Understanding the Role of Meet-Me Rooms in Data Centers

Meet-me rooms (MMRs) may sound like the setting for a serious business meeting, but in the world of data centers, they're the vital connection hubs powering the technological universe. Let's break down what MMRs are all about and why they're crucial for data center design and technology engineering.

What's a Meet-Me Room?

Picture Cape Canaveral, with unlimited destinations when propelled into space. MMRs similarly serve as launch pads within data centers, connecting telecom networks to the vast digital expanse. These rooms, found in colocation and owner-operated data centers, provide a managed and secure space for carrier interconnection to the facility and owner’s internal network. MMRs unlock boundless connectivity opportunities. They operate 24/7, offering a hub for fiber optic, coaxial, and twisted pair services, providing seamless interconnection between carriers and internal networks. By providing a neutral ground for carrier equipment, MMRs reduce risks and enhance security for client networks.

To streamline operations, MMRs are typically divided into zones. Understanding these zones is critical to avoid confusion regarding setup:

Cross-Connect or MDF

Located nearer to the owner network side, is the cross-connect — or MDF (Main Distribution Frame). This is the typical connection point for carriers to the owner circuits and provides a managed environment for data center connectivity. In most MMRs this passive space is separated from the carrier space and is managed by the facility engineers. In a colocation environment securing and reducing risk at the cross-connect should be a fundamental part of design.

Rack Space

This is where carrier-incoming services are managed and distributed. This zone typically provides rack space for carriers to mount their equipment or provides for the space for carriers to deploy their own rack systems. It is important to understand how many carriers are likely to deploy within the data center, the expected kWh load for their equipment, required airflow, and the fiber counts the carriers intend to deploy to support the facility.

Entrance Facility (EF)

The final zone which may or may not be within the MMR space is the EF. If your MMR location is positioned on an external wall, space will be required for an EF. This is the point where external cables and ducts enter the building. Designing this zone is extremely important due to stringent bonding

regulations and the need to keep moisture out.

Key Design Considerations

With the volume of sensitive information housed in data centers, security is critical when designing the MMR and data center infrastructure. Security measures should be considered at different levels, from IP Cameras to biometrics at room and rack level. Many options exist, but the main consideration is that the security is tailored to the profile of the customer services it is protecting. Minimal connection points improve service; however, not providing managed connection points for the infrastructure also increases the risk of poor cabling practices and overloading conveyance systems often leading to a debate between homerun versus structured cabling. Essentially, minimal performance gains can potentially increase downtime in the future due to poor practice and overloading. This needs clear direction as future refurbishment projects are challenging, costly, and time-consuming to complete. It is best to avoid such projects with good initial design practices.

Choosing Your Crew

A skilled MMR designer is as crucial as the design itself. Understanding client needs, industry standards, and budget constraints ensures a well-thought-out design that aligns with expectations and operational realities. MMRs are the launch pads that propel data centers into the digital universe. With the right design and expertise, they pave the way for seamless connectivity, security, and scalability, ensuring data centers reach for the stars without leaving anything to chance.

Our mission critical team incorporates capacity forecasting, lifecycle expenses, and operational profitability as we drive designs forward. From site-specific requirements to understanding complex codes and regulations, we have you covered. To learn more about how our mission critical technology experts can support your project needs, contact us today.