waterproof/fireproof/seismic cage for my server?

[finbarqs]

so I have a standard desktop/tower server (HP ProLiant Ml350 G6), and I want to get a cage/enclosure to get this at least seismic proof... Water Proof/Fireproof probably won't happen as the server is not in a rack. This server also is an active server.

 

[SecurityTheatre]

dupe

 

[SecurityTheatre]

so I have a standard desktop/tower server (HP ProLiant Ml350 G6), and I want to get a cage/enclosure to get this at least seismic proof... Water Proof/Fireproof probably won't happen as the server is not in a rack. This server also is an active server.

Waterproof enclosures for standard computers are VERY hard to engineer. Waterproof basically implies airtight, which results in cooling nightmares and the need for closed-loop cooling systems, etc.

Generally fire resistance around servers is handled with the special fire suppression in the room. Fire proofing requires very thick walled airtight containers as well....

As far as "seismic proof", what exactly does that mean? You mean so that the server doesn't shake at all in an earthquake? Or if the roof caves in, the server keeps running?

In all three cases, your ACTUAL requirements are very important.

 

[finbarqs]

I guess fire/water proofing is probably done in the room, but figuring probably in case the roof caves in situation...

 

[SecurityTheatre]

I guess fire/water proofing is probably done in the room, but figuring probably in case the roof caves in situation...

Still, the requirements are very very important.

Do you need the server to keep running? Or do you just want to prevent data destruction?

If the roof caves in, you have big problems. The power will likely surge, the cabling will be pulled (sometimes very hard), or may short out.

Do you expect to pull the box from the rubble and salvage the drives? Or excavate the rubble and find a still-running box?

Or are you just concerned about it tipping over?


You need to define what you're protecting against before countermeasures can be developed.

Protecting against a tremor that makes a file cabinet tip over on it is very different than protecting against "The Big One" that makes a hi-rise building tip over on it.

 

[aigomorla]

if it draws electricity... it can not be fireproof.
If it needs to breath... it can not be fireproof.

You can not fireproof a server minus put it offsite.. and even then, if God thinks ur getting too greedy, he can make your PSU fail or wiring in PSU fail, and cause fire that way.

You need redundandcy.... so if one server fails.. another one can quickly come on and temporarily replace the down server... and if that one wont come on, then another one in standing will come on...
This is all to buy you time while u get the main server back running again... (there is no short cuts (set and forget) in being protected...)

And put those 2 or more servers in different locations where fire will not happen at the same time...
This is very easy to do with VM not being dependant on Hardware inside the VM Sphere...
So you can migrate entire systems via VM and not be dependant on Hardware.

You can use a lot of shock absorbing material and use SSD's for siesmeic...
Ive even shook a thin itx system live b4, and had no problems as long as nothing falls out.
No moving parts.. means no issues when there is vibrations... The only thing is to make sure everything is secured tightly in its slot so it doesn't fall out due to vibrations.

But your first want... fireproof is near impossible due to the fact it needs to breathe air, and draw electricity which then your at the mercy of wires of regulated power flow.

 

[finbarqs]

yeah, the power will most likely cut in that scenario, and the server will loose power to it. Redundancy is almost a must in this case, but I want to see what other choices/options I have. Didn't know maybe if we can fireproof/waterproof the room, but tripp-lite sells seismic racks, only problem is that I don't have a rack type server.

Then again, i can just throw it in there..

 

[herm0016]

the only real option is to have redundant server in a data center somewhere. you should be able to lease a spot.

 

[Revolution 11]

If you need data security, keep updated backups in different geographic locations. If you need server availability/redundancy, you need multiple servers running in different areas.

This is still cheaper and "more reliable" than trying to make a single site flood-proof and earthquake-proof.

Aigomorla, I think he means external fire protection. Like if the building is on fire, will the server survive?

But there is still no way that you can run a server in a burning building, sprinklers could short the power, etc.


Edit: Never mind, any opening for cables will still allow fire and water damage.

 

[alkemyst]

This shouldn't be highly technical.

Do a colocation.

 

[John Connor]

Long lines bunker?