merely replacing existing components by ones that provide higher performance is also an inadequate solution. Of much greater importance is to carefully determine requirements and provide efficient solutions through an integrated, forward-looking planning process that is based on detailed analyses. A key factor to consider in planning is that data cabling equipment forms the foundation of all communication channels. Planners must therefore devote special attention to the passive infrastructure.

These days, a secure, reliable data center which runs efficiently represents a decided competitive advantage to a company. In addition to fulfilling a company's specific requirements, data center operations are becoming increasingly required to comply with international rules of law as well as regulations on security. Service regulations are also essential for running a data center in an orderly manner. This handbook is designed to provide important information in these areas as well. It will impart its readers with essential knowledge and help them identify the interconnections that exist among the multitude of challenges in the data center.