What Does Data Center Hardware Mean?

Data center hardware is the collective IT and other hardware components that make up the entire data center infrastructure.

It is a term that collectively defines and includes functional and non-functional hardware devices and equipment necessary for the operations of a data center.

Techopedia Explains Data Center Hardware

Typically, data center hardware includes:

  • Core computing equipment such as:

  • Desktops

  • Servers

  • Server racks

  • Network equipment including:

  • Routers

  • Switches

  • Modems

  • Firewalls

  • Cables

  • Storage resources such as:

  • Hard drives

  • Tape drives

  • Backup storage resources

  • Power and cooling infrastructure (usually managed through HVAC software/system) including:

  • Power generators

  • Cooling towers

  • Uninterrupted power supply system (UPS)

  • Other input/output devices such as:

  • Printers

  • Keyboards

  • Mouses

  • Scanners

  • Desktops

  • Servers

  • Server racks

  • Routers

  • Switches

  • Modems

  • Firewalls

  • Cables

  • Hard drives

  • Tape drives

  • Backup storage resources

  • Power generators

  • Cooling towers

  • Uninterrupted power supply system (UPS)

  • Printers

  • Keyboards

  • Mouses

  • Scanners