STL showcases multi-core fibre at Connected Britain

STL, an optical and digital systems company, has demonstrated its Unitube Single Jacket Indoor Optical Fibre Cable with four-core multi-core fibre (MCF) at Connected Britain 2025. The technology places four cores within the same cladding diameter as standard single-mode fibre, maintaining a coating size of 250/200 micrometres. STL is among the first companies to show real-world deployments of MCF technology, with use cases spanning underground and duct networks. Building on this work, the new cable has been designed specifically for indoor environments such as data centres, campus networks, and commercial buildings. Fire safety and performance features The cable is certified under the Construction Products Regulation (CPR) EuroClass Cca-s2, d1, a1 standard, providing a high level of fire resistance for critical infrastructure. STL has also developed optical distribution units and connectivity solutions to complement the product, aiming to simplify integration into existing network architectures. Key features of the indoor cable include: • Enhanced security — support for quantum key distribution (QKD) to enable tamper-evident encryption• Future-ready bandwidth — four times the throughput of legacy fibres, supporting applications such as AI, 5G, and quantum technologies• Compact design — higher fibre counts within a smaller footprint, with examples including 864 fibres scaled to 3,456 using MCF• Scalability — a single deployment providing higher backbone capacity for long-term use Dr Badri Gomatam, CTO at STL, comments, “Through continuous innovation and global partnerships, STL is accelerating the adoption of advanced optical technologies. "Our Unitube Single Jacket Indoor Optical Fibre Cable with MCF is engineered to meet the growing demands of high-capacity, secure, and future-ready networks. "With our ongoing global standardisation efforts and real-world deployments, we are proud to lead the evolution of optical infrastructure that powers next-generation applications.”

Securitas partners with Rohde & Schwarz on DC security

Securitas, a global security services provider, has announced a partnership with Rohde & Schwarz to integrate millimetre wave people-screening technology into its data centre security offering. The collaboration is aimed at strengthening protection against insider threats, data theft, and sabotage as demand for always-on digital infrastructure increases. Millimetre wave screening for critical environments At the core of the partnership is the use of Rohde & Schwarz’s Quick Personnel Security Scanners (QPS), which employ millimetre wave technology and artificial intelligence to detect potential threats. Already in use by government agencies and high-security organisations, the scanners provide non-contact, safe, and accurate screening while supporting real-time decision-making by on-site security officers. According to Securitas, the QPS improves operational flow by reducing the need for manual screening, enabling more efficient staffing models and allowing remote monitoring. The system also provides insights into alarm rates and throughput, supporting both regulatory compliance and continuity of operations. Milton Plet, Senior Vice President and Head of Global Clients Data Center Group at Securitas, says, “This is a perfect demonstration of how technology augments - rather than replaces - human expertise. "Our officers are still at the core of the solution, only better supported by real-time information to make even better decisions in order to protect our clients’ assets.” Expanding security options for data centres Andreas Haegele, Vice President of Microwave Imaging at Rohde & Schwarz, adds, “The strategic partnership with Securitas enables us to introduce our security scanners, formerly exclusive to governments, now also to data centres, where adaptability, consistency, and precision are key. "Together we are delivering a customised, future-proof solution that adapts to both clients’ needs and the threat landscape.” Nelson Barreto, Senior Vice President, Global Clients at Securitas Technology, argues, “By combining electronic security expertise along with our global protective services and reach, we’re delivering a smarter, more adaptive approach to securing data centres, no matter where they’re located.” Securitas has more than 90 years of experience in protective services. By adding advanced millimetre wave screening to its multi-layered security framework, the company says it aims to enhance both resilience and efficiency in data centre operations. For more from Securitas, click here.

Data centres in the fast lane

Elevate – Future Faster is inviting industry professionals to join 'Data Centres in the Fast Lane', an afternoon of high-octane insight and networking at the F1 Arcade, St Paul’s, London. Beginning with lunch at 12:00 and running through to prize giving at 18:00, the event marries technical depth with experiential energy. Over five keynote sessions, speakers from Elevate, nVent, Sunbird, Senko, Axis, and RED Engineering will address critical challenges in modern data centre design. Highlights include: • Cutting-edge rear-door and direct-to-chip cooling by nVent• DCIM strategies for ESG and operational reporting by Sunbird• High-performance fibre connectivity from Senko• Secure surveillance from perimeter to rack via Axis• Hybrid, future-ready infrastructure design by RED Engineering After the presentations, attendees can compete in F1 racing simulators, with prizes for top performers and teams. Spaces are limited and securing your spot ensures access to both technical discourse and an immersive experience. If you want to take part, you can register by clicking this link. For more from Elevate – Future Faster, click here.

Arteco introduces ECO coolants for data centres

Arteco, a Belgian manufacturer of heat transfer fluids and direct-to-chip coolants, has expanded its coolant portfolio with the launch of ECO versions of its ZITREC EC product line, designed for direct-to-chip liquid cooling in data centres. Each product is manufactured using renewable or recycled feedstocks with the aim of delivering a significantly reduced product carbon footprint compared with fossil-based equivalents, while maintaining the same thermal performance and reliability. Addressing growing thermal challenges As demand for high-performance computing rises, driven by artificial intelligence (AI) and other workloads, operators face increasing challenges in managing heat loads efficiently. Arteco’s ZITREC EC line was developed to support liquid cooling systems in data centres, enabling high thermal performance and energy efficiency. The new ECO version incorporates base fluids, Propylene Glycol (PG) or Ethylene Glycol (EG), sourced from certified renewable or recycled materials. By moving away from virgin fossil-based resources, ECO products aim to help customers reduce scope 3 emissions without compromising quality. Serge Lievens, Technology Manager at Arteco, says, “Our comprehensive life cycle assessment studies show that the biggest environmental impact of our coolants comes from fossil-based raw materials at the start of the value chain. "By rethinking those building blocks and incorporating renewable and/or recycled raw materials, we are able to offer products with significantly lower climate impact, without compromising on high quality and performance standards.” Certification and traceability Arteco’s ECO coolants use a mass balance approach, ensuring that renewable and recycled feedstocks are integrated into production while maintaining full traceability. The process is certified under the International Sustainability and Carbon Certification (ISCC) PLUS standard. Alexandre Moireau, General Manager at Arteco, says, “At Arteco, we firmly believe the future of cooling must be sustainable. Our sustainability strategy focuses on climate action, smart use of resources, and care for people and communities. "This new family of ECO coolants is a natural extension of that commitment. Sustainability for us is a continuous journey, one where we keep researching, innovating, and collaborating to create better, cleaner cooling solutions.” For more from Arteco, click here.

EcoDataCenter breaks ground on mega campus in Borlänge

EcoDataCenter has started construction of the new mega campus Kvarnsveden in Borlänge, Sweden. The project represents a long-term establishment of significant industrial scale, with the first data centre at the site scheduled for completion in early 2027. Peter Michelson, CEO of EcoDataCenter, comments, “This is a historic day for EcoDataCenter, for Borlänge, and for Sweden. AI infrastructure is a new base industry, and Kvarnsveden will play a key role in supporting digitalisation. The facility in Borlänge will become one of the largest projects of its kind in Europe.” At launch, EcoDataCenter 2 in Borlänge will have access to 250 MW, with the potential to scale up to 600 MW. The development follows EcoDataCenter’s acquisition of the former Kvarnsveden paper mill in 2024, creating a unique opportunity to transform an industrial landmark into a hub for next-generation technology. Peter continues, “The facility once produced paper – the raw material of the newspaper information age. Now, Borlänge will produce the raw material for AI and the next information age.” In parallel with the construction start, EcoDataCenter has also signed an exclusive agreement to acquire additional land at the site, ensuring additional capacity to meet the rapidly growing demand for compute power. Erik Nises (S), Chairman of the Municipal Board in Borlänge, concludes, “We value what EcoDataCenter brings to our municipality and are pleased that construction can begin so soon after the site acquisition. We look forward to seeing the Kvarnsveden paper mill brought to life in a new form,” says Erik Nises (S), chairman of the municipal board in Borlänge. For more from EcoDataCenter, click here.

ProLabs expands 100G DCO transceiver range to 80km

ProLabs, a provider of optical connectivity and networking equipment, has launched an expanded QSFP28 100G digital coherent optics (DCO) transceiver family capable of extending network reach to 80 kilometres - up to twice the distance of typical transceivers. The development comes as the UK, the world’s third-largest data centre market, faces increasing demand from AI and other emerging technologies. By using ProLabs’ 100G DCO transceivers, the company says operators can connect data centres over longer distances without the need for repeaters, reducing infrastructure costs and freeing up resources for other areas of the network. Reducing equipment and energy demand According to ProLabs, the new range reduces reliance on intermediate points of presence (PoPs) and reconfigurable optical add-drop multiplexers (ROADMs), cutting the amount of equipment required. Sam Walker, Vice President of Sales EMEAI at ProLabs, comments, “We are delighted to have launched our expanded range of DCO transceivers complementing our existing 400G ZR+ ahead of Connected Britain. "Our transceivers will enable operators to improve their networks, reducing the number of active elements within the optical path. Not only does this reduce avoidable overheads, but it also helps address the growing demand for high-capacity, low-latency connectivity.” The range is available in two variants: a standard power version for -10 dBm requirements and a high-transmit version for specific applications. Options include ITEMP, ITEMP AutoTune, and CTEMP AutoTune, with a CMIS version due to be launched shortly. These features allow operators to automatically select the required wavelength once installed, aiming to support faster and more flexible integration. Sam continues, “Another issue facing operators is power consumption. AI data centres require far more processing power than traditional facilities, and energy is costly. "However, less network infrastructure means less power is required, so the use of our 100G DCO transceivers means operators can free up essential resources that may have been tied to power consumption.” The ProLabs family of 100G DCO transceivers will be available for the first time at Connected Britain in London (24-25 September) at Stand 258. For more from ProLabs, click here.

Ciena to acquire Nubis Communications in $270m deal

Ciena, an American networking systems and software company, has announced an agreement to acquire Nubis Communications, a privately held company based in New Providence, New Jersey, USA, in an all-cash transaction valued at $270 million (£199 million). Nubis specialises in high-performance, low-power optical and electrical interconnects designed to support artificial intelligence (AI) workloads. The acquisition is hoped to strengthen Ciena’s data centre strategy by adding new technologies and expanding its engineering expertise. Expanding data centre interconnect capabilities Nubis’ technology is focused on increasing scale and density inside the data centre to handle growing AI traffic. Its portfolio includes: • Co-Packaged Optics (CPO) and Near Packaged Optics (NPO) — high-density optical modules capable of 6.4 Tb/s full-duplex bandwidth, optimised for low-latency, low-power operation. Combined with Ciena’s SerDes, these engines enable advanced interconnects for rack-to-rack and in-rack connectivity. • Electrical Active Copper Cables (ACC) — analogue electronics that extend copper connectivity up to 4 metres at 200 Gb/s per lane, offering a low-power, low-latency alternative to traditional copper or DSP-based approaches. In addition, more than 50 Nubis engineers will join Ciena’s research and development team, strengthening its technical capabilities inside the data centre. David Rothenstein, Chief Strategy Officer at Ciena, says, “The acquisition of Nubis represents a significant step forward in Ciena’s strategy to address the rapidly growing demand for scalable, high-performance connectivity inside the data centre, driven by the explosive growth of AI-related traffic. "With ownership of these key technologies for a wider range of use cases inside the data centre, we are expanding our competitive advantage by advancing development of differentiated solutions, reducing development costs, and driving long-term efficiency and profitability.” Dan Harding, CEO of Nubis, adds, “The Nubis team is thrilled to join Ciena and enhance its portfolio with our interconnect technologies. Together, we will advance Ciena's data centre strategy by delivering reliable and high-performance solutions to support the next generation of AI workloads.” Transaction details The acquisition has been approved by the boards of both companies and Nubis shareholders. It includes customary purchase price adjustments for cash, debt, and working capital, along with employee retention arrangements. The deal is expected to close during Ciena’s fiscal fourth quarter of 2025, subject to standard closing conditions. For more from Ciena, click here.

Renewables key to public support for DCs, says report

A new poll has found that public support for UK data centre development depends heavily on the use of renewable energy. The research, carried out by YouGov for net zero communications agency Alpaca Communications and supported by TechUK, shows that while most people are in favour of new data centres, they are cautious about their environmental and social impact. Renewables drive public approval According to the findings, 75% of respondents support data centres powered by renewable energy. This drops to 40% for nuclear power and just 20% for fossil fuels. The report, Powering the Fourth Industrial Revolution, identifies renewable energy as the strongest driver of support. Sustainability concerns, including the environmental impact of construction (40%) and ongoing operations (28%), ranked as key public priorities, alongside cyber security (35%) and cost (28%). By contrast, appearance (15%) and distance from homes (24%) were lower priorities. Despite the role data centres play in everyday life - from NHS records to online banking, streaming, and AI - awareness remains low. Only 8% of people say they “know a lot” about data centres, while 27% have never heard of them. Even among 18–24 year olds, often viewed as the most digitally engaged, just 3% claim to know much about the sector. National support drops at local level The research highlights a gap between national and local support. More than half of people (52%) back additional data centres across the UK, but this falls to 44% when projects are located near their communities. The report argues that developers can address this by making projects relatable to communities, highlighting benefits such as jobs, training, digital access, and investment in local infrastructure. AI, another driver of demand for data centres, also divides opinion. While most people have heard of it, only 18% feel positive about its impact on the UK compared with 42% who feel negative. Sector urged to focus on trust and sustainability Peter Elms, Founder and Director at Alpaca Communications, says, “Data centres are the critical infrastructure powering the UK’s AI revolution, but they’re invisible to the public. The sector has a choice: keep quiet and risk opposition, or go green, engage locally, and earn trust.” Luisa Cardani, Head of Data Centres Programme at TechUK, adds, “With data centres contributing £4.7 billion annually to the UK economy and supporting 43,000 jobs, the industry must now make sustainability central. The message from the public is clear: renewable power is the only option.” The report concludes that to secure public support, data centres need to be explained in clear, relatable terms; powered sustainably; and developed in partnership with local communities. With demand for AI and digital services rising, the research points to an opportunity for the technology and energy sectors to align infrastructure with public expectations.

Schneider Electric unveils AI DC reference designs

Schneider Electric, a French multinational specialising in energy management and industrial automation, has announced new data centre reference designs developed with NVIDIA, aimed at supporting AI-ready infrastructure and easing deployment for operators. The designs include integrated power management and liquid cooling controls, with compatibility for NVIDIA Mission Control, the company’s AI factory orchestration software. They also support deployment of NVIDIA GB300 NVL72 racks with densities of up to 142kW per rack. Integrated power and cooling management The first reference design provides a framework for combining power management and liquid cooling systems, including Motivair technologies. It is designed to work with NVIDIA Mission Control to help manage cluster and workload operations. This design can also be used alongside Schneider Electric’s other data centre blueprints for NVIDIA Grace Blackwell systems, allowing operators to manage the power and liquid cooling requirements of accelerated computing clusters. A second reference design sets out a framework for AI factories using NVIDIA GB300 NVL72 racks in a single data hall. It covers four technical areas: facility power, cooling, IT space, and lifecycle software, with versions available under both ANSI and IEC standards. Deployment and performance focus According to Schneider Electric, operators are facing significant challenges in deploying GPU-accelerated AI infrastructure at scale. Its designs are intended to speed up rollout and provide consistency across high-density deployments. Jim Simonelli, Senior Vice President and Chief Technology Officer at Schneider Electric, says, “Schneider Electric is streamlining the process of designing, deploying, and operating advanced, AI infrastructure with its new reference designs. "Our latest reference designs, featuring integrated power management and liquid cooling controls, are future-ready, scalable, and co-engineered with NVIDIA for real-world applications - enabling data centre operators to keep pace with surging demand for AI.” Scott Wallace, Director of Data Centre Engineering at NVIDIA, adds, “We are entering a new era of accelerated computing, where integrated intelligence across power, cooling, and operations will redefine data centre architectures. "With its latest controls reference design, Schneider Electric connects critical infrastructure data with NVIDIA Mission Control, delivering a rigorously validated blueprint that enables AI factory digital twins and empowers operators to optimise advanced accelerated computing infrastructure.” Features of the controls reference design The controls system links operational technology and IT infrastructure using a plug-and-play approach based on the MQTT protocol. It is designed to provide: • Standardised publishing of power management and liquid cooling data for use by AI management software and enterprise systems• Management of redundancy across cooling and power distribution equipment, including coolant distribution units and remote power panels• Guidance on measuring AI rack power profiles, including peak power and quality monitoring Reference design for NVIDIA GB300 NVL72 The NVIDIA GB300 NVL72 reference design supports clusters of up to 142kW per rack. A data hall based on this design can accommodate three clusters powered by up to 1,152 GPUs, using liquid-to-liquid coolant distribution units and high-temperature chillers. The design incorporates Schneider Electric’s ETAP and EcoStruxure IT Design CFD models, enabling operators to create digital twins for testing and optimisation. It builds on earlier blueprints for the NVIDIA GB200 NVL72, reflecting Schneider Electric’s ongoing collaboration with NVIDIA. The company now offers nine AI reference designs covering a range of scenarios, from prefabricated modules and retrofits to purpose-built facilities for NVIDIA GB200 and GB300 NVL72 clusters. For more from Schneider Electric, click here.

Panduit launches EL2P intelligent PDU

Panduit, a manufacturer of electrical and network infrastructure solutions, has introduced the EL2P Intelligent Power Distribution Unit (iPDU), designed to improve power management in mission-critical data centre environments. With rising rack power densities driven by artificial intelligence (AI) workloads and broader digital transformation, the EL2P series provides data centre operators with tools to maintain uptime, optimise capacity, and support sustainability goals. Key aspects of the product include metering accuracy of ±0.5%, advanced cybersecurity, flexible outlet configurations, and integrated environmental sensing. Features and capabilities The EL2P iPDU includes an integrated colour touchscreen with an automatic interface rotation for different installation orientations, intended to improve usability for technicians. Its hot-swappable controller and display module allow servicing or upgrades without interrupting power, reducing downtime risks. The outlets are designed to provide flexibility by supporting multiple configurations (C13, C15, C19, or C21) within a single unit. The iPDU also supports extended operating temperatures up to 60°C, making it suitable for high-density racks and constrained edge environments. Cybersecurity is addressed with compliance to UL 2900-1 and IEC 62443-4-2 standards, secure code signing, 802.1x authentication, and a USGv6-certified IPv6 stack. Additional functions include: • Dual 1Gb Ethernet with daisy-chain capability – enabling up to 64 iPDUs to share one IP address and switch port• Native Cisco Nexus Dashboard integration – providing energy and sustainability insights without external hardware• Secure Zero Touch Provisioning (sZTP) – for faster configuration and scalable deployment• Redfish and RESTful API integration – ensuring compatibility with DCIM and cloud platforms Available in single- and three-phase models, the EL2P series offers input capacities from 5kVA to 43.5kVA and comes with dual-rated approvals for both North America and EMEA. Martin Kandziora, Senior Marketing Manager EMEA at Panduit, says, “The EL2P is a direct response to our customers’ demand for intelligent power management that simplifies installation, enhances security, and provides the granular visibility needed to future-proof operations. "It combines cutting-edge features like hot-swappable controllers, dual 1Gb Ethernet, and best-in-class metering accuracy in a single platform.” Panduit says the EL2P series is designed for colocation providers requiring tenant-level billing, hyperscale and cloud operators demanding high-density outlet configurations, and enterprises seeking scalable and secure power distribution. For more from Panduit, click here.