Even today’s hyperscale data centres will no longer be able to fully meet the network latency requirements of the near future. Internet of Things, 5G, intelligent transport systems and an ever-increasing number of wireless connections are resulting in demand for a vast increase in high-bandwidth, low-latency connections, as well as a new approach to network design. Data transmission and processing requirements are driving the creation of edge infrastructures. These extend and support centralised structures by introducing computing power at the edge of the network.
‘Edge data centres’ take the ‘edge’ of the internet further away from traditional internet hubs. Frequently referenced content and applications are cached on servers, which are geographically closer to less densely networked or ‘tier-two’ markets. This improves the quality of high-bandwidth applications outside large urban areas, and vastly improved the user experience for applications involving HD video, mobile computing and cloud services.
High-density: boosting capacity whilst helping prepare for the future
The move towards the ‘edge’ is introducing a paradigm shift in the way networks are designed, provided and monitored. There can be no bottlenecks between the edge and the centralised data centre. Because wireless solutions come with a number of inherent limitations, fibre and high-density architectures are required to cable and connect billions of sensors whilst enabling extremely high, uninterrupted, low-latency symmetrical bandwidth. Higher density makes it possible to gain space for further racks and switches. A single rack unit can act as the starting point and the infrastructure can be expanded as required, for example all the way up to a 45U rack. Current high-density fibre solutions for data centres generally offer up to 72 LC duplex ports per rack unit. This can, however, be tricky to manage. Consolidating servers means more space for switches and routers. Software Defined Network (SDN) architectures can be planned more sensibly.
Dynamic data centre environments require on-going, precise and efficient asset management. However, a data centre accommodating hundreds of thousands of fibre-optic connections, in a sensitive operating environment, can no longer be managed in a traditional way. They have to be monitored fully automatically to be able to guarantee operational reliability. This should be done in a way that not only supports technical management, but also compliance and economy management.
However, higher density can often result in unmanageable cabling, making Moves, Adds and Changes (MACs), cable tracking and fault-finding practically impossible.
An integrated hardware and software system is required to automatically detect when patch cords are inserted or removed and documents the cabling infrastructure and all connected equipment. The entire infrastructure is represented in a consistent, up to date database, offering precise, real-time information on the current condition and future requirements of the data centre. Everything can be monitored and administrated from a common software tool.
Dedicated high-density patch panels and patch cables save rack space and improve airflow, supporting consistent operating temperatures and reducing downtime risk. It’s important to realise that HD racks and patch can overload existing rack systems, placing considerable strain on rack equipment and cabling. As cables more difficult to grip and manipulate in more densely packed racks, it becomes harder to see what you’re doing. Push/pull connectivity is one way of making things easier and reducing risk. Pre-term installation cables and cable systems significantly reduce handling and installation time and guarantee functionality.
The preconfigured approach
The case for preconfigured cabinets in edge data centres is a strong one. Cabinets that come pre-fitted with connectivity infrastructure, power distribution, cable management and raceway, cooling, fire suppression and rack monitoring functionality – all based on the client’s specific IT needs – enable organisations to deploy services rapidly, using a single physical infrastructure platform. This incorporates multiple services, without having to consider interoperability, working with multiple vendors and managing concurrent installation works, often in sensitive environments.
The preconfigured cabinets should suit the different environments in which edge computing is a requirement. In office spaces, for example, the solution must be aesthetically aligned with the room. In manufacturing facilities, IT assets need to be protected from particles, contaminants and fluctuating power quality. Outdoors, protection from the elements and unwanted human interference is required. This scope is likely to increase as IoT and technologies like 5G open up opportunities for new applications that require local compute capabilities.
Preconfigured cabinets offer a number of compelling financial benefits. Designed and deployed correctly, the cabinets and the physical infrastructure they contain are far less obtrusive to the building. If leased, this can bring significant cost savings at the beginning as well as end of a lease period. A modular approach at all levels within preconfigured cabinets means they can easily be redeployed as needed, increasing the potential ROI.
