Thursday February 20, 2025

I.T. Room (Server Room)

I.T. Room (Server Room) – A Critical Component of Modern Office Spaces

Information Technology Room / Data Center / Network Hub

An I.T. Room—also referred to as a server room, data center, or network hub—is an essential part of any business that relies on computing power, data storage, and connectivity. Designed to house servers, network equipment, power systems, and cooling infrastructure, a properly built server room ensures data security, operational efficiency, and long-term reliability.

Many businesses, from startups to large enterprises, require dedicated server rooms to support their growing IT infrastructure. A well-planned server room reduces noise, improves system longevity, and enhances network performance while ensuring data security and uptime continuity.

Key Considerations for a Server Room Setup

✔ Location & Physical Security

  • A server room should not be placed against an exterior wall, as these walls are more prone to water damage, temperature fluctuations, and security risks.
  • Avoid placing the server room on the top or bottom floor to prevent exposure to roof leaks, flooding, or basement moisture.
  • If a centralized server room is not possible, businesses can install server closets on multiple floors for network distribution.

✔ Temperature & Humidity Control

  • Servers generate a lot of heat, and overheating can cause hardware failure, data loss, and downtime.
  • Ideal server room conditions:
    • Temperature: 65-80°F (18-27°C)
    • Humidity Levels: 40-60% rH (relative humidity)
  • Cooling solutions include:
    • Up-Flow Cooling Systems: Expels warm air upward.
    • Down-Flow Cooling Systems: Circulates cold air downward for even temperature distribution.
    • Dedicated A/C Units: Prevent temperature spikes that could damage sensitive equipment.

✔ Fire Protection & Safety

  • Traditional fire suppression systems (like water sprinklers) can damage server hardware. Instead, businesses use:
    • Halon Gas Systems (being phased out due to environmental concerns).
    • Modern Clean Agent Suppression Systems (FM200, Nitrogen, Argon, or CO2) that suppress fires without damaging electronics.
    • Oxygen Suppression Systems (Hypoxic Air), which prevent fires by maintaining low oxygen levels in the room.
  • Fire-resistant cable tubing (like FEP-coated wiring) helps prevent fire spread through network cables.

✔ Redundancy & Power Backup

  • Server downtime is costly—redundancy ensures business continuity.
  • Redundancy Measures:
    • Dual Power Circuits: Ensures uninterrupted power supply.
    • Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS): Provides backup power in case of failure.
    • Generator Backup: Keeps critical systems online during extended outages.
    • Failover Network Systems: Automatically redirects network traffic in case of a primary system failure.

✔ Future-Proofing & Scalability

  • As businesses grow, their server and networking needs increase. A server room should be designed with expansion in mind.
  • For every 100kW of computing power installed, at least 30kW of cooling capacity is needed.
  • Rack-mounted server configurations (19” to 23” standard racks) allow for efficient storage, cable management, and future scalability.

Key Components of an I.T. Room (Server Room)

✔ Rack Integration & Network Hardware

  • Relay Racks & Rack Cabinets (for efficient organization of networking equipment).
  • Network Switches & Routers (connect internal and external networks).
  • Firewalls & Security Appliances (to prevent cyberattacks and unauthorized access).
  • Wireless Access Points (WAPs) (to provide seamless Wi-Fi coverage).

✔ Power & Circuitry

  • Circuit Breaker Panels & Power Distribution Units (PDUs).
  • Emergency Power Backup (UPS & Generators).
  • Auxiliary Power Connectors for added redundancy.

✔ Fire Safety & Environmental Monitoring

  • Temperature & Humidity Sensors (to monitor environmental conditions).
  • Smoke Detection & Fire Suppression Systems.

✔ Data Storage & Backup

  • Primary & Secondary Storage Drives.
  • Cloud Connectivity & Data Center Links.
  • Automated Backup Systems (Stored in a Separate Location for Disaster Recovery).

Leasing Office Space with a Pre-Built I.T. Room

✔ Sublet Offices with Pre-Wired I.T. Rooms

  • Pre-wired offices have existing network cabling (CAT 5/6) routed from a central I.T. room to individual workstations.
  • Ideal for companies looking for a move-in ready setup with minimal downtime.

✔ Direct Lease Offices with Custom I.T. Infrastructure

  • Custom-built I.T. rooms allow tenants to optimize their server infrastructure to meet specific business needs.
  • Best suited for businesses that require dedicated data centers, high-security IT operations, or extensive computing power.
  • Brokers with expertise in commercial leasing can assist in securing spaces with existing infrastructure or planning for build-outs.

Summary

Setting up a dedicated server room in your office space is a critical investment that enhances data security, reliability, and operational efficiency. Proper planning and infrastructure ensure that your I.T. room remains optimized, scalable, and secure.

If you are looking for an office space with a dedicated I.T. room, we specialize in identifying move-in ready spaces or custom build-out opportunities that fit your business needs.

📞 Contact us today for expert assistance—no obligation, no fees. Let us help you find the perfect office space to support your growing business.