Growing demands
Every day we push technology to its limits. We demand more, faster, more accessible and smarter technologies to download, upload and connect to. It is no surprise that companies and organizations are increasingly required to meet end-user demands. As the trend of cloud services has taken hold in society, the need to deliver high performance to those same end users is essential. These performances are no longer only required within large urban areas. Competition and technology are crossing city boundaries and creating an immediate need to deliver important content and services to end users across the country, in any location. To meet the demands of the Internet of Things (IoT), companies store the most popular content, services and technologies on servers that are physically closer to the end user. This creates a new type of category within the data center market, better known as Edge data centers. But what is meant by Edge?
What are Edge Data Centers?
When discussing modern innovations, Internet infrastructure, and networking strategies, it's hard not to mention Edge in the same breath. As the name suggests, location is an essential part of the definition. In general, Edge is a type of data center where information processing is physically located near the end user. This way of information processing is also called Edge computing. In Edge computing, sensors and other connected devices collect and analyze IoT data locally, reducing dependence on cloud or internet connectivity in specific situations where information needs to be processed quickly, reliably and securely. That means compute, storage and network connectivity are all at the edge, either on the IoT device itself or in a local gateway. Which means that the data is processed locally on the respective internet or IoT device. Because Edge data centers are physically closer to the end user, speed is the hallmark. These types of data centers can deliver faster performance with minimal latency.
In addition to location, there must also be a huge cache (buffer) of content, along with web service companies and networks, to expand the Internet to its limits. Edge data centers can provide a range of services on their own and can also connect back to a larger data center that provides cloud resources and data processing. Edge connectivity is particularly relevant as IoT devices have limited computing capabilities and will increasingly rely on computing power, access to data storage, high bandwidth, and low-latency connectivity. End users should experience enhanced media and security features with better performance at a lower cost. Because the Edge data center uses an efficient architecture for transferring and processing data, a true Edge data center should be able to deliver higher measurable results compared to conventional data centers. In addition to this, the arrival of 5G will revolutionize everything.
5G and Edge
One of the main goals of Edge data centers is to reduce delays in data transmission. This means that proximity to the end user or internet device is necessary for response speed. Add 5G to the mix and we're pushing 'Edge to the Edge'. 5G has a different frequency band than, for example, 4G and LTE. The coverage of one 5G antenna is much smaller, but much more data can be sent with much less delay. Not only do we need thousands of antennas to bring 5G to the general population, this near real-time response speed can only be guaranteed if we have 5G and an Edge data center in close proximity to each other. Massive amounts of data also require interaction with a central cloud service to run high-performance computing solutions. It is clear that Edge data centers will become increasingly important for industry-specific or internet services-based industries.
Getting closer to a mobile or distributed workforce, being able to process data from the IoT, support innovative products, interact with customers and add new services are the main reasons why companies choose Edge computing. But there are challenges. The lack of space or ability to support external equipment, cyber and physical security concerns, slow and expensive 5G rollout, and lack of maintenance support can hinder Edge deployment. The rollout of 5G will drive edge technologies, especially to support smaller markets. By 2050, 68% of the world's population will live in urban areas. It is becoming increasingly important to digitally connect different city infrastructures. This contributes to sustainability and improvement of the quality of life of residents.
Micro Data Centers
For companies looking to take advantage of this growing IT infrastructure, micro data centers – self-contained, standalone rack-level systems – are a means to gain a competitive advantage in edge computing. Micro data centers have emerged as a technology of choice to address the growing needs in Edge environments.
Perhaps the most important benefit of a micro data center is its flexibility to be used in a wide range of applications and environments. Individual micro data center solutions can be tailored to simplify solving key business challenges and can be deployed in any location, with a smaller footprint. An increase in the use of energy-efficient, environmentally friendly and cost-effective cooling solutions has fueled the growth and popularity of micro data centers. STULZ responds to this. But a micro data center, what does such a solution look like?
The STULZ Micro Data Center designed for Edge
STULZ offers a cost-effective solution that combines functionality with a sustainable footprint, perfect for the Edge: the STULZ Micro DC. With features focused on minimal latency, bandwidth and security, this highly efficient modular solution is easily scalable and meets today's and tomorrow's needs, even when space is limited. Unlike conventional data centers with physical locations near end users, our micro data center can be placed anywhere and is a standalone solution.
Each STULZ Micro DC can be configured for low to medium density IT loads, as well as a combination of Integrated Precision Cooling (ICS™) and Direct Contact Liquid Cooling (DCLC™), for high density workloads up to 80 kW per rack. With two versions and three rack sizes available, this solution offers scalability that allows it to grow with demands and technologies. This is a clear advantage, as traditional data centers often need to be planned years in advance. Expensive restructuring is therefore not unusual. Depending on needs, the STULZ Micro DC can grow from a 1-rack configuration (from 3 kW) to a 6-rack configuration with a heat load of up to 80 kW. This can drastically reduce your investment costs in IT infrastructure.
All configurations include a 19" standard rack, which can easily be equipped with accessories such as a UPS, PDU, cable management system, LED lighting and environmental monitoring software. The STULZ Micro DC is configured with all the key design aspects of a conventional data center in mind, including critical power distribution, fire protection, physical security and of course precision cooling.
Direct Liquid Cooling
Cooling has been the focus of constant refinement and optimization for data center users. With increasing chip power driving rack densities, there is increasing interest in liquid cooling options and services. DLC, or Direct Liquid Cooling, utilizes the exceptional thermal conductivity of fluid to provide dense, concentrated cooling for target surfaces. DLC drastically reduces dependence on fans or air handlers. Extreme rack densities are possible, but DLC is not only applicable for high-performance data centers. Even at lower rack densities, customers' operating costs are measurably reduced.
CoolIT Systems' rack DLC is managed via a centralized pump architecture. These proprietary assemblies can cool any combination of CPU, GPU and memory components, with customization available for voltage regulators, ASIC and FPGA. Servers remain hot-swappable and easy to maintain.
The DLC Rack Manifold manages fluid distribution between the Coolant Distribution Unit (CDU) and any number of passive Coldplate loops. Installed vertically (new or retrofitted), manifolds can be adapted to any rack environment. Rack manifolds are incredibly reliable and rugged, utilizing a stainless steel housing paired with 100% non-drip, metal quick connect fittings.
CoolIT Systems' Rack DLC product line offers a variety of CDUs depending on load requirements and water availability, including rack-mount CHx80 or CHx750. These liquid-to-liquid heat exchangers have advanced monitoring systems and utilize a centralized pump architecture to ensure superior performance and reliability.
The benefits of an all-in-one data center
The world is constantly becoming more complicated for data center experts and communications service providers. The number of internet devices continues to explode, growing current IT professionals/businesses by as much as 50%. The STULZ Micro DC provides a cost-effective solution to quickly build local IT capacity and deliver the following notable benefits:
- Fast configuration and delivery
- “Drop-in” solution (quick to install and easy to expand)
- 19-inch standard rack available in three different heights and two different depths (availability depending on your region)
- Modular configurations with traditional precision cooling and leading liquid chip cooling technology
- Modular design with removable Integrated Cooling Solution (ICS), allowing the system to fit through conventional doors
- Each device is individually configured, tested and delivered
- Suitable for unconventional data center environments
- For high-density workloads up to 80 kW per rack
- Worldwide sales and service network
Decades of experience combined with a constant drive for innovation is what makes STULZ unique. From engineer to customer advisor, we work together to develop and continuously optimize business-critical solutions for data centers and IT professionals. The result is an all-in-one data center solution that is configured and delivered to you, ready to use. Opportunities await you at 'the Edge'.
This article was written by Lane Gregory, Marketing Manager of STULZ USA.
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