In discussing the growing popularity of data centres and their demands, George Ashwin from AddOn Networks shares the solutions supporting data centres
According to IoT Analytics, there will be approximately 18.8 billion connected devices worldwide before the end of 2024. Across the world, concepts previously considered novel – such as connected cars, voice assistant devices and wearable technology – have not only come to fruition, but have even become commonplace.
These technologies are changing the way society operates for the better, yet they have also had the knock-on effect of creating a number of new pathways into data centres and placing a significant strain on infrastructure. The more devices we create and use, the more data these facilities must store, process and analyse. In fact, only 1% of engineers believe that their current facilities are suitably prepared for this ever-increasing wave of data. Ongoing digitalisation has led to a transformation of enterprise data centres, and new solutions are now required.
Overcoming current challenges
It should come as no surprise that infrastructure upgrades are inevitable. The need for faster processing, larger data storage and additional bandwidth to handle such a massive volume of data has become unbearable for operators.
While there is a misconception that IoT is yesterday’s news, operators across the board continue to experience a range of problems relating to the use of connected devices across sectors. Storage limitations, both physical and digital, have quickly become an issue as traffic increases. Many of these facilities also rely on outdated devices offering low optical signal transmission rates for the main networks, which are totally unsuitable for the demands of today. The interoperability of networks has always been a problem for operators too, but this issue has only been exacerbated by the rise of IoT.
There’s also the question of sustainability: electric demand for data centres supporting AI represents about 4% of all US electric consumption, while Goldman Sachs expects data centre power demand to grow 160% worldwide by 2030. As a result, these facilities are now generating a lot of heat, so managing this effectively is essential too.
The new age of data centre solutions
Thankfully, in recent years we have begun to see a rollout of innovative new products from third-party suppliers such as AddOn Networks. Concerns regarding space limitations can be addressed through the use of the latest, high-density transceivers which provide more ports within existing data centre infrastructure to handle the growing number of data pathways.
Compatible optical suppliers now offer both 400G and 800G optical components – as well as direct attach cables (DACs) – which offer high data rates and low latency. By incorporating these within existing networks, operators can both increase speed and density, while reducing the overall energy consumption of the facility. These solutions are much more efficient than those previously used in data centres, leading to cost savings and greener operations – a key benefit in an age where sustainability is crucial. Heat and power management concerns are now being addressed, with these solutions key to managing the energy consumption of data centres using IoT within operations.
Many of these solutions also incorporate extended wavelength-division multiplexing (xWDM) capabilities. A function that sends multiple data signals over a single optical fibre via different wavelengths of light, it can be used to increase the bandwidth of fibre-optic networks. Using xWDM within data centres provides a cost-effective solution when expanding the digital storage facilities of a network.
Dual Channel Small Form-factor Pluggable (DSFP) modules have also grown in popularity, owing to their cost-effective, highly dense nature. These components deliver optimal signal integrity at high-speeds, and can offer the high band potential required to support emerging technologies and concepts.
Embracing AI
These technologies include the latest AI/ML tools, which have become increasingly embraced by operators due to the enhanced speeds and low latency they offer. They can be used to monitor elements such as power and heat, and use the data to deliver precise analytics and greater automation, all leading to informed decision-making. You can see why 57% of data centre owners advised they would trust an AI model to drive operational decisions.
Rather than viewing AI as a threat or a strain on data centres, operators are seeing the concept as a unique opportunity for large-scale enhancements and optimisation of networks. For example, it can be used to handle small data flows with ease. The latest optical transceivers are crucial in supporting these use cases. Modern transceivers have been designed to enhance the handling and processing of bandwidth-intensive flows when migrating from Central Processing Unit (CPU) based architecture towards parallel data flow in the Graphics Processing Unit (GPU). As a result, operators can leverage AI in order to overcome the demands generated by IoT technologies.
The need for interoperability
Of course, the data centre sector is a cost-intensive one. Operators may want the latest technologies, but extensive overhauls to infrastructure in order to use IoT technologies are both expensive and exhaustive. Thankfully, third-party solutions like the transceivers mentioned actually come at a fraction of those offered by Network Equipment Manufacturers (NEMs), despite offering similar or even enhanced functionalities.
Third-party optics are helping to break down proprietary networks in order to support the growing use of IoT across a number of sectors. No longer are operators tied to the same NEM when it comes to their data centre components, even if more suitable optics are available from elsewhere; third-party suppliers have brought greater choice to the market.
Many of these suppliers offer in-house programming and testing, often in state-of-the-art laboratory facilities. Once NEMs launch their latest products, these suppliers carry out analysis on these switches and other components to ensure its products remain compatible and offer the highest levels of performance. Optics are then tested in the NEM environment to ensure they work as required. Buying components which have undergone this process frees up vital resources for operators, while giving them peace of mind that they are suitable for their requirements.
These interoperable solutions can offer a greater maximum reach and suitable data rates to handle the IoT-generated network traffic. Simply put, they are often cheaper, more effective and will not void any service contract or warranty in place with a NEM.
Creating data centres for tomorrow
Suppliers like AddOn Networks are now offering advanced upgrades through transceivers to allow data centres to appropriately scale when required. These innovative solutions are helping operators overcome the demands placed on their infrastructure, alongside low power devices which help to save their enterprises from unnecessary costs from environmental controls.
As more data centres turn to the latest third-party optics, they can feel safe in the knowledge they can meet the demands of today and tomorrow, using the latest IoT developments to achieve optimal, future-proofed operations.
George Ashwin currently serves as the UK Channel Director for AddOn Networks since 2022, having held various roles within the company since he joined in 2018.
Author: George Ashwin, UK Channel Director, AddOn Networks
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