Cloud Concepts - How Data Center architecture is reflected in the Cloud

Question 1

What are the components of a datacenter’s architecture?

Answer 1

The components of a datacenter’s architecture include:

1. Location (geographical placement)
2. Physical security (external and internal)
3. Mechanical and electrical infrastructure (cooling, generators, UPS)
4. Network infrastructure (switches, routers, firewalls)
5. Servers (application, database)
6. Storage (NAS, SAN, block storage, backup)

Question 2

How does the public cloud handle geographical location and datacenters?

Answer 2

Public cloud providers have regions located globally, each with multiple datacenters. These datacenters are strategically placed to ensure high-speed interconnectivity, data transfer, availability, and resilience.

Question 3

Who is responsible for physical security in the public cloud?

Answer 3

Public cloud vendors are responsible for the physical security of their datacenters. They implement stringent security controls, certifications, and governance to ensure the safety and protection of the resources.

Question 4

What is the role of mechanical and electrical infrastructure in a datacenter?

Answer 4

Mechanical and electrical infrastructure, such as generators, UPS systems, and cooling units, is essential for maintaining the availability and uptime of the datacenter. Public cloud vendors are responsible for ensuring the correct capacity, resiliency, and testing of these systems.

Question 5

How is network infrastructure implemented in the public cloud?

Answer 5

In the public cloud, network infrastructure operates at a software level. Instead of physical switches and routers, virtual networks (e.g., Virtual Private Clouds in AWS, Azure Virtual Networks in Microsoft Azure) are created, allowing the deployment of compute, storage, and other network resources. Routing and access control lists can be configured for enhanced security.

Question 6

What are servers referred to in the public cloud, and what services do they provide?

Answer 6

Servers in the public cloud are typically referred to as instances or virtual machines (VMs). Cloud providers offer specialized server services, such as database hosting servers and servers for processing big data. The advantage is that vendors replicate the functions of in-house datacenter servers with added benefits and flexibility.

Question 7

What are the characteristics of storage in the public cloud?

Answer 7

Storage in the public cloud is scalable, highly durable, and often regarded as unlimited. Different storage services are available based on data type and usage, such as block storage (e.g., Elastic Block Store in AWS) and file/object storage. Public cloud providers offer a variety of storage services catering to different requirements.

Question 8

What are some additional services and advantages offered by the public cloud?

Answer 8

The public cloud offers a wide range of services beyond the mentioned components, catering to various requirements. It provides advantages such as scalability, cost-effectiveness, and ease of deployment. Each public cloud vendor has a plethora of services to explore.