Michael Zammit, VP and GM of Go!Foton Corporation, has urged operators to look beyond ‘outdated methods’ and utilise more versatile data centre infrastructure management solutions now to control rising energy costs and complex data processing.
Speaking at ECOC 2018, Mr Zammit discussed how the horizon is rapidly changing as further complications in data centres begin to arise – from power and cooling factors, to rack space and central processing unit availability.
“Processing more and more data within the data centre has become the norm for many organisations, ultimately leading to complex and expensive machine to machine management. Operators are already realising that their current fibre connectivity infrastructure lacks efficiency, so they are stuck in a limbo – either to implement a quick fix to the problem or to embrace more versatile high-density solutions which leverage smaller form factor cables and connectors,” explains Zammit.
“The quick fix method, although it may seem appealing at first, is a dangerous path to go down as it is often complex, time-consuming, and gives operators only very limited short-term benefits. By just adding to an existing, antiquated fibre infrastructure, you will quickly find out the network lacks the required agility and flexibility to cope when more bandwidth and additional services are added into the mix.”
He stressed how we’re seeing an overall awkward and chaotic fibre routing and management, along with poor utilisation of already scarce rack resources. Many operators remain reluctant to fully leverage newer high-density solutions which employ small form factor interconnect cables with higher count, bend optimised fibres.
“The data centre fibre infrastructure sector has rapidly changed in the past few years and is continually evolving as 5G begins its roll-out across the world. Legacy fibre management practices are simply not sustainable without dire consequences to network performance and service reliability,” he added.
“If operators take the bold step to look beyond their outdated fibre management methods and towards solutions which offer easier monitoring, flexibility and more customisable user requirements, enormous benefits to cost, space utilisation in the racks, and operating efficiency can be realised very quickly.”
“Businesses choosing to follow this path will see results from the outset as it will allow a scalable pay-as-you-grow network to evolve – especially as connection densification and high fibre count cable challenges come into play.
“By failing to implement connectivity solutions which will truly scale and support the diverse connection demands carriers are facing today, they are leaving themselves open to chaos which will ultimately undermine the high network reliability customers will be expecting.”
“A solution such as Go!Foton’s PEACOCTM high-density fibre management platform addresses operators’ challenges. PEACOC (Platform with Enhanced Access for Compact Optical Connectors) which will be showcased at ECOC for the first time this year, is a high-density fibre management platform widely deployed both in the central office and data centre world, as well as in OSP cabinets and remote terminals.”
“To be prepared for these new network advancements, operators must begin to utilise innovative technology like the PEACOC high-density platform. Failing to take appropriate measures now regarding your fibre network strategy will hinder your offerings and leave you open to devastating and costly repercussions later down the line,” Zammit concluded.
