Net24's High Density Data Centre

Overview

In 2009, Net24 invested over 1 million dollars in building a state-of-the-art, high density data centre to facilitate the continued growth of its Christchurch operation. The data centre was designed to provide security and scalability, whilst reducing the overall operating costs by increasing environmental efficiency by choosing the latest power, cooling and server technologies.

The Net24 Difference
  • Net24 operates a private data centre, providing the highest possible level of access security.
  • Net24 monitors the data centre facility 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days of the year.
  • Only authorised Net24 engineering personnel and management have physical access to the data centre. If contractors are required to carry out work, Net24 will ensure these contractors are escorted at all times, either by an authorised Net24 employee or an Armourguard security guard.
Facts At A Glance
  • Location: Christchurch, New Zealand
  • Physical Size: 2000 sq ft
  • Data Centre Tier Rating: 3
  • Server Capacity: 1000
Data Centre Security
  • Private Data Centre - invited, escorted access only.
  • No signage, nondescript building.
  • Single entry and exit point, using biometric devices and man-trap access.
  • Network cameras monitoring and recording all movement - no blind spots.
  • Perimeter fencing encompasses the data centre with CCV (closed circuit video) surveillance cameras recording all entry/exit points and open areas.
  • First Security patrols nightly at random times to ensure the location remains secure. After hours access to the location is via keypad entry only.
Network
  • Fully redundant architecture utilising dual Cisco 6500 core switches.
  • Fully redundant FortiGate appliances for network security.
  • Multiple POEs (Point of Entry) for fibre using Border Gateway Protocol (BGP4) core routing to eliminate network downtime.
  • Independent networks for backups, management and public services ensure the highest levels of security and performance by segregating traffic on physically separate networks.
  • 99.99% Core Network Service Level Agreement.
Power Systems
  • Segregated fire-rated power room, independent biometric access.
  • Custom designed and engineered main switchboard with dual A + B (2N) power supply and integrated ASCO automatic transfer switch (mains/generator).
  • Olympus auto-start diesel generator, serviced and load tested monthly with 24 hour on site diesel storage.
  • Dual A + B (2N) power feeds to A + B (2N) UPS's Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS).
  • Dual A + B (2N) metered and monitored PDU's (Power Distribution Units) in each 19' cabinet.
Data Centre Infrastructure
  • Segregated fire-rated data centre, independent biometic access.
  • APC InfraStruXure Hot Isle Containment System technology fully integrated power, cooling, rack, management and security.
  • APC 19' 42U cabinets seismically braced to APC specifications.
Data Centre - Environmental Controls
  • Man trap access to data centre to control ambient temperature.
  • Multiple sensors to monitor and control:
    • Cold Aisle Rack Inlet Temperature: 18-22° C
    • Host Aisle Containment Area: < 40° C
    • Data Centre Humidity: 30-60% RH
Cooling
  • Fully redundant APC InRow RC cooling chiller units, each running independent fans, piped with leak-proof PEX piping and fed via external redundant chiller units, both with 500 litre storage tanks.
Fire Systems
  • Dual monitored VESDA (very early smoke detection apparatus) system with 3-stage alarms.
  • In-house carbon dioxide extinguishers.
  • Monitoring internally and by Chubb with backup radio link.
  • Christchurch Fire Brigade less than 1km away.