Issue link: http://www.epageflip.net/i/1043933
30 I ICT TODAY Data Center Architectures Figure 1 provides an example of a data center and its interconnectivity to the external world. FIGURE 1: Data center architecture. Within the data center, there are a few potential architectures: Top of Rack architecture is where the cabling between switch and server stays within a rack. This has the benefit of reducing the overall amount of cabling with the downside of reduced efficiency in the usage of Ethernet switch ports that are limited within a rack. End of Row/Middle of Row (EOR/MOR) configuration is where switch ports are grouped together leading to longer cables. There are two EOR/MOR examples where, in one case, cables connect directly between servers and switch ports. In the second case, physical connectivity goes through a patch panel which provides the benefit of greater connection flexibility with the disadvantage of a higher number of cables. Further information about architectural and cabling design considerations, as well as all major systems within a data center, can be found in ANSI/BICSI 002-2014, Data Center Design and Implementation Best Practices.