Glossary

- API (Application Programming Interface): A set of rules and protocols that allow different software applications to communicate with each other.

- Backup Generator: A generator used to provide backup electrical power in the event of a power outage.

- Bandwidth: The maximum rate of data transfer across a network path, typically measured in bits per second (bps).

- BMS (Building Management System): A system that monitors and controls various building functions, such as HVAC, lighting, and security.

- CRAC (Computer Room Air Conditioner): A device that monitors and maintains the temperature, humidity, and air quality within a data center.

- Cage: A secured area within a data center, often surrounded by wire mesh or bars, used to house servers and other equipment for a specific client.

- Cloud Computing: The delivery of computing services—including servers, storage, databases, networking, software, and more—over the internet (the cloud) to offer faster innovation, flexible resources, and economies of scale.

- Colocation: The practice of housing privately-owned servers and networking equipment in a third-party data center facility.

- Containerization: The process of packaging and deploying software applications in lightweight, portable containers.

- DAS (Direct Attached Storage): Storage devices directly attached to servers or other computing devices, providing fast access to data.

- Dark Fiber: Unused or unlit fiber optic cable that is already installed but not currently in use.

- Data Backup: The process of copying and archiving computer data so it can be restored if data is lost or damaged.

- Data Center: A facility used to house computer systems and associated components, such as telecommunications and storage systems.

- Edge Computing: Computing infrastructure that is located closer to the data source or end-users to reduce latency and bandwidth usage.

- Elasticity: The ability of a system to dynamically scale resources up or down based on demand.

- Facility Management: The management of all aspects of a data center facility, including infrastructure, security, and environmental controls.

- Fiber Optic Cable: A high-speed data transmission medium made of glass or plastic strands that transmit data via light pulses.

- Fire Suppression System: A system designed to extinguish or control fires in a data center to protect equipment and data.

- Green Data Center: A data center designed for maximum energy efficiency and minimal environmental impact.

- HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning): The system responsible for providing heating, ventilation, and air conditioning within a data center to maintain optimal operating conditions.

- InfiniBand: A high-speed interconnect technology used in data centers for connecting servers and storage systems.

- Joule: A unit of energy used to measure power consumption in data centers.

- KVM (Keyboard, Video, Mouse): A hardware device that allows a user to control multiple computers from a single keyboard, video monitor, and mouse.

- Latency: The time delay between the moment a data packet is sent and the moment it is received.

- Load Balancing: The process of distributing network or application traffic across multiple servers to ensure optimal performance and reliability.

- Microservices: A software development technique where applications are composed of small, independently deployable services.

- N+1 Redundancy: A level of redundancy in which there is one additional backup component for each critical component in the system.

- Network Switch: A networking device that connects devices together on a computer network by using packet switching to forward data to the destination device.

- OCP (Open Compute Project): An initiative to design and build the most efficient data center hardware possible, including servers, storage, and networking equipment.

- PDU (Power Distribution Unit): A device fitted with multiple outputs designed to distribute electric power to racks of computers and networking equipment.

- Power Usage Effectiveness (PUE): A metric used to measure the energy efficiency of a data center by dividing the total power consumption by the power consumption of the IT equipment.

- Quality of Service (QoS): A set of parameters that define the level of service quality provided by a network or system.

- RAID (Redundant Array of Independent Disks): A data storage virtualization technology that combines multiple physical disk drive components into one or more logical units for data redundancy, performance improvement, or both.

- Remote Hands: On-site technical support provided by data center staff for tasks such as troubleshooting, equipment installation, and maintenance.

- SSD (Solid State Drive): A data storage device that uses solid-state memory to store data, offering faster performance and greater reliability than traditional hard disk drives (HDDs).

- SLA (Service Level Agreement): A contract between a service provider and a customer that outlines the level of service that will be provided.

- Server: A computer program or device that provides functionality for other programs or devices, known as clients.

- Telecommunications Closet: A small room or enclosure within a building used to house networking equipment, such as switches and routers.

- UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply): A device that provides emergency power to a load when the input power source or mains power fails.

- Virtual Private Network (VPN): A secure network connection that allows users to access data center resources from a remote location over the internet.

- Virtualization: The process of creating a virtual version of a resource, such as a server, storage device, or network resource.

- WAN Optimization: Techniques and technologies used to maximize the efficiency of data transmission over wide area networks (WANs).

This comprehensive list covers a wide range of terms commonly used in the context of data centers, from fundamental concepts to more specialized technologies and practices.