DCNN Summer 2023

DCNN is the total solution at the heart of the data centre industry

WHAT’S INSIDE

ENCLOSURES, CABINETS & RACKS

COLOCATION

CABLE MANAGEMENT & LABELLING SUMMER 2023

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INTRODUCTION

SUMMER 2023

INTRODUCTION Hello and welcome to the Summer issue of DCNN. We are happy to introduce our new Assistant Editor, Isha Jain, who makes a great addition to the DCNN team. Isha is a recent graduate with experience in the publishing industry and can be contacted at isha@allthingsmedialtd.com.

There’s a lot going on in this issue! In our Interview, I speak to Michael Winterson, Chair of the European Data Centre Association (EUDCA) about the work of the EUDCA and his career so far.

In our Enclosures, Cabinets & Racks feature, nVent explains that the perceptions of limitations in data centres may not be as they first appear; Server Room Environments looks at the points to consider when buying a server rack; and a case study from Vertiv discusses the Colovore data centre.

In Colocation, Virtus writes on why colocation makes even more sense now; atNorth talks about location as the defining factor of colocation; and Verne looks at the benefits of colocation.

Our Cable Management & Labelling feature brings you articles from Atkore Unistrut on the benefits of off-site modular construction for aisle containment and cable management systems; RMS Cable Management explains how cable management solutions are helping to meet quality, schedule and cost targets; and Prysmian Group looks at how current and future PON requires the full optical spectrum.

In addition to all of these features, this issue also includes the latest news and product releases.

Don’t forget to subscribe to the DCNN newsletter to have the latest news delivered straight to your inbox, and please get in touch with me at carly@allthingsmedialtd.com if you would like to contribute to a future issue.

I hope you enjoy the issue – see you in the autumn!

Carly Wills Editor

CONTACT US EDITOR: CARLY WILLS T: 01634 673163 E: carly@allthingsmedialtd.com

STUDIO: MARK WELLER T: 01634 673163 E: mark@allthingsmedialtd.com

ASSISTANT EDITOR: ISHA JAIN T: 01634 673163 E: isha@allthingsmedialtd.com

MANAGING DIRECTOR: DAVID KITCHENER T: 01634 673163 E: david@allthingsmedialtd.com

GROUP ADVERTISEMENT MANAGER: KELLY BYNE T: 01634 673163 E: kelly@allthingsmedialtd.com

ACCOUNTS T: 01634 673163 E: susan@allthingsmedialtd.com

SALES DIRECTOR: IAN KITCHENER T: 01634 673163 E: ian@allthingsmedialtd.com

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Published monthly by All Things Media Ltd., Suite 14, 6-8 Revenge Road, Lordswood, Kent ME5 8UD. Tel: 01634 673163 Fax: 01634 673173

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CONTENTS

CONTENTS REGULARS

3

Introduction

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Industry News

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Interview

Carly Wills talks to Michael Winterson, Chair of the EUDCA

32 Advertisement Feature

ENCLOSURES, CABINETS & RACKS

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Space, power and racks: What’s really limiting data centre capacity?

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Buying a server rack for your IT installation

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Colovore provides customers with rack capacities up to 50KW

‘SOC it 2 them’: Simplify compliance with the right physical security systems

48 Products

NEXT

SUMM Cloud Computing & Storage

Energy M

ISSUE

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SUMMER 2023

COLOCATION

CABLE MANAGEMENT & LABELLING

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Why colocation makes even more sense now

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Streamlining data centre construction with off-site modular solutions

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The defining factor for colocation: Location, location, location

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Attention to detail

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Current and future PON requires the full optical spectrum

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Structured cabling is the key to optimising data centre white space

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Future-proofing the data centre industry: The benefits of colocation

MER 2023 To get involved, contact:

Management

Testing & Test Equipment

Kelly Byne kelly@allthingsmedialtd.com 01634 673163 Carly Wills carly@allthingsmedialtd.com 01634 673163

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INDUSTRY NEWS

CIRION STRENGTHENS WITH NEW DATA CENTRE FACILITY IN PERU

Cirion has announced that it has started construction on a new 12,000m², 20MW carrier-neutral data centre in the industrial district of Macropolis in Lurín, Peru.

The new data centre is expected to open in the first quarter of 2025 and will be well-equipped to meet the needs of hyperscale cloud service providers,

carriers, content providers, and enterprises that require scalable infrastructure. The facility will have access to a business-friendly environment, renewable energy, diverse metro and long-haul connectivity to major cities and tech hubs in the region, and proximity to international subsea cable networks to facilitate minimal latency between Latin America and other regions.

In line with the company’s Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) strategy, and its commitment to technological innovation, the new facility will be one of the energy efficient data centres in the region, with PUE (Power Usage Effectiveness).

Cirion, ciriontechnologies.com

ATNORTH OPENS SIXTH DATA CENTRE IN THE NORDICS atNorth has formally announced that its third Iceland data centre, ICE03, is now fully operational with an initial capacity of 10MW, following a swift 11 month build. This brings its total number of operational data centres up to six, with one additional site, FIN02, in Finland under construction.

The new site is a milestone in the company’s overarching goal to scale ahead of increasing demand for high-performance computing requirements at a time when cost-efficient sustainable infrastructure is in more demand than ever.

The ICE03 site offers expansions possibilities of up to 50MW and is located 250km north of Reykjavík, where other data centres are predominantly located.

This geographical separation offers advantage in terms of disaster recovery and enhanced security.

By diversifying the location of its data centres, atNorth reinforces its commitment to ensuring a high level of data protection and business continuity for its clients. atNorth, atnorth.com

CONSOLE CONNECT AND MACQUARIE DATA CENTRES ADD NEW POP IN SYDNEY

The Console Connect Network-as-a-Service (NaaS) platform is now available at the Macquarie Data Centres campus in Macquarie Park, Sydney.

The new data centre location is Console Connect’s fourth Point of Presence (PoP) in Sydney, a strategic

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choice, given the growing relevance of Macquarie Park as a hub of technological innovation in Sydney.

The new PoP gives Macquarie Data Centres customers a fast and seamless way to extend their digital ecosystem by privately connecting to the world’s largest clouds, SaaS platforms and a network of over 900 data centres globally. This includes dedicated and on-demand connections to hyperscalers such as AWS, Google Cloud, Cloudflare, Salesforce, Microsoft Azure, IBM Cloud and more.

Through a single Access Port at the Macquarie Park Data Centre campus, businesses can access Console Connect’s full range of on-demand connectivity services.

Console Connect, consoleconnect.com

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NETAPP REPORT HIGHLIGHTS THE SHIFTING DEMANDS OF A MULTI CLOUD ENVIRONMENT NetApp has released its 2023 Cloud Complexity Report, a global survey exploring how technology decision-makers are navigating cloud requirements coming from digital transformation and AI initiatives and the complexity of multi cloud environments.

The report found that 98% of senior IT leaders have been impacted by increasing cloud complexity in some capacity, potentially leading to poor IT performance, loss in revenue and barriers to business growth.

Key findings from the report include that 88% of tech executives are citing working across cloud environments as a barrier; return on investment (ROI) is a concern among leadership; and over a third (37%) of tech executives report that half or

more of their cloud deployments will be supported

by AI-driven applications.

NetApp, netapp.com

KOHLER ANNOUNCES NEW EFFICIENCY WHITE PAPER FOR DATA CENTRES

Data centre managers and users looking to find out more about energy efficiency can now download a free white paper produced by Kohler Uninterruptible Power.

The white paper has been created to give an overview of the considerations that factor into a data centre improving and reducing its Power Usage Effectiveness (PUE).

Newer, larger data centres tend to be more efficient, but there is still a need for older data centres to be aware of the changes they can make that will influence their critical power support and their energy efficiency as they replace legacy systems.

The white paper is full of information about how newer modular systems can improve a data centre’s efficiency, some information on best practices, what is meant by managing the load, and ensuring that critical power is covered. The report was created due to inconsistency in material that references different modes, particularly with reference to energy efficiency.

Kohler Uninterruptible Power (KUP), kohler-ups.co.uk

UTC HEATHROW ANNOUNCES EDUCATIONAL PARTNERSHIP WITH VERTIV UTC Heathrow has announced a partnership with Vertiv, which will see its people working alongside the UTC to deliver a co-teach programme of learning based on the data centre sector.

Developed in collaboration with leading data centre industry organisations, the Digital Futures Programme is a first for any UK school. The programme, which contributes to a BTEC Level 3 National Diploma/Extended Diplomas in Engineering (NQF), allows students to gain the essential knowledge and skills needed to thrive in technical careers within the data centre sector.

This sector is currently experiencing booming growth, but is facing an ongoing skills shortage. The Digital Futures Programme, now in its second year, is

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helping to future-proof the industry by inspiring a new generation to join it and enjoy a rewarding career.

Several Vertiv engineers with training backgrounds and extensive industry experience will be teaching students useful skills in electrical and mechanical engineering, IT, networking and problem-solving.

UTC Heathrow, heathrow-utc.org

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INTERVIEW

SEE THE LONG GAME AND PLAY IT Carly Wills talks to Michael Winterson, Chair of the European Data Centre Association (EUDCA) and Managing Director at Equinix Services, about the work of the EUDCA and his career so far.

CW: Tell us about yourself and how you got into the sector.

MW: Now we are going back in time! One of the founders of IXEurope is someone I had launched two other start-ups with. I joined IXEurope in Q4, 1999. We had studied extensively, the business models of Exodus (now gone) and Equinix (now our owner). I have always enjoyed the vision and change that start-ups bring to markets, even if the changes come from within larger businesses.

Think how much iPhone, Google Maps and AWS have changed technology consumption. Getting involved in a data centre start-up was right up my alley.

CW: For those who may not know, can you give us an overview of the work that the European Data Centre Association does?

MW: Broadly the European Data Centre Association’s (EUDCA) purpose is to represent,

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promote and develop the European data centre industry. More specifically, over the past few years, this has been through direct advocacy within Brussels, as the EU moves to regulate us and our efficiency. One key element of that was to found the Climate Neutral Data Center Pact with another association - CISPE. This group of technology companies will help define the key targets for climate neutrality by 2030.

CW: Tell us about your current role what are you responsible for and what does a normal working day consist of?

MW: Well, the EUDCA still is pro-bono. All of the board have day jobs in companies like Digital Realty, Schneider Electric, CyrusOne and Arups.

However, the chair position is busy overseeing all of our work. We run a policy committee, a technical committee and coordinate with national trade associations. A lot of time goes into managing the Pact as well as the day-to-day work of the EUDCA.

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To put into perspective how busy this is, we have been involved in over 75 consultations in the past two years and are currently heavily involved in shaping the Energy Efficiency Directive. Besides that, there are lots of calls, meetings and commenting on proposals.

CW: What are the best things about your role? What are the most challenging?

MW: Working in collaboration with my competition around the issue of sustainability has been a real eye opener. We normally compete, but on this industry issue we are all fully aligned. Plus, we really enjoy each other’s company. That has been such a benefit to this work.

I am also surprised at how the whole industry, clouds, OEMs, chipmakers, networks and data centre operators have all pulled together within the pact, even if I am personally frustrated when vested interests sometimes weigh in on such a universal topic as sustainability.

CW: How do you see the data centre industry developing over the next few years?

MW: Efficiency and sustainability regulations will force all of us to invest into systems to use less resources to achieve more business. This will be the biggest change driver.

However, some other things coming include more dense chip configurations in servers, so higher density racks will continue and we will soon hit a point where the natural move to liquid cooling will take off.

CW: What makes a great data centre?

MW: Great people do. We must always remember that we are a service business and our customers entrust us with important technology. So, let’s ensure our service delivery is unparalleled, and that we deserve that customer trust.

CW: How has COVID-19 affected the industry? What are the positives to come from the pandemic?

MW: The pandemic has proven to so many companies how technology can be used to fix and adjust physical businesses quickly and cost effectively. Platitudes like ‘digital transformation’ and ‘cloud first’ have become real, actual, critical, and fully funded as businesses have used technology to truly grow and transform.

CW: Aside from COVID-19, what have been the biggest changes across the industry in recent times? What will be the biggest changes in the future?

MW: Sustainability is going to fundamentally change how data centres are built and operated. When we start looking at managing carbon, energy efficiency, water, electronics, heat reuse, GWP and PFAS chemicals, smart and renewable grids - you get the picture.

Today’s data centres will change quickly now, we will have to build and operate differently, and we will have to retrofit our current estate.

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INTERVIEW

CW: What’s next for you and for the European Data Centre Association?

MW: Me, personally? After 23 years in this industry, I can’t see myself moving into a new one.

I think the European Data Centre Association will continue to focus on EU advocacy. It will mature in two ways - working closer with other national trade associations as various European issues turn into national law; and looking at some of the operational impacts that regulations will create.

For example, heat reuse is becoming a big topic, there are pros and cons that vary by geography, and we need to engage the market on the topic with maturity and respect.

CW: Do you have any career advice for anyone starting out in the industry?

MW: Specifically for our industry in Europe, be aware of a headwind and a tailwind.

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The headwind that will impact us is the issue of negative public perception. It does not matter what the facts are, public perception is an emotional issue and citizens’ emotions drive journalism and elected politicians.

These differ by geography, and we owe it show how data centres support so many digital services in each of our markets phones, streaming, communication, and general economic benefits like e-commerce, e-finance, e-health, e-logistics, and e-government.

The tailwind is the ‘twin transition’ - this is EU speak for the push to both green and digitise the European economy. This transition will drive continued digital growth faster than economic growth. All this digital growth will need to live somewhere and that is most likely a data centre.

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CW: What are you most proud of in your career so far?

MW: I have held 11 different positions inside of Equinix over the past 23 years, held two board positions at the EUDCA, and helped found and drive the Climate Neutral Data Center Pact. In that, the pride I have is two-fold. In choosing to build my career in one company instead of moving around, this longevity has given me perspective and helped Equinix. I can see the long game and play it. However, I am now mentoring the next generation of leaders, within Equinix and outside, and this is very fulfilling. I will not be here forever, and I am proud of being able to share what I know.

too much money chasing an unclear outcome.

However, every time the technology industry does this, we experience tectonic shifts. Which thing will make the shift and in which direction is not known - that is why tech is such a cool industry. For data centres, I think the mass adoption of liquid cooling is going to be upon us very shortly.

CW: What are your interests away from work?

CW: What do you think are the most exciting products or technologies coming to the market?

MW: While my body can do it, I want to be out and about. Running, hiking, biking, skiing, sailing, climbing, anything. I am not an expert, I just love being out and using my body to do interesting things. Maybe this is to counteract the fact that I spend most of my working life sitting, thinking and talking.

MW: AI is on the peak of the hype cycle right now, which means way too many people and

Equinix Services, equinix.co.uk

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ENCLOSURES, CABINETS & RACKS

SPACE, POWER AND RACKS: WHAT’S REALLY LIMITING DATA CENTRE CAPACITY? Markus Gerber, Senior Business Development Manager, nVent Schroff, explains that the perceptions of limitations in data centres may not be as they first appear, as demand drives new examination.

The world has seen an increasing demand for digital services in recent decades that has only grown since the pandemic. Work practices have also changed, which, combined with developing business models and digital transformation, have seen a rise in demand, as well as new requirements that witness the likes of edge computing proliferate. This drives growth in data centres, with pressures such as space, density, and power all coming under the spotlight as potential limitations.

SCALE OF GROWTH

To get an idea of the scale of growth, data volume is a key indicator. According to Statista, since 2010 the volume of data created, captured, and consumed has grown.

It advanced from 2ZB to 97ZB in 2022, with a predicted figure to be 181ZB in 2025. Yet, despite this near exponential growth, according

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to the International Energy Agency, energy demand since 2010 has only gone from 194TWh to just over 200TWh in 2022.

These contrasting figures show the extraordinary strides made in energy efficiency in computing, which is a clear demonstration of Moore’s Law. Although now there are concerns from the CEO of Nvidia, Jensen Huang, that the Moore’s Law effect may be coming to an end. While this is disputed, it is certain that processors are likely to become even more powerful, while also producing more heat.

To meet that demand, it is likely that data centre limitations will be encountered, with space being one of the chief factors.

SPACE AND POWER

Space has often been seen as one of the chief limitations for data centres, described in terms of the ability to power equipment in a given unit

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of measurement, such as watts per square foot or square metre. As a useful rule of thumb for specifications and facility design, architects planned power and cooling accordingly. This approach found the data centre becoming progressively hotter, using more power. In an air-cooled data centre, this required more and more air pumped through, meaning for every watt drawn, less and less was used for compute.

As a result, data centres in the 1990s and early 2000s became less and less efficient overall. Many experienced a threshold, where they simply could not just pump a room full of air, making it increasingly unfeasible for most of what was already deployed.

EQUIPMENT MANAGEMENT Management also became an issue. As data centres evolved, equipment was upgraded or altered, moved around, or replaced due to failure. Gaps, spaces, and expansions often meant that even carefully implemented methodologies such as hot aisle/cold aisle systems, were left working poorly, as guidelines for airflow management were often ignored in the need for expediency and demand.

This compounded the impression of space limitations, when in fact, if properly managed, a facility could take more before reaching the inevitable limit of pumped air cooling.

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OPTIMISATION

Not everyone has the luxury of being able to move to entirely new cooling methodologies.

By focusing on optimising the use of existing space, with better rack, row and enclosure management, much better density and performance can be achieved before the need for liquid cooling or wholesale change.

Site surveys can be a very useful tool to evaluate current states and understand if best practice is being maintained. As mentioned, sometimes expediency trumps best practice and can lead to inefficient operation. A site survey can ascertain what needs to be brought back to best practice specifications to ensure that what you already have is operating at peak efficiency.

TEST AND IMPROVE

Management systems have also become much more sophisticated, allowing for digital modelling. This can mean that configurations can be tested to their limits without endangering operating equipment.

Configurations of racks, cabinets, and rows can be tested to see if improvements in rack or in row power, combined with similarly deployed fans or coolers, could relieve pressure points.

Great strides have been made in everything from cable management systems, blanking plate to ducting and delivery, to ensure that existing capabilities can be optimised.

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ENCLOSURES, CABINETS & RACKS

Modelling is also a good way to identify potential problems, such as hot spots allowing for mitigation before it is a problem. With increased computational ability, combined with artificial intelligence (AI), air flows can be modelled to include temperature increases to understand the effects of running a few degrees hotter when workloads allow.

Configurations can be adjusted accordingly, making it easier to cope with either higher demand or an ambient heat wave.

HEAT MARGINS

There have been many studies in recent times, all detailing how data centre temperatures can often run hotter than previously thought safe, due to improvements in manufacturing, management and controls. The American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers put out guidance saying that DC operating temperatures could, with proper management, be kept around 27oc, with jumps to 32oc when needed.

Google, Facebook, and other hyperscalers have also reported experimentation in the 26oc+ range, with Intel experiments peaking at 33.3oc, according to reports.

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COMBINED APPROACH

This all demonstrates that a coherent, holistic approach brings together the full combined capability of infrastructure improvements, with better monitoring and management, as well as better design and best practice implementation. This means that data centres can be made to overcome perceived space and cooling limitations, and efficiency and performance can be achieved before resorting to other costly and complex solutions.

CONSTRAINED, NOT CURTAILED Many data centres now find themselves in areas where restrictions on water, power and back-up energy means that they must operate in more stringent environments.

Today’s range of racks, enclosures, and their attendant accessories, combined with new techniques for modelling, design and operation, can allow operators and service providers to get the most from what they already have, before reaching what might have been previously perceived as hard limitations. nVent Schroff, schroff.nvent.com

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With solid high end construction, the R6400 and R6600 Series are a high quality solution for all of your AV and IT requirements at an affordable cost.

Ideal for smaller installations or for home systems, these wall mount rack enclosures perfectly combine convenience and aesthetic with multiple features and a stylish finish. The series boasts threaded M6 or 10/32 rack rails for easy installation of equipment (so no more clip nuts!), removable side panels for improved access and both the door and side panels are lockable to prevent unwanted access. The R6400/R6600 racks are available in multiple U sizes and depths, with a choice of a polycarbonate or vented steel front door.

Vented Design

● ● ●

Integrated Cable Management

Lockable door and removable side panels for security Optional castors and adjustable feet 60kg / 132lbs load capacity

1U Knockout Panels

● ● ●

Adjustable Mounting Depth

Available in 2 depths (400mm / 18” or 600mm / 24”) 6U, 9U, 12U and 18U models

Smoked Polycarbonate or Vented Steel front door

Penn-Elcom.com

ENCLOSURES, CABINETS & RACKS

BUYING A SERVER RACK FOR YOUR IT INSTALLATION Elton Jones, Marketing Manager for Server Room Environments, says that the server rack selection and buying process is relatively straightforward when a step-by-step approach is followed, and a typical server rack will give years of service.

A server rack or data cabinet is commonly used to house IT equipment in a computer room, server room, data centre, or wherever multiple electronic devices are to be used.

Each should have a standard 19in rackmount format, but shelves can be installed for smaller width devices. This guide provides a general overview on what to consider and some top tips when buying a server rack.

SERVER RACK DESIGN A server rack is built around four vertical struts or posts (one in each corner) which form a frame, sometimes referred to as an open frame. To the struts, side panels, doors and tops are bolted to form a cabinet.

The width between the vertical struts is 19in or 483mm and this a standard measurement

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for a server rack. Any equipment that is 19in rack-mountable can be installed into a server rack. The equipment will be attached to the front and possibly rear stuts using M6 cage nuts and bolts, and placed on slide rails or a suitable shelf within the server cabinet.

The vertical height of the server rack is measured in standardised units, with the smallest being 1.75in or 44.45mm for 1U. The U-heights are marked on the vertical struts and cabinet sizes range from 1U to 47U.

10 POINTS TO CONSIDER WHEN BUYING A SERVER RACK

Cabinet depth: server racks have a defined depth and for data cabinets this can be 600-800mm, or for server racks 900-1,200mm deep. This is the maximum outer depth of the

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cabinet, but the internal depth will be shorter than these. It is important to select a cabinet that has a suitable maximum internal depth for the equipment to be installed. The most popular depths for server room and data centre installations is 800-1,000mm deep. A 1,000mm deep cabinet has a maximum internal depth of 870mm, suitable for most IT servers. Other equipment to consider can include switches, routers, HMI monitors, KVM switches, PDUs, uninterruptible power supplies, environmental monitoring devices and rackmount fire suppression systems. The depth of your devices can typically be taken from datasheets or measured, but remember to add 100-150mm for power cords and network cables.

Equipment height: each of your rackmount devices should have a U-height. Add these up to get the total U-height required for the data cabinet or server rack. Where your devices do not have a published U-height, measure their height, and divide by 44.45mm to work out the height required. Shelving units can then be purchased to place these devices onto. Add 1U per shelf and remember to purchase sufficient M6 cage nuts and bolts to install the shelves and equipment into the server rack.

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Choose a width: the standard width is 600mm, but an 800mm width cabinet may be available and a wider cabinet allows room for side cable management. Consider doorways and installation room when selecting a cabinet width, as an 800mm cabinet will not go through a single-leaf doorway.

Door choices: there are two doors on a server cabinet - front and rear - and they should be fitted and closed when access is not required.

This is a security measure (as they can be locked - key or combination lock or RFID access controlled), and also aids airflow management.

Typical front door choices include bronzed glass, perforated or mesh metal. Rear doors are either solid, perforated or mesh, with bronzed glass or mesh front doors being the most popular, as mesh doors aid airflow.

Paint colour: most rack suppliers offer a choice between standard black or grey colour options. Other colour choices can include white or colours on demand. It can be costly to request a non-standard paint colour, due to the cost of cleaning and preparing the paint machinery, and to be economically viable the paint run has to cover a large number of cabinets, frames and shelves. Stick with the standard colour range if you only need one or a small quantity of cabinets.

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ENCLOSURES, CABINETS & RACKS

Fully built or flat packed: server cabinets can be supplied fully assembled or as flat packs that can be built onsite. Flatpacks can take time to assemble, but they provide a convenient way to overcome onsite logistics issues. Make sure that if you go for a flat pack that there is sufficient room inside or close to the final installation point for assembly.

The larger the cabinet, the more room and assistance will be required to build the cabinet.

Power distribution: all the devices within a cabinet will require power. Most loads are AC-powered, but you could, in exceptional circumstances, have DC loads. The most common method for powering equipment in a rack is via a power distribution unit (PDU).

Make sure to make a list of all the loads to be powered, their size and socket connection requirements, then select a suitable PDU (horizontally or vertically mounted) and, if required, purchase longer load power cords which can be important in very tall cabinets.

Fan cooling and airflow management: additional cooling can be purchased to help extract heat from the server cabinet. Fan trays and roof mounted fan assemblies or a complete air conditioned server cabinet can

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be used. Having doors closed and side panels improves the airflow through a cabinet, with blanking panels used where there are unfilled spaces at the front of the server rack.

UPS backup power: critical loads in the server cabinet should be protected by an uninterruptible power supply. Then a PDU will connect directly to this or a UPS maintenance bypass arrangement. The UPS may be rack mounted or sit outside the server cabinets.

Environmental monitoring: all electronic equipment generates heat, and server rooms and data centres rely on local air conditioning systems to maintain a suitable room ambient of 18-27°C. Hot spots can build within a server cabinet due to poor airflow management, and failure of the air conditioning system can lead to a fast build-up of heat that can present a fire risk. Install a suitable environmental monitoring unit to provide automatic alerts (email and SMS text) should temperature or humidity levels rise above pre-set levels. Most environmental monitoring devices can connect several sensors and consideration could be given to monitoring for water leakage, room entry, server cabinet door access, smoke detectors and third-party systems to provide a comprehensive overview.

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Another issue to consider is noise output.

This is important for sites without a computer or server room, where the rack has to be placed close to where people work. IT servers generate noise on start-up and when under load, and an acoustic server rack can reduce the noise output by up to 95%. Most server

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racks will have bottom cable access. Top down may be an option where this is required by the site; normally where there is no raised access floor.

Server Room Environments, serverroomenvironments.co.uk

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ENCLOSURES, CABINETS & RACKS

COLOVORE PROVIDES CUSTOMERS WITH RACK CAPACITIES UP TO 50KW In this case study, Vertiv looks at how Colovore embraced new technologies to meet high performance computing needs.

The age of connectedness, massive data consumption, and artificial intelligence (AI) has boosted the adoption of advanced hardware which requires significantly more power than traditional servers. For example, graphics processing unit (GPU) systems today routinely draw 1kW and more per server rack unit.

CASE IN POINT

Located in the heart of Silicon Valley in the United States, Colovore was created specifically to meet the area’s need for data centre infrastructure to support next-generation AI and dense high performance computing (HPC) systems. The increase in power usage coupled with the high operating temperatures of high density environments required Colovore to implement a robust thermal management solution that would enable compact server

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footprints to maximise power, cooling, and operating efficiency while reducing overall costs.

LIMITED SPACE The Silicon Valley region is home to the largest concentration of high-tech companies in the United States. However, it has a significantly constrained supply of land and data centre space as it is located on a peninsula. Colovore’s high density solutions are an ideal fit for the region because they allow customers to deploy servers in a highly compact footprint that requires far fewer cabinets than traditional colocation facilities. This reduces costs and improves IT scalability, as customers can grow within their rack footprint as opposed to requiring more floor space when adding more servers.

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Not only does the geography demand superior space utilisation for maximum power, cooling, and operating efficiency, so do the area’s customers — many of which are on the leading edge of developing and deploying data-intensive platforms. With up to 50kW of power and cooling capacity in every cabinet and a pay-by-the-kW pricing model, its data centre is optimised to support private and hybrid cloud, big data, AI, and machine learning (ML) deployments. Servers supporting these applications require significantly more power and cooling, which stresses legacy colocation environments that are designed for general purpose server infrastructure.

SUPERIOR THERMAL MANAGEMENT SOLUTION

Colovore’s high density environment needed a thermal management solution beyond typical data centre cooling and the Vertiv Liebert DCD heat exchanger that installs at the rear door of a rack was an ideal solution, allowing for elevated heat loads.

In the Uptime Institute Global Data Center Survey 2022, only a quarter of respondents reported they have any racks above 20kW, excluding dedicated HPC facilities. For the largest facilities at 10MW and above, nearly half have cabinets above 20kW and only one in five run some racks over 40kW power.

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Additionally, operators identified ‘improved data centre cooling’ as a top driver for making the data centre industry more environmentally sustainable in the next three to five years. By choosing to deploy liquid-based cooling via the Vertiv Liebert DCD rack door cooling module, Colovore can provide up to 50kW per rack across the entire data centre floor, which is a differentiator in the Bay Area colocation marketplace.

In fact, the company was certified in 2019 by NVIDIA as a DGX-ready data centre, signifying that the company’s facility is specifically designed to support high density DGX GPU servers because of its distinguished power and cooling capabilities. It currently hosts thousands of DGX and GPU systems in its Santa Clara data centre, serving Fortune 500 customers to startups.

“We always want to drive operating efficiencies and PUE as low as possible, as this ultimately benefits our customers in terms of cost, reliability, and performance,” says Ben Coughlin, Chief Financial Officer and Colovore Co-Founder.

Having used Vertiv equipment since it was founded in 2012, Colovore engineers worked with Vertiv for performance testing, ensuring the Vertiv Liebert DCD solution could deliver within its unique space. This testing validated a very low power usage effectiveness (PUE) while running at wet bulb temperatures, well

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ENCLOSURES, CABINETS & RACKS

within geographic-specific guidelines from the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE).

Based on Vertiv’s expertise and having confidence in the local support received since its inception, Colovore chose to standardise on Vertiv solutions. The company has deployed several hundred IT racks using the Vertiv Liebert DCD cooling modules in all three phases of its data centre, and the rear doors’ performance has been flawless after 10 years of operation.

Colovore has also utilised other Vertiv infrastructure such as the Vertiv Liebert EXL S1 uninterruptible power supply (UPS), Vertiv Liebert CRV system for supplemental cooling, Vertiv Liebert DS cooling system for its electrical room, intelligent rack power distribution units (rPDUs), and the Vertiv Liebert SiteScan monitoring and control system.

“Vertiv was uniquely positioned to be a total solutions provider having unmatched expertise in both data centre power and cooling, along with a breadth of products to meet other monitoring and management needs,” says Ben. “We expect ever-increasing density

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requirements, and I have no doubt the Vertiv team will continue to be a partner in addressing them.”

Colovore recently expanded and pre-sold its entire 2MW fourth phase of development. The company is currently constructing its second 9MW data centre, located immediately next door, and expected to open in mid-2024.

EVERYONE’S A WINNER By embracing new technologies, Colovore has been able to meet its customers’ needs more effectively. It can offer fully packed, top-to-bottom rack deployments with no wasted or unusable rack unit slots, and is capable of supporting the most modern, dense, and high-performance systems. It significantly reduces its customers total cost of ownership while increasing their operating efficiency, application performance, and scalability. Given its clear value proposition for customers, the company is looking forward to further expansion with the explosion in data and compute-intensive applications.

Vertiv, vertiv.com

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COLOCATION

WHY COLOCATION MAKES EVEN MORE SENSE NOW Darren Watkins, Managing Director at VIRTUS Data Centres explains that it is paramount that where you keep your IT infrastructure meets the needs of your business, both now and in the future.

Colocation data centres have been in existence for over 20 years, and over the last 10 years many have predicted their demise. However, colocation services are still in high demand and analysts predict continued growth. According to Straits Research, the global data centre colocation market was valued at $50,335 million in 2021 and is expected to grow to $159,852 million by 2030.

But the colocation industry has evolved. 5G is enabling advances in augmented reality, virtual reality and AI solutions for businesses and individuals. Applications such as ChatGPT will impact colocation demands because of their need for huge amounts of compute power.

The volumes of data and speed required for this type of processing can only be housed in buildings designed specifically for this purpose - a data centre - and colocation is often the preferred option for these applications.

Regardless of technological advancements being a catalyst for change, data and computer

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systems are critical to the day-to-day operations of almost every organisation.

Here are three current market drivers that make choosing colocation even more important today:

REAL ESTATE

If we consider the current economic uncertainty that has led to a wave of redundancies and the challenge that hybrid working is still causing, colocation offers a sensible business model for enterprises. By moving IT infrastructure off-site, businesses have the opportunity to reimagine how work is done and redesign their office space. Moving on-premise data centres or server rooms into colocation premises has enabled businesses to downsize and free up physical space for more people, more storage or more meeting areas, allowing organisations to save on the costs of expanding or relocating to new premises.

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ENERGY PRICES

Another concern causing increasing operating costs is rising energy prices. Many colocation providers have already secured favourable fixed energy prices with energy companies (for example, VIRTUS purchases 100% renewable energy), which means that colocation customers often sign up to a fixed contract term. This enables them to plan ahead knowing what the monthly cost will be, and is an advantage at a time when energy costs are fluctuating. Organisations that have on-premise data centres or server rooms are limited in protecting themselves from these cost fluctuations.

Moving into a colocation facility can help to control these costs.

SUSTAINABILITY

Sustainability remains a top priority for businesses, but managing your own data centre and trying to keep up with sustainability

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is both costly and complex - there are new regulations and new technologies, as well as compliance and certifications.

This can be minimised by working with the right colocation provider. Responsible colocation partners are likely to be using green and fossil-free electricity and 100% renewables, and are able to prove their sustainability efforts, which will also improve your own green targets.

Not only are colocation providers committed to working towards sustainability, shutting down independent, on-premises data centres and consolidating them in modern infrastructure facilities can result in a reduction of an organisation’s carbon footprint.

Businesses require support services to manage hybrid environments and improve latency, and hyperscalers want commercial flexibility, enhanced resilience and security all in a sustainable way. Many organisations

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COLOCATION

have found that by moving to a colocation data centre provider they can take advantage of a host of benefits including utilising third-party physical space and having power, cooling and security taken care of.

They can also reduce costs, scale up or down when needed, achieve more uptime and mitigate security and compliance risks - without any detrimental effect on performance.

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Colocation offers compelling advantages that help organisations work towards long term goals as well as addressing market challenges. Responding to new trends and changing customer requirements with resilience, agility and commercial innovation, colocation providers are striving to accommodate demand in an efficient way.

VIRTUS Data Centres, virtusdatacentres.com

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ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGY

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E V A S

E T A D E

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RDS, Dublin: 22-23 Nov 2023 Infrastructure • Services • Solutions DataCentres Ireland combines a dedicated exhibition and multistreamed conference to address every aspect of planning, designing and operating your Datacentre, Server/Comms room and Digital storage solution – Whether internally, outsourced or in the Cloud.

DataCentres Ireland is the largest and most complete event in the country. It is where you will meet the key decision makers as well as those directly involved in the day to day operations.

Get Involved and Share Your Knowledge We are always looking for good, interesting and educational case studies and panel discussions. We want good content and if the papers or discussions are interesting and informative, why wouldn’t we want to include them.

So if you have something to share drop us a line detailing the topic, key points covered and the learning objective that the delegates will come away with… call or email us on +44 (0)1892 779992 or datacentres@stepex.com

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COLOCATION

THE DEFINING FACTOR FOR COLOCATION: LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION Fredrik Jansson, Chief Strategy and Marketing Officer at atNorth states that organisations having close proximity to their data is no longer important, but the strategic location where they locate their valuable data is, which can often save time, money and, perhaps most importantly, the planet.

The benefits of colocation such as cost savings, security, scalability, reliability and round the clock support, are widely known. Yet, there is one critical factor that must be considered above all else today - location.

SUSTAINABLE APPEAL From increasing regulations to the continued struggle with energy prices, there has never

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been a greater need to lead with sustainability first. IT leaders can’t afford to ignore the mounting pressure to reduce their CO2 footprints, decrease overall emissions and decarbonise the whole of their IT stack.

More than a third of a data centre’s energy consumption is typically used to cool the facility. Data centre sites situated in the colder climates of the Nordics have a considerable advantage, where they can

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capitalise on colder air temperatures to maintain ambient air in a cost-effective and sustainable way. When BNP Paribas moved a portion of its IT workload to Iceland, it experienced immediate savings, with a 50% reduction in energy consumption and 85% decrease in CO2 output.

Recognising this importance, many governments in the Nordic countries are driving large-scale initiatives to enable a circular economy for businesses across the region to take advantage of their sustainable infrastructure. For example, Stockholm Data Parks, an initiative by the city of Stockholm, enables data centre sites to capture and reuse excess heat. atNorth’s newly opened SWE01 state-of-the-art data centre facility is located within the park and has the ability to capture up to 85% of the electricity waste from the data centre, which is then passed through the district heating system to provide heating for up to 20,000 apartments in the surrounding community.

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The answer may not always be straightforward, but it is simple. Fuelled by abundant renewable resources with a circular economy framework in place, the Nordics are a safe home for today’s data-intense, compute-heavy IT infrastructures.

COST STABILITY It’s no doubt that the Nordic region is considered one of the most desirable locations for global organisations to colocate their workloads with leading sustainable data centre partners such as atNorth, who has a strong presence in key Nordic countries. Its focus on renewable resources has shown that the Nordics have the infrastructure in place to continue to power data centres through the global energy transition and support businesses with their sustainability initiatives and carbon reductions.

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COLOCATION

This also enables the Nordics to benefit from improved cost stability compared to countries that rely on fossil fuels, given that the price of renewable energy won’t be as affected by political and economic upheaval, political disruption, or regulatory changes. atNorth understands the growing need to work with High Performance Computing (HPC) partners that can accommodate cost stability as well as providing the right connectivity and reliability in an environmentally focused way. Colocation offers organisations that depend on high volume workloads to power innovative, cutting-edge solutions in a cost-effective way to harness the power of supercomputing, drastically reducing TCO and expenses associated with overarching infrastructure maintenance.

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CREATING A SUSTAINABLE PATH TO DIGITALISATION

Colocation is fast becoming the most resource-efficient solution, where shared resources create better conditions for sustainable, cost-efficient operations. It is without a doubt a modern, flexible, and sustainable option for any business running either parts of or entire infrastructures that require processing intensive and demanding high compute workloads.

As organisations re-examine their IT needs, the question they need to ask is two-pronged: one, does the data centre have the best possible infrastructure to support the organisation’s road to digitalisation, and two, can it drive increasingly critical sustainability initiatives? atNorth, atnorth.com

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‘SOC IT 2 THEM’; SIMPLIFY COMPLIANCE WITH THE RIGHT PHYSICAL SECURITY SYSTEMS The demand for cloud services is increasing at a rapid pace. We are edging closer to Gartner’s prediction that by 2025, 85% of infrastructure strategies will integrate on-premises, colocation, cloud, and edge delivery options, compared with just 20% in 2020. This consistent demand from customers for increased bandwidth means operators must inevitably prepare for future mergers, acquisitions and expansion to new sites, writes Nick Smith, Business Development Manager at Genetec.

More than ever, colocation data centres must anticipate this and have futureproof plans in place for how they will manage their customer’s infrastructure appropriately. Physical security is a key part of this, as failure to protect hardware could be catastrophic for both client and provider. How will various new and inherited security systems, processes and technologies be integrated and maintained as the business grows? How will this all be evaluated to ensure problems don’t emerge?

Customers need absolute assurance that data centre operators are following best practices when it comes to cloud, cyber and physical security. One way to make sure the software vendors you’re working with are equally invested in your success is to check if they are SOC 2 Type II compliant.

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SOC 2 TYPE II EXPLAINED A System and Organisation Controls (SOC 2) report indicates that an organisation meets industry standards in regulating information, as determined by an independent audit by a certified public accountant. It defines criteria for service providers to securely manage data and protect the interests of their enterprise clients and the privacy of their customers.

Fundamentally, it is a stamp of approval that an organisation is consistently compliant with best practices in data protection and has all the appropriate safeguards and procedures in place to control who can access sensitive data.

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THE GENETEC DATA CENTRE PORTFOLIO

The Genetec suite of cloud solutions and the information security management system that governs them are all SOC 2 Type II accredited.

Its data centre portfolio unifies all aspects of security within one solution, creating a holistic view of all locations that helps security personnel make better, more informed decisions.

Unification provides security teams with up-to-the-minute event reports that merge data from video surveillance, access control, digital evidence management and much more, to give operators a complete view of their environment. It helps keep track of who had access to what, when and why by leveraging physical identity and access control tools, making it simple to deliver reports on suspicious activity, or provide proof that everything is going according to plan.

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Operators and customers alike gain peace of mind knowing that their physical security is the best-of-breed. And with SOC 2 Type II accreditation, there is assurance that proper procedures are in place to ensure data stored within the system is secure, private, and confidential.

A global increase in the reliance on data centres will demand a rethink of how providers are preparing themselves for disruption. With Genetec and it’s SOC 2 Type II certification, colocation data centre operators can have greater confidence in the physical security systems in place. It’s a partnership that reduces risk, improves decision-making and simplifies the operators’ own journey to SOC 2 Type II compliant operations.

Genetec, genetec.com

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COLOCATION

FUTURE-PROOFING THE DATA CENTRE INDUSTRY: THE BENEFITS OF COLOCATION Tate Cantrell, CTO, Verne Global, states that despite the prevalence of cloud services, colocation offers several key benefits over other business computing options.

When it comes to enterprise computing, there continues to be a rapid rise and adoption of cloud-based services. However, many forward-thinking organisations continue to host their own servers and other IT equipment in specialist data centres. This colocation presence remains an essential part of their IT operations - sometimes even replacing on-premise facilities and cloud services entirely.

COLOCATION VS ON-PREMISE AND THE CLOUD

There are several advantages to colocation, the first, and arguably most appealing, being cost efficiency. Data centres are incredibly expensive to both build and run, and, with

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an on-premise approach, organisations essentially take on all these costs. Colocation, meanwhile, involves a monthly fee to a third-party data centre provider, meaning organisations can avoid the CapEx. Rather than essentially becoming a data centre by proxy, opting for colocation ensures organisations can instead remain focused on their core business activities.

Partnering with a data centre for colocation purposes also naturally means organisations benefit from innovations within the industry, such as more efficient cooling, more sustainable and predictable power supplies, and faster connectivity. Once again, this results in cost savings when compared to an on-premise approach, as the latter places

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the burden of investing in any upgrades on the organisation itself. Colocation providers are also at a particular advantage when it comes to connectivity. The sheer number of organisations that choose to host their equipment at their facilities means it’s lucrative for multiple network operators to establish Points of Presence (PoPs) at these facilities. As a result, colocation customers can pick from a wide range of connectivity options, selecting the providers and services that best suit their needs.

In terms of flexibility and governance, the most obvious benefit of colocation over cloud is the ability to choose location.

Cloud-based applications could theoretically be anywhere in the world, and while cloud service providers may promote the fact that they have data centres in the EU, they can be less than transparent about where they are really storing customers’ data and equipment. This can mean unknown risks, such as lax data security regulation, physical dangers, or an unstable power grid. With colocation, organisations pick the exact location for their software and hardware to reside. While risks may still exist, these are known and can be mitigated.

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MIXED METHOD APPROACH While colocation offers considerable benefits compared to both on-premise and cloud-based approaches, many organisations find a combination of these different solutions to be the most effective.

Organisations will often run different software applications that are best supported in different environments, which could be on-premise, in the cloud, or colocation-based. For example, business critical workloads may remain on-premise and gradually migrate to colocation facilities, either as they grow or take advantage of specific benefits such as access to renewable energy sources.

Similarly, cloud-bursting, where cloud computing resources are used whenever on-premises infrastructure reaches peak capacity, is becoming an increasingly popular way to supplement in-house and colocation-based IT infrastructures.

A combination of on-premise, colocation, and the cloud provides organisations with the ultimate flexibility - allowing them to choose the optimal data centre environment for each application.

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COLOCATION

FOCUS ON SUSTAINABILITY

When choosing a colocation partner, organisations must weigh up convenience and risk. Data centres in metropolitan areas are handily proximate to major business districts and tend to offer a wide range of connectivity options that are ideal for latency-sensitive applications. However, facilities in these locations are comparatively expensive, and may rely on outdated, overloaded power grids and fossil fuels. For most organisations, only about 10% of applications are truly latency sensitive.

As a result, companies can locate the majority of their applications in non-urban centres.

Crucially, this enables organisations to opt for data centres in energy efficient locations, such as Iceland and other countries in the Nordics. This is particularly beneficial when it comes to climate and cooling. While data centre design has improved, for example, by separating hot aisles from cold aisles, climate still has the most impact. If a data centre is in a hot country, it will need extra cooling, resulting in energy inefficiency and increased costs. Meanwhile, Nordic locations offer a year-round cold climate, so facilities can be cooled naturally via filtered fresh air.

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LEVERAGING COLOCATION FOR A GREENER TECHNOLOGY FUTURE

The data centre industry still faces barriers in its sustainability journey. Namely, it is difficult to source 100% renewable energy, 24/7. An obvious solution is to place energy-intensive operations in locations that already accommodate for 100% renewable energy, such as Iceland, the only country in the world that generates all its energy from renewable sources. Ultimately, this is colocation’s greatest strength allowing organisations to place their IT infrastructure in facilities that are truly sustainable due to their physical location and direct access to renewable energy, rather than relying on providers that simply buy green credentials.

Amidst the growing global climate crisis, sustainability is no longer a side benefit. Green compute is now a business imperative and a great way to future-proof the data centre industry whilst protecting the planet.

Verne Global, verneglobal.com

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CABLE MANAGEMENT & LABELLING

STREAMLINING DATA CENTRE CONSTRUCTION WITH OFF-SITE MODULAR SOLUTIONS Daniel Tew, Sales Director for Atkore Unistrut, explores the benefits of off-site modular construction for aisle containment and cable management systems, and how using a reliable manufacturing process can help mitigate on-site risks.

Off-site construction is fast proving its advantages in numerous industrial sectors, and data centres are no exception. In a 2022 report by Linesight, off-site construction was identified as a key industry poised to benefit from this approach. With speed of installation, programme certainty and cost control, all cited as positive outcomes, operators look to maximise their financial return.

Coupled with the ever-increasing demands for data centre capacity, the use of prefabricated and pre-integrated designs is seen as a key benefit in reducing complexity and ensuring faster project delivery.

SIMPLIFY DESIGN Aisle containment systems can be complex to design and require technical expertise to achieve both the energy performance required, as well as the longer term return on investment.

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Errors made during the design stage can result in long term inefficiencies, impacting on future maintenance and future upgrades.

Removing as many of the tasks typically associated with on-site construction as possible is vital if a project is to achieve a fast turnaround.

With the new Atkore Unistrut aisle containment system, for example, all component parts arrive pre-cut and require no on-site preparation or welding, eliminating the hazards of hot works.

DESIGN STANDARDISATION Standardising the design of aisle containment systems can enable faster order-to-install completion. Repeatable, modular designs will be engineered to minimise the number of different component parts required - another positive factor which can result in shorter lead times.

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This can have the added benefit of reducing potential supply chain delays too. With multiple orders being handled simultaneously, it is likely that the manufacturer will be purchasing stock ahead of schedule, making it easier to handle orders ‘on demand.’

PRIORITISE QUALITY CONTROL Off-site manufacture offers improved quality control compared to on-site construction.

For example, systems are built in a quality-controlled manufacturing facility, where every component is cut to a desired length and is of a proven standard. Reputable manufacturers will also offer batch control, acting as a further guarantee of quality and traceability back to the steel manufacturer in the event of any issues.

FUTURE PLANNING

Traditional on-site construction can result in unexpected costs due to delays, rework, and the need for additional resources.

In fact, industry averages suggest that reworking can cost between 5-9% of an overall project cost, so it is worth coordinating delivery and installation with the manufacture to ensure the time savings in installation are realised.

Operators need to seek every advantage to reduce on-site delays, particularly as they work to meet the ongoing challenges of meeting capacity shortages and building at scale.

According to a 2020 report by Arup, off-site construction can result in cost savings of up to 20% for data centre projects. It cites factors

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such as reduced labour costs, shortened project timelines, improved quality control, and reduced waste. Arup’s report also notes that off-site construction can help to mitigate some risks associated with on-site construction, such as safety concerns, by taking the traditional build elements away from the data centre environment to a quality-control manufacturing plant.

GROWTH FOR THE FUTURE

Operators should design aisle containment and cable management systems with future growth in mind. Using modular designs can help to minimise the need for costly upgrades or replacements.

Furthermore, using off-site manufacture can provide greater flexibility in terms of budgeting.

Because costs are more predictable, operators can more easily adjust their budgets to meet changing project needs. This can be especially important in the data centre industry, where the need for capacity can change rapidly.

In conclusion, off-site modular construction provides data centre operators with a reliable and efficient approach to the construction process, mitigating on-site risks, and achieving greater certainty in project schedules and costs. By embracing the benefits of off-site manufacturing, data centres can meet the demands of an ever expanding industry while maintaining standards, reducing construction time, and ensuring successful project completion.

Atkore Unistrut, unistrut.co.uk

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CABLE MANAGEMENT & LABELLING

ATTENTION TO DETAIL Cable management is the unsung hero of the data centre and plays a vital role in ensuring uptime and optimising the use of white space. Pete Willsher, Managing Director at RMS Cable Management, explains how cable management solutions are helping to meet quality, schedule and cost targets.

Effective cable management is more important than ever within data centres, where an increasing need for installations means that there is an abundance of optical fibre, copper and power cables installed within walls, under floors, suspended from ceilings or in overhead containment. The problems caused by poor cable management can be significant, so it’s vital to get it right.

NUMBER CRUNCHING

Demand for data centre capacity has never been higher, however, construction is facing record breaking inflation. According to research from Turner & Townsend, the average cost to build data centres increased by 15% during 2022.

Supply chain issues, material shortages and costs, and a lack of skilled labour are all having an effect. In the research, 92% of respondents reported that they are struggling to meet

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construction demands due to a shortage of experienced site teams. The skills shortage is particularly noticeable when trying to find M&E fitters, so reducing reliance on these contractors is key in making sure that projects are completed on schedule.

DEFINING MOMENT

On-site construction challenges can impact the quality of an installation due to labour, materials and environmental factors, so more attention is being given to modular and prefabricated cable management. Although they are used interchangeably, it’s important to differentiate the two: • Prefabrication refers to any construction process that does not take place on-site.

• Modularity consists of the building of repeated sections, called modules, being built in a factory and then assembled on-site.

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TIME AND MONEY Modular designs can save installation time, specialist labour, waste and cost, and prefabrication is allowing data centres to be built in a smarter way. A prefabricated cable management system that is produced and tested in a factory by skilled engineers ensures the highest standards of quality.

Modules should arrive ready for integration with minimum requirements for on-site engineering services. They can be configured by those with little experience, with components that are simple for contractors to install on-site.

Modular and prefabricated solutions also offer contractors improved confidence in budgeting and achieving agreed product costs and rates.

There are fewer nasty surprises, as most jobs are delivered to an agreed quote, while faster installation increases the on-site productivity time contractors can achieve.

JOINED UP THINKING Every data centre presents challenges in terms of navigating cables into and around a building. If insufficient consideration is given to cable management as part of the planning

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process, problems can occur post-installation.

It’s for this reason that working very closely with M&E contractors is so important. Clear communication and collaboration, information sharing, dialogue, regular meetings, and shared responsibility with a project’s M&E contractor enables manufacturers to create practical and cost effective solutions.

Companies with experience in modular and prefabricated manufacture, modern methods of construction (MMC) and design for manufacturing (DFM) can help ease pressures and challenges faced by contractors. 3D CAD software can be used to create modular cable management solutions, while taking building information modelling (BIM) and/or Revit files, extracting the M&E layers and working with contractors to help develop the best solutions for a businesses cable management needs.

SAFE AND SECURE The proliferation of colocation data centres is driving the need for foolproof identification of cable containment hardware for individual clients. Colour coding cable trunking, tray, ladder, basket and electrical metallic

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CABLE MANAGEMENT & LABELLING

tubing (EMT) based containment is a way of facilitating this. With EMT, not only is experience with cutting, joining and bending pipes necessary, there is an additional catalogue of components required to cater for the navigation of fibre optic cables. Working with a manufacturer that has a set of simple, adaptable products to complement standard EMT pipes is advisable.

A cable management system needs to prevent damage from point of entry to point of use, and modern EMT systems provide this through secure, robust, thick-walled steel pipes, coupled with tamperproof transit box units to load, pull, inspect and maintain cables.

They allow end to end navigation through walls, ceilings and floors - both externally and internally - and can be manufactured from steel, using tamper-proof screws to secure access hatches.

GREEN FOR GO

Regulations applying to noise, smoke and fumes, hot-works and everyday working conditions all contribute to the challenges faced on-site. Likewise, every organisation is being challenged to be more sustainable.

On-site production methods often create excess materials, as well as waste from installation.

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Modular and prefabricated cable management solutions can reduce an organisation’s carbon footprint, as the delivered product contains less packaging than separate components, and they also minimise material waste by up to 20% versus on-site production.

Cable management companies that take sustainability seriously will also have defined recycling policies to ensure that all materials are recycled appropriately. This all adds up to offer greater carbon certainty for construction projects, and manufacturers should be able to provide embodied carbon calculations for prefabricated modules.

MAKING A DIFFERENCE

Good cable management can make a difference to the efficacy and long-term effectiveness of a data centre and shouldn’t be underestimated. When considered against typical installation and implementation project costs, reduced waste and packaging, savings on on-site contractors and the benefits of guaranteed quality, it’s no wonder modular and prefabricated cable management are here to stay.

RMS Cable Management, rmscablemanagement.com

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CABLE MANAGEMENT & LABELLING

CURRENT AND FUTURE PON REQUIRES THE FULL OPTICAL SPECTRUM Adrian Amezcua, Global Technical Sales Support Director and Pierre Sillard, Fibre R&D Manager at Prysmian Group, say that CSPs need to ensure that not only can they deliver fibre optic cabling swiftly and reliably, but also ensure that the complete optical spectrum can be supported.

The global Passive Optical Network (PON) market is set to undertake growth of $25.89 billion between 2023-2026, according to Technavio. This is due to increased demand in data traffic and calls for greater bandwidth, but it can also be attributed to the birth of hybrid working. When people migrated to their homes for working and learning, an increased strain on fixed networks was experienced.

INCREASED GLOBAL DEPLOYMENTS

The need for full fibre access continues to mount. Operators are fielding renewed calls for high-quality and cost-effective PON technology, with standards continuing to be developed to meet bandwidth demands.

Gigabit Passive Optical Network (GPON) is now regarded as a legacy technology, with 10 Gigabit Symmetrical PON (XGS-PON) playing a critical role. This is viewed as the clear successor to GPON. The amount of XGS-PON equipment being deployed in the market continues to make strides, with larger deployments forecast over the next six years.

Operators need a high-capacity network

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that can operate outside of the present standard ranges and offer the future-proofed connectivity that users expect.

CONTINUED EVOLUTION OF PON The optical spectrum begins at 1,260-1,265nm at the original wavelength O-band used for data transmission, up to 1,625-1,675nm at the long wavelength L-band, and ultra-long wavelength U-band used for OTDR network monitoring. Subscriber bandwidth demands continue to be a challenge for operators, and access network systems must evolve to address this.

This can be achieved through the use of transmission bands across the wavelength spectrum. For Ethernet transmission and high-speed PON systems, the O-band is used and this ranges from 1,260-1,360nm.

The extended wavelength E-band ranges between 1,360-1,460nm, and the short wavelength S-band operates between 1,460-1,530nm. However, longer wavelengths are utilised for NG-PON2 systems, network performance monitoring and OTDR testing.

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MEASURING NETWORK HEALTH

It is vital that operators’ monitor trends and measure network health. This can only be achieved by utilising the entire wavelength spectrum. Fibre network visibility helps operators identify the cause of an outage and establish what this has been caused by.

This instant analysis and end-to-end view will help operators protect their networks, reduce costs, avoid costly downtime and any wane in productivity. Network issues can be rectified swiftly, thanks to monitoring network performance in any hosting environment, including public and private cloud, remote user locations and on-premises data centres.

These measures can be taken by effectively monitoring Data Centre Interconnect (DCI) and access networks. Through protection of the DCI network, when fibre breaks or degradation occurs, teams are notified and this limits the effect on daily operations. Teams can also locate any breaches, and have their information secured and protected. This results in lower network repair costs and OpEx savings can be realised.

By using the 1,650-1,675nm wavelength speed of PON, operators can define optimum routes to travel. Operators are not just limited to

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monitoring DCI networks, but they can monitor mobile and fibre networks as data travels. This helps operators troubleshoot the network and allows them to also anticipate and address disruptions before they come to fruition.

SECURE, SAFE AND RELIABLE DATA TRANSMISSIONS Businesses require data transmissions that are secure, safe and reliable. But if the entire optical spectrum is too crowded or congested, then utilising the longer wavelengths within the spectrum may be deemed risky.

Bend-insensitive single mode fibres, including G.657.A2 can provide the bend immunity desired. They can secure the entire optical spectrum when operators require transmissions at the longer wavelengths (1,580nm or above). Not only must operators turn their attention to unlocking the entire optical spectrum, but they must look at using single mode fibres to help boost productivity, security and monitor data trends and network health.

Prysmian Group, prysmiangroup.com

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CABLE MANAGEMENT & LABELLING

STRUCTURED CABLING IS THE KEY TO OPTIMISING DATA CENTRE WHITE SPACE Dmitry Tsyplakov, Data Centre Solution Manager at HUBER+SUHNER, explains that maximising the capabilities of the white space within a colocation data centre can be a complex task, however, using the correct cabling can be crucial to increased performance.

As organisations scramble to find solutions to overcome the increasing demand for data, colocation data centres have become an attractive option for SMEs which may not have the requirements or resources to create their own facilities. Data centre ‘white space’ refers to the area where IT infrastructure and hardware such as servers, storage, racks and power distribution units are located. At a time where budgets are tight, and the cost of upgrading equipment is high, fiber optic (FO) structured cabling gives SMEs the tools to achieve reliability, manageability, flexibility and scalability across the whole data centre.

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WHAT IS STRUCTURED CABLING?

Every item of computing equipment within the data centre needs to be able to communicate with each other while enabling user access from an external location. As it is economically impossible to physically connect the equipment to all users, physical and virtual connections are a necessity, both within the data centre and the outside world.

Server racks are used to process and store any data. Each physical server runs a multiple number of virtual machines, all with containers performing specific tasks. Servers need to be able to efficiently process data

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and exchange it with other servers for optimal connections. Switches are another type of device which consolidates multiple data signals from computer equipment to read transferred information, filter it and re-direct the traffic.

The main connections made within the data centre are done between both the server and the switch, or from one switch to another.

Both servers and switches contain a sub-unit responsible for receiving and transmitting signals from other devices, known as the transceiver.

Optical fiber can be connected to this sub-unit, which converts electrical signals to optical signals, capable of being transferred to another transceiver. A structured cabling system enables the physical connection to transceivers to exchange information within the data centre.

WHY STRUCTURED CABLING?

At first glance, unstructured cabling may appear to be a solid option when setting up a facility.

Typically made up of patch cords or a single cable connecting hardware in discrete racks, these come at a cheaper price than structured cabling, which cash-strapped operators may see as a short-term win. Yet, more time is needed to install multiple single connections between locations. This increases the overall time needed for network changes, and as technologies continue to evolve, this will likely mean operators will constantly be replacing or adding more cables over time. Point-to-point connections also require larger cable pathways, and over time this can limit the airflow required to cool computer equipment and also lead to a higher burn risk in case of a fire.

Without a neatly organised set-up, it is difficult to enhance the overall performance of a data centre, and this is why structured cabling is the superior solution for maximising white space. Operators can save significant time and costs with moves, adds and changes found in a unified approach. For each home run, a data centre operator must hire external experts to add any additional cables. With structured cabling, any existing cable infrastructure can be used or extended for future applications without needing to be replaced or removed.

The trunk cables used within an SCS offer improved fire safety and efficiency. The cables’ rugged durability and compactness saves

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space within the data centre and improves airflow, while the high-quality standards required for structured cabling ensure less plastic is used throughout the facility. The risk of downtime is also reduced, as existing cabling infrastructure remains undisturbed for all MACs and new connections.

A PRE-SELECTED SOLUTION FOR ALL

Deploying structured cabling is easier than ever before. Utilising these solutions enable operators and IT technicians to choose the most suitable elements themselves without the need to call out a cabling expert. This gives greater simplicity and flexibility, allowing for a number of different transceiver combinations within the data centre.

These days, cloud infrastructure is an intrinsic part of the modern data centre, and structured cabling is a crucial tool in ensuring these are set up in the optimal way. As part of this offering, vendors are able to select, implement and maintain the best-suited cabling solution to overcome the unique challenges operators face within their facilities. This enables a hassle-free and efficient cloud infrastructure development process, securing the efficiency of any investment made during this period. Operators are given the tools to set their systems up for growth and allow them to focus on their core business without having to worry about the rising demand for data.

A FUTURE-READY SOLUTION

The projected growth of colocation data centres around the globe will have a direct impact on how structured cabling solutions evolve. The evolution of 100GbE bandwidths are well underway, with 400GbE just around the corner. As concepts such as digitalisation and automation come to the fore, the make-up of a data centre may soon change beyond what we see today. However, utilising structed cabling solutions gives operators the best chance to evolve and meet the demands of tomorrow and continue to maximise the capabilities of white spaces long into the future.

HUBER+SUHNER, hubersuhner.com

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PRODUCTS

PANDUIT EXPANDS FLEXFUSION XGL CABINET SOLUTIONS Panduit has extended its cabinet range with the FlexFusion XGL cabinets. These are ideal for network and server equipment and provide maximum capacity to manage high cable density in data centre, enterprise or colocation deployment. Available with lockable door solutions, customers can securely house 19in rack mount IT equipment, providing extensive cable management options within a thermal efficient cabinet, suitable for hot aisle/cold aisle or thermal containment deployment.

Manufactured in welded steel, the cabinets are available in fix configurations of 600mm and 800mm widths, 1,070mm and 1,200mm depths and 42RU and 48RU heights, increasing the ease of use of the FlexFusion family to offer customers precision solutions. The front single hinge door and split hinged rear doors provide 80% open perforation, maximising the cooling airflow to the ITE, while maintaining strength and rigidity. Doors with 170° open angle minimise aisle obstruction. The horizontally split side panels allow ease of interconnection of equipment in a side-by-side configuration, whilst brush cable top-of-the-cabinet entry points greatly reduce air leakage.

Panduit, Panduit.com

THE NEW SCHNEIDER ELECTRIC EASY UPS 3-PHASE MODULAR

RO TECHNOLOGY TO CUT WATER AND ENERGY CONSUMPTION

Schneider Electric has introduced the Easy UPS 3-Phase Modular.

This robust UPS is designed to protect critical loads while offering third-party verified Live Swap functionality. Easy UPS 3-Phase Modular is available in 50-250kW capacity, with N+1 scalable configuration, and supports the EcoStruxure architecture, which offers remote monitoring services.

With scalability top of mind, Easy UPS 3-Phase Modular enables you to pay as you grow, allowing you to optimise capital investment. It is a part of Schneider Electric’s Green Premium portfolio, which ensures energy efficiency, durability, recyclability, and transparency to help reduce environmental footprints. In addition, this system features advanced technology such as a high-efficiency design, intelligent battery management, real-time monitoring, and control capabilities.

The SAM50 RO system is now available to data centres. Manufactured by Te-Tech Process Solutions, the company says that the SAM50 delivers significant advantages over competing RO technologies.

One way of minimising water consumption in recirculatory cooling systems is by increasing the concentration factor, which is limited by water chemistry. SAM50 was developed by University of Birmingham spin out, Salinity Solutions. It is a batch RO system with a unique energy recovery pressure exchanger and, in comparison to conventional RO systems, it can reduce energy consumption by up to 50% as well as reduce wastewater by up to 80%.

Te-Tech Process Solutions, te-tech.co.uk

Schneider Electric, se.com

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ARTECO LAUNCHES HEAT TRANSFER FLUIDS FOR ELECTRONICS AND DATA CENTRE COOLING Effective cooling is an essential aspect to consider when it comes to computing systems and electronic applications. Because of the progress and evolution in computing components, their increased power output results in higher heat generation, leading to diminished performance and even hardware malfunctions. To tackle these challenges, Arteco has launched the ‘Zitrec EC’ range of heat transfer fluids designed for electronics and data centre cooling.

The new Zitrec EC range of direct-to-chip coolants ensure optimal performance and maximum efficiency, precisely where it is needed most, enabling components to operate at higher speeds without the risk of overheating. Thanks to enhanced energy efficiency, better Power Usage Effectiveness (PUE) is achieved.

Its advanced features offer long-lasting corrosion

protection and cooling capabilities that promote a longer equipment lifespan and reduced downtime.

The Zitrec EC range simplifies electronic hardware maintenance and can lower the overall cost and complexity of the system.

Arteco, arteco-coolants.com

SNOWFLAKE LAUNCHES MANUFACTURING DATA CLOUD

Snowflake has announced the launch of its Manufacturing Data Cloud, which enables companies to unlock the value of their critical siloed industrial data by leveraging Snowflake’s data platform, Snowflakeand partner-delivered solutions, and industry-specific datasets. The Manufacturing Data Cloud empowers manufacturers to collaborate with partners, suppliers, and customers in a secure and scalable way, driving

greater agility and visibility across the entire value chain. With Snowflake’s Manufacturing Data Cloud, organisations can build a data foundation for their businesses, improve supply chain performance, and power smart manufacturing initiatives in today’s digital-industrial world.

As manufacturers look to address supply chain and efficiency issues, their efforts around modernisation and resiliency require data and a willingness to embrace industry 4.0 initiatives, in which data is collected from sensor networks and smart machines, and filtered through artificial intelligence and machine learning.

Traditionally, these data sets, which encompass both operational technology and IT data, have been siloed and are difficult to access and integrate.

Snowflake, snowflake.com

LEGRAND INTRODUCES TWO NEW INTELLIGENT RACK PDUS Legrand has unveiled its intelligent rack PDUs, combining software and hardware technology from previous generations of Raritan and Server Technology rack PDUs, while adding a number of new features.

Sold as the Server Technology PRO4X and Raritan PX4, these intelligent rack PDU designs revolutionise capacity planning, workload optimisation, environmental monitoring, physical and digital access control, and uptime initiatives. Combining engineering and intelligence with industry-proven hardware and software, Legrand says that the PRO4X and the PX4 will solve the power needs of data centre operators today, while helping them anticipate tomorrow’s rack power distribution challenges.

Legrand says that these are the first rack PDUs to measure total harmonic distortion at the cabinet

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and device levels, offering data centre operators a complete and accurate set of internalised power quality monitoring and metrics, including waveform capture capabilities. Also, the product’s Circuit Breaker Trip Forensics with Waveform Capture will help facility managers not only uncover the exact outlet and potential cause of a circuit breaker trip, but also capture, visualise, and review waveform power quality data to proactively prevent similar occurrences.

Legrand, legrand.co.uk

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