Independent data centres

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EMP (Electro Magnetic Pulse) bursts most commonly occur naturally as a consequence of lightning strikes, solarflares or other extraterrestrial events. EMP bursts can also be deliberately created on Earth for disruptive ends.A variety of explosive devices (including nuclear) have the capability to create single or multiple EMP bursts.Some radio signal jammers can also briefly create similar disruptive energy signals to interrupt localcommunication networks.

Whatever the cause, EMP bursts have a record of disrupting power transmission grid systems, communicationnetworks and occasionally irrevocably wrecking power transformers and ICT equipment as well.

Data centres are particularly vulnerable to EMP occurrences for two reasons. Firstly, due to their reliance onstable utility power supply networks. Secondly, through disruption of their non-optical communication networks,i.e. the hard wiring circuitry of the multiple servers and other ICT equipment housed within every data centre.

EMP -The Data Centre Disrupter

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www.digiplex.com Independent data centres

EMP Protected Modules

Integral EMP protected modular solution

The failure of offsite power supplies - disrupted by solar storms or earthlyexplosions - can be substituted for onsite data centre backup generators andUPS supply-smoothing equipment. The loss of site utility power sources cantherefore be circumvented by most data centre Operators. DigiPlex datacentres deploy multiple standby generators and UPS equipment at every facility.

The real data centre vulnerability to EMP occurrences lies in the heart andwiring of every server and ICT equipment item located in the data centre. Itis these densely packed, lightly insulated circuits that are most exposed tooperational disruption or destruction.

Fortunately, these electronic networks and rack rows of ICT equipment canbe EMP protected with all-surrounding metallic shielded enclosures,commonly called ‘Faraday Cages’, coupled with surge protection systems. Itis this protective approach that DigiPlex deploys for its hardened, customerbespoke, EMP protected data centre modules.

DigiPlex EMP protected modules are constructed within our standard Facilitystructures, which are most usually constructed with reinforced concrete walls,floors and ceilings. Several of our data centres are also located below groundlevel. The combination of structural strength, concrete steel rod reinforcing barsand below ground positioning automatically introduces attenuation protectionand EMP passage limitation even before the introduction of Faraday cage features.

Within this outer structural envelope DigiPlex construct six-sided 2mm steelchambers – of customer specified dimensions – to form integral Faraday cages.These modular shielded rooms are constructed from prefabricated,standardised panels. The panels are connected using bolts and electricallyconductive mesh gasket between each joint. The modular construction allowsalmost unlimited size and configuration. Module doors are specially designedand constructed so as to also provide contiguous EMP protection. All of thestructural and surface elements of these cages are continuously connected soas to form a bonded uninterrupted path to earth.

All cables entering the modules – power, signal, data, communications – areprotected with surge protection systems.

Our EMP Protection Performance standard is:Magnetic Field: 60dB at 10kHz to 80dB at 100kHzElectric Field: 80dB from 1kHz to 1GHzPlane Wave: 80dB from 1GHz to 18GHz

All DigiPlex EMP protected modules provide compliance with the highinternational standards demanded for such key infrastructure installations.

DigiPlex EMP protected ICT modules impose no space or height restrictionson customer fitout requirements and specifications. ICT Housing spacerequirements within EMP protected modules is, however, approximately 15%greater than for unprotected modules.

Please contact the DigiPlex design team for advice on satisfying your EMPProtection requirements.

Free standing EMP modular solution

EMP shielded module door

Protected with copper berylillium contacts