What is defined as a "hotspot" in a data center?

In the context of a data center, a "hotspot" refers to an area experiencing significantly higher temperatures compared to surrounding areas. This phenomenon often occurs due to inadequate airflow, poor cooling design, or maldistribution of heat. Hotspots can lead to overheating of equipment, which can cause performance issues, decreased reliability, and potential hardware failures.

Effective data center design focuses on mitigating hotspots through strategic placement of cooling systems, proper airflow management, and thermal monitoring. Recognizing and addressing hotspots is crucial for maintaining optimal operating conditions and ensuring the longevity and reliability of the data center's infrastructure.

The other options do not accurately define a hotspot: an area primarily used for storage or one designated for monitoring systems does not inherently relate to temperature issues, and an area with no equipment would not generate heat, thereby not being classified as a hotspot.