Artificial intelligence (AI) has created unprecedented demand for high speed, low latency and low loss data transmission within data centres. This has made efficient, high performance connectivity a critical factor and to support advanced AI systems, data centres must adopt infrastructure that can deliver exceptional speed, bandwidth, reliability and future readiness.

Optical fibre cabling is the optimal solution to meet these growing requirements. With its ability to transmit vast amounts of data at lightning fast speeds while maintaining low latency, fibre outperforms traditional copper connections in most data centre applications. Its superior bandwidth ensures smooth data flow, reducing bottlenecks and enhancing overall network efficiency. Additionally, fibre is immune to electromagnetic interference, offering improved stability.

As data centres race towards 400Gb/s, 800Gb/s and even 1Tb/s network speeds to meet the demands of AI, in this issue’s Question Time we’ve asked a specially selected panel of industry experts to examine the ways it impacts the specification and installation of fibre cabling in these environments. They also look at how to maximise return on investment, while ensuring optimum longevity and reliability.

Also in this issue, as data centres scale to support AI workloads reliable power is vital and our old friend Louis McGarry of Centiel explains why we must raise our game in terms of power provision and management, while being as sustainable as possible. On a related subject, Ashish Moondra of Chatsworth Products (CPI) takes a deep dive into the role of prescriptive and predictive management in optimising data centre power.

We also have a feature on wireless network infrastructures, where Aginode’s Rachid Ait Ben Ali explains how 5G, Wi-Fi 7 and wireless network infrastructures are transforming workspaces. He’s followed by R&M’s Matthias Gerber, who explains how to enhance wireless connectivity with hybrid cabling for Wi-Fi 7 and 5G access points.

Rob Shepherd
Editor