Here you can find some quick answers to the most frequently asked questions from the world of data centers. We are also happy to help you personally with any other specific matters.
Frequently Asked Questions
Load tests: the key to the reliability of a data center
Load tests are an indispensable tool for ensuring the performance, reliability and efficiency of data centers. They let us identify and eliminate vulnerabilities, optimize resource use and ensure data security, which in turn ensures that IT operations run smoothly.
Measures involved in the load test procedure:
- Ensuring performance capacity: load tests check whether the data center infrastructure is managing peak and continuous loads.
- Avoiding downtimes: simulating high operating loads to identify and eliminate vulnerabilities and therefore protect against downtimes.
- Checking redundancies under full load: ensuring that redundancy mechanisms work in an emergency.
- Performance forecasts: forecasting and planning future performance requirements for scalability.
- Ensuring data consistency: preserving data integrity through the elimination of security gaps in the data center infrastructure.
- Fulfilling service level agreements (SLAs): meeting availability and performance targets to ensure customer satisfaction and compliance with contracts.
Our approach at nexspace:
Only a data center that has been comprehensively tested under a full load can guarantee that all emergency mechanisms can take effect reliably.
Edge computing is a decentralized IT architecture in which data processing, storage, and analysis occur closer to where they are generated, i.e. at the “edge” of the network.
In contrast to centralized cloud solutions, data is not processed exclusively in remote data centers, but locally, for example on devices, sensors or smaller edge servers.
Data centers increasingly develop into hybrid networks, combining central cloud data centers with distributed edge locations. Edge data centers take over the processing of particularly time-critical data, while central data centers remain responsible for long-term storage and more complex analyses.
Other major issues are the reduction of network load, higher energy efficiency,and cost savings. This leads to improved reliability and is important to integrate into existing infrastructures.
Our approach at nexspace:
Always at your side: Regionally connected - with us, you are not just a customer, but a valued partner.
Access control and physical security within data centers: the key to data security and business continuity
In the digital world, data centers function as the central nervous system of the modern company. They save and process valuable data. Strong access control and comprehensive physical security measures are crucial for protecting this information effectively.
Measures for controlled data center access
- Protection against unauthorized access: advanced technologies such as biometric systems, RFID cards and surveillance cameras ensure that only authorized persons gain access.
- Prevention of physical attacks: an extensive perimeter security concept with security fencing, access control, video surveillance and security personnel keeps the risk of attacks and vandalism to a minimum.
- Fulfillment of compliance requirements: access control systems help ensure compliance with legal provisions through precise logging and monitoring.
- Biometric identification systems: fingerprint or facial detection technologies make it possible to identify people precisely and reliably.
- Strict access control policies: establishing clear access policies for server rooms and other sensitive areas that only allow for access by authorized personnel.
- Video surveillance and security patrols: 24/7 monitoring and regular patrols provide the basis for the early detection of suspect activities.
- Training and raising awareness: regular staff training in security procedures and protocols heightens their awareness of physical security risks.
Our approach at nexspace:
We deploy holistic security concepts that combine access control and physical security. Protecting your infrastructure is our utmost priority.
Safety is a top priority!
The safety of our digital world does not just need high-performance technology; it also needs robust measures to minimize fire risks. But why is fire protection so critical in data centers? Intense generation of heat: servers and IT devices produce huge quantities of heat. Any uncontrolled heat generation can quickly result in a fire.
Close proximity of hardware: the high concentration of servers and other IT components increases the risk of fire. A minor defect or malfunction can have fatal consequences. Valuable data and infrastructure: the data in a data center is often of immeasurable value. A fire may not just result in data loss; it can sometimes even paralyze the operation of a company.
Measures for effective fire protection:
- Early fire detection: modern fire protection systems use a combination of smoke extraction systems, smoke detectors, temperature sensors and fire alarm systems that provide early notification of the risk of fire.
- Fire-retardant building structures: data centers are constructed with fire-retardant materials and special fire walls that prevent the fire from spreading.
- Extinguishing systems: choosing the right extinguishing system is crucial. Extinguishing systems such as water mist extinguishing systems are particularly effective for combating fires quickly without damaging IT equipment.
- Regular maintenance and training: an extensive maintenance program for fire protection systems and regular training for personnel are vital for ensuring you can respond quickly and correctly in the event of an emergency.
Our approach at nexspace:
In our fire protection system, we use the latest early fire detection technology and innovative extinguishing methods to identify potential dangers at an early stage. Fire protection is and will continue to be a key aspect in the planning and operation of data centers.
The direct line to maximum performance
In the world of data centers, connectivity is more than just a trend; it is an essential pillar that defines how our IT infrastructures operate and perform. It decides how quickly data flows, how securely information is transferred and how stably our systems run.
Measures for effective performance:
- Seamless communication: a robust network connection ensures that data can be exchanged between servers, users and cloud services quickly and reliably. This is vital for real-time applications and interruption-free processes.
- Scalability and flexibility: a strong connectivity infrastructure lets data centers grow without any issues. It simplifies and accelerates the integration of new technologies.
- Security standards: cutting-edge connectivity technology supports advanced security protocols for preventing data loss and cyber attacks. Trust and security are always in the foreground.
- Optimizing performance: the use of high-speed networks and advanced network architectures lets data centers maximize their performance and avoid bottlenecks. That means quicker loading times, better performance and greater user satisfaction.
Our approach at nexspace:
We use innovative connectivity solutions that offer maximum performance and security – from redundant connections to extensible network infrastructures.
District cooling as the air-conditioning system of the future
Our data center in Heidelberg Innovation Park utilizes the regenerative district cooling supply of Heidelberg's public utilities. This process also involves reusing returning heat, which means that no energy is lost. The greenery on the facade acts as a natural air-conditioning system and the electricity required is produced from wind and solar power systems, including the photovoltaics on our roof.
Redundant air-conditioning is provided through thermally powered coolers that convert excess heat into cold. This efficient cold generation requires minimal electricity, which is completely covered by PV electricity from Heidelberg's public utilities. An ice storage system helps to relieve the strain on the grid during load or price fluctuations and stores excess energy.
Our approach at nexspace:
we use innovative cooling concepts for more sustainability. Thanks to district cooling, we do not need any external air-conditioning devices at our data center. All in all, this system provides a significant reduction in CO2 emissions compared to the standard systems on the market.