> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.ionos.com/cloud/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.ionos.com/cloud/~/revisions/1AlFSZBNMIBgs7fiOwFD/getting-started/basic-tutorials/configure-data-center.md).
# Configure a Data Center
This tutorial contains a detailed description of how to manually configure your IONOS Cloud infrastructure for each server via the Virtual Data Center ([VDC](https://docs.ionos.com/support/general-information/glossary-of-terms#vdc)). It comprises all the building blocks and the necessary resources required to configure, operate, and manage your products and services. You can configure and manage multiple VDCs.
{% hint style="info" %}
**Prerequisites:** You will need appropriate permissions to create a [VDC](https://docs.ionos.com/support/general-information/glossary-of-terms#vdc).
{% endhint %}
It is also possible to configure settings for each server automatically.
## Create a Dedicated Core Server
1\. Drag the **Dedicated Core** server element from the Palette into the Workspace.
2\. To configure your **Dedicated Core** server, enter the following details in the **Settings** tab of the Inspector pane:
* **Name:** Enter a server name unique to the VDC.
* **Availability Zone:** Select a zone from the drop-down list to host the [server](https://docs.ionos.com/support/general-information/glossary-of-terms#server) on the chosen zone.
* **CPU Architecture:** Choose between AMD or Intel cores.
* **Cores:** Choose the number of CPU cores.
* **RAM:** Choose any size starting from 0.25 GB to the maximum limit allotted to you. The size can be increased or reduced in steps of 0.25 GB. The maximum limit varies based on your [contract resource limits](/cloud/~/revisions/1AlFSZBNMIBgs7fiOwFD/getting-started/basic-tutorials/account-settings.md#resource-overview) and the [chosen data center](/cloud/~/revisions/1AlFSZBNMIBgs7fiOwFD/getting-started/basic-tutorials/account-settings.md#my-settings). For more information about creating a full-fledged server, see [Set Up a Dedicated Core Server](https://docs.ionos.com/cloud/compute/compute-engine/how-tos/set-up-dedicated-core#create-a-dedicated-core-server).
## Add storage to the Dedicated Core Server
1\. Drag a **Storage** element from the Palette onto a **Dedicated Core** server in the Workspace.
2\. To configure your **Storage** element, enter the following details in the Inspector pane:
* **Name:** Enter a storage name unique to the VDC.
* **Availability Zone**: Select a zone from the drop-down list to host the storage element associated with the server.
* **Size in GB:** Choose the required storage capacity.
* **Performance:** Select a value from the drop-down list based on the requirement. You can either select **Premium** or **Standard**, and the performance of your storage element varies accordingly.
* **Image:** Select an image from the drop-down list. You can select one of IONOS images or choose your own.
* **Password:** Enter a password for the chosen image on the server—a root or an administrator password.
* **Backup Unit:** Select a backup unit from the drop-down list. Click **Create Backup Unit** to instantly create a new backup unit if unavailable.
For more information about adding storage to the server, see [Block Storage Overview](https://docs.ionos.com/cloud/compute/block-storage/overview).
## Connect to the internet
1\. Drag a Network Interface Card ([NIC](https://docs.ionos.com/support/general-information/glossary-of-terms#nic)) element from the Palette into the Workspace to connect the elements.
2\. To configure your **NIC** element, enter the following details in the **Network** tab of the Inspector pane:
* **Name:** Enter a NIC name unique to this VDC.
* Media Access Control Address (**MAC**) and **Primary IPv4** addresses are added automatically.
* **LAN:** The name of the configured LAN is displayed. To select another network, select a value from the drop-down list.
* **Firewall:** It is **Disabled** by default. Select a value from the drop-down list to configure your firewall settings. For more information, see [Configure a Firewall](https://docs.ionos.com/cloud/compute/networks/how-tos/firewall).
For more information about network configuration, see [Configure a Network](https://docs.ionos.com/cloud/compute/networks/how-tos/configure-networks).
## Provision Changes
1\. Start the provisioning process by clicking **PROVISION CHANGES** in the Inspector pane.
2\. Review your changes in the **Validation** tab of the **Provision Data Center** dialog.
3\. Confirm changes by entering your password. **Resolve** conflicts without a password.
4\. When you are ready, click **Provision Now** to start provisioning resources.
The data center will now be provisioned. DCD will display a **Provisioning Complete** notification when your cloud infrastructure is ready.
{% hint style="info" %}
You may configure the MAC and IP addresses once the resource is provisioned.
{% endhint %}
## Next steps
After configuring data centers, you can specify a preferred default data center location, IP settings, and resource capacity for future VDCs. For more information about configuring VDC defaults, see [My Settings](#create-a-dedicated-core-server).
---
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