Co-location Facilities Overview

For researchers in the Computer Science Department who need rack space for their equipment, the Department maintains two co-location facilities that are shared across multiple research projects.  This page gives an overview of the two facilities to help researchers select the most appropriate facility for their needs.  Specific details on the facilities are on the individual pages linked below.

Locations

Rack Assignments and Access Lists

See: Co-location Facilities: Access Lists, Rack Assignments, and Other Details (login required)

Common Attributes

  • Access Controlled:  TigerCard used for access.
  • Network:  Both facilities provide similar network connectivity to the CS core.
  • Cost: Both facilities have similar costs to the researchers.  For FY2015, no specific cost for normal power, cooling, space, or network connectivity.  However, costs for specialized needs (e.g., 10G bandwidth, high port counts, etc.) may need to be paid by the research project.  Contact CS Staff if you think you may have specialized needs.
  • Acquiring Space: reserved through CS Staff.  If requests exceed available space, the space will be allocated in consultation with the Department Chair.

Summary of Differences

  Computer Science Building Forrestal Campus
Location in CS building 3-mile drive from CS building.  (2 miles as the crow flies.)
Access Limited to CS researchers. No unescorted access for undergraduates.  Machine room shared with OIT and other departments.
Facility Management CS Staff OIT
Power

120V with UPS backup.  Backup time load-dependant: battery backup time graph.  (208V possible.  Contact CS Staff if it is a requirement.)

208V (only) with UPS and diesel generator backup.  Backup time indefinite.
Cooling Air cooled racks.  Sized for up to 10kW (actual) per rack. Water cooled racks.  Sized for up to 18kW (actual) per rack.  More stringent requirements on maintaining proper airflow.  Higher equipment temperatures.
Available Space 8 racks with 40U/rack of space available to CS researchers.  Space generally allocated in 10U (quarter-rack) chunks. In CS area, 13 racks with 42U/rack of space available to CS researchers.  Space allocated on case-by-case basis.  Additional space possible with ~6 months notice.