The Design and Organization of Data Centers/Documentation
Labeling
[edit | edit source]Neatness begets neatness.
Use a label maker. It means your labels look neat, uniform, and are easy to read.
Label front and back of machine with name, IP address, & MAC Address. This means you are less likely to pull the wrong cable or shut down the wrong machine.
Label multiple NICS on a single machine.
Document VLANs on switches to allow installation without a network engineer.
Organizing your documentation
[edit | edit source]Keep documentation where it is needed.
Make sure it is easy to update.
Self adhesive vinyl pockets - great for walls and cabinets
Folder pockets - great for three ring binders
Consider a wiki or FAQ-o-matic, but have paper backups printed regularly.
Understanding of a problem leads to quicker resolution. Documentation can be part of that.
List of documentation to have
[edit | edit source]- Phone lists - near phones
- Company phone list
- Tech support phone list with contact numbers
- Loading dock height/ doorway dimensions
- Computer and network documents
- Network Diagram
- Start up/Shut down directions
- machine instructions
- Mechanical
- buttons/switches labeled by contractor
- Equipment maintenance schedules - air conditioning
- Start up/Shut down directions
- Permits posted securely