The establishment of a nonprofit data center is a novel idea that has non-trivial obstacles impeding its creation. The regulatory hurdles and legal barriers make running a data center not only a technical challenge but also a political one. Careful consideration must be given to the business model of the nonprofit data center, as peering agreements can result in lopsided terms favoring only one party.
Internet Connection
ISPs
We need to determine if there are business ISPs in the area that can offer symmetrical speeds that are good for low-end local businesses.
IXPs
There aren't any IXPs in the state of Tennessee. This seems like a gap in the infrastructure of Tennessee. The current business model of IXPs is failing as large tier 1 providers decide to cut them out as the middle man for servicing. With them failing with the traditional model, are there other more viable models?
Micro IXP
The idea of a micro IXP servicing rural areas makes sense but requires the creation of micro data centers that have fiber access. Getting fiber access is the trick that needs to be resolved. We can't have the reliability woes of satellite without the fiber backbone to mitigate it.
Micro Data Center
(see:Hyper Local Data Center)
Fiber
Lumen Technologies
Fiberlight
How Much Fiber is needed?
Route Speeds
The difference in route speeds/finances is actually what we're monetizing here. If the routing from arbitrary endpoints doesn't become more cost effective by locally hosting servers, then what's the point?
Creation of a new entity?
Hybrid IXP/ISP Model
Fixed Wireless ISP
Manage IXP Services
Hyper Local Data Center
Interconnects to residents and provides locally hosted VPS services and p2p neighorhood services that aren't connected to the internet. Bridges to the internet can be started only by end users (with support of locally trained technicians) so that their VPS can be connected to the internet through their connection while also being connected through the local switches to other users. Opening users to allow local access to a server they create but also linking any internet spread misuse to their ISP if they decide to bridge the connection.
Ability to Pivot to ISP available
Can Provide Local Storage Services
Provides a Training Ground for Local Techs
Limits interconnection legal issues
Provides Colocation Services to Locals
Provides Mass Storage options without a Subscription Service
Allows pivot to IXP model
Provides direct access between local businesses and customers
Still has expensive upfront capital cost
# Digging fiber to main streets
# Digging Fiber to residences and businesses
# Providing hardware to end users
## 2.5 Gbps to 10 Gbps Router
## Fiber Jack
# Facilities to Run Fiber from
## 7000 sq ft
Provides VPS to Locals
# Locally Hosted Gaming Servers
## Minecraft
# Locally Hosted Media Sharing Servers
## JellyFin
## NextCloud
# Locally Hosted File Collaboration Servers
## NextCloud
# Locally Hosted Farm Monitoring Servers
# Locally Hosted Camera Video Servers
# Locally Hosted IPTV? Servers
# Locally Hosted Banking Servers
## Personal Finance
### GnuCash
### Skrooge
### Homebank
# Locally Hosted 3D Printing?
Digging Fiber
The conventional methods of digging fiber routes in the ground is still the most expensive part of expanding the network. There must be ways to brainstorm the laying of fiber in such areas.
DuraLine Microtrenches
Satellite?
Starlink Interconnection Agreement?
Satellite Backhaul w/ Local Fiber?
Latency issues would make it a terrible user experience. The idea of local fiber is intriguing though...
Switches
Servers
Target: 250 Total Servers Requires ability to make VPS for end users.
x86 Servers
Operating Systems
Linux
Fedora
Ubuntu
Debian
Raspian?
Windows?
CPUs
AMD
Intel
ARM?
Video Cards
NVidia
AMD
Intel?
Memory Configurations
64GB
128GB
Sensors
Temperature
Humidity
Vibration
ARM Servers
PowerPC?
Satellites
Sound Isolation
Unnecessary for a separate dwelling
Sound Dampening Foam
Padded Outlets
Physical Structure
Target: < 5000 sq ft of Computer Area Target: < 2000 sq ft of Office Space
In House
Not viable for a legitimate IXP. Potentially viable as a local server farm but not as one that negotiates fair and reasonable hosting and colocation services due to lack of critical infrastructure and more importantly security.
Separate Shed
Pros
Isolation Easier
Makes Renting the Property Simpler
Cons
Cost
Physical Security
Paving
Retention Pond for Water Cooling?
Pump
Tubing to CAHUs
Problems
Is there actually enough space for an IXP 1.5 acres of land? How do the typical IXP buildings set themselves up? Do they just rent out their switch?
Physical Security
Locks
Gates
Motion Sensors
Cameras
Animal Traps?
No Climb Fence
Ameristar Fence
Impasse II
Transport IS
Electricity
Target: 500 KW of max computer energy usage capacity
Significantly less required at low utilization.
Redundant Power
UPS
Whole Home Battery
Grid Integration
What is the Grid Reliability?
Can they actually support the power needs of a data center in the county? Where is the major supply of electricity? What kind of real estate needs are required to have a viable source of energy for the data center? As an IXP ran by the population of the city, what are the training needs of the people?
Cheaper Power
Solar
Solar Roof
Land Mounted Solar Panels
Wind Energy
Improved Reliability?
Base Load Availability?
Grid Integration
(see:Grid Integration)
Cooling
AC Unit
Separate from the remainder of the house central A/C. Wall unit may be feasible?
Air Side Economizers
Stulz Water-cooled CAHUs?
Exhaust
VESDA Smoke Detection
Sensors
Temperature
Humidity
Fire Suppression
CO2 Canisters?
Canisters are going to be less damaging to the electrical equipment than a sprinkler system.
Insulation
Services to Offer
Services offered by major data centers these days.
MLPA Route Server
Dedicated Ports (1G/10G?)
Root Server
AS112 Server
Jumbo Frame Support?
Private VLANs
24/7 Peering Monitoring
BIRD Route Servers
Nagios Monitoring
Compliance
SOC 1
SOC 2
HITRUST
PCI DSS
FISMA
ISO 27001
Storage
Physical
Digital
References
QTS Data Center Rules
QTS Irving Data Center
700,000 sq ft of current space 75.2 MW Power Capacity expandable 140 MWs of critical power capacity 31.5 MW of UPS Power in N+1 Configuration 18 Generators at 45MW (48 Hrs of on-site fuel reserve) 100% Renewable using Wind Energy -- LEED Gold Certified 8 Stulz Water-cooled CAHU's Concrete Wall Around Critical Infrastructure Single Entry Point with Gated Access Security Guards On-Site WonderWare/PLC EPMS monitoring for electrical systems Leak Detection