Common Problems With Server Rooms

A server environment monitoring system help prevent the damages caused by environmental threats by monitoring critical Conditions (such as temperature,humidity, and water leakage) that could destroy network components in a server room. It uses sensors to track environmental conditions around servers, workstations or data centers. When the system detects an abnormality, such as a temperature increase over the recommended limit, it sends an alert. Alerts can be flashing lights, buzzers, and messages via SNMP traps, email, and the system's Web-based administrative interface.

When it comes to the security of your business’ network, you’re probably focused on viruses, data breaches, and other cyber threats. But there are physical dangers lurking right inside your building, and they should not be underestimated. Here’s the five most common, and how to prepare for them.

1. Power

If you lose power to your server room, you need to know as soon as possible, so you can either restore power or get your backup generators going. Don't leave yourself in the dark - monitor the power that's keeping your revenue-generating gear online.

2. Temperature

The ideal temperature for a server room environment is between 20 and 22 Celsius.

But the heat generated by your hardware, along with the poor ventilation of the cramped rooms small businesses typically have to deal with, can quickly push that temp into the danger zone. Overheated servers can degrade your network performance and, at worst, shut it down altogether.

Fortunately, there are inexpensive solutions — from streamlining hardware cables to improving airflow— that can help control the temperature and keep your servers running smoothly.

 3. Humidity

Humidity is a less likely environmental hazard than heat, but it’s no less nasty. Persistently high humidity levels cause condensation inside hardware, leading to rust and short circuits. They can also cause build ups of minerals, dirt, and even fungus that corrode equipment and trap heat.

Too-low humidity leaves your gear vulnerable to static electricity, which can cause performance glitches or permanent damage. Equipping your room with a digital thermometer/hygrometer is a low-cost way to make sure both the temperature and humidity stay at optimal levels.

4. Motion

Vibrations and other unwanted movements can disrupt or damage spinning hard drives and dislodge chips and circuit boards. Bumping into equipment is an obvious culprit, but direct contact isn’t the only cause. HVAC systems, people walking in hallways, and even vehicle traffic can cause vibrations if they’re adjacent to your server room.

You can minimize the risks by planning your server space to avoid vibration sources. Also consider investing in anti-vibration racks and other shock resistant accessories, or a vibration sensor to let you know if there may be a problem.

5. Tampering and theft

For the latter, if a good lock on the server room door isn’t enough to let you sleep soundly, a strategically placed IP security camera can stand sentry. These are relatively inexpensive and can be accessed remotely to view a live video feed from your tablet or smartphone. Some include sound and motion detection and/or activation – or you can install separate sound and motion detectors, and set them to text you if any suspicious activity is detected.