Comprehensive Guide to IDC (Internet Data Center) Design and Construction

The Internet Data Center (IDC) combines architecture, structure, electrical, HVAC, water supply, fire protection, networking, and intelligent systems, requiring high safety, reliability, and continuous operation.

IDC rooms are classified into three grades: A (fault‑tolerant), B (redundant), and C (basic). Typically, banks use grade A, government and enterprises grade B, and public institutions grade C.

Functional zones are divided into equipment areas (mainframe, mini‑computer, network, UPS, printing, media, air‑conditioning) and auxiliary areas (monitoring, testing, duty room, gas cylinder room, fresh‑air corridor, buffer room).

Network construction includes LAN, WAN, and user access systems, with firewalls and intrusion‑detection systems providing security.

Server construction covers basic service servers, database servers, backup servers, and application servers, with load‑balancing implemented via hardware or software.

Storage systems consist of disk arrays, tape drives, NAS, virtual machine backup, etc., supporting large‑scale data storage from GB to TB levels.

Software systems encompass web‑hosting platforms, email services (SMTP, POP3, IMAP4, Web‑Mail, Voice‑Mail), multi‑vendor database platforms (Oracle, Informix, SQLServer, SyBase), security software (firewalls, anti‑virus), backup software, and application development tools.

Basic IDC layout includes the main server hall, workrooms, and three categories of auxiliary rooms (maintenance, power, and general support), analogous to a robot’s chassis, power, cooling, wiring, monitoring, and safety systems.

Decoration standards specify ceiling, partition walls, and aluminum doors/windows, emphasizing fire‑resistance, non‑toxicity, and anti‑static materials.

Power distribution follows a dual‑source (UPS and utility) design with 380 V/200 V, 50 Hz supply, employing N+1 redundancy for UPS and separate circuits for cooling, lighting, and equipment.

UPS systems provide emergency power and power‑quality conditioning, comprising rectifier, storage, inverter, and control modules.

Cabling must be straight, properly spaced from floors, walls, and ceilings, with appropriate fixing intervals and bend radii per standards.

Lighting design requires 400 lx in the main hall and ≥300 lx in auxiliary areas, with emergency lighting ≥1 lx and escape signage.

Lightning protection and grounding include multi‑level lightning arresters and four grounding methods (protective, DC, AC, and lightning grounding) with resistance < 1 Ω.

Fire protection uses a clean‑agent (inert gas) system, either pipe‑free for small rooms or piped for larger halls, ensuring sealed compartments and rapid gas discharge.

Video surveillance and access control provide 24/7 monitoring, alarm notifications, and credential‑based entry using cards, fingerprints, or iris recognition.

KVM systems enable remote keyboard‑mouse‑display access, either analog (short‑distance) or digital (network‑based) for global management.

Air‑conditioning employs precision (constant temperature/humidity) units with N+1 redundancy, maintaining 23 ± 2 °C (summer) or 20 ± 2 °C (winter) at 50 % RH.

New exhaust systems ensure sealed rooms for gas‑fire suppression and provide rapid venting of hazardous gases within 15 minutes.

The central control center integrates large‑screen displays, KVM management, video conferencing, and overall monitoring, acting as the hub of the IDC.

Green IDC concepts focus on building energy efficiency, water‑saving HVAC designs, optimized power distribution, high‑efficiency lighting, and sealed envelopes to reduce overall consumption.