How to request and use the SEC server room

Please read through or download the SEC Server Room (Nov 2021) file to get a copy of this text in PDF version on how to request access for the use of the SEC server room:

Table of Content

Overview
Room Protocols
Group Contact Information & Access Control
Room Environment

Temperature
Humidity
Airflow

Emergency Information
Related Policies
Definitions

1.Overview

This document provides information about the Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences (SEAS) server room.

Below are some high-level details about the room. The server room and its racks are a shared resource.

Equipment from different research groups may be co-located with equipment from other research groups.

Please be respectful of the space you’ve been allocated and other researchers’ equipment.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact SEAS Computing:

Email: security@seas.harvard.edu
Website: https://www.seas.harvard.edu/office-computing

Facilities Office Contact Information:

Email: facilities@seas.harvard.edu
Website: https://www.seas.harvard.edu/office-facilities

2.Room Protocols

Power allocation per rack is limited; and server placement has been thoughtfully planned to work within the room’s power constraints.

If you need to add an additional server, please let SEAS Computing know before ordering it so that we can work with you to find a location where it can be racked in advance. Please provide information such as server size, power specification, and network needs. SEAS Computing asks that you do not house any devices in the room that are not rackable. Exceptions will be considered if justification is provided.

In an effort to keep the temperature, humidity, and airflow in the room as stable as possible, please try to minimize trips in/out of the room.

It is strongly recommended that servers have secure local and remote server management via Integrated Dell Remote Access Controller(iDRAC), Integrated Lights-Out (iLO), or equivalent.

While in the room, please be mindful of behaviors and actions that can obstruct access and negatively impact temperature and airflow to the equipment such as the following:

Amount of time the rack doors are open.
The server room door should not be propped open.
Placement of items (such as the table used to physically connect to a server)
Secure network and power cables at the side of the rack so they do not block airflow.
Please do not leave anything on top of or below the servers or racks.
Please do not leave anything obstructing airflow and access in front of or behind the racks.

Please make sure to replace any blanks as you move or access your equipment.
There is a single HUID card sensor on the door handle at the front of each rack. To open the rear door, use the front sensor to unlock both doors, then walk around to the back and open the rear door. There should be enough time to walk from the front to the rear door, however it will re-lock if you wait too long.

Please make sure that the front and rear doors of your rack are closed and locked before leaving. A blinking LED indicator on a rack door handle (front or back) means the door is not closed.

Network switch ports are configured as needed. SEAS Computing will let you know what ports to use. Please let SEAS Computing know if you need any changes to existing ports or if you need any additional ports configured.
If you hear any abnormal noises or observe any status LED indicators signalling trouble/error on your servers, please let SEAS Computing know so that we know you are aware.
If you hear any abnormal noises or observe any status LED indicators signalling trouble/error on servers that are not yours, please let SEAS Computing know which rack you noticed it in.
Food and liquids should not be brought into the room.
Debris should not be left on the floor or in the racks.
If you notice that the room is untidy or dirty, please let SEAS Computing know so that we can request that the room be cleaned, it is important that dust levels and other small particles are kept to a minimum.
There are two trash receptacles inside the room that can be used. If you have trash that needs to be discarded that will not fit in these, please find a proper receptacle outside the room.
Server boxes may be stored in the back of the room behind the cages for up to two months (space permitting). A label/post-it should be adhered to each box indicating the date the box was deposited there and who the contact is. If there is no label, the box will be disposed of.
If you use any room equipment such as tools, ladders, rolling tables, chairs, please return them to their storage location away from the racks so they do not obstruct access and airflow.
Cables should be arranged to minimize airflow disruptions. If you need labels for any of your cables, let SEAS Computing know. If you notice untidy cables, please let SEAS Computing know.
If you experience any issues with rack and/or room door locks or latching, please let SEAS Computing know.
Network and power cables in the drawers/boxes can be used. If you notice the supply getting low, please contact SEAS Computing.

3.Group Contact Information & Access Control

For groups with equipment in the room, we ask that you provide SEAS Computing with the names and contact information of individuals for servers hosted in the room. When an individual leaves the group, please inform SEAS Computing of the change and provide any new contact information to ensure we have updated information in case of an emergency or malfunction.

Please provide SEAS Computing with the following information:

A brief overview of each server: including the name, make, model, serial number and power specifications (e.g., average and maximum power draw and how many power supplies)
Contact for each server including name, email address, phone number, SEAS affiliation, appointment end date or expected graduation date

SEAS Computing will contact the faculty member/PI at set intervals to confirm and/or request updates for group contacts and access.

An electronic access control system managed by Facilities is in place for room and rack-level access. The form to complete for an individual to be granted room and/or rack-level access can be found on the Facilities Building Access page. SEAS Computing should be contacted for review and approval of completed forms before they are sent to Facilities.

4.Room Environment

Room-Level Temperature & Humidity:

Temperature Setpoint : 70 ℉
Humidity Setpoint: 47%

High temperature and humidity alerts are configured to notify the Operations Center and SEAS Computing. However, if you notice any temperature or humidity concerns on visits to the room, please notify SEAS Computing and provide as much detail as possible about what you observe (e.g. photos and/or locations of the area of concern).

At the rack-level, due to different equipment in each rack, some racks may be warmer than others.

Blanks are used where there is no equipment to ensure proper front-to-back airflow within the racks.

5.Emergency Information

Refer to the Allston SEC Building User Guide (HarvardKey login) for building emergency information.

6.Related Policies

7.Definitions

The below definitions apply to these terms as they may be used in this document.

CRAC: Computer room air conditioner
HVAC: Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning
PDU: Power distribution unit
PSU: Power supply unit
UPS: Uninterruptible Power Supply