Research

Tier Standard: Data Center Site Infrastructure Topology

The Uptime Institute Standard provides an objective basis for comparing data center site infrastructure topology in terms of functionality, capacity, and expected operational availability. The document defines four Tier levels (I–IV), their required outcomes and validating tests, and explains the practical implications of electrical, mechanical, and distribution-system choices. The assessment applies to the site as a whole, rather than to individual subsystems or IT architecture across multiple sites.