Tier I - Basic site infrastructure

The Uptime Institute fundamental classification of Tier I states:

A Tier I basic data centre has non-redundant capacity components and single non-redundant path distribution paths serving the site's computer equipment.

Typical Masterguard solution: Single UPS module

Summary

  • A cost effective secure supply system that meets the requirements of Tier 1.
  • The system is based on a single non-redundant UPS with static bypass to support critical loads.
  • The system can be easily enhanced over and above the basic requirement by the addition of an external manual bypass to allow the UPS to be totally isolated for maintenance without loss of power to the system load.
  • In order to allow for the possible failure of the normal incoming AC supply, the system will normally require a second AC supply source such as an automatic starting generator. 

 

Organisations selecting Tier 1 infrastructure typically do not have an established revenue stream or identifiable financial impact of disruption due to data centre failure. Sometimes organisations with an established revenue stream will select Tier 1 topology because their applications have a low availability requirement such as a 5.5 day business week.

 

The performance confirmation test

Any capacity component or distribution path failure will impact the computer systems.

Planned work will require most or all of the systems to be shut down, impacting the computer systems.

 

The operational impact

The site is susceptible to disruption from both planned and unplanned activities.

The site infrastructure must be completely shut down on an annual basis to safely perform necessary preventive maintenance and repair work.

Urgent situations may require more frequent shutdowns. Failure to perform this maintenance work increases the risk of unplanned disruption as well as the severity of the consequential failure.

Operation errors or spontaneous failures of site infrastructure components will cause a data centre disruption.