VIEWPOINT
MOVING TO THE EDGE PREM RODRIGUES, DIRECTOR OF SALES AND MARKETING FOR THE MIDDLE EAST, INDIA AND AFRICA AT SIEMON, EXPLAINS WHY THE PHYSICAL IT INFRASTRUCTURE OF EDGE DATA CENTRES REQUIRES SPECIAL CONSIDERATION
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dge computing promises to provide faster, smoother delivery of online services and better performance of online applications to users. At the same time, machine-to-machine devices will rely on edge computing for real-time communications with local processing resources to guarantee safety and avoid accidents. And many other technologies including 5G mobile networks, augmented reality and artificial intelligence will benefit from high-speed, low-latency processing of applications and data that edge computing can deliver. Edge computing relies on a distributed data centre architecture, in which IT cloud servers housed in edge data centres are deployed on the outer edges of a network. These edge data centres can take the form of modular, containerised, micro or office-based facilities and will essentially require power, cooling, connectivity and security in the same way as centralised data centres. However, the difference in physical size and the physical location of an edge data centre impacts IT infrastructure decisions and components will have to be selected carefully to ensure reliable operation and support of a growing, more demanding network. Since edge data centres will be deployed in multiple geographically distributed areas, they will require a modular approach that uses modules and configurations that – once specified - can easily be replicated from one site to the next. This will allow for a fast set-up process and for growth in line with local demand as it changes over time. Pre-configured and pre-assembled solutions can speed up the deployment of a large number of geographically dispersed facilities. Pre-terminated copper and fibre cabling for example can save up to 30 per cent on time and
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CXO INSIGHT ME
MARCH 2021
labour compared to installing individual components. These factory-terminated and tested solutions provide guaranteed performance levels. Many edge data centres could be unmanned, or site-access may be limited. Automated infrastructure management tools allow for remote management and monitoring of these sites. Monitoring may extend to copper and fibre connections (i.e. a cable connects/disconnects) but also to security locks (i.e. a cabinet door opens) with real-time alerts of network and security events to help detect unauthorised access and prevent downtime. Additional monitoring and control features provided by intelligent power distribution units (PDUs) can also be useful for managing unmanned sites. Switched PDUs offer remote outlet control by enabling data centre managers to restart or shut down a piece of equipment remotely. Fully managed PDUs offer the highest level of control with outlet-level monitoring and outletlevel switching for remote monitoring and control of individual receptacles. Intelligent PDUs with sensors for cabinet-
level environmental monitoring (e.g. temperature and humidity) can provide an extra layer of control. Compared to large centralised facilities, edge data centres will have to manage a much larger number of physical connections within a much smaller physical space. Category 6A/ Class EA copper cabling solutions such as high density 48-port patch panels and patch cords that feature a reduced outer diameter are perfectly aligned to meet these high-density requirements. Highcapacity fibre designs, such as enclosures that can house 144 LC fibres or 864 MTP fibres within 1U offer superior port density, whilst also providing easy access to fibre ports and cable management. In high-density edge data centre environments, proper cable management will become more critical than ever in supporting airflow for appropriate cooling. Excess cables should be avoided, and cable bundles should be neatly dressed within the racks. Cables that come in shorter (e.g. half metre) increments will avoid high amounts of cable slack inside the rack for improved cable management and better airflow. Patch cords with a reduced diameter also offer a significantly tighter bend radius for easier cable routing and better cable management and to facilitate moves, adds and changes in tighter spaces. Different colour options with help identify resilient connections (A&B routes) and/or different services and applications supported in the edge environment. Whilst edge environments will not differ too much from traditional centralised data centres in terms of essential infrastructure components, careful choice is key to ensuring reliable operation in support of these mission critical facilities.
