Comms Room Definition
Comms Room Definition (short for Communication Room) is dedicated room in a building where a company hosts all their digital communication and network devices. Generally common room hosts routers, switches, firewalls, computers, servers, storage devices, database servers, DSL routers etc. By definition comms room is shared room for the communication and network devices. As it is a shared room therefor all relevant technical digital equipment can be hosted there. The devices stored or hosted in this room are usually administrated remotely through telnet , shh (Secure Shell), remote desktop, or VNC applications. The electronic devices in the comms room produce substantial amount of heat which increase the temperature of the room therefore the room temperature is kept under control by constant cooling systems. Comms room classified as controlled room; meaning only certain employees in the company get access to the room for security reasons.
What is Comms Room Definition & Meaning
By definition comms room is a shared room for Network, Security, infrastructure (servers), storage, databases etc.
Design
Comms room design changes as the new requirements for design emerge. Upgrading an existing comms room to the new specification and standards require up-to-date knowledge and understanding of the criteria for design to meet the requirements. Modern standards of architecture for comms rooms emphasis on modular design solutions.
Modular design, or “modularity in comms room design”, is a design approach that subdivides the common room into smaller parts called modules or skids, that can be independently created and then used in different parts of the room. A modular room can be characterized by functional partitioning into discrete salable, reusable modules, rigorous use of well-defined modular interfaces, and making use of industry standards for interfaces.
Location
Comms rooms can be situated anywhere in the company building provided that physical security and health and safety aspects of the room are not compromised.
Temperature
Comms room temperatures should not dip below 50 degrees Fahrenheit, and should not exceed 82 degrees Fahrenheit. The optimal temperature of the room range is between 68 and 71 degrees Fahrenheit.
Air Conditioning & Cooling
comms room employ air conditioning systems to cool the server room and prevent equipment from overheating. However, these cooling arrangements require a substantial amount of power, drawing on the resources of the facility’s local energy grid. Installing a portable air conditioner into the room can be a good way to keep it cool as well. DIY air conditioning; When filling the air conditioner with ice and water, the room might get humid.
Climate control of the room
As electronic equipment generate substantial amount of heat while operating, therefore comms room are always kept under strict temperature and cooling control to avoid overheating and fire.
Physical security of the room
Physical security of the comms room is very important. To avoid any unauthorized access to the room, the room kept locked 24/7 and only limited access is provided to the concerned administrators. The definition of comms room physical security is to keep it segregated from non-concerned people and staff.
Commination room Fire safety
In certain cases electronic devices may catch fire which may impact or damage the entire comms room facility and services. To eliminate any chances of fire, comms rooms are usually built with fire fireproof materials.
Building administration
The comms room building administration is kept under experienced facility management staff. The facility management staff is usually held responsible definition and operation of physical security, power management, climate control, and health and safety matters.
Electric Power management
Constant electric supply is very important to the operation of any reliable communication room. The electric power systems; UPS, batteries, and power backup systems are installed and maintained by qualified electricians to compliance with the required standards for comms room facility design.
Energy Efficiency
PUE (Power Utilisation Effectiveness) is the ratio between the total power of the cooms room and that used by the IT equipment. Read more about how to improve energy efficiency in comms room, server room, and data centers.
Surveillance and security of comms room
Like any other important room of a building, comms rooms are physically kept under surveillance 24/7 to avoided unauthorized access, damage, and theft.
