In this article we are going to cover Google Cloud Platform Regions and Zones Explained and How Many Data Centres Does Google Cloud Have.
Table of Contents
Introduction to Google Cloud Platform (GCP)
Google Cloud Platform (GCP), the cloud computing service of Alphabet Inc, provides compute, storage, and networking services through its data centers in over 20 countries and 35 locations around the world. Growth in Google Cloud regions and the company’s core products and platforms, such as Gmail, Google Drive, Google Maps, Google Photos, Google Play, Search, and YouTube, are fueling the company’s need for more data center capacity.
What are Regions and Zones in Google Cloud Platform ?
A region is a specific geographical location where you can run your resources. Each region is subdivided into several zones. For example, the asia-south1 (Mumbai) region in the asia pacific has zones asia-south1-a , asia-south1-b and asia-south1-c.
Why do we need Google Cloud Platform Regions and Zones ?
Let’s takes simple example.
Example #1: Single Data Centre
Scenario: Consider your application is deployed in a data center in asia south1 (Mumbai) in asia pacific region.
First challenge is that after deploying the application at Asia pacific region (Asia south1 Mumbai), users from other parts of the world could experience some level of slowness (High Latency). Second one is that if data center crashes in Asia south1 Mumbai application will go down (Low Availability).
Let’s discuss how to overcome (low availability) above challenges with the help of another example.
Example #2: Multiple Data Centres in Asia pacific region in Google Cloud
Let’s add in one more data center in asia pacific region.
First challenge is that after deploying the application at Asia pacific region (Asia south1 Mumbai) in multiple data center, users from other parts of the world could experience some level of slowness. Second one is that if one data center crashes in Asia south1 Mumbai application then your application is still available from the other data center. Third challenge is if the entire regionof Asia pacific region (Asia south1 Mumbai) is unavailable then your application goes down.
What if entire region goes unavailable? In that case, we can improve same architecture setup in different regions in example third.
Example #3: Multiple Regions in Google Cloud Platform
Let’s add a new region: Europe
First challenge is that after deploying the application at multiple regions, users from other parts of the world could experience some level of slowness, this will solve in other region. Second one is that if one data center crashes in multiple regions application then your application is still available from the other data center. Third challenge is if the entire regionof Asia pacific region (Asia south1 Mumbai) is unavailable then your application is served from Europe region.
But setting-up data centers in multiple regions is not an easy task. Therefore, we can utilise cloud providers help to do this in cost effective and easy way.
We have covered Google Cloud Platform Regions and Zones.
How Many Data Centres Does Google Cloud Have ?
Google Cloud currently has 35 regions in operation and a further 9 under development, meaning that the company will have a totalof 44 regions available by the end of 2024. Within each Google Cloud region are 3 to 4 deployment areas that map to clusters of data centers with distinct physical infrastructure (i.e., power, cooling, and networking), known by Google as zones, and commonly referred to by other cloud service providers as availability zones.
You can choose the right region(s) for your application based on:
- Where are your users located?
- Where is your data located?
- Regulatory and security compliance needs
Availability Zones in Google Cloud Platform
Availability Zones are isolated locations in a Region.
Each AWS Region has at least three Availability Zones.
Availability Zones increase the availability of applications in the same region.
Conclusion:
There are three main advantages from GCP regions and zones.
- GCP has multiple regions around the world and it helps to make application high available.
- Helps to achieve low latency and serve the users form the nearest location.
- Adhere to government regulations. Different countries have different data policies.
We have covered Google Cloud Platform Regions and Zones Explained and How Many Data Centres Does Google Cloud Have.
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