Marcin Bala, CEO at Salumanus, gives an outline of the role of fibre networks in the development of cloud infrastructure.
According to Market Research Future, the cloud computing market size is projected to grow from USD 633.42 billion in 2024 to USD 2082.2 billion by 2032, at a compound annual growth rate of 16.04%. Businesses and individuals alike rely on cloud-based applications for everything from data storage to complex computational tasks. Fibre optic networks provide the essential infrastructure that supports these services, ensuring that users experience minimal latency and maximum uptime.
Fibre optic cables can transmit data at speeds approaching the speed of light. This results in extremely high data transfer rates, often measured in gigabits per second (Gbps). In contrast, copper cables, such as those used in DSL or coaxial networks, have much lower bandwidth limits.
Light signals in fibre optics experience significantly less attenuation over long distances compared to electrical signals in copper wires. This means that data can be transmitted over greater distances without the need for signal boosters.
Bandwidth and reliability
One of the primary advantages of fibre optic networks is their ability to provide extensive bandwidth. As cloud applications grow more complex and data-intensive, the need for high-bandwidth connectivity becomes more critical. Fibre optics can handle vast amounts of data at incredibly high speeds, making them ideal for supporting the heavy demands of cloud computing.
For example, for cloud storage and backup solutions such as Google Drive, Dropbox, and Microsoft OneDrive, users frequently upload and download large files, sometimes reaching into the gigabytes, to and from these cloud services. Uploading and downloading a 1 GB file at 100 Mbps takes approximatively 80 seconds.
Similarly, tools such as Zoom, Microsoft Teams and Slack rely on real-time data transmission for video conferencing, file sharing and collaborative document editing. A standard video call requires approximately 1.5 Mbps, while a HD video call requires approximately 3 Mbps.
Without adequate bandwidth, these transfers and video streaming would be slow, frustrating users and potentially disrupting business operations.
Enabling advanced cloud applications
The capabilities of fibre optic networks extend beyond just providing fast and reliable internet access. They also enable the development and deployment of advanced cloud applications.
For example, the finance industry relies heavily on real-time data processing for trading, risk management and fraud detection. Applications like algorithmic trading platforms require split-second decisions based on large volumes of market data. Fibre optic networks, with their low latency and high-speed data transfer capabilities, ensure that financial institutions can process and analyse this data in real-time, gaining a competitive edge.
Similarly, cloud-based applications for telemedicine and advanced medical imaging use high-resolution medical images, such as MRIs and CT scans and generate large files that need to be transferred quickly and reliably. A single high-resolution MRI scan can be several gigabytes in size, while an HD video consultation requires approximately 1.5-3 Mbps for smooth, clear communication.
As cloud computing continues to expand, the role of fibre optic networks will only become more prominent. The increasing adoption of technologies such as IoT, AI and big data analytics will further drive the demand for robust connectivity solutions. The superior speed, bandwidth and reliability of fibre networks ensure that cloud services remain efficient and dependable.
