Modular Rack Enclosures for Secure Multitenant Edge Data Centers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional data centers face challenges such as high latency due to geographical distance from users, inefficiencies in resource allocation, and difficulties in rapidly scaling capacity, especially in edge computing scenarios where low latency and secure access are critical, particularly in multitenant environments with diverse computing needs.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of modular data centers with movable racks and enclosures that provide fine-grained physical access control, integrated building and rack management systems, and self-contained security features, allowing for flexible deployment and efficient use of space, reducing latency and enhancing security.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional data centers are used with fixed rack arrangements, then infrastructure stability is maintained, but scalability and adaptability to edge computing scenarios deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The data center infrastructure is divided into modular rack assemblies that can be independently deployed, moved, and configured. Each rack assembly functions as a self-contained unit with standardized interfaces, enabling flexible scaling and adaptation to edge computing scenarios without requiring complex centralized infrastructure changes
Solution Approach 2:
The rack assemblies are designed to be movable rather than fixed, allowing dynamic reconfiguration of data center capacity and location. This enables the infrastructure to adapt to changing computing demands and edge deployment requirements while maintaining manageable complexity through standardized movement and installation procedures
2Adaptability or versatility
If multitenant environments are implemented with diverse computing needs, then service versatility is improved, but access control security becomes more difficult to manage
Solution Approach 1:
Different rack assemblies or sections within racks are assigned to different tenants with customized access controls, power requirements, and computing configurations. Each tenant's equipment area has tailored security and access management, allowing diverse computing needs to be met while simplifying access control by managing each tenant's area independently rather than implementing complex global access policies
Solution Approach 2:
The data center is segmented into distinct tenant areas with isolated access controls. Each tenant has dedicated rack assignments and access permissions, enabling versatile service delivery while maintaining simple access management through spatial and logical separation of tenant resources and control mechanisms
3Reliability
If physical access control is enhanced with movable barriers, then security is improved, but operational flexibility deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Physical barriers such as enclosures and doors are designed to be movable rather than fixed, allowing them to dynamically transition between locked and accessible states. This enables strong physical security when needed while maintaining operational flexibility by allowing authorized technicians to easily move barriers for maintenance and configuration tasks
Solution Approach 2:
The access control system incorporates feedback mechanisms that detect authorized personnel and automatically adjust barrier positions or lock states. This provides robust security for unauthorized access while seamlessly enabling operational flexibility when authorized technicians need access, as the system responds to their presence or credentials by facilitating barrier movement
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a rack, comprising: a plurality of rack units; and a plurality of lockers each housing a different respective subset of the rack units, wherein respective lockers among the plurality comprise: a first respective barrier disposed between a respective pair of the rack units; a second respective barrier disposed between another respective pair of the rack units; a third respective barrier that is orthogonal to the first barrier and the second barrier, the third respective barrier being moveably or removably coupled to the rack; a respective volume configured to receive one or more computing devices; and a respective lock configured to secure the third respective barrier to the rack in the closed position when in a locked state.