NETWORKS EUROPE The magazine for network and data centre professionals September/October 2021 THE RACE TO NET ZERO CONNECTING PEOPLE, PROCESSES AND THINGS FOR SMART BUILDINGS ARE WE THERE YET? The Current State Of Play in Next-Generation Ethernet Connectivity Technologies to Manage Carbon Emissions During a Time of Growing Demand Linking With Existing Building Management Systems to Support Time, Cost and Energy Efficiency IN THIS ISSUE: PROTECTING CRITICAL CONNECTIONS IN HARSH ENVIRONMENTS WIRELESS WAN: FIVE GOOD REASONS FOR A WIRELESS FUTURE ZERO TRUST IS A JOURNEY THAT STARTS WITH A SINGLE STEP05 Foreword 06 News The news desk highlights some of the latest industry stories. 14 Are we there yet? Aniket Khosla, Vice President Product Management with Spirent, examines the current state of play when it comes to next-generation Ethernet connectivity. 18 What does the edge mean for IoT? Peter Ruffley, CEO, Zizo, explains how edge IoT and analytics can provide a powerful mechanism for translating complex data sources into a streamlined, lower cost platform with faster return on investment and higher value. 22 Protecting critical connections in harsh environments In the data centre, the focus has long been on cabling solutions supporting ultra-high densities and faster data transmission. In the LAN and intelligent buildings, it is all about network convergence, deploying a unified cabling system. Dominic Ross, Technical Manager UK & Ireland, Siemon looks at the environments that fall in between. 26 Wireless WAN: five good reasons for a wireless future James Bristow, SVP EMEA, Cradlepoint takes a look at how the global pandemic accelerated a network transformation that had been emerging for a long time: the transition from wired networks to wireless WANs. 30 Networking automation - today’s catalyst for business continuity Alan Stewart-Brown, VP EMEA, Opengear explores why businesses that have done well through the lockdowns have been successful because of the growth in demand for their services. However, ongoing success depends on overcoming the technology challenges Covid-19 raised. CONTENTS www.networkseuropemagazine.com 02 141830 NETWORKS EUROPE 1 Tudor Business Centre Waterhouse Lane Kingswood KT20 6EN www.networkseuropemagazine.com Published by: Abacus Communications Limited Publisher: Greg Ward Editor: Laura Vallis Sales Executive: Keith Foster The views expressed in the articles and technical papers are those of the authors and are not endorsed by the publishers. The author and publisher, and its officers and employees, do not accept any liability for any errors that may have occurred, or for any reliance on their contents. All trademarks and brandnames are respected within our publication. However, the publishers accept no responsibility for any inadvertent misuse that may occur. This publication is protected by copyright © 2020 and accordingly must not be reproduced in any medium. All rights reserved. Networks Europe stories, news, know-how? Please submit to editor@networkseuropemagazine.com including high resolution (300dpi+ CMYK) images.36 Tackling the challenges of greenhouse robotics Efficiency and waste remain two of the largest challenges for greenhouses, leading to the development of robots to improve operations. However, this presents challenges that require the latest computing technologies, explains Martin Frederiksen, Managing Director of Recab UK. 40 Unbreaking the record for cyber-attacks Matthew Hawkridge, Chief Technology Officer at Ovarro, explains why secure RTUs can mitigate threats against critical national infrastructure. 44 The path to successful SD-WAN implementation Ross Duke, Technical Director, MLL Telecom looks at the fact that enterprise organisations in the public and private sectors increasingly require managed network providers capable of offering not only network design, consultancy and monitoring, but also the technical knowledge and skills necessary for managing emerging and future technologies. The implementation of SD-WAN is a prime example. 48 Agile and secure network: a key pillar for innovation Song Toh, Vice President - Global Network Services, Tata Communications looks at how organisations are looking at their digital infrastructure, making it agile, secure and - most importantly - future-ready for any unforeseen circumstances, such as the pandemic. 52 The race to net zero On one hand, the race to net zero carbon emissions is intensifying and the industry is making strides in lowering energy usage, while on the other hand, we are seeing a rapid digital acceleration, the vast proliferation of smart devices and an upward surge in data demand. Brian Johnson, ABB Data Centre Segment Head discusses. 56 Single pair ethernet: an accelerator for smart buildings Matthias Gerber, Market Manager Office Cabling, Reichle & De Massari, looks at the use of SPE in building automation, supporting the extended reach implementation of small sensors and the miniaturisation of networking equipment. 60 Zero Trust is a journey – and it starts with a single step Rather than looking at zero trust as some grand undertaking, Raghu Nandakumara, Field CTO at Illumio believes it can be helpful to simply think of it as a focus on tightening up security controls. 64 Connecting people, processes and things for truly smart buildings Developments in IoT technology have enabled smart buildings to take connectivity to the next level. Kelly Allen, Director Nokia Alliance EMEA, Alcatel-Lucent Enterprise looks at how linking with existing building management systems can further support the goal of ensuring time, cost and energy efficiency. 68 Movers and shakers We take a quick look at some of the industry's movers and shakers, including new appointments, promotions and personnel changes. 446436 www.networkseuropemagazine.comwww.networkseuropemagazine.com CONTENTS 03© 2021 TREND Networks Limited. All Rights Reserved. Trend Networks, SignalTEK, SecuriTEST and LanTEK are trademarks or registered trademarks of TREND Networks Limited. Depend On Us For more information please call 01925 428 380 or email uksales@trend-networks.com Valid between October 1st 2021 and January 31st 2022. Visit promo.trend-networks.com to claim your reward today. Terms and conditions apply. Loyalty you can depend on www.trend-networks.com Depend On Us Rewards LanTEK IV Rewards PoE Pro Reward SecuriTEST IP Reward Buy a LanTEK IV 500 Cable Certifier and receive £1500 of FREE TREND Networks products of your choice OR Buy a LanTEK IV 3000 Cable Certifier and receive £1800 of FREE TREND Networks products (subject to predefined list) Buy a PoE Pro Power over Ethernet Tester and receive a free Amplifier Probe Buy a SecuriTEST IP CCTV Tester and receive a free VDV II Plus SignalTEK 10G Reward Buy a SignalTEK 10G Ethernet Tester and receive a free 3 year warranty worth up to £798 worth up to £1800 worth £231 worth £60From the editor In recent times the word 'smart' has been associated with everything from phones to buildings to cities. The worlds of technology, networking and data have collaborated to provide efficient and intelligent systems to help us on a day to day basis but how can we improve things further? How can 'smart' help us with connectivity, power management and sustainability? In this issue, we have features on the next generation of ethernet connectivity from Aniket Khosa at Spirent, while Matthias Gerber at Reichle & De Massari looks at single pair ethernet as an accelerator for smart buildings. Kelly Allen at Alcatel-Lucent considers whether developments in IoT technology have enabled smart buildings to take connectivity to the next level. Cabling solutions supporting ultra-high densities and faster data transmission have long been the focus in the data centre. However, in the LAN and intelligent building sector, it is all about network convergence. Dominic Ross at Siemon looks at the environments that fall in between. James Bristow at Cradlepoint considers the transition from wired networks to wireless WANs, while Ross Duke at MLL Telecom looks at the path to successful SD-WAN implementation. Peter Ruffley at Zizo explains how the edge can provide a powerful mechanism for translating complex data sources into a streamlined, lower-cost platform. ABB's Brian Johnson discusses technologies available to manage carbon emissions in the race to net zero and, in a feature from Martin Frederiksen of Recab UK, we look at how the challenges of efficiency and waste in greenhouses have led to the development and operation of robots. Security and data management continue to be important, but rather than looking at zero trust as some grand undertaking, Raghu Nandakumara at Illumio believes it can be used to focus on security control. Matthew Hawkridge at Ovarro explains why secure RTUs can mitigate threats against critical national infrastructure and Song Toh at Tata Communications discusses how organisations are making their digital infrastructure agile, secure and future- ready for any unforeseen circumstances - including pandemics! There are so many reasons to read this issue of Networks Europe magazine. Be smart, take a look and enjoy! Laura Vallis Editor Networks Europe magazine FOREWORD www.networkseuropemagazine.comwww.networkseuropemagazine.com 05CENTIEL Launches UPS to Protect Medical Imaging Equipment Power CENTIEL has launched a stand-alone UPS to provide back-up power for medical imaging equipment in the healthcare sector. The solution, called PremiumTower Medical Special, is designed with the capability to condition the power to devices such as MRI scanners which experience increased currents during the start-up phase. Gerardo Lecuona, Co-founder and Director, CENTIEL, confirms, “Our standard PremiumTower UPS has 120% continuous overload capacity and so it’s already suitable for most medical environments. However, PremiumTower Medical Special has been fitted with a much larger inverter within the same sized unit, meaning the new solution will occupy the same footprint but be able to cope with the high inrush currents during the ramp-up phase of specific items of medical imaging equipment. “We have already installed the new solution in a high-profile medical facility in the Ukraine. Now PremiumTower Medical Special is made available globally through our network of partners and subsidies for the benefit of hospitals and other medical facilities looking to protect critical power on behalf of their patients. “PremiumTower Medical Special is a three-phase, online double-conversion UPS, designed to maximise efficiency and comes in a range of sizes from: 80-250kW in a single footprint. The solution can be paralleled to provide either additional power capacity or redundancy and its best-in-class, on-line operating efficiency of 96.6% in double conversion mode minimises running costs and reduces the Total Cost of Ownership. It is built with the same high-quality Swiss design and components and offers the same industry- leading availability clients have come to expect from CENTIEL.” n www.networkseuropemagazine.com NEWS IN BRIEF www.networkseuropemagazine.com 06 Ekinops Partners with b<>com Ekinops has announced a new research collaboration with the French innovation centre, b<>com. The collaboration, which utilises b<>com’s private-public partnership model, will see the two organisations work together to develop technologies for private cloud infrastructures with use cases in eHealth, artificial intelligence and telecoms. Long time partners, Ekinops and b<>com have previously cooperated on optical transport solutions. This latest initiative will take a new approach to network access in a bid to evolve the field so that it may address a broader range of innovative, intelligent routing requirements resulting from the digitalisation of cities, transportation, retail, health, energy distribution, and many others while continuing to operate within existing telecoms networks. The collaboration will focus on developing new generations of hardware and software platforms using a bare-metal “service containers” approach that optimises resource allocation while meeting evolving connectivity demands in solutions that are robust, compact and easily integrated into any environment. It will also look to develop solutions that are flexible enough to host services that can support IoT or Edge Computing use cases, such as real-time pattern or object recognition Cloud services while offering 4G, 5G or fibre access. "Having already successfully applied virtualisation to business use cases with our OneOS6-LIM technology, this new research collaboration will allow us to address different environments and services. A bare-metal integrated container approach in OneOS6 would offer the benefits of both worlds of physical (pCPE) and virtualised (uCPE) platforms," commented Sylvain Quartier, VP Marketing & Product Strategy Access at Ekinops. He adds, "We are delighted to have found with b<>com, once again, ambitious technological innovation supporting companies, and it is with great motivation that we continue our collaboration with their experts." "Our ambition is to imagine the private networks of tomorrow while meeting the needs of companies today," said Mathieu Lagrange, Director of Networks and Security at b<>com. “The challenges of the transformation that lies ahead are numerous, whether it is AI or real-time computing, for example, to serve the performance, resilience and security of these future networks. The results of our joint research will probably be applied first to very demanding uses in terms of security and processing of high-definition video streams with very low latency, for example in the healthcare field," he concluded. n Livingbridge Acquires North and Data Techniques North has been acquired by Livingbridge. The news comes as North confirms it has significantly expanded its UK footprint with the strategic acquisition of Data Techniques. Livingbridge has a strong track record within the technology sector and has made the investment through its £1.2 billion Livingbridge 7 fund. It has acquired North from Aliter, a specialist firm within the support services industry. Livingbridge’s investment will accelerate North’s ambitious growth plans. The business currently employs over 270 staff and is focused on driving regional expansion, strengthening its service lines such as IoT and 5G within critical and complex environments and continuing to build long-term partnerships with the likes of Aruba, Cisco and Nokia. The acquisition of Data Techniques is testament to North’s strategy to consolidate its position as a market leader. Data Techniques has 90 employees located across three UK offices in Camberley, Southampton and Basingstoke. The acquisition will reinforce North’s presence in the South East and allow it to operate a national network of highly technical engineers, covering the design, build, maintenance, and monitoring of end- to-end IoT solutions and services. Glen Williams, Chief Executive for North said, “The last year has seen tremendous change and growth for North and saw five businesses brought together to form an established player, well positioned to take advantage of growth opportunities. The acquisition of Data Techniques demonstrates our focus on building our client base and breadth of services through smart expansion and acquisitions. “Aliter’s support and guidance has been invaluable. We are now looking forward to building on our success with Livingbridge who have recognised the potential of our business and have the expertise and knowledge that will help to drive our business forward.” Aliter Founding Partner and North Non-Executive Chairman, Greig Brown, added, “Over the last few years, North has seen sustained growth and we have worked closely with Glen and the management team as it has transformed into a UK-wide organisation at the forefront of the smart integrated technologies market.” Matthew Caffrey at Livingbridge, said: “We are delighted to be partnering with North, a business with a unique breadth and depth of expertise across the IoT, networking and connectivity, and safety and security, and with a clear potential for growth. We are excited to work with CEO Glen Williams and his experienced management team to develop North’s strong capabilities and consolidate a fragmented industry through further M&A to better service the rapidly growing intelligent buildings and smart cities market.” Nick Crosby, Data Techniques, commented: “It has been clear, that our businesses share many synergies, including a commitment to providing a high quality of service to our broad customer base." nOlympiastadion Berlin Strikes Gold with Extreme Network Extreme Networks has announced it has been selected as the official WiFi solutions provider for the historic Olympiastadion Berlin in Germany. Together with long-standing partner PKN Datenkommunikations, and in preparation for the 2024 European Football Championship (EURO 2024), Extreme will deploy a high- performance WiFi 6 network that meets the Union of European Football Associations’ (UEFA) stringent venue and networking infrastructure requirements. Olympiastadion Berlin, part of the Berlin Olympic Park, was opened on August 1, 1936. It is one of the largest stadiums in Germany for international football matches and one of the world’s most prestigious and versatile venues for sporting and entertainment events. This will be the first and largest public WiFi 6 deployment in a European stadium, allowing the venue to meet the most demanding connectivity requirements of spectators, staff and media attending football tournaments, concerts and international sporting events for years to come. It will also support mission-critical operations and back-of-house systems. n Vertiv's New Remote Power Panel and a Busway System to Standardise, Simplify and Scale Data Centre Operations Vertiv has introduced two new power distribution systems to simplify data centre management and scalability. The Liebert RXA remote power panel (RPP) is a flexible and safe solution for high-density power applications in one of the industry’s smallest footprints, while the Liebert MBX busway system allows reliable overhead power distribution in data centres of any size, leaving floorspace available for equipment. Both products are now available across Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA). Many data centres traditionally use purpose-built electrical power distribution systems to feed energy into the server racks. However, custom solutions require longer lead times and are not pre-certified by original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), which could create complications when servicing. A proven alternative to custom-made systems, in particular for high- density applications, is a standardised RPP, such as the new space-saving Liebert RXA, which can be flexibly placed in data centres, server rooms or network closets. Prebuilt and configured, certified and tested, the Liebert RXA provides out-of-the-box electrical distribution once connected to branch circuits, simplifying facility startup, expansion and overall management of larger data centre networks. The solution offers flexible features and multiple configuration options to accommodate different site needs and future growth, while optimising floor space. In addition, this new generation of standardised RPPs provides embedded intelligent monitoring capabilities, and through Vertiv Liebert DPM intelligent power monitoring and system control, can respond faster to any load imbalances, increasing the availability of critical systems and preventing issues that could harm valuable server equipment and cause unplanned outages. Thanks to its innovative design, the Liebert RXA offers one of the industry’s smallest footprints, while finger-safe features provide heightened safety for operators. When floor space is simply not an option, the Liebert MBX busway represents a versatile over-rack solution to provide reliable and scalable power distribution in any sized data centre, with the inherent benefit of also maximising cooling airflow. This premium modular busbar system offers a variety of capacity and connection options that support enhancements and adaptation with minimal outside support needed, allowing businesses to cost-effectively optimise and adapt power distribution infrastructure over time. The hot-swappable tap-off boxes and adaptive busbar maximise flexibility and availability with continuous power delivery to critical loads, even during upgrades and layout changes. The light and robust aluminium busway track chassis is IP2X certified and IEC 61439-2 compliant, with integrated finger-safe capabilities and ground-first/break-last design to ensure maximum safety while servicing. Giovanni Zanei, Senior Director for Vertiv’s AC power global offering and EMEA AC power business leader, said, “With data centre space at a premium, the influx of more devices and the move to higher densities, there is increasing pressure being put on data centre power infrastructure to be safe, scalable and quick to deploy. These easy-to-install systems provide packaged power distribution that is compact and flexible enough to meet constantly changing demands. By deploying Vertiv’s power distribution systems, colocation providers and data centre managers can help ensure uptime thanks to high-quality equipment that is built and certified by a global manufacturer.” Liebert RXA and Liebert MBX join Vertiv’s broad, industry-leading power distribution portfolio, which includes room-based power distribution units (PDUs) and Geist rack PDUs. n NEWS IN BRIEF www.networkseuropemagazine.comwww.networkseuropemagazine.com 07 Subex Rebrands IoT and OT Cybersecurity Product as Sectrio Subex has announced the completion of the rebranding exercise of its Internet of Things (IoT) and Operational Technology (OT) cybersecurity product Subex Secure. Subex Secure will henceforth be called Sectrio. The move comes in the wake of Sectrio gaining significant market traction powered by an exponential increase in the capabilities of its award-winning product portfolio. Subex also felt the need to create a unique identity for its stack of IoT and OT cybersecurity offerings as its customers, prospects and partners had started looking for specific information across these areas. Subex Secure had created a name for itself in the IoT and OT cybersecurity space, winning critical cyber protection deals worldwide. The division is presently running one of the largest IoT and OT-focused threat intelligence gathering facilities in the world. Such unparalleled strengths, R&D capabilities and market traction catapulted Sectrio to the list of top IoT and OT cybersecurity products globally, as per various analysts and other sources. With the conclusion of the rebranding, Sectrio will continue to expand its capabilities and strengthen its growth narrative. The name change also reflects the focus Sectrio brings to driving a multi-dimensional cyber resilience strategy through unique cyber protection approaches, industry-specific threat intelligence and unified protection to diverse digital ecosystems, on one platform. Vinod Kumar, Managing Director and CEO, Subex, said, “The new brand identity is a reflection of our growing aspiration, strengths and capabilities. As an innovation-focused company, we take pride in what we have achieved so far. At the same time, we continue to embrace new paradigms and surpass new milestones in our ongoing journey towards securing the digital world. While the identity is new, what doesn't change is the unwavering focus we bring in protecting the critical digital business assets of our customers." nAVEVA has announced that it has committed to setting 1.5°C-aligned emission reduction targets across all three Scopes as part of joining the Business Ambition for 1.5°C campaign. The announcement was made during a meeting at AVEVA’s London office attended by Kwasi Kwarteng, UK Secretary of State for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy. The move affirms AVEVA’s commitment to set both short and long-term targets that are in line with the most ambitious aims of the Paris Climate Agreement and reflects a science-based approach to climate action. At the meeting, Peter Herweck, AVEVA CEO, said, “As outlined by the global scientific community in the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change report, the window we have to take action on climate is closing fast. We have joined Business Ambition for 1.5°C because we are deeply committed to being part of the solution to the climate crisis, both through the industrial software that we make to support our customers on their digital journey and in the daily actions that we take to run our own business. By working together with our customers, partners, and other key stakeholders such as the UK Government, we believe we can create an inclusive net-zero economy in line with the 1.5°C pathway.” Business and Energy Secretary, Kwasi Kwarteng, commented, “It’s great to see companies like AVEVA committing to tackling climate change and joining the Race to Zero and the Business Ambition 1.5°C campaign. As a country, eliminating our contribution to climate change by 2050 simply will not be possible without business playing its part and I urge other companies to follow suit and sign up without delay. “Advanced technologies have a major role to play in cutting emissions, while at the same time boosting investment and creating new green jobs. It was fantastic to see first-hand how AVEVA is supporting its many customers across the world to transition to a clean, green way of doing business and to seize the myriad opportunities that this brings.” n AVEVA Accelerates Sustainability Leadership www.networkseuropemagazine.com 08 NEWS IN BRIEF Eaton Advances Grid-interactive Data Centres with Microsoft Eaton has announced that it is working with Microsoft to identify ways for data centres to monetise existing assets and integrate more renewable energy sources to help create a more sustainable and stable grid. The findings of this collaboration were published today in the joint white paper, Grid-interactive data centres: enabling decarbonisation and system stability. In this new white paper, Eaton and Microsoft demonstrate how data centres using energy storage capabilities in uninterruptible power supplies (UPSs), like Eaton’s EnergyAware UPS, have a unique opportunity to support grid stabilisation efforts by storing energy and providing energy services back to the grid. This opportunity represents a key component in Eaton’s Everything as a Grid approach as the company works to help unlock a low-carbon energy future. Janne Paananen, whitepaper co-author and Technology Manager, Critical Power Systems at Eaton, said, “While renewables are the power source of the future, they create additional complexity for the grid. Data centres have a tremendous opportunity to leverage their UPS assets to help alleviate grid complexities and challenges while creating new revenue opportunities to offset their own energy use. The opportunities we’ve outlined with Microsoft in this whitepaper will have significant implications for both data centre operators as well as the future of the energy grid.” Ehsan Nasr, Senior Engineer, Data Center Advanced Development at Microsoft, commented, “Data centres are at the heart of our digital economy and have the ability to provide a readily available, better means to support the grid. This support helps enable electrical grids to reach higher levels of renewable energy. Once stored energy in data centre systems is leveraged to provide flexibility and optimisation services, it becomes an asset with an increased value, so it’s a triple win, for the grid operator, data centre operator and the environment.” n UBS Asset Management Acquires Innovative Data Centre Business in UK, Driving Site Expansion and Development UBS Asset Management (UBS-AM) Real Estate & Private Markets (REPM) has announced the acquisition of Datum Datacentres in Farnborough, within easy reach of London. The transaction represents a 100% acquisition of the company and will allow UBS REPM to pursue site expansion and opportunities to develop the successful business into a broader platform. The existing capacity is largely contracted by a diverse range of occupiers, including large public and enterprise sector clients and managed IT service providers – many of which hold long-term contracts. The current facility is being expanded to provide additional capacity to clients and there is also potential to develop an additional facility on-site. The site is highly secure, with an equivalent resilience specification to Tier 3+ under Uptime Institute classifications. The facility also boasts strong ESG credentials, with market-leading energy efficiency, as well as using 100% renewable energy alongside an active carbon-offsetting program. Commenting on the announcement, Tommaso Albanese, Global Head and CIO of Infrastructure at UBS REPM said, “This transaction represents an exciting investment in a fast-growing and high-performing sector. The past year has underlined the importance of online services and our acquisition of Datum Datacentres will deliver attractive returns to investors whilst providing the company with the capital to expand the existing successful model. Beyond the performance of the asset, the facility’s market-leading energy efficiency, use of 100% renewable energy and carbon offsetting aligns with UBS REPM’s wider ESG strategy and investment rationale.” Dominic Phillips, CEO at Datum Datacentres commented, “Datum is delighted to welcome UBS Asset Management as a long-term investor in the business. This provides certainty to our clients & business partners as well as ratifying the client-centric approach we take in all we do, whilst supporting our ambitions for the development of our operations.” n Share your news! Send your press releases or announcements to: editor@networkseuropemagazine.comRiello UPS Launches Range Of Lithium-Ion Battery Solutions Riello UPS has introduced dedicated lithium-ion battery solutions across much of its range. The move enables data centres and other mission-critical sites to capitalise on the many advantages of lithium-ion (li-ion) cells while also encouraging them to play a role in the ongoing energy transition. Lithium-ion battery versions are now available across much of the Riello UPS product range, including its award-winning modular UPS Multi Power, super-efficient NextEnergy, and high-performing Master series. The new solutions incorporate a wide range of runtime options (short, medium and long autonomy) along with a sophisticated Battery Management System (BMS) that monitors and controls each individual cell using electronic circuits to maintain balanced states of charge. Compared to the sealed lead-acid (SLA) batteries typically used in UPS systems, lithium-ion cells have a much better power-to-weight ratio and far higher power density, meaning they can deliver the same power in 50-75% less footprint and weight. They also have a much quicker recharge/discharge time and offer around 50 times the cycle life. In addition, li-ion batteries have a better tolerance to higher temperatures, meaning they can safely operate in environments up to 40°C compared to the recommended 20-25°C for SLA. This can significantly reduce expensive air conditioning or even eliminate the need for a standalone battery room. While li-ion batteries have a lifespan of 15-20 years, SLA cells would probably need replacing two or three times during the same period. This equates to total cost of ownership (TCO) savings of between 10-40% over the course of a decade. Leo Craig, Managing Director of Riello UPS, commented, “With their combination of long lifespan, reduced footprint, higher temperature tolerance and real-time monitoring for enhanced reliability, lithium-ion solutions are fast becoming an increasingly viable option across a variety of settings. “They also transform a UPS from a purely reactive machine waiting to provide emergency power when there’s an outage into a dynamic device that can help balance the electricity grid in real time through peak shaving and mechanisms like frequency response. “Their rapid charge/discharge and high number of cycles also make them an ideal solution for storing energy generated from renewable sources such as wind turbines or solar panels.” n Fluke’s Cable Tester Trade-in Offer Gets Customers Ready for PoE Fluke has launched a promotion to encourage customers to upgrade old cable testers to ensure that their wired Internet of Things (IoT) networks comply with the standard requirements for Power over Ethernet (PoE). As people, processes, data and devices connect to the Internet and each other, demand for better network access with minimum disruption is leading to increased installations of PoE infrastructure and compatible devices across a wide range of industries and applications. Recent research conducted by Cisco revealed almost 70% of networked devices in Western Europe will be wired or connected via WiFi by 2023. For a limited time, Fluke Networks is offering up to EUR2,500 trade-in discount on an old copper cable tester. Customers who trade in their old testers of any make or model can get a new Fluke cable analyser that meets the latest PoE standards at a reduced price. This promotion is available to customers from 1 September to 15 December 2021. Customers can simply purchase their desired cable tester available as part of the Trade-In offer from their preferred participating distributor. Nicolas Bravo de Medina, Marketing Director EMEA at Fluke, said, “Wired devices will increasingly be powered by PoE as it offers lower cable costs, simplified infrastructure management, easier maintenance, less downtime, greater installation flexibility and reduced power consumption. With the DSX2-5000 and DSX2-8000 CableAnalyzers, customers can certify the modular plug terminated link that typically connects the PoE device to the network. On top of that they can execute ‘+PoE’ tests that trigger a complete set of resistance measurements that ensure proper PoE connection is possible on the link. This will give our customers the confidence and peace of mind that their network meets the latest PoE standards and is ready to use this highly beneficial connectivity technology.” n NEWS IN BRIEF www.networkseuropemagazine.com 09 Panduit Launches Enterprise SmartZone Cloud DCIM Software Panduit has launched SmartZone Cloud Software, its enhanced Azure cloud-based enterprise web application, that integrates power and environmental monitoring with cabinet access, asset tracking and connectivity management. Data centre managers, engineers, operators and customers can now monitor critical infrastructure resources and make informed decisions about capacity, changing environmental conditions and performance, from any authorised device world-wide. Maintaining real-time monitoring, dashboard visualisation, management and reporting of key attributes across assets, power, cooling and provisioning, as well as the physical infrastructure, is a vital step to aid data centre agility. Panduit’s SmartZone Cloud DCIM solution offers unlimited users accurate, automated and centralised physical infrastructure visibility to help stakeholders achieve SLA (service-level agreements). It tracks critical infrastructure resources and provides a single pane of glass, visual representation of rack and outlet level power management, asset and rack access management and environmental monitoring. The software is aligned with Panduit’s SmartZone G5 Intelligent PDUs to bring visual representation of rack-level power, environment and cabinet access. In addition to floorplan layout and rack elevation, power path enables operators to identify single point of failure, reduce overprovisioning and clearly assess risk levels. Agentless auto-discovery of IT devices eases installations and reduces set-up time. Its open API is REST based and integrates with ITSM systems while also supporting industry PDUs and competitors’ devices to ensure the customer’s preferred systems integration. nNext >