Issue link: https://www.e-digitaleditions.com/i/1386104
44 I ICT TODAY Modular construction also allows for doors to be located in different places and for mechanical and electrical (M&E) to be located in other areas, facilitating parking lots and optimal land use. Due to this modular attribute, a large bespoke construction project is not required. Additionally, sites can grow as needed by adding more buildings. Mechanical and electrical systems are pre-engineered and designed to support a higher kW/cabinet rating. Since it is an actual building, there is not as strict a limitation on sizing for power and cooling to support the enclosed IT load. Because these are not size limited like the shipping containers, newer models allow municipalities to create a colo on premise type of environment. It is important to note that some cities may prefer a blend, and as edge deployments happen around the town, preference, lot size, and aesthetics will undoubtedly be factors to consider. Multiple EDCs will likely be used in a redundant or mesh fashion to have services across vast areas. This model provides the best redundancy as geographic diversity eliminates single site failure concerns. It also brings compute closer to those that will consume the services. Power Considerations With the increasing overall power requirements due to the growing number of EDCs and the increased power demands of 5G, the industry's current power configuration From a security standpoint, containers may not provide the same vandalism deterrence that a building can. One quick look at rail cars proves this. Additional site security measures may be necessary. Containers are generally configured in one configuration only with little room for modification due to size. Multiple containers can be placed on a site, but they are not inherently receptive to modification. Container manufacturers and suppliers sometimes refer to their products as modular; however, they differ from modular builds. Modular Build Modularly built EDCs are those constructed of hardened precast panels of a modular size assembled on site. Edge data centers that are modularly built provide an actual concrete building. Following physical security practices, the building itself can be a deterrent to unscrupulous individuals because it resembles an inhabited space. Furthermore, it is generally easier with concrete buildings to achieve hurricane, tornado, and seismic resistance performance. Many modular buildings use special concrete rated for F5 tornados, category 4 hurricanes, and are seismic rated to zone 4. The construction allows installation in areas that would otherwise be deemed unsuitable for a data center. Moreover, they can be fitted for Sensitive Compartmented Information Facility (SCIF) requirements and electromagnetic pulse (EMP) resistance when needed (Figure 5). FIGURE 5: Example of a concrete modular construction. 7