CompTIA A+ Core 2 (220-1202)Operational ProceduresHard
A data center manager wants to prevent hot exhaust air from server racks from mixing with cool air being supplied to the equipment intakes, improving cooling efficiency. Which of the following techniques should be implemented?
- APositioning all racks to face the same random direction
- BHot aisle/cold aisle containment
- CInstalling a UPS on every individual rack
- DIncreasing relative humidity to 80%
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: B. Hot aisle/cold aisle containment
Hot aisle/cold aisle containment arranges racks so intake fans face cold air aisles and exhaust fans face hot air aisles, physically separating the two airflows to improve cooling efficiency and reduce energy costs. Humidity levels, random rack orientation, and per-rack UPS units do not address airflow separation.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Random orientation causes hot/cold air mixing, worsening cooling efficiency.
- C. UPS units provide power backup, not airflow or cooling management.
- D. High humidity increases corrosion risk and does not address airflow.
Hot Aisle/Cold Aisle Containment
A data center layout strategy that separates cool intake air from hot exhaust air by arranging racks in alternating aisles, improving cooling efficiency.
- Cold aisles face rack intakes, hot aisles face exhausts
- Reduces energy costs by preventing air mixing
- Part of environmental controls for equipment reliability
Memory trick: Keep hot and cold aisles apart like oil and water.