Addis Ababa Institute of

Technology
School of Information
Technology and Engineering
(IT Stream)
Cloud Computing Assignment

Data Center Visit Report

Name ID

Natnael Dejene-------------UGR/4254/13

SUBMITTED TO: Mr. Daniel Abebe

 Table of Contents
1. Introduction
2. Overview of Data Centers
2.1. Types of Data Centers
2.2. Main Components of Data Centers
2.3. Data Center Systems and Solutions
2.4. Data Center Standards
2.5. Hot and Cold Aisle System
2.6. Data Center Tier Classifications
3. AAIT Data Center Infrastructure
3.1. Type and Purpose
3.2. Main Components
3.3. Systems and Solutions
3.4. Standards and Compliance
3.5. Hot and Cold Aisle Design
3.6. Tier Classification
3.7. Design and Scalability
4. Power Infrastructure
4.1. Powerhouse Overview
4.2. Components
4.3. UPS and Battery Systems
4.4. Automatic Transfer Switch (ATS)
5. Cooling Systems
6. Security and Access Control
7. High-Performance Computing and Monitoring
7.1. NVIDIA GPUs
7.2. Monitoring Tools
8. Key Roles and Collaboration
9. Conclusion

Acknowledgment
I have taken efforts in this report; however, it would not have been possible without the kind
support and help of Mr. Daniel Abebe, our Cloud Computing Instructor. I would like to extend
my sincere thanks to him for his guidance and encouragement throughout this assignment.

I would also like to express my heartfelt gratitude to Mr. Jhon, the Data Center Instructor, for
his detailed explanations and thorough orientation about the AAIT Data Center, covering its
infrastructure, operations, and services. His expertise and cooperation were instrumental in
the successful completion of this report.

1. Introduction
The Addis Ababa Institute of Technology (AAIT) Data Center serves as a cornerstone of
technological innovation and operational reliability for the university. This cutting-edge facility
ensures that academic, research, and administrative activities are supported by a stable,
secure, and scalable IT environment. Designed to meet international standards, the AAIT
Data Center integrates advanced systems and solutions to address the growing demands of
the institution. This report delves into the infrastructure, systems, and compliance measures
of the AAIT Data Center, situating it within the broader landscape of modern data center
operations worldwide.

Data centers like AAIT’s play a critical role in fostering innovation and ensuring continuity in
mission-critical applications. As universities increasingly rely on digital platforms for
education, research, and administration, the significance of robust data centers cannot be
overstated. By adhering to global best practices and leveraging state-of-the-art technologies,
the AAIT Data Center exemplifies excellence in infrastructure management.

2. Overview of Data Centers

2.1. Types of Data Centers
Data centers can be categorized based on ownership and purpose. Each type serves unique
operational and business needs:

• Enterprise Data Centers: These are privately owned and managed by a single
organization. Enterprise data centers are designed to cater to the specific needs of
the organization, such as hosting proprietary applications, managing databases, and
ensuring secure internal operations.
• Colocation Facilities: These centers provide shared infrastructure for multiple users.
Organizations lease space, power, and connectivity within these facilities, benefiting
from shared operational costs and robust physical security measures.
 • Cloud Data Centers: Cloud-based facilities offer scalable resources accessible over
the internet. These data centers support dynamic workloads and are popular for their
flexibility and cost efficiency.
• Edge Data Centers: Located closer to end users, edge data centers minimize latency
and improve performance. They are particularly critical for applications requiring real-
time data processing, such as IoT and autonomous systems.

2.2. Main Components of Data Centers

A fully functional data center integrates several critical components to ensure uninterrupted
operations and optimal performance:

• Power Infrastructure: Includes Automatic Voltage Regulators (AVRs), Uninterruptible

Power Supply (UPS) units, and backup generators. These components ensure a stable
power supply, mitigating risks from outages or surges.
• Cooling Systems: Maintain ideal operational temperatures for servers and other IT
equipment. Effective cooling prevents overheating, which can lead to hardware
failures or reduced efficiency.
• Networking Equipment: Core switches, routers, and firewalls facilitate seamless
communication and protect the network from cyber threats.
• Storage Solutions: Network-Attached Storage (NAS), Redundant Array of
Independent Disks (RAID), and virtualized storage systems manage data efficiently,
ensuring high availability and redundancy.
• Security Measures: Physical security measures, such as access controls and
surveillance systems, are complemented by cybersecurity tools to protect data
integrity and confidentiality.

2.3. Data Center Systems and Solutions

Modern data centers implement advanced systems and solutions to optimize operations and
enhance reliability:

• Virtualization Platforms: These platforms create virtual environments for servers,

storage, and networking, maximizing resource utilization and scalability.
• Monitoring Systems: Real-time monitoring tools provide insights into performance
metrics, enabling proactive maintenance and quick resolution of potential issues.
• Redundancy Strategies: Implementing redundant power supplies, cooling systems,
and network pathways ensures high availability and minimizes downtime during
failures.
2.4. Data Center Standards
Compliance with established standards is essential for ensuring reliability, security, and efficiency
in data center operations. Key standards include:

• ANSI/TIA-942: Provides guidelines for the design, construction, and operation of data
centers, focusing on reliability and performance.
• ISO/IEC 27001: Specifies requirements for establishing, implementing, maintaining,
and continually improving an information security management system (ISMS).

2.5. Hot and Cold Aisle System

The hot and cold aisle system is a design strategy to optimize cooling efficiency and reduce
energy costs in data centers:

• Hot Aisles: Contain the exhaust air from servers, which is then directed to cooling
systems.
• Cold Aisles: Supply chilled air to the intake side of servers.
• Benefits: This arrangement prevents the mixing of hot and cold airflows, enhancing
cooling performance, extending equipment lifespan, and reducing operational
expenses.

2.6. Data Center Tier Classifications

Data centers are classified into four tiers based on their reliability and redundancy capabilities:

• Tier I: Basic infrastructure with no redundancy. Suitable for non-critical operations.

• Tier II: Includes redundant components, offering improved reliability.
• Tier III: Supports concurrent maintainability, allowing maintenance without service
interruptions.
• Tier IV: Fault-tolerant systems with multiple redundancies, ensuring 99.995% uptime
and suitability for mission-critical applications.
3. AAIT Data Center Infrastructure
3.1. Type and Purpose
The Addis Ababa Institute of Technology (AAIT) Data Center is an enterprise-class facility
dedicated to supporting the university’s academic, research, and administrative functions. It
provides reliable, secure, and scalable IT infrastructure designed to meet the growing
technological demands of the institution. By centralizing IT operations, the data center
ensures streamlined management, efficient resource allocation, and enhanced performance.

3.2. Main Components

Power Infrastructure
1. Automatic Voltage Regulators (AVRs): Stabilize input voltages exceeding 250 volts,
preventing fluctuations from damaging sensitive equipment.
 2. Primary Power Source: Provided by Ethiopian Electric Power Authority (ELPA) at a
standard voltage of 380 volts.
3. Backup Power Sources:
a. A 100 kW mini generator ensures power continuity during outages.
b. Four UPS units bridge short-term power gaps.
c. Auxiliary battery system consisting of 64 batteries (each generating 12 volts)
offers extended backup.
4. Automatic Transfer Switch (ATS): Facilitates seamless transitions between primary
and backup power sources.

Cooling Systems
The AAIT Data Center features:

• Seven air conditioning units are monitored and controlled by Pascal sensors.
• A hot and cold aisle containment system, which separates airflow to enhance cooling
efficiency and reduce energy costs.

Networking Equipment
1. Core Switches: Two switches support 5-7 million connections, forming the backbone
of the network.
2. Firewalls: Protect incoming and outgoing network traffic.
3. Splice Machines: Ensure reliable and secure cable connections for optimal
performance.
Security Measures
1. Access Points: Five electronically controlled doors limit unauthorized entry.
2. Surveillance: High-resolution cameras monitor all critical areas.
3. Fire Suppression: Gas-based systems sourced from Dubai ensure fire risks are
mitigated without harming sensitive equipment.

3.3. Systems and Solutions

1. Monitoring Tools:
a. The ACC 800 system provides real-time insights into operational metrics,
ensuring proactive issue resolution.
2. Virtualization:
a. Enhances resource allocation by creating virtual environments for servers and
storage.
3. High-Performance Computing:
a. Eight NVIDIA GPUs, each valued at $150,000, power advanced computations
for research, simulations, and machine learning tasks.

3.4. Standards and Compliance

The AAIT Data Center adheres to:

• ANSI/TIA-942 Standards: Ensuring reliability and operational excellence.

 • ISO/IEC 27001 Compliance: Focused on robust information security management.
• Environmental Standards: Promotes energy-efficient practices.

3.5. Hot and Cold Aisle Design

The data center employs a hot and cold aisle containment system to:

• Separate hot and cold airflows, optimizing cooling efficiency.

• Prolong the lifespan of hardware by maintaining consistent temperatures.
• Reduce overall energy consumption, contributing to environmental sustainability.

3.6. Tier Classification

The AAIT Data Center meets Tier III standards, which:

• Allow for concurrent maintainability.

• Provide high availability and uptime reliability.
• Support critical operations without service interruptions during maintenance.

3.7. Design and Scalability

Designed for modularity and scalability, the AAIT Data Center accommodates future growth
and technological advancements. The layout supports seamless integration of new hardware
and software systems, ensuring long-term adaptability.

4. Power Infrastructure
4.1. Power House Overview
The power house is a dedicated facility that anchors the data center’s power systems. It
houses all critical components required to maintain a stable power supply, ensuring
uninterrupted operations.

4.2. Components
1. Automatic Voltage Regulators (AVRs): Regulate and stabilize voltage to prevent
damage from power surges.
2. Generators: Provide immediate backup power during outages, ensuring continuous
operations.
 3. UPS Units: Maintain short-term power during transitions between primary and backup
sources.
4. Battery Systems: Offer extended power backup, comprising 64 batteries each
generating 12 volts.

4.3. UPS and Battery Systems

• UPS Systems: Act as a bridge during power transitions, safeguarding equipment from
disruptions.
• Battery System: Supports operations during prolonged outages, ensuring reliability.

4.4. Automatic Transfer Switch (ATS)

The ATS automates power source switching, minimizing downtime during transitions. Its
indicator lights provide real-time operational status, ensuring proactive monitoring.
5. Cooling Systems
Efficient cooling mechanisms include:

• Seven advanced air conditioning units.

• A hot and cold aisle design that segregates airflows, optimizing cooling and reducing
energy costs.
• Pascal-based sensors continuously monitor and adjust temperature and humidity
levels.

6. Security and Access Control

Key Features
1. Access Control: Five electronic doors restrict unauthorized entry.
2. Surveillance Cameras: High-resolution devices monitor sensitive areas, ensuring
real-time security.
3. Fire Suppression: Gas-based systems effectively control fire risks without damaging
critical infrastructure.
7. High-Performance Computing and
Monitoring
7.1. NVIDIA GPUs
• The data center houses eight NVIDIA GPUs, enabling high-performance tasks like AI
model training, simulations, and research analysis.
• Valued at $150,000 each, these GPUs represent cutting-edge technology essential
for computational-intensive applications.

7.2. Monitoring Tools

• The ACC 800 system provides comprehensive performance metrics for power,
cooling, and network operations, ensuring smooth functioning and proactive
management.

8. Key Roles and Collaboration

The success of the data center relies on collaboration among:

1. Electrical Engineers: Manage power systems, ensuring uninterrupted energy delivery.

2. IT Engineers: Oversee networking, virtualization, and system maintenance.
 3. Civil Engineers: Maintain structural integrity and ensure facility safety.

9. Conclusion
The Addis Ababa Institute of Technology (AAIT) Data Center exemplifies a modern, well-
structured facility that meets the university's diverse technological needs. Its robust design,
which integrates reliable power systems, advanced cooling mechanisms, secure access
controls, and high-performance computing capabilities, ensures operational efficiency and
scalability.

By adhering to international standards such as ANSI/TIA-942 and ISO/IEC 27001, the AAIT
Data Center guarantees the reliability and security necessary for academic excellence,
research innovation, and administrative effectiveness. The use of cutting-edge technologies
like NVIDIA GPUs and ACC 800 monitoring tools positions the facility as a cornerstone for
the university's future growth.

This infrastructure not only supports current demands but is also scalable to accommodate
future technological advancements. As a critical asset to the university, the AAIT Data Center
underscores the importance of reliable IT environments in fostering innovation, sustainability,
and success in higher education.