Networks Europe Nov-Dec 2016 | Page 44

44 XXX XXX OPINION In recent years, the evolving role of data centres has changed the way in which they are designed and operated. Data centres are migrating to higher bandwidths and port densities: virtualisation, cloud, everything as a service and new storage and data transport methods are key the drivers, as the number of companies using IT services from external data centres continues to grow. HD video is another, with recent studies showing that some 91% of Internet data traffic is related to video transmissions. Another vital driver is the Internet of Things. Some nine billion ‘things’ are currently connected to the Internet and constantly transmitting data. Research suggests there will be up to 30 billion things online by 2020. Most of the generated data will end up back in data centres. Further drivers include Big Data, edge networks that move content like HDTV programmes closer to the end user, and the vast uptake of portable computing devices. Tackling bandwidth hunger BY Andreas Rüsseler, CMO, R&M www.rdm.com With the Internet of Things and HD video streaming services requiring more and more bandwidth, data centres are evolving to keep up with demand There’s a real need to add more and more fibre ports into network cabinets to keep up with increasing demand, as data centres become more widespread across a range of industries and applications. High-density solutions can offer a lower cost per port, and provide a flexible upgrade path for many years to come. But that does require some smart preparation when specifying and implementing a solution? In today’s data centres connectivity requirements are increasing rapidly, but the available real estate tends to remain the same. Therefore, physical-layer infrastructure required for network operations has to be capable of accommodating higher speeds in a high-density footprint. More ports and racks - same space To accommodate current and future applications, infrastructure needs to be flexible, scalable and reliable, and there’s a greater need for processing power and energy efficiency. Until quite recently, boosting capacity simply meant adding racks and servers. However, growth in the volume of data being stored and managed calls for the largest feasible port density in the smallest possible space. High-density systems require less physical space than more traditional systems and can, therefore, be grouped closer together. Reducing the space needed for servers makes it possible to add more high-density cabinets, thereby boosting capacity. A typical server rack, which once might have averaged 5kW in the past, might now be designed to accommodate 30kW or higher. A single cabinet could have all the power of five industry standard racks. This type of solution offers a lower cost per port than existing platforms, and provides a flexible upgrade path to accommodate needs for many years to come. You can increase port density and improve the organisation of ports and cabling. Adhering to structured cabling standards such as TIA-942 also becomes easier, as do MACs and maintenance. Consolidating all of a point of presence’s servers into a single rack space means there’s more space available for switches and routers. High-density makes it possible to minimise the meet-me-room area and gain space for further racks and switches. Software Defined Network (SDN) architectures can be planned more sensibly. Most currently available high-density fibre solutions for data centres offer up to 72 LC duplex ports per rack unit. However, as management can be a little tricky, data centre designers can often be reluctant to adopt HD. Things aren’t all that bad, fortunately, but certain things do need to be taken into account when creating an HD solution, ranging from power distribution and redundancy to monitoring packages. For one thing, high-density systems generally operate at a temperature, which needs to be compensated by cooling. The equipment simply requires more energy and produces more heat. What’s more, in the event of a cooling failure, temperatures will rise rapidly. It’s also important to realise that higher density can also mean heavier racks. Needless to say, checking whether the (raised) floor can cope is best done before installation of racks and cabinets. www.networkseuropemagazine.com