CompTIA Security+ (SY0-501) — Question 986

Datacenter employees have been battling alarms in a datacenter that has been experiencing hotter than normal temperatures. The server racks are designed so all 48 rack units are in use, and servers are installed in any manner in which the technician can get them installed.
Which of the following practices would BEST alleviate the heat issues and keep costs low?

Answer options

• A. Utilize exhaust fans.
• B. Use hot and cold aisles.
• C. Airgap the racks.
• D. Use a secondary AC unit.

Correct answer: B

Explanation

Using hot and cold aisles is the most effective method for managing airflow, as it optimizes cooling by directing cold air to the front of the servers and hot air away from them. Exhaust fans may help, but they do not address the root cause of airflow management. Airgapping the racks is impractical and may not significantly impact temperature, while a secondary AC unit increases costs without addressing airflow patterns.