IoT-Based Monitoring for Server Rooms
IoT-Based Monitoring for Server Rooms
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All content following this page was uploaded by Iman Ashly on 11 September 2023.
Abstract— With the exponential growth of server rooms To ensure timely notifications and alerts, the system
and data centers, ensuring their optimal functioning and utilizes both visual and auditory indicators. An LED Light
protection has become a critical concern. This research and a Buzzer are employed as output devices to promptly
presents an IoT-based server room monitoring system that inform users when any monitored factor exceeds[1] its
utilizes microcontrollers and sensors to continuously monitor predefined threshold. This enables swift action to be taken
key environmental metrics, such as temperature, humidity, in response to critical events, reducing the risk of potential
and power, while also detecting potential hazards including damage to server equipment and data loss.
vibration, fire, and smoke. The system employs the NodeMCU
microcontroller, which seamlessly integrates various sensors User interaction with the IoT-based Server Room
including Smoke, Flame, AC Voltage, Temperature & Monitoring[2] System is facilitated through a mobile
Humidity, and Vibration sensors. A combination of LED application. Users are required to register and access the
lights and a buzzer is employed to promptly alert users when system through a web-based interface, which provides a
any monitored factor exceeds its predefined threshold. The convenient means to retrieve real-time information and
system offers user access through both a mobile and web control the monitoring process. By offering accessibility
application, allowing for registration and convenient retrieval through mobile devices, users[2] can stay connected and
of pertinent information. By providing real-time monitoring informed about the server room's status regardless of their
and rapid notifications, this system enhances the reliability
physical location.
and security of server rooms, enabling proactive maintenance
and timely resolution of potential issues. This research The importance of continuous monitoring and proactive
contributes to the field of IoT-based server room monitoring, maintenance of server rooms cannot be overstated. Even
addressing the growing need for efficient and robust minor disruptions or failures in these environments can have
monitoring solutions in the face of increasing data demands. significant repercussions on business operations. By
implementing the IoT-based Server Room Monitoring
Keywords— IoT, Server Room, Arduino, Monitoring System, organizations[2][3] can mitigate risks, improve
System, Environmental, Syncfusion Flutter, Google IoT Cloud.
reliability, and ensure the smooth operation of their server
infrastructure. This research contributes to the field by
I. INTRODUCTION presenting an effective and comprehensive solution for
This research introduces an IoT-based Server Room server room monitoring, addressing the growing need for
Monitoring System that utilizes microcontrollers and robust monitoring systems in today's technology-driven
sensors to enable real-time monitoring[1] of essential metrics landscape.[3]
and timely detection of potential hazards. The system is
designed to efficiently operate and protect server rooms, II. BACKGROUND
addressing the increasing demand for data storage and
processing. It also includes a user-friendly mobile A. Problem Statement
application interface for easy access and control. The absence of adequate real-time monitoring
The IoT-based Server Room Monitoring System is functionalities[4] presents notable obstacles in extant server
designed to monitor key server metrics such as temperature, room monitoring systems, resulting in possible performance
humidity, and power consumption. Additionally, it impediments and an increased likelihood of equipment
incorporates sensors to detect and alert users about potential malfunction or data loss. These systems fail to promptly
risks including vibration, fire, and smoke.[1] By employing detect and alert users about critical hazards such as fire,
the ESP-32 microcontroller, the system enables seamless smoke, and excessive environmental conditions, leaving
connectivity and integration of multiple sensors, server rooms susceptible to damage and disruption. In
simplifying the monitoring process. The sensors used in the addition, the restricted availability of access and deficient
system include the Smoke Sensor, Flame Sensor, AC user interface functionalities pose a significant obstacle to
Voltage Sensor, Temperature and Humidity Sensor, and efficient supervision and regulation, thereby obstructing
Vibration Sensor, which collectively gather data on users' capacity to obtain crucial data and react promptly to
environmental conditions within the server room. potential concerns.[5] Addressing these shortcomings is
essential to enhancing the reliability and security of server
rooms in the face of escalating data demands.
B. Proposed Solution gather accurate and reliable data, allowing users to
The proposed solution is to develop an IoT-based Server have instant access to the environmental
Room Monitoring System that offers comprehensive and conditions within the server room.
real-time monitoring of server metrics and timely detection 2. Historical Data Analysis: Implement a data
of potential hazards.[5] The system will provide a user- logging feature to capture and record temperature
friendly interface accessible through both mobile and web and humidity measurements periodically. This
applications, ensuring convenient access, data retrieval, and data will be stored for subsequent analysis and
control for users. [5][6] graphing, providing insights into long-term trends
The key components and features of the solution include: and patterns. The system will enable users to view
graphical representations of temperature and
humidity variations over time,[9] facilitating
• IoT-Based Architecture: The proposed solution informed decision-making and proactive
utilizes an IoT-based architecture, integrating maintenance.
microcontrollers and sensors for data collection on
critical server metrics. 3. Smoke Detection: Integrate a smoke detection
mechanism into the system to identify the presence
• Sensor Integration: Various sensors, including of smoke or potential fire hazards within the server
Smoke, Flame, AC Voltage, Temperature & room. The system will employ sensors specifically
Humidity, and Vibration sensors, are integrated designed to detect smoke particles,[10] triggering
into the system to enable comprehensive immediate alerts to notify users of any potential
monitoring of environmental conditions and dangers and allowing for swift response measures
hazard detection within the server room. to prevent damage to server equipment and critical
data.
• Real-Time Monitoring: The system offers real-
time monitoring of server metrics, ensuring 4. Power Fluctuation Monitoring: Implement
prompt detection of fluctuations or abnormalities. functionality to monitor power fluctuations within
Users can access and monitor the server room's the server room. By utilizing appropriate sensors,
status in real-time through mobile and web the system will detect variations in the power
applications. supply and promptly notify users in the event of
irregularities. This feature will enable proactive
• Hazard Detection and Alert System: An intelligent measures to prevent power-related issues and
hazard detection system analyzes sensor data in ensure stable and uninterrupted operation of the
real-time, triggering immediate alerts through server room.
LED lights and a buzzer when fire, smoke, or
excessive environmental conditions are detected. 5. Data Utilization for Analysis and Graphing:
This enables users to quickly address issues and Develop mechanisms to store and organize the
prevent further damage. collected data in a structured manner, facilitating
subsequent analysis and graphing.[9][10] The system
• User-Friendly Interface: The mobile and web will allow users to access historical data, enabling
applications provide a user-friendly interface for them to identify patterns, anomalies, and
easy registration, data retrieval, and control of the correlations. Graphical representations of
monitoring system. Users can set threshold limits, measurements will aid in visualizing trends and
receive notifications, and access historical data for identifying potential issues, leading to informed
analysis and troubleshooting purposes. decision-making and proactive maintenance
• Remote Accessibility: The solution allows users to strategies.
remotely access the server room monitoring
system through mobile and web applications,
ensuring monitoring and alert reception even when
IV. SYSTEM ARCHITECTURE
users are not physically present.
• Data Logging and Analysis: The system includes a
data logging feature that captures and stores
historical data. This enables trend analysis,
anomaly detection,[7] and long-term performance
monitoring, providing insights into server room
conditions and facilitating the identification of
potential issues.[8]
III. OBJECTIVES
Figure 1 - System Architecture Diagram
1. Real-Time Temperature and Humidity
Monitoring: Develop a system that can This Server Room Monitoring System employs a
continuously monitor and display the current combination of input and output devices to facilitate its
temperature and humidity levels in the server functionality. The input devices utilized in the system
room. The system will use appropriate sensors to include sensors such as the MQ2 Smoke Sensor, Fire
Sensor, Vibration Sensor, AC Voltage Sensor, and DHT22 ▪ The voltage sensor's input pin is connected to D35
Sensor, which are responsible for gathering data. These of the NodeMCU.
sensors are connected to the ESP-32 NodeMCU through the ▪ A DC Jack is connected to the battery charger,
Arduino Code. The collected data from the NodeMCU is along with an LED light that functions while
then transmitted to the Google IoT Cloud via Wi-Fi charging.
connection. Additionally, the data is stored in the Firebase
database, facilitating data exchange between the server and To ensure continuous operation during power failures, a
Firebase. battery is incorporated into the system. The battery is
connected to the battery charger, where the charger's output
To access the data, users can utilize either a PC or a (OT) is connected to the IN pin of the Booster Module. The
mobile phone. The data can be accessed through a web Booster Module then provides a stable 5V output, which is
application when connected to a PC, or through a mobile connected to the NodeMCU’ s Vin pin. However, the
application when using a mobile phone. In both cases, the NodeMCU operates on 3.3V, so the 5V output is reduced
data needs to be hosted on the server. Furthermore, the accordingly. Each sensor receives the required 3.3V output
system includes output devices, namely the Buzzer and from the NodeMCU. For both DC and AC power supply, a
LED Light. These devices are connected to the system via two-core wire is directly plugged into the system. A booster
the NodeMCU and provide visual and audible alerts. The module is employed to maintain a stable current and provide
LED lights are designed with three colors, namely Red (R), the necessary 5V. The LED light used for the battery charger
Green (G), and Blue (B), to indicate different status has a red and blue color.
conditions.
A. Hardware Development
1) Arduino Programming DHT and EmonLib are the two main libraries used in
this project. The DHT library is primarily used to measure
In this system, a mobile application and a web temperature and relative humidity. In the Arduino IDE, the
application have been developed alongside an Arduino- code begins by including the DHT library and defining the
based IoT project. The Arduino code is created using the pin connected to the DHT sensor. The sensor type, in this
Arduino IDE, starting with the inclusion of necessary case, is DHT22. The DHT object is then initialized with the
libraries and expanding the code from there. The operations previously defined pin and type. The serial monitor is
of all the sensors used in the project are implemented within started at a baud rate of 9600 in the setup() function for
this code. The system's functionality is executed from the debugging purposes.
void loop() function. Each specific measurement is treated
as an instance variable, and a corresponding function is The DHT sensor is initialized with the begin() function,
created for it. To ensure efficient code organization, these which requires a delay for the sensor to provide accurate
functions are called from within the void loop() function. readings. In this case, the delay for the DHT22 sensor is set
Let's take vibration measurement as an example. to two seconds in the loop(). The temperature and humidity
readings are obtained using the readHumidity() and
To measure vibration, the following code is used inside readTemperature() methods, respectively. These values are
the void loop() function: long measurement = stored as floats.
vibration(). Within the vibration() function, the actual
measurement is performed using long measurement = To obtain the temperature value in Fahrenheit, the code
pulseIn(vs, HIGH). This function utilizes the pulseIn can use the formula float f = [Link](true).
function to detect the vibration state. Here, vs represents the The DHT library provides functions for temperature
pin used for vibration detection. By using pulseIn, the calculations in both Fahrenheit and Celsius. Finally, all the
length of the pulse in both high and low states can be readings are displayed on the serial monitor.
determined, as a long value is used to store the result.
Another library used in this project is EmonLib, which
The function for fire detection can be represented as is used for energy measurement, specifically for voltage.
follows: bool measurementF = fire(). This function As DC voltage is not measured in this server room, the
utilizes the digitalRead function to determine whether a EmonLib library is chosen for its reliability. The voltage
fire has occurred. The value of measurementF is not value is given as Vrms in the EmonLib.
indicative of the fire itself, but rather whether a fire has
been detected or not. Since a boolean value can only be Additionally, the code includes a heat index library to
either 1 or 0, it provides a binary representation of the fire calculate the heat index, which provides an indication of
status. comfort in the environment. The heat index calculation
takes into account humidity and temperature along with the
For the smoke sensor, the analogRead function is used. system's measurements.
A threshold value is set to determine whether smoke has
been detected. The voltage range accepted by the system
lies between 195 and 264, and a corresponding function has 3) Application Development
been provided to check if the measured voltage falls within
this acceptable range.
[Link]
Time
In conclusion, the project has effectively fulfilled its
Average of Humidity objectives by successfully developing a fully functional
Average of Temperature
Internet of Things (IoT)[15][16] device that presents
considerable value within the industry. The project was
completed within the designated time frame, demonstrating
Chart 1 – Humidity and Temperature Analysis proficient project management and execution.
Humidity and Temperature: Throughout the dataset, An outstanding accomplishment of this endeavor lies in
the humidity remains relatively constant at around 97% to the creation of a user-friendly web application and mobile
99% with occasional variations, while the temperature application, which provide a convenient and intuitive
remains constant at around 30.2°C to 32.8°C with minor interface for users to monitor and control the various
fluctuations. This suggests a stable environment with functionalities of the IoT device. The integration of the
consistent humidity and temperature levels. Flutter framework with the Dart programming language,
coupled with the utilization of graphical charts and gauges
from the Syncfusion package, has significantly contributed
Voltage Time Graph to the development of visually appealing and interactive
user interfaces.
300
By employing a range of sensors, including the MQ-2
250 Smoke Sensor, ZMPT101B Sensor, DHT22 Sensor, IR
Flame Detector Module, SW-420 Vibration Sensor, and
200
Voltage Value
ID Number
meticulously executed, ensuring the selection of appropriate
components, correct wiring, and efficient power
management. The incorporation of a 3200mAh 3.7V 18650
Voltage
Battery, MT3608 Mini DC-DC Step-Up/Boost Module, and
TP4056 Lithium Battery Charger guarantees reliable and
Chart 2 – Voltage Analysis with Time uninterrupted operation of the IoT device.
A notable feature of the system is its ability to [8]. DHT11/DHT22 Sensor with Arduino | Random
periodically record data, allowing for the accumulation of Nerd Tutorials (2019) Random Nerd Tutorials.
valuable measurements over time. This recorded data can be Available at:
utilized for subsequent analysis and graphing, enabling [Link]
stakeholders to gain insights into the environmental for-dht11dht22-humidity-and-temperature-sensor-
conditions of the server room and make informed decisions with-arduino/.
based on the derived findings.
[9]. Joharji, G., 2016. Linkedin. [Online]
Available at:
[Link]
IX. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS problems-server-rooms-ghareed-
joharji/?articleId=6215116366253424640
I would like to express my deepest appreciation to my
project supervisor, Mr. Iman Ashly, for his invaluable [10]. Latif, M. U. M., Hossain, M. M., & Ali, M. A.
guidance and unwavering support throughout the (2019). Design and implementation of an IoT-
completion of this project. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to based server room temperature monitoring
NSBM Green University for granting me this incredible system. In 2019 2nd International Conference on
opportunity. Advances in Science, Engineering and Robotics
Technology (ICASERT) (pp. 23-26). IEEE.
[Link]
[11]. Ullah, R., Khan, M. A., Khan, A. U. R., & Ali,
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