by Hernán García – Founder, NDC Solutions

What is a Micro Data Center?

Also known as an EDGE Data Center, a Modular Micro Data Center (MDCM) is a solution that consists of server cabinets with data center capabilities such as cooling systems, UPS, monitoring, fire detection and extinguishing, and access control.

This solution is useful wherever data processing is needed, for example in disaster recovery situations where there is a need for temporary or permanent deployments in indoor or outdoor environments.

What is EDGE Computing?

The term “EDGE Computing” – defined as computing on the edge of the Network – is computing capacity and storage closer to where the data is generated. In the context of IoT, EDGE Computing allows the data to be processed closer to where the IoT devices are located. Edge Computing prevents possible congestion in the communication links when being transmitted to a Centralized Data Center either in the cloud or on the premises of a company and ensures an optimal response within the required times.

Let’s see an example:

In the case of a factory, industry, or an oil platform that has thousands of sensors connected to their production processes, a large amount of data produced can reach up to tens of gigabytes per second and needs to be sent to a Data Center to be properly processed. If the traditional computing scheme of a Centralized Data Center or Cloud is used, there could be congestion in the communication links, in addition to the cost of contracting large bandwidths for such purposes. This is where EDGE Computing provides exceptional value because when it is installed at a point closer to the sensors, it ensures a rapid response and does not require the use of large bandwidth to the central data center.

What is Fog Computing?

Fog Computing is a term coined by the manufacturer, Cisco Systems,  in the year 2014. The FOG metaphor comes from the meteorological term for the cloud closest to the ground.

Just as the Fog is concentrated on the edge of the network. Fog computing is a standard that defines how EDGE Computing should work and facilitates the operation of computing, storage and networking services between the final devices and the Centralized or Cloud Data Centers. In addition, many use the Fog as a starting point for EDGE Computing.

EDGE computing needs a physical space for the operation of computers, storage, and network equipment. It is there where the Micro Data Center fits perfectly to provide the optimal solution.

What are the main drivers of the Micro Data Center?

The need to reduce latency in applications such as:

–  Vehicles without a driver

–  Automatic trains and buses

– Manufacturing processes

– Health

– The Internet of Everything Phenomenon (IoE Internet of Everything)

The growth of IP traffic

According to Cisco Systems, the IP traffic will have an annual growth of 24%. The current IP traffic is about 121.694 PB and by 2021 this traffic will reach 278.108 PB.

According to Gartner, by the end of 2020, there will be more than 20 billion devices connected to the Internet IoT. Currently, there are about 8 billion (2018) devices on the IoT. In the near future, there will be more internet-connected devices than people living on the planet Earth.

Currently, 1% of the data generated is created and processed outside the traditional data center or the cloud. For 2022, Gartner predicts that this will percentage will increase to 50%.

Disadvantages of this model: 

– Congestion 

– Limited Bandwidth 

– High Latency 

– Not recommended for applications sensitive to latency (IoT) 

– The data has higher growth than the bandwidth

Advantages of this model:

– Low Latency 

– Data is processed closer to the user or place of origin 

– Deployment speed 

– Lower Cost of Telecommunications Links (Less Broad Band)

The Future of the Micro Data Center 

By 2021, it is estimated that 25% of business organizations will have installed a Micro Data Center, according to Gartner. In a recent survey conducted by IDC, 54% of respondents answered that they will implement their infrastructure for EDGE in their own facilities.

Some have declared that the Micro Data Center or Edge Data Center is one of the most important trends in the Data Center industry.

Other Uses for the Micro Data Center

The Modular Micro Data Center is useful wherever data processing is required, such as:

– Edge Computing

– Offices and Factories.

– Banking Agencies.

– Mobile Sites

– Health.

– Education

– Supermarkets

– Remote locations and in extreme environments such as:

– Mines

– Petroleum

– Farms

– Telecommunications cells

Hernán García, Founder, NDC Solutions, is a Systems Engineer and Jesus follower. He has more than 18 years of experience in the IT industry where he has worked on many IT projects including Modular Data Center developments. Now, he has founded NDC Solutions, a company that focuses primarily on Networking and Data Center Solutions.

To learn more about our Micro Data Center solution visit us at https://www.ndc-solutions.com/micro-modular-data-center.html or contact us through info@ndc-solutions.com