What are Data Centre Tiers?
Data centre tiers are classification levels used to quickly identify the complexity and redundancy of the data centre infrastructure being utilised.
Data centre tiers definition
Data centre tiers are a system used to describe specific kinds of data centre infrastructure in a consistent way. Tier 1 is the simplest infrastructure, while Tier 4 is the most complex and has the most redundant components. Each tier includes the required components of all the tiers below it.
Why data centre tiers?
Data centre tiers are an efficient way to describe the infrastructure components being utilised at a business's data centre. Although a Tier 4 data centre is more complex than a Tier 1 data centre, this does not necessarily mean it is best-suited for a business's needs. While investing in Tier 1 infrastructure might leave a business open to risk, Tier 4 infrastructure might be an over-investment.
- Tier 1: A Tier 1 data centre has a single path for power and cooling and few, if any, redundant and backup components. It has an expected uptime of 99.671% (28.8 hours of downtime annually).
- Tier 2: A Tier 2 data centre has a single path for power and cooling and some redundant and backup components. It has an expected uptime of 99.741% (22 hours of downtime annually).
- Tier 3: A Tier 3 data centre has multiple paths for power and cooling and systems in place to update and maintain it without taking it offline. It has an expected uptime of 99.982% (1.6 hours of downtime annually).
- Tier 4: A Tier 4 data centre is built to be completely fault tolerant and has redundancy for every component. It has an expected uptime of 99.995% (26.3 minutes of downtime annually).
HPE data centre tiers products and services
HPE has worked to redefine what it means to have a Tier 1 data centre. Through this modern approach, Tier 1 infrastructure is resilient, self-optimised and non-disruptive to better serve all enterprise needs.
Support for your data centre
Data centre facility services
Data centre facility consulting services that deliver hybrid infrastructure-ready data centres as an integrated aspect of IT strategy.
Data centre networking
Transition to cloud-first networks in your data centre and move at the speed of business apps – while eliminating downtime and application outages.
Hybrid IT data centre services
Hybrid IT data centre services