Entrust IT Services was tasked with supporting a major data center relocation project, where the client needed to move critical IT infrastructure from one data center to another. This project involved documenting device connections, removing old cabling and decommissioned devices, and installing a significant amount of new cabling in the new data center. Entrust IT Services also provided logistics and physical installation support, ensuring that the data center move was carried out smoothly and efficiently with minimal downtime.
Case Study: Data Center Relocation and Cabling Upgrade
Client: Confidential (via a Global IT Solutions Provider)
Service Provider: Entrust IT Services
Service: Data Center Relocation and Infrastructure Installation
Project Duration: January 2023 – April 2023
Challenge
The client’s data center was due for relocation, with approximately 345 device connections across 246 devices in the existing data center. The key challenges of this project included:
- Documenting and organizing connections for accurate relocation.
- Decommissioning old devices and cabling.
- Coordinating the movement of sensitive equipment between locations.
- Installing new copper and fiber cables, a total of 335 cables, including 225 copper and 110 fiber cables.
- Ensuring minimal disruption to the organization’s operations during the move.
The project also required after-hours and weekend work to accommodate the client’s operational requirements and to avoid disruptions during business hours.
Solution
Entrust IT Services was responsible for a comprehensive range of services, including:
- Documenting Connections:
- All 345 connections on 246 devices were carefully documented to ensure a seamless transition to the new data center.
- Created patching sheets for the new data center to ensure accurate and organized cabling post-relocation.
- Cabling and Device Removal:
- Removed all old cabling and decommissioned devices from the original data center racks.
- Devices were placed in flight cases, carefully transported to the new data center, and unpacked in the new racks.
- New Cabling Installation:
- Installed 225 copper cables, 10 fiber cables, and 100 additional fiber cables in the new data center to meet the updated infrastructure requirements.
- All cabling was properly labeled to ensure clear identification and efficient future maintenance.
- Logistics and On-Site Support:
- Coordinated the entire logistics of the equipment and cabling movement, including managing the packing, transportation, and unpacking of devices.
- The work was performed after hours and on weekends to minimize downtime for the client’s operations.
- Scheduled Work:
- The move was planned to take place over multiple days, allowing for proper coordination and to avoid business interruptions.
Deliverables
- Documentation of Connections: Detailed records of all 345 connections on 246 devices.
- Patch Sheets and Labeling: Clear labeling and patch sheets for the new data center to ensure efficient setup.
- Cabling Installation: 225 copper cables, 10 fiber cables, and 100 additional fiber cables installed in the new data center.
- Logistics and Equipment Management: All decommissioned devices and old cabling were removed and transported, and devices were re-racked in the new location.
Timeline and Project Management
- Commencement Dates: The project was initiated in January 2023, with expected completion by April 30, 2023.
- Work Performed After Hours: Due to the nature of the project, work was primarily scheduled outside of regular business hours and on weekends to minimize disruption to operations.
Results
Entrust IT Services successfully completed the relocation and cabling installation, achieving:
- Seamless Relocation: Devices were safely relocated, and cabling was set up as per the documented requirements with minimal downtime.
- Efficient Installation: The new cables were installed and labeled effectively, ensuring ease of future maintenance.
- Timely Delivery: The project was completed within the agreed timeline, despite the complexity of moving sensitive equipment and handling large-scale cabling installation.
Conclusion
Entrust IT Services delivered an effective and efficient solution for this complex data center relocation and cabling upgrade project. By providing a complete range of services, from documentation to logistics to installation, Entrust IT Services ensured that the client’s infrastructure was smoothly transitioned to the new data center. The project’s success was achieved through precise planning, coordination, and after-hours work to minimize disruption to business operations.
