< Previousbe designed in a way that is durable, easy to maintain and space-efficient. EDCs are unmanned, meaning centralisation management is crucial for their successful operation. With more internet traffic predicted to be created in 2022 than in the previous 32 years, EDCs must also be scalable to react to and process rising data traffic in the future. Not only that, but EDC operators must consider the challenges of security and employee availability as well as operation and maintenance needs in remote locations. While we are used to hearing the term EDC, it is not just a buzzword, but will play a significant role in addressing current and future connectivity demands. Cutting-edge technology Setting up an EDC to succeed begins with the physical cabling layer. Having a structured cabling strategy that capitalises on the limited space available, allows more active networking equipment to be implemented and installed. EDCs must combine structured cabling with cutting-edge optical technology, such as all-optical switching and bandwidth expansion, to thrive in an environment where data demands grow every day. By using cables that are neatly organised and small in diameter, space is effectively maximised allowing for the possibility of additional active equipment. A high-density and space-efficient fibre management rack that can be customised to the pre-determined space is essential to provide a housing that offers both flexibility and scalability, with the option to add further fibre expansion when needed. When data traffic peaks, having opportunities for bandwidth expansion is a vital consideration to get more out of the existing deployed EDC infrastructure. This allows EDC operators to scale up when new 5G applications or other services come to market, without having to deploy more costly infrastructure. To reduce human error or damage, fibre optic cables also need to be easy to handle to reduce the knock-on effects of potential downtime. As the number of deployed EDCs rises as 5G networks are rolled out, there needs to be minimal manpower involved in managing the data centre on a day-to-day basis. Leveraging remote control To save significant time and costs, EDC infrastructure needs to be managed remotely by using automated operations and maintenance. All-optical switching enables remote access and control of the EDC to support the centralised management of data flow. This helps to protect the network, and also allows for remote maintenance to take place by identifying issues and any moves, adds and changes (MACs) that are needed. All-optical switching also When data traffic peaks, having opportunities for bandwidth expansion is a vital consideration to get more out of the deployed EDC infrastructure. edge data centres www.networkseuropemagazine.com 30enables Software-Defined Networking (SDN) which supports seamless integration within existing software, while passive multiplexing eliminates the need for extra signal conversion. Optical switches need to be SDN-enabled to be integrated into the existing Data Centre Infrastructure Management (DCIM) and Automated Infrastructure Management (AIM) or other operation and control software. Addressing unique needs Needs and demands on the network vary from one location to another. Therefore, there is no ‘one size fits all approach’ to designing an EDC. In addition, the location of deployment is always different, meaning that the EDC space and environment requirements need to be considered on a case-by-case basis. Working with a partner that can customise an EDC to fulfil a specific network need, with both size and scalability in mind, is important to ensure that investments return value to the networks services and generate revenue. With many design considerations to think about when deploying an EDC in a unique, remote location, it is important to consider the regional standards such as the Telecommunications Industry Standard (TIA) requirements for EDCs in the US. This includes appropriate ventilation and cooling, energy efficiency, site selection and security to only name a few. A fully developed structured cabling setup utilising a state-of-the-art fibre management system and high-density cabling can open up space and increase airflow. As an early contributor to TIA’s white papers, HUBER+SUHNER have been defining many cabling design considerations for EDCs and the company’s solutions have been created to meet these requirements. Designed for growth The expectations of 5G services are mounting, and EDCs are a substantial component for making this a reality. An EDC design that considers not only the requirements of today, but also tomorrow, will succeed. Both efficiency and scalability are essential to building a high-performing EDC that can grow to match rising data traffic demands. A reliable set-up using easy-to-handle equipment makes a huge difference to be able to scale without causing any damage or downtime. When network operators get it right, they will be able to save network infrastructure costs in the long run, helping to transform 5G from an expensive investment into a profitable, valuable service to many end-users and industries who are at the cutting-edge of technical innovation. n A reliable set-up using easy-to-handle equipment makes a huge difference to be able to scale without causing any damage or downtime. edge data centres www.networkseuropemagazine.com 31Legacy data centre modernisation data centre sustainability www.networkseuropemagazine.com 32While from a sustainability perspective, that’s a positive story, often meaning that the facility will have a lower carbon footprint and thereby emit less CO2, there’s still a significant challenge to be met in the face of legacy facilities, where PUEs remain around the 2.0 mark, or higher. Today Statista research suggests that the number of data centres in the world will actually decrease from 8.5 million in 2015 to an estimated 7.2 million by the end of this year. Such a decrease can largely be attributed to data centre consolidation, mainly due to the rise in public cloud and hyperscale facilities. In other words, more businesses are beginning to outsource their requirements to a smaller number of larger and more efficient data centres. And as hyperscale and colocation utilisation rates continue to grow, they often replace inefficient facilities operating at a higher PUE. Nevertheless, according to Synergy Research Group, the number of hyperscale data centres is only 541, with another 176 planned in the future. Add in around 5,000 colocation sites across the world, it still leaves several million ‘other’ data centres - how many of which are legacy or inefficient remains to be seen. At this stage, obtaining an accurate figure of global data centre numbers and type is far from an exact science, but, it is safe to say that the number of legacy sites, with a relatively high PUE, is a significant section of the market that needs urgent attention - especially in terms of sustainability. Sustainability considerations Today there are many sustainability drivers for legacy owners and operators to choose from. Customer interest in reducing the impacts of climate change continues to grow, governments are driving green agendas, and many members of the millennial generation continue to ask challenging questions regarding the ethics of business. Within the sector, hyperscalers and cloud providers characterise themselves as sustainability champions. And while renewable energy sources, innovations in power and cooling and deployment locations are all ways in which sustainability objectives can be met, the hyperscale community has a significant advantage over companies, in that their size, scale and demand are also some of the main drivers behind the build-out of new capacity. Another factor is that data centre customers are pursuing their own sustainability agenda, where in the early days, this might have meant little more than a procurement exercise to satisfy shareholders or meet Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) requirements. Nowadays, however, It’s no secret that today’s data centres are designed and built to be ultra-efficient. In fact, the Uptime Institute states that “by using the latest technology and practices, most new builds fall somewhere between a PUE of 1.2 and 1.4.” Andy Connor Channel Director, EMEA Subzero Engineering egacy data centre dernisation is key for sustainability data centre sustainability www.networkseuropemagazine.com 33more organisations are looking at the sustainability credentials of their supply chains. Questions concerning PUE, renewables and overall energy efficiency achievements may well be asked of data centre operators – whether operated on or off-premise. Finally, hovers the threat of tighter regulation. This could be at the local, national, regional or global level. Many high profile and influential operators are committing to Net Zero via the Climate Neutral Data Center Pact, which aims to influence legislation and decision-making at policy level across the European continent. Of course, there are two ways to approach the intangibles of future legislation. One involves carrying on as normal, with fingers crossed that all will be OK; hiding in the hope that new rules and regulations will not be introduced. However, if they are, and an organisation has not prepared, then the disruption will be significant, and one may argue it’s completely irresponsible for a business operating in the digital infrastructure sector to bury its head in the sand. The other approach is to recognise that the industry will soon come under closer governmental scrutiny and operators should be prepared ahead of the likely legislative curve. Moreover, those making the rules will see what hyperscalers are achieving voluntarily and expect the rest of the market to meet similar standards. Where to begin? Right now, if you recognise that you are a legacy data centre owner and have ambitions to become more sustainable or efficient, then a number of choices are available to you. For the enterprise market, the choices range from embarking on a major modernisation initiative within your on-premise facility, to moving more of your IT assets into hosted facilities or the cloud. Conversely, for colocation operators who need to improve their sustainability credentials, the only choice is to plan and execute a sustainable modernisation strategy. Or, to consider closing your existing data centre and instead build data centre sustainability www.networkseuropemagazine.com 34new, highly efficient facilities at an increased capital cost. In both scenarios, understanding the extent of the challenge you face and setting your objectives are the first steps towards making what we might call a sustainable modernisation decision. However, it all starts with the data, and if you can’t measure, analyse or benchmark your current operating status, you cannot and will not improve it. Start with the end in mind For many years data centre software has offered users greater analytical insight into the operating status of their mission-critical IT. In fact, its role has become so pivotal that technologies such as Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) have been instrumental in the fight to reduce data centre carbon emissions. By beginning with a free CFD analysis and utilising the subsequent environmental report, operators can gain valuable insight into a facilities level of energy efficiency. But more importantly, they can also identify a range of modernisation solutions, which will help to improve both performance and sustainability criteria - ranging from quick fixes to long-term strategic gains. Such strategies may include optimising your infrastructure system by improving airflow or cooling to the racks, eliminating hotspots, increasing IT densities and operating temperatures, or deploying a containment solution to minimise wasted cooling energy. In fact, upgrading your facility with a new containment solution can improve the average data centre PUE by a figure of 0.4 – meaning lower energy usage, decreased carbon emissions and a 30%reduction in operating costs. As the industry focuses on becoming more sustainable, I believe that beginning with legacy facility modernisation, holds the key to its success. From a strategic perspective, a modernisation plan that looks at three stages – analysis, optimisation and performance - offers many benefits to the end-user. Not least of which is a streamlined and efficient solution to help reduce your data centre's carbon footprint. n data centre sustainability www.networkseuropemagazine.com 35Even before the impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic, data centres were the backbone of our digital economy. As demands continue to increase and accelerated digitisation becomes a focal point for businesses, it is paramount that capacity is deployed sustainably, with resource efficiency in mind. Colocation and hyperscale providers have been responsible for much of the market demand and the surge in capacity. It is expected that we’ll see 11% growth (CAGR) of new European capacity between 2020-23 and while, according to CBRE, data centre building was flat in 2020, as much as 400MW of new data centre space is predicted to be supplied in 2021. Many members of the cloud and service provider community have already made great strides in their sustainability ambitions. Microsoft, for example, has tested hydrogen fuel cells as a means of removing diesel fuels from its Azure data centres, hoping to become truly carbon negative by 2030. Facebook and Apple have made ambitious commitments to net zero, with the former aiming to reduce emissions across its value chain in 2030, whereas Apple has set its sights on carbon-neutral products by 2030. Clearly, hyperscalers are creating a dynamic shift within the industry, but what other actions can the sector take to slow the effects of carbon emissions? Data centres and environmental sustainability Environmental sustainability, by all accounts, is the ability to avoid the depletion of natural resources in order to maintain an ecological balance. In September 2020, the European Commission presented its plan to reduce EU greenhouse gas emissions by at least 55% by 2030, which will put the EU on a balanced pathway to reaching climate neutrality by 2050. Data centres directly contribute to five of the UN’s sustainable development goals, meaning that empowering the industry is a crucial next step forward. Bloomberg journalist Akshat Rathi reports that to be able to cut emissions, we also need to look outside of cities and into transport, agriculture and industry, yet each of those sectors will need technologies to cut emissions. So, with greater demand for rapid digital transformation in the wake of unprecedented need for post-Covid-19 economic recovery, how can we accelerate commitments toward net-zero and facilitate transformative change? Leading the sector In a recent survey of more than 800 colocation data centre operators by 451 Research, 97% of providers’ customers were asking for contractual sustainability commitments, stating a clear, present and fundamental need for change. Today 55% of With growing awareness of the impacts of climate change, carbon emissions and energy usage on the environment, sustainability has become one of the key market differentiators within the data centre sector. By 2035, it is predicted that IT will consume 8.5% of global electricity, up from 5% in 2018, and that data centres will be responsible for a significantly larger share. Rob McKernan Senior Vice President Secure Power Europe Region Schneider Electric datacentre transformation www.networkseuropemagazine.com 36empowering a culture of sustainability Data centre transformation datacentre transformation www.networkseuropemagazine.com 37"Net Zero Data Centres are the next generation of sustainable data centres, forming the basis of clean energy infrastructure that is resilient, sustainable, and safe." datacentre transformation www.networkseuropemagazine.com 38the colocation providers surveyed are currently taking some action, but it’s neither strategic nor comprehensive – leaving a clear gap between customer expectations and providers’ commitments. The requirement for ever more sustainable data centre practices is also driving well-established organisations far into the Northern hemisphere. Here cool and temperate climates can offer significant benefits to the end-user, including free cooling, greater energy efficiency and a lower carbon footprint. Such benefits can be seen with BMW’s recent announcement to partner with Sweden’s EcoDataCenter, the world’s first climate-positive data centre. Yet with so many providers fast-tracking their sustainability goals, what does it take to become a net-zero operator? A plan to help operators tackle climate change In a recent article, Susanna Kass, Data Center Advisor to the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals program stated, “Net Zero Data Centres are the next generation of sustainable data centres, forming the basis of clean energy infrastructure that is resilient, sustainable, and safe.” However, this presents a significant challenge for owners and operators looking to negate the impacts of carbon emissions in a reactive, or haphazard way. Clearly a more holistic approach to data centre design, build and deployment is needed, and we believe the sector can address this challenge through five clear steps. First, operators must adopt sustainable practices at the start, creating and deploying a global climate strategy from the outset. Maximising the use of renewables and clean energy is also essential to transition from brown energy to green energy, decreasing your carbon footprint. By establishing resource-efficient data centre designs, operators can take a more repeatable approach to deployment, one where open and vendor-agnostic software will continuously help to drive efficiency in day-to-day operations. Long-term, reducing carbon emissions within the supply chain is essential, and many operators such as Facebook are beginning to address it with their partners. Finally, the utilisation of circular materials and systems that can be recycled, reused and re-deployed will also be an essential component of the strategy. What’s crucial is that operators from the cloud to the edge collaborate with their digital ecosystem and work with industry specialists to create and deliver a holistic, sustainability-driven data centre strategy. As digitisation shows no sign of slowing, the sector must act now to reduce its carbon impact. Our industry underpins global economies, connecting businesses and people all over the world, but without change, what impact will it have on the next generation? This is a question the industry cannot address alone, but by taking charge and leading the community, we can make great strides towards a more sustainable future. n Our industry underpins global economies, connecting businesses and people all over the world, but without change, what impact will it have on the next generation? datacentre transformation www.networkseuropemagazine.com 39Next >