Discovering Data Centers

An animated video series about the innovation behind Google data centers.

Get a behind-the-scenes look at the technological intricacies that ensure Google data centers work globally and at massive scale. We peel back the layers that make data centers so fascinating, including design, technology, operations, and sustainability.

Watch
season 1
  • season 1
  • season 2
  • Find out what a data center is and how it’s now built for the cloud.

    EPISODE 1

    What is a data center?

    In our first episode, we cover what a data center is, how it has changed, and how it’s now built for the cloud.

  • From computing to cooling, we walk you through the different layers of a data center’s infrastructure and how they work together.

    EPISODE 2

    How does Google design its data centers?

    From computing to cooling, we walk you through the different layers of a data center’s infrastructure and how they work together.

  • Check out how performance, availability, and security are implemented in Google’s data center infrastructure.

    EPISODE 3

    What are the core principles behind Google data centers?

    In this episode, we demonstrate how performance, availability, and security are implemented in Google’s data center infrastructure.

  • We guide you through the six layers of security that protect Google’s data centers.

    EPISODE 4

    How does Google secure its data centers?

    From fences to biometric scanners and testing attempts, we show you how security is in our DNA when it comes to protecting sensitive data.

  • Learn about the criteria that make a location a good candidate for a Google data center.

    EPISODE 5

    How does Google select a data center location?

    From securing to designing, learn what criteria make a location viable for a Google data center.

  • Learn how data is stored at Google data centers, and how we make storage accessible and scalable across our global fleet of machines.

    EPISODE 1

    How does storage work across Google data centers?

    Learn how data is stored at Google data centers, and how we make storage accessible and scalable across our global fleet of machines.

  • Learn how Google encrypts your data in the cloud, and about the public encryption standards we use to protect you.

    EPISODE 2

    How does encryption work at Google’s data centers?

    Learn how Google encrypts your data in the cloud, and about the public encryption standards we use to protect you.

  • Discover how Google builds its vast network infrastructure to manage the world’s web traffic at scale with minimal disruptions.

    EPISODE 3

    How does networking work across Google’s data centers?

    Discover how Google builds its vast network infrastructure to manage the world’s web traffic at scale with minimal disruptions.

  • Explore how Google’s data centers are powered sustainably, especially in a world confronting the threat of climate change.

    EPISODE 4

    How are data centers powered sustainably?

    Explore how Google’s data centers are powered sustainably, especially in a world confronting the threat of climate change.