2 Site Requirements for Oracle Big Data Appliance
This chapter describes the site requirements for Oracle Big Data Appliance. Use this chapter while you complete the Oracle Big Data Appliance Site Checklists.
This chapter contains these sections:
2.1 General Environmental Requirements
The environmental requirements for Oracle Big Data Appliance depend on the model and the size of the system.
The following tables provide an overview of the rack requirements. Measurements are approximate. The other sections in this chapter provide detailed information.
Table 2-1 Environmental Requirements for Oracle Big Data Appliance X7
Environmental Component | Starter Rack | Full Rack |
---|---|---|
415 kg (915 lbs) Shipping: 546 kg (1203 lbs) |
836 kg (1843 lbs) Shipping: 979 kg (2158 lbs) |
|
78 db(A) |
78 db(A) |
|
Maximum: 5.3 kW Typical: 3.7 kW |
Maximum: 13.4 kW Typical: 9.4 kW |
|
Maximum: 18,087 BTU/hour Typical: 12,661 BTU/hour |
Maximum: 45,659 BTU/hour Typica1: 31,961 BTU/hour |
|
Air flow front-to-back (subject to actual data center environment) |
Maximum: 837 CFM Typical: 586 CFM |
Maximum: 2114 CFM Typical: 1480 CFM |
18 for rmanagement:
6 for the client network 6 for InfiniBand |
42 for management:
18 for the client network 18 for InfiniBand |
|
See Also: About the Network Requirements. |
One network connection |
One network connection |
1 x Built-in RJ45 1 Gigabit Ethernet port per node |
1 x Built-in RJ45 1 Gigabit Ethernet port per node |
Table 2-2 Environmental Requirements for Oracle Big Data Appliance X6 and X5
Environmental Component | Starter Rack | Full Rack |
---|---|---|
415 kg (915 lb) |
836 kg (1843 lb) |
|
8.4 Bel |
8.5 Bel |
|
Maximum: 5.2 kW Typical: 3.6 kW |
Maximum: 13.0 kW Typical: 9.1 kW |
|
Maximum: 17,521 BTU/hour (18,485 kJ/hour) Typical: 12,265 BTU/hour (12,940 kJ/hour) |
Maximum: 44,136 BTU/hour (46,564 kJ/hour) Typical: 30,895 BTU/hour 32,594 kJ/hour) |
|
Air flow front-to-back (subject to actual data center environment) |
Maximum: 811 CFM Typical: 568 CFM |
Maximum: 2043 CFM Typical: 1430 CFM |
18 for rmanagement:
6 for the client network 6 for InfiniBand |
42 for management:
18 for the client network 18 for InfiniBand |
|
See Also: About the Network Requirements. |
One network connection |
One network connection |
1 x 1 Gbps Ethernet port 6 x 10 Gbps Ethernet ports |
1 x 1 Gbps Ethernet ports 16 x 10 Gbps Ethernet ports |
Table 2-3 identifies the general environmental requirements for an Oracle Big Data Appliance X5-2 High Capacity Node plus Infiniband Infrastructure.
Table 2-3 Environmental Requirements for Oracle Big Data Appliance X6-2 and X5-2 High Capacity Node plus Infiniband Infrastructure
The table below shows the general environmental requirements for Oracle Big Data Appliance X4-2 and Oracle Big Data Appliance X3-2.
Table 2-4 Environmental Requirements for Oracle Big Data Appliance X4-2 and X3-2
The table below identifies the general environmental requirements for the Oracle Big Data Appliance Sun Fire X4270 M2-based rack.
Table 2-5 Environmental Requirements for Oracle Big Data Appliance Sun Fire X4270 M2-Based Rack
2.2 Space Requirements
The space requirements for Oracle Big Data Appliance X7–2 racks are as follows:
-
Height: 42U, 1998 mm (78.66 inches)
-
Width: 600 mm (23.62 inches)
-
Depth: 1200 mm (47.24 inches)
The minimum ceiling height for the cabinet is 230 cm (90 inches), measured from the true floor or raised floor, whichever is higher. An additional 92 cm (36 inches) is required above the rack height in the front and rear aisle space for maintenance access. The space surrounding the cabinet must not restrict the movement of cool air between the air conditioner and the front of the systems within the cabinet, or the movement of hot air coming out of the rear of the cabinet.
2.2.1 Receiving and Unpacking Requirements
Before Oracle Big Data Appliance arrives, ensure that the receiving area is large enough for the package. Table 2-6 lists the dimensions and weight of the shipped items.
Table 2-6 Shipping Measurements
Measurement | Full Rack | Starter Rack |
---|---|---|
Height |
216 cm (85 inches) |
216 cm (85 inches) |
Width |
122 cm (48 inches) |
122 cm (48 inches) |
Depth |
157.5 cm (62 inches) |
157.5 cm (62 inches) |
Weight |
979 kg (2158 lb) |
546 kg (1203 lb) |
If your loading dock meets the height and ramp requirements for a standard freight carrier truck, then you can use a pallet jack to unload the rack. If not, you must provide a standard forklift or other means to unload the rack. You can also request that the rack be shipped in a truck with a lift gate.
Leave Oracle Big Data Appliance in its shipping container until it arrives at the installation site. Ensure sufficient clearance and clear pathways for moving it from the unpacking location to the installation location. The entire access route to the installation site should be free of raised-pattern flooring that can cause vibration.
Use a conditioned space when removing the packaging material to reduce particles before entering the data center. Allow enough space for unpacking Oracle Big Data Appliance from its shipping cartons. Table 2-7 lists the access route requirements.
Table 2-7 Access Route Requirements for Oracle Big Data Appliance
Access Route Item | With Shipping Pallet | Without Shipping Pallet |
---|---|---|
Minimum door height |
218.4 cm (86 inches) |
204 cm (80.5 inches) |
Minimum door width |
127 cm (50 inches) |
64 cm (25.5 inches) |
Minimum elevator depth |
162.6 cm (64 inches) |
124 cm (49 inches) |
Maximum incline |
6 degrees |
6 degrees |
Minimum elevator, pallet jack, and floor loading capacity |
1134 kg (2500 lb) |
1134 kg (2500 lb) |
2.2.2 Maintenance Access Requirements
The maintenance area must be large enough for Oracle Big Data Appliance and have the required access space. For example, the required space to remove the side panels is 67.6 cm (26.6 inches). Table 2-8 lists the maintenance access requirements.
Table 2-8 Maintenance Access Requirements for Oracle Big Data Appliance
Location | Maintenance Access Requirement |
---|---|
Rear maintenance |
91.4 cm (36 inches) |
Front maintenance |
91.4 cm (36 inches) |
Top maintenance |
91.4 cm (36 inches) |
2.3 Flooring Requirements
Oracle recommends that Oracle Big Data Appliance be installed on raised flooring. The site floor and the raised flooring must be able to support the total weight.
Table 2-9 lists the floor load requirements.
Table 2-9 Floor Load Requirements for Oracle Big Data Appliance
Description | Requirement |
---|---|
1134 kg (2500 lb) |
|
Maximum allowable weight of installed power distribution units |
52 kg (115 lb) |
Maximum dynamic load (maximum allowable weight of installed equipment including PDUs) |
1186 kg (2615 lb) |
2.4 Electrical Power Requirements
Oracle Big Data Appliance can operate effectively over a wide range of voltages and frequencies. However, it must have a reliable power source. Damage may occur if the ranges are exceeded. Electrical disturbances such as the following may damage Oracle Big Data Appliance:
-
Wide and rapid variations in input voltage levels or in input power frequency
-
Faults in the distribution system, such as defective wiring
To protect Oracle Big Data Appliance from such disturbances, you should have a dedicated power distribution system, power-conditioning equipment, and lightning arresters or power cables to protect from electrical storms.
Each rack has two preinstalled power distribution units (PDUs). The PDUs accept different power sources. You must specify the type of PDU that is correct for your Oracle Big Data Appliance and data center.
2.4.1 PDUs for Oracle Big Data Appliance
2.4.1.1 Single-Phase PDUs for North America, South America, Japan, and Taiwan
Table 2-10 lists the requirements for low-voltage single-phase PDUs for North America, South America, Japan, and Taiwan. There are two PDUs per rack.
Table 2-10 Low-Voltage 15 kVA Single-Phase PDUs
Option | Requirement per PDU |
---|---|
Number of inputs |
3 x 30A single phase |
Voltage |
200 to 240 VAC |
Frequency |
50/60 Hz |
Current |
24A maximum per input |
Power rating |
15 kVA |
Output current |
72A (3 x 24A) |
Outlets |
42 x C13; 6 x C19 |
Outlet groups |
6 |
Group protectionFoot 1 |
20A |
Data center receptacle |
15 kVA, with three 30A/250V 2-pole/3-wire NEMA L6-30P plugs |
Footnote 1
UL489 2-pole circuit breaker
The following are needed to connect Oracle Big Data Appliance to a low-voltage single-phase power source:
-
6 power cords for two PDUs, 30A at 200 to 240 VAC
-
6 receptacles to connect the PDUs to 6 NEMA L6-30 data center receptacles
Figure 2-1 shows the low-voltage, single-phase PDU power connector for North America, South America, Japan, and Taiwan.
Figure 2-1 Low-Voltage, Single-Phase Power Connector

Description of "Figure 2-1 Low-Voltage, Single-Phase Power Connector"
2.4.1.2 Three-Phase PDUs for North America, South America, Japan, and Taiwan
Table 2-11 lists the requirements for low-voltage three-phase PDUs for North America, South America, Japan, and Taiwan. There are two PDUs per rack.
Table 2-11 Low-Voltage 15 kVA Three-Phase PDUs
Option | Requirement per PDU |
---|---|
Number of inputs |
1 x 60A three-phase 4-wire |
Voltage |
190 to 220 VAC |
Frequency |
50/60 Hz |
Current |
40A maximum per phase |
Power rating |
14.4 kVA |
Output current |
69A (3 x 23A) |
Outlets |
42 x C13; 6 x C19 |
Outlet groups |
6 |
Group protectionFoot 2 |
20A |
Data center receptacle |
15 kVA IEC 60309 60A 4-pin 250 VAC three-phase IP67 |
Footnote 2
UL489 2-pole circuit breaker
The following are needed to connect Oracle Big Data Appliance to a low-voltage three-phase power source:
-
2 power cords for two PDUs, 60A at 190 to 220 VAC three-phase
-
2 receptacles to connect the PDUs to 2 IEC 60309 60A 4-pin 250 VAC three-phase IP67 data center receptacles
Figure 2-2 shows the low-voltage three-phase PDU power connector for North America, South America, Japan, and Taiwan.
Figure 2-2 Low-Voltage Three-Phase Power Connector

Description of "Figure 2-2 Low-Voltage Three-Phase Power Connector"
2.4.1.3 Single-Phase PDUs for Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and Asia Pacific
Table 2-12 lists the requirements for a 15 kVA high-voltage single-phase PDU for Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and Asia Pacific, except Japan and Taiwan. There are two PDUs per rack.
Table 2-12 High-voltage 22 kVA Single Phase PDUs
Option | Requirement per PDU |
---|---|
Voltage |
220 to 240 VAC |
Frequency |
50/60 Hz |
Current |
25A maximum per input |
Power rating |
15 kVA |
Output current |
72A (3 x 32A) |
Outlets |
42 x C13; 6 x C19 |
Outlet groups |
6 |
Group protectionFoot 3 |
20A |
Data center receptacle |
15 kVA, with three blue 32A/240V splash-proof 2-pole/3-wire IEC 60309 plugs |
Footnote 3
UL489 1-pole circuit breaker
The following are needed to connect Oracle Big Data Appliance to a high-voltage single-phase power source:
-
6 power cords for two PDUs, 25A at 220/380 to 240/415 VAC 1-phase voltage
-
6 receptacles to connect the PDUs to 2 IEC 60309 32A 3-pin 250 VAC IP44 data center receptacles, and that require 22 kVA, 1-phase
Figure 2-3 shows the high-voltage single-phase PDU power connector for EMEA and APAC, except for Japan and Taiwan.
Figure 2-3 High-voltage Single Phase Power Connector

Description of "Figure 2-3 High-voltage Single Phase Power Connector"
2.4.1.4 Three-Phase PDUs for Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and Asia Pacific
Table 2-13 lists the requirements for high-voltage three-phase PDUs for Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and Asia Pacific, except Japan and Taiwan. There are two PDUs per rack. The following specifications are per PDU.
Table 2-13 High-Voltage 15 kVA Three-Phase PDUs
Option | Requirement per PDU |
---|---|
Number of inputs |
1 x 25A three-phase 5 wire |
Voltage |
220/380 to 240/415 VAC three-phase |
Frequency |
50/60 Hz |
Current |
25A maximum per phase |
Power rating |
14.4 kVA |
Output current |
62.7A (3 x 20.9A) |
Outlets |
42 x C13; 6 x C19 |
Outlet groups |
6 |
Group protectionFoot 4 |
20A |
Data center receptacle |
15 kVA, three-phase, 5-pin, IEC 60309 32A, 5-pin 230/400V, three-phase IP44 |
Footnote 4
UL489 1-pole circuit breaker
The following are needed to connect Oracle Big Data Appliance to a high-voltage three-phase power source:
-
2 power cords for two PDUs, 25A at 220/380 to 240/415 VAC three-phase
-
2 receptacles to connect the PDUs to 2 IEC 60309 32A 5-pin 230/400 VAC three-phase IP44 data center receptacles
Figure 2-4 shows the high-voltage three-phase PDU power connector for EMEA and APAC, except for Japan and Taiwan.
Figure 2-4 High-Voltage Three-Phase Power Connector

Description of "Figure 2-4 High-Voltage Three-Phase Power Connector"
2.4.2 Facility Power Requirements
Electrical work and installations must obey applicable local, state, or national electrical codes. Contact your facilities manager or a qualified electrician to determine what type of power is supplied to the building.
To prevent catastrophic failures, design the input power sources to ensure adequate power is provided to the PDUs. Use dedicated AC breaker panels for all power circuits that supply power to the PDU. When planning for power distribution requirements, balance the power load between available AC supply branch circuits. In the United States and Canada, ensure that the overall system AC input current load does not exceed 80 percent of the branch circuit AC current rating.
PDU power cords are 4 meters (13.12 feet) long, and 1 to 1.5 meters (3.3 to 4.9 feet) of the cord is routed within the rack cabinet. The installation site AC power receptacle must be within 2 meters (6.6 feet) of the rack.
2.4.3 Circuit Breaker Requirements
To prevent catastrophic failures, the design of your power system must ensure that adequate power is provided to the servers. Use dedicated AC breaker panels for all power circuits that supply power to the server. Electrical work and installations must obey applicable local, state, and national electrical codes. Servers require that electrical circuits be grounded to the earth.
In addition to circuit breakers, provide a stable power source, such as an uninterruptible power supply (UPS), to reduce the possibility of component failures. If computer equipment is subjected to repeated power interruptions and fluctuations, then it is susceptible to a higher rate of component failure.
2.4.4 Grounding Guidelines
The cabinets for Oracle Big Data Appliance are shipped with grounding-type power cords. Always connect the cords to grounded power outlets. Because different grounding methods are used depending on location, check the grounding type and refer to documentation, such as International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) documents, for the correct grounding method. Ensure that the facility administrator or qualified electrical engineer verifies the grounding method for the building and performs the grounding work.
2.5 Temperature and Humidity Requirements
Airflow through Oracle Big Data Appliance is from front to back. See Table 2-5 for information about cooling and airflow.
Note:
Studies show that temperature increases of 10 degrees Celsius (15 degrees Fahrenheit) above 20 degrees Celsius (70 degrees Fahrenheit) reduce long-term electronics reliability by 50 percent.
Excessive internal temperatures may result in full or partial shutdown of Oracle Big Data Appliance.
Table 2-14 lists the temperature, humidity, and altitude requirements for operating and nonoperating systems.
Table 2-14 Temperature, Humidity, and Altitude Requirements
Condition | Operating Requirement | Nonoperating Requirement | Optimum |
---|---|---|---|
Temperature |
5º to 32º Celsius (41º to 89.6º Fahrenheit) |
-40º to 70º Celsius (-40º to 158º Fahrenheit) |
For optimal rack cooling, data center temperatures from 21º to 23º Celsius (70º to 74º Fahrenheit) |
Relative humidity |
10 to 90 percent relative humidity, noncondensing |
Up to 93 percent relative humidity |
For optimal data center rack cooling, 45 to 50 percent, noncondensing |
Altitude |
3,048 meters ( 10000 feet) maximum |
12,000 meters (39,400 feet) maximum |
Ambient temperature is reduced by 1 degree Celsius for each 300 meters above 900 meters altitude above sea level |
Set conditions to the optimal temperature and humidity ranges to minimize the chance of downtime due to component failure. Operating Oracle Big Data Appliance for extended periods at or near the operating range limits, or installing it in an environment where it remains at or near nonoperating range limits, could significantly increase hardware component failure.
The ambient temperature range of 21 to 23 degrees Celsius (70 to 74 degrees Fahrenheit) is optimal for server reliability and operator comfort. Most computer equipment can operate in a wide temperature range, but near 22 degrees Celsius (72 degrees Fahrenheit) is desirable because it is easier to maintain safe humidity levels. Operating in this temperature range provides a safety buffer if the air conditioning system fails.
The ambient relative humidity range of 45 to 50 percent is suitable for safe data processing operations. Most computer equipment can operate in a wide range (20 to 80 percent), but the range of 45 to 50 percent is recommended for the following reasons:
-
Helps protect computer systems from corrosion problems associated with high humidity levels
-
Provides the greatest operating time buffer if the air conditioner control fails
-
Helps avoid failures or temporary malfunctions caused by intermittent interference from static discharges that may occur when relative humidity is too low
Note:
Electrostatic discharge (ESD) is easily generated and hard to dissipate in areas of low relative humidity, such as below 35 percent. ESD becomes critical when humidity drops below 30 percent. Maintaining humidity in a data center is not difficult, because a high-efficiency vapor barrier and a low rate of air changes are normally present.
2.6 Ventilation and Cooling Requirements
Always provide adequate space in front and behind the rack to allow for proper ventilation. Do not obstruct the front or rear of the rack with equipment or objects that might prevent air from flowing through the rack. Rack-mountable servers and equipment typically draw cool air in through the front of the rack and let out warm air through the rear of the rack. There is no air flow requirement for the left and right sides due to front-to-back cooling.
If the rack is not completely filled with components, then cover the empty sections with filler panels. Gaps between components can adversely affect air flow and cooling within the rack.
Relative humidity is the percentage of the total water vapor that can exist in the air without condensing, and it is inversely proportional to air temperature. Humidity goes down when the temperature rises, and goes up when the temperature drops. For example, air with a relative humidity of 45 percent at a temperature of 24 degrees Celsius (75 degrees Fahrenheit) has a relative humidity of 65 percent at a temperature of 18 degrees Celsius (64 degrees Fahrenheit). As the temperature drops, the relative humidity rises to more than 65 percent, and water droplets form.
Air conditioning facilities usually do not precisely monitor or control temperature and humidity throughout an entire computer room. Generally, you should monitor individual points corresponding to multiple exhaust vents in the main unit and other units in the room, because the distribution of temperature and humidity is uneven across the room. Pay special consideration to humidity when using underfloor ventilation.
Oracle Big Data Appliance is designed to function while mounted in a natural convection air flow. Follow these requirements to meet the environmental specification:
-
Ensure that the rack has adequate air flow.
-
Ensure that the rack has front-to-back cooling. The air inlet is at the front of the server, and the air outlet is at the rear.
-
Allow a minimum clearance of 91.4 cm (36 inches) at the front of the rack and 91.4 cm (36 inches) at the rear of the rack for ventilation.
Use perforated tiles, rated for 400 cubic feet per minute (CFM) per tile air flow, in front of the rack for cold air intake. The tiles can be arranged in any order in front of the rack, if cold air from the tiles can flow into the rack. Inadequate cold air flow could result in a higher inlet temperature in the servers due to exhaust air recirculation. Oracle recommends four floor tiles for Oracle Big Data Appliance.
Figure 2-5 shows a typical installation of the floor tiles for Oracle Big Data Appliance in a typical data center.
Figure 2-5 Typical Data Center Configuration for Perforated Floor Tiles

Description of "Figure 2-5 Typical Data Center Configuration for Perforated Floor Tiles"
2.7 Network Connection Requirements
Before installation, network cables must run from your existing network infrastructure to the installation site. The requirements to connect Oracle Big Data Appliance to your existing network infrastructure are as follows:
-
Management network connection requirements
-
One 1 Gbps Ethernet connection for the management switch in the rack
-
One 1 Gbps Ethernet connection for the KVM switch in the rack (Sun Fire X4270 M2-based racks only)
-
-
Client access network connection requirements
-
2 (minimum) to 16 (maximum) 10 Gbps Ethernet connections split between the two Sun Network QDR InfiniBand Gateway switches in the rack. The exact number of connections depends on your bandwidth requirements.
-
See Also:
2.8 Ensuring That the Site Is Ready
Before Oracle Big Data Appliance is delivered to the site, perform these tasks to ensure that the site is ready:
-
Review the site requirements.
-
Generate the configuration files.
-
Configure the network.
-
Prepare the site based on requirements.
- Task 1 Review Site Requirements
-
Review the site requirements in this chapter and in the Oracle Big Data Appliance Site Checklists to understand the requirements of Oracle Big Data Appliance and ensure you are ready for delivery.
- Task 2 Generate the Configuration Files
-
Run the Oracle Big Data Appliance Configuration Generation Utility. Enter the network configuration settings, software installation choices, and credentials in the fields provided by this utility. When you are done, generate the configuration files.
- Task 3 Configure the Network
-
Configure the existing network. This includes registering the networks in the Domain Name System (DNS), assigning IP addresses, and configuring data center switches and firewalls. Run the
bda-preinstall-checkip.sh
script and fix any errors.See Also:
- Task 4 Prepare the Site Based on Requirements
-
Prepare the site based on the requirements described earlier in this chapter, such as installing the network cables and power supplies, before the arrival of Oracle Big Data Appliance:
-
Review the safety guidelines.
-
Note problems or peculiarities at the site. For example, ensure that the doors are tall enough and wide enough for Oracle Big Data Appliance.
-
Verify that the installation site flooring has a strength rating to withstand the combined weight of Oracle Big Data Appliance and any other installed equipment.
-
Install all necessary electrical equipment, and ensure that sufficient power is provided for Oracle Big Data Appliance.
-
Ensure that the installation site provides adequate air conditioning.
-
Operate the air conditioning system for 48 hours to bring the room temperature to the appropriate level.
-
Install the network cables for Oracle Big Data Appliance.
-
Clean and vacuum the area thoroughly in preparation for installation.
See Also:
-
Sun Rack II Power Distribution Units User's Guide at
https://docs.oracle.com/cd/E19657-01/html/E23956/index.html
-