Implementing an Operating Platform

We refer to the operating platform as the foundation for an ISP. There are many things involved in preparing to implement the operating platform, such as allocating space at the datacenter for racks, ensuring that there is enough air ventilation, appropriate temperature control, and enough power distribution for the servers, etc. These tasks all deal with the physical aspects of the data center and are beyond the scope of this book. For purposes of implementing an operating platform for an architecture design, we focus on network and system components.

To implement the operating platform, install and configure all the networking components. These components include console servers, routers, switches, load balancers, firewalls, and network access servers.

After the network is in place, install and configure the systems components. These components include all internal hardware components of a system such as the installation of CPU, memory, internal disk, CD-ROM drive, storage, cabling, etc.

In general, implement and configure all hardware before moving to the next phase, installing the operating system and relevant software.