The Open Compute Project (OCP): A Deep Dive into Open-Source Data Center Innovation

Introduction

The Open Compute Project (OCP) is a collaborative initiative that is radically transforming the way data centers are designed and operated. What began in 2011 as an internal project at Facebook has evolved into a global open hardware movement, promoting openness, scalability, and efficiency across IT infrastructure.

OCP aims to "open-source" the physical hardware used in data centers—servers, storage systems, racks, power supplies, network switches, and even firmware—thereby accelerating innovation, reducing vendor lock-in, and cutting operational costs at scale.

Core Objectives of OCP

The project is guided by a few key principles:

1. Openness: All specifications are publicly available and contributed to by a community of hyperscalers, OEMs, ODMs, and academia.

2. Efficiency: Designs focus on reducing power consumption, thermal inefficiencies, and excess materials.

3. Scalability: OCP hardware is built with large-scale, automated deployments in mind.

4. Disaggregation: Modular, vendor-neutral components allow operators to mix and match parts easily.

OCP Infrastructure Stack Overview

The Open Compute Project doesn’t just focus on one part of the data center—it offers a complete, end-to-end stack. Here's a breakdown of its key components:

1. OCP Servers

OCP servers (e.g., Yosemite, Tioga Pass, Winterfell) are designed to be:

• Tool-less and hot-swappable

• Shared power, fan, and management infrastructure

• Sled-based: a compute module slides into a multi-node chassis

• Optimized for front-to-back airflow and cable management

Server designs often support multi-node configurations (e.g., 4 nodes per 2U chassis), allowing dense compute in minimal space.

2. OCP Storage Systems

Storage designs such as Knox, Lightning, and Bryce Canyon are:

• High-density JBOD and SSD systems

• Modular with hot-swap drives and controller options

• Optimized for high-throughput workloads such as object storage, AI/ML, and analytics

These systems use custom trays for quick replacement and typically avoid using dedicated RAID controllers to favor software-defined storage layers.

3. Open Networking

OCP has led the charge in disaggregated networking:

• ONIE (Open Network Install Environment): A bootloader for switches that lets users install any compatible network OS

• Open networking hardware: Designs such as Wedge, Backpack, and Minipack support high-bandwidth (25/100/400Gbps) configurations

• Supports SONiC, Cumulus, and other open network OS platforms

This breaks the traditional lock between hardware and software in networking, much like hypervisors did for compute.

4. Power & Cooling Infrastructure

Power Design

• Centralized 12V or 48V DC power via rear-mounted busbars

• Power shelves with modular AC/DC converters

• Optional Battery Backup Units (BBUs) for rack-level UPS functionality

Cooling

• Front-to-back airflow with large heatsinks and chassis fans

• Optional liquid cooling: cold plate, immersion, or rear-door heat exchangers

• Designs target ASHRAE A1–A4 compliance and warm air operation

5. Firmware & Management Stack

OCP has significantly contributed to open-source control layers:

• OpenBMC: A Linux-based firmware stack for Baseboard Management Controllers

• Open System Firmware (OSF): Enables BIOS/UEFI firmware freedom

• Redfish API: Standard for out-of-band management and telemetry

• Telemetry and Control APIs: Integrated with DCIM and automation systems

This decouples management software from OEMs and provides better control over hardware lifecycle.

The OCP Rack Architecture (Open Rack)

Unlike the traditional EIA-310 19” rack, the Open Rack Standard (now at Version 2 & 3) provides:

Feature Traditional Rack OCP Rack Width 19” 21” Height 42–45U 48OU (Open Units) Power Individual server PSUs Centralized busbar (12V or 48V DC) Cabling Rear cabling, complex Side/top cabling, organized Cooling Requires raised floors & CRAC Optimized airflow + liquid cooling ready

These racks enable shared infrastructure across sleds, easier servicing, and more efficient cooling—making them ideal for hyperscale facilities.

Deployment Models

OCP gear is often used in:

• Hyperscale Data Centers: Meta, Microsoft Azure, and Tencent use OCP at massive scale.

• Colocation Environments: Some colo providers now offer OCP-ready spaces.

• Edge Deployments: With compact OCP designs and ruggedization efforts, adoption is expanding to edge compute and telco.

Challenges in OCP Adoption

Despite its promise, adoption is not universal:

1. Physical Incompatibility: OCP racks often don’t fit legacy data centers.

2. Power Infrastructure: Requires redesign for DC power delivery.

3. Skill Gaps: Staff must learn open firmware, new hardware, and open tooling.

4. Vendor Support: Smaller vendors may not fully support OCP specs.

5. Upfront Costs: High initial investment despite lower TCO over time.

The Road Ahead

OCP is gaining traction in enterprise hybrid cloud, AI/ML infrastructure, and 5G telco networks. With the emergence of liquid cooling, open accelerators (OAI), and modular edge compute, OCP is evolving well beyond its initial scope.

Conclusion

The Open Compute Project represents a fundamental shift in infrastructure design philosophy—one that champions openness, efficiency, and innovation at scale. While it may not yet be mainstream in every enterprise, its influence is undeniable.

For organizations planning greenfield data centers, considering edge deployments, or aiming to reduce long-term costs, OCP offers a compelling and future-ready alternative.