Modularization of data center functions

Abstract

In one example, a data center may be built in modular components that may be pre-manufactured and separately deployable. Each modular component may provide functionality such as server capacity, cooling capacity, fire protection, resistance to electrical failure. Some components may be added to the data center by connecting them to the center's utility spine, and others may be added by connecting them to other components. The spine itself may be a modular component, so that spine capacity can be expanded or contracted by adding or removing spine modules. The various components may implement functions that are part of standards for various levels of reliability for data centers. Thus, the reliability level that a data center meets may be increased or decreased to fit the circumstances by adding or removing components.

1 . A method of building a data center, the method comprising:
 installing, at a site at which said data center is to be located, one or more pre-fabricated spine modules that, together, form a utility spine that supplies electrical power, and data connectivity, and that exposes a plurality of interfaces through which components may be connected to said utility spine;   installing, at said site, a one or more server, data storage, or networking modules;   connecting said server, data storage, or networking modules to said utility spine through said interfaces, wherein each of said server, data storage, or networking modules receives said power, and said data connectivity, through an interface through which it is connected to said utility spine; and   adding one or more function modules, to said data center, each of the function modules implementing a function that provides a capability to said data center, each of said function modules being connected to the data center by: (a) being attached to one of said server, data storage, or networking modules; or (b) being attached to another one of said function modules; or (c) being attached to said utility spine.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 after said data center has become operational, increasing a size of said utility spine by adding an addition spine module to said utility spine.   
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 adding a function to said data center by connecting a function module to a server module without connecting said function module to said utility spine.   
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 adding a function to said data center by connecting a function module to said utility spine.   
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein a specification defines a level of reliability that is not met by said data center, and wherein the method further comprises:
 after said data center has become operational, satisfying the level of reliability defined in said specification by adding one or more of said function components.