The Datacentre

The Datacentre is redundantly connected to the iomart Group, UK-wide network through dedicated dark fibre chains providing the hosting floors with access to over 80GBit/s of premium connectivity to the internet.

The configuration of the network allows for a simple upgrade path to add to this capacity as and when our clients demand it. The network has multiple, dedicated 10GBit/s port connections with external connectivity providers including TATA Communications, Telecom Italia, Tiscali, Interoute and the London Internet Exchange (LINX) providing, at current levels, over 60 GBit/s of external connectivity in addition to over 200 peering points.

All of the data floors are secured behind multiple layers of physical security. The primary barrier for the site is a 2.5m palisade fence, the entrance for which is restricted by access card and monitored 24x7.

Access cards are issued to the employees and its brands only. All other visitors have either escorted access or limited profile access relating to their required movements around the site. Security is of primary concern and all actions are monitored, logged and reviewed.

Within the perimeter fencing all access points to the main building are restricted by Proximity Access (PAC) Tag readers that control and log the access and egress to each zoned area.

Access for visitors is by request only and suitable photographic identification is required before a relevant access level is permitted.

Digitally recorded CCTV is utilised to monitor the movements around the site 24x7 and these recordings are kept for a minimum of 90 days. The secure database of validated tag users is regularly reviewed and is fully auditable for a period of 90-days. All CCTV cameras are fitted to work in low-light situations.

All network and infrastructure equipment is physically protected within the boundaries of securely monitored hosting environments.

The overall hosting environment is segregated into multiple hosting floors with efficient utilisation of that space in mind. Separations are made based on the services offered and are geared towards the effective infrastructure and support models that underlie these services.

The entire site boasts a 450mm raised floor using high-density 600mm2 corrosion resistant tiles mounted on an all-steel framework.

All infrastructure cabling is run through secured channels beneath the raised floor to ensure that critical communication and power routes remain tamperproof and protected.

The site offers both high and standard density floor loads running from industry standard 5kN/m2 up to 25kN/m2, designed for premium load-bearing services.

The Datacentre boasts a dedicated 2.5MW, High-Voltage mains feed direct from the National Grid providing ample power for all hosting floors. This mains feed is backed by multiple 500kVA Uninterrupted Power Supplies (UPS) in an N+1 configuration to provide resilience against failure.

The UPS, in-turn, are supported by multiple diesel generators that provide 3MVA of backup power to the site. They are configured to start up and synchronise automatically in the event of a mains failure and operate at full load within 40 seconds from start-up.

The diesel generators are fuelled by a 13000 litre onsite tank providing enough fuel for over 11 hours of continuous running at full load. The generators can be refuelled during operation.

We are categorised alongside emergency services for fuel provision in the event of emergency.

This configuration provides resilient power to all hosting floors and critical plant infrastructure.

In the event of mains failure the UPS will provide constant 3 Phase AC power to the hosting floors until the diesel generators start-up. The UPS battery autonomy is 10 minutes at full load.

Power is fed to the hosting floors from the UPS to multiple Power Distribution Boards. These boards provide single phase 240V AC power to each rack/cabinet on the floor. These feeds are rated at 8A, 16A or 32A with up to 32A available in a single rack/cabinet.

The power feeds are protected by C-Curve breakers at the distribution board.

The main cooling is provided by a Direct Expansion (DX) system. In a DX system, air is directly passed over the cooling coil in the air handling unit which is considerably more efficient than alternative methods.

Cooling within hosting floors is provided by Down Flow Units (DFUs) which feed cool air under the floor void which acts as a plenum to the system. Vented floor tiles allow cool air to be strategically fed into cold aisles from which equipment is positioned to draw and then exhaust into hot aisles.

The DFU also provide humidity control and the following environmental conditions are maintained throughout all of the hosting floors:
Temperature:24^oC ± 2^oC
Relative humidity:40% ± 10%
Air filtration:Class EU3

The hosting environment of all floors is monitored by onsite support staff at all times.

The Datacentre is monitored by a fully addressable Fire Detection System which detects and reports fire by a dual knock zoned protection system.

The site is also monitored by a VESDA (Very Early Smoke Detection Apparatus) System that continually draws in and analyses air from across the hosting floors for smoke particles. VESDA is an Aspirating Smoke Detector and detects alterations to the scatter of light through the particles found in the air that could be indicative of smoke. Detectors are mounted in the floor void and on the hosting floor to cover all areas of the environment and the system can highlight the presence of smoke before it is even visible to the human eye.

Location:Maidenhead, Berkshire

Building structure:Two storey, purpose built data center

Total size of facility:14,000ft2 hosting space

Maximum floor load:500kg/m2

Minimum raised floor void:450mm

Power Supply:2.5MW

Power Distribution:240v from UPS output panels to local distribution boards

UPS Systems:All hosting floors protected by UPS in N+1 configuration

Generators:All essential services backed by multiple diesel generators providing 3MW power. 13,000 litres of fuel maintained on site providing minimum of 11 hours back up at full load, replenishable during operation.

Air Conditioning:Hosting floor temperature and humidity controlled by Down Flow Units (DFUs)

DX Chilling Process:Chilling plant providing Direct Expansion cooling in N+1 configuration

Fire Detection System:Fully addressable in-house zoned fire alarm system

VESDA:Very Early Smoke Detection Apparatus (VESDA) provides early warning system by analysing air particles across the hosting floors

Security Systems:

Fibre:Redundant dark fibre to the iomart UK network

Capacity:80GBit/s external connectivity

Client Connectivity:100MBit/s to multiple 10Gbit/s connectivity available for clients