When it comes to colocation data center monitoring, a few businesses are concerned about security of data and assets. The thought of putting servers in far-flung places and having them run by way of a third-party is a reason that might, and has, prevented certain groups benefiting from the advantages of data center colocation. It’s a problem that affects cloud service providers and colocation data center operators and around the world, but it’s one that can be solved through education.
Customer Colocation Data Center Concerns

Photo Credit: www.virtualtechgurus.com
- Ownership Of Hardware And Software
Customers own all hardware and software installed in colocation data centers. Customers rent the space, which includes a clean power supply, efficient network infrastructure, and smart cooling systems. But they own all of the IT equipment installed in the space, as well as all of the applications that the equipment supports. The data center supplier owns only the space itself.
-
Maintenance And Upgrades
-
Security
-
Future Plans
Benefits Of A Colocation

Photo Credit: lamdahellix.com
-
Reduced Costs
-
Scalability
-
Improved Network Connectivity
In-House Data Center Management VS Data Center Colocation

Photo Credit: blog.milestone.tech
Control Over Data
Contractual Constraints
Things to Consider in Choosing a Colocation Data Center
- Is the agreement adaptable to my requirements?
- Is the facility capable of meeting my present and future power requirements?
- Is the network in the facility carrier-neutral? Or does it provide a number of different network carriers?
- Is this the most appropriate location for my data? Accessible? Are you far enough away from catastrophe zones?
- Is the security up to par with my expectations?
- Is the data center Uptime Institute accredited?
- Is there a plan in place for transitional expenditures in my enterprise business?
- Is this data center expandable in the future?
- Is there facility for monitoring the colocation data center?
Monitoring Colocation Data Centers
Colocation data center monitoring is an important aspect of the entire strategy that is frequently overlooked. Basic monitoring is simple to set up and can save your life when you’re down to your last few dollars. Monitoring systems are used to identify problems as soon as they occur via a monitoring system and prevents you from facing a low service level from your clients.
AKCP offers a wide range of monitoring devices and services for data centers. With the support of Simple Network Management Interface (SNMP), reports and data are monitored and graphed. Alerts, with a properly configured system, are sent via emails and can be generated for a variety of events, such as interface going down, usage crossing a threshold, etc.
By employing the complete AKCP ecosystem of products, cabinet thermal maps, AKCPro Server, and power monitoring sensor work together to give a complete analysis and assistance in cutting your power costs and improving your PUE.
Cabinet Analysis Sensor
The Cabinet Analysis Sensor (CAS) features a cabinet thermal map for detecting hot spots and a differential pressure sensor for analysis of airflow. Monitor up to 16 cabinets from a single IP address with the sensorProbeX+ base units.

AKCP Cabinet Analysis Sensor
Differential Temperature (△T)
Two strings of 3x Temp and 1x Hum sensors make up the cabinet thermal maps. Keep an eye on the temperature in the front and back of the cabinet, as well as the top, middle, and bottom. In AKCPro Server cabinet rack map views, the T value, or front to back temperature differential, is generated and shown with animated arrows.
Differential Pressure (△D)
To prevent air from mingling from the hot and cold aisles, there should always be positive pressure at the entrance of the cabinet. Because air goes from high to low-pressure zones, it’s critical to ensure that the front of the cabinet has higher pressure and the back has lower pressure for efficient cooling.
Rack Maps and Containment Views
Dedicated rack maps displaying Cabinet Analysis Sensor data can be configured with an L-DCIM or PC with AKCPro Server installed to give a visual depiction of each rack in your data center. Containment views can be set to display a sectional view of your racks and containment aisles if you’re operating a hot/cold aisle containment.
Power Monitoring Sensor

Power Monitoring Sensor
The AKCP Power Monitor Sensor provides critical data and allows you to remotely monitor power. It is designed to work with the sensorProbe+ and securityProbe base units from AKCP. A built-in graphing tool can be used to view data collected using the Power Monitor sensor.
- Phase Line Voltages
- Current
- Power Factor
- Active Energy
- Active Power
Reference Links:
https://www.vxchnge.com/blog/insite-intelligent-monitoring-redefine-colo
http://aboutcolocation.info/monitoring-your-colocation-part-1/
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/339626954_A_Data-Driven_Approach_to_Monitoring_Colocation_Data_Centers