Enterprise Network Infrastructure: Design, Performance & Security

FTTH Congress CEE 2025 to focus on fibre rollout

The FTTH Congress CEE 2025 will take place on 7–8 October at the DoubleTree by Hilton in Warsaw, Poland, bringing together policymakers, operators, investors, and technology providers to address fibre deployment challenges and opportunities across Central and Eastern Europe (CEE). The two-day event, organised by the FTTH Council Europe, is expected to draw more than 400 delegates from across the region’s broadband ecosystem. Fibre challenges and opportunities in CEE According to the latest FTTH/B Market Panorama, the CEE region still has more than 13 million homes without fibre access, with rural areas presenting the largest gaps. While markets such as Poland and Romania have seen rapid deployment, others - including Czechia and parts of the Baltics - continue to face regulatory and investment obstacles. Vincent Garnier, Director General of the FTTH Council Europe, says, “Central and Eastern Europe represents both one of the continent’s biggest fibre challenges and one of its greatest opportunities. "With millions of homes still unconnected, this Congress is about ensuring that ambition translates into action by bringing together the actors who can make fibre a reality across the region.” Programme highlights The programme includes keynote sessions, technical presentations, and national market debates, with participation from the European Commission, BEREC, national regulators, operators, infrastructure investors, and vendors. Key themes will cover: • Regulatory frameworks and funding to accelerate deployment• Investment models and cross-border partnerships• Innovations in network resilience and open access models• The role of fibre in smart cities, inclusive growth, and digital sovereignty Country-focused sessions will provide insight into fibre developments in Poland, Czechia, Romania, Ukraine, and the Baltics. Francesco Nonno, President of the FTTH Council Europe, adds, “This event is a unique chance to address the strategic dimension of fibre. Beyond infrastructure, it is about enabling digital competitiveness, sustainability, and resilience. "The Congress in Warsaw will highlight how national and European priorities can come together to deliver for citizens and businesses alike.”

Fluke launches DC kits to reduce fibre failures

Fluke Networks, a manufacturer of network certification and troubleshooting tools, has introduced a set of Versiv Data Center Kits designed to help technicians and engineers prevent copper and fibre connectivity issues, as well as troubleshoot them more efficiently. The launch comes as global demand for data centre capacity continues to rise, driven by artificial intelligence (AI), cloud computing, and hyperscale facilities. With increasing density in fibre connections, contamination and testing challenges are becoming more significant risks to uptime. Kits for fibre inspection and troubleshooting The new kits include: • Fibre and Copper Commissioning and Troubleshooting Kit – for verifying and optimising networks throughout a data centre’s lifecycle, from commissioning to upgrades and troubleshooting • Fibre Inspection Kit – aimed at reducing failures by addressing end-face contamination, a leading cause of fibre performance issues • MPO Maintenance and Troubleshooting Kit – designed to speed up multi-fibre trunk testing by up to 80% with single-button operation Alongside the kits, Fluke is also releasing accessories that support Very Small Form Factor (VSFF) connectors, which enable higher connection density. These accessories allow users of the CertiFiber Pro Optical Loss Test Set to apply the recommended single-jumper reference method for testing MDC connections, as well as inspect and clean MMC, MDC, and SN connectors. Nigel Hedges, Application and Technical Specialist at Fluke Networks, says, “With over 9,000 data centres worldwide, and AI, cloud, and hyperscale technologies driving explosive growth, infrastructure teams are under unprecedented pressure. "The new Versiv Data Center Kits are designed to help technicians and engineers meet that challenge head-on - equipping them with tools to prevent failures, speed up troubleshooting, and ensure high-density fibre connections are clean, tested, and reliable.” Fluke Networks says the kits are intended to support teams working in hyperscale and enterprise environments, where the margin for error is minimal and preventative maintenance is essential to maintaining resilience.

Nokia, Supermicro partner for AI-optimised DC networking

Finnish telecommunications company Nokia has entered into a partnership with Supermicro, a provider of application-optimised IT systems, to deliver integrated networking platforms designed for AI, high-performance computing (HPC), and cloud workloads. The collaboration combines Supermicro’s advanced switching hardware with Nokia’s data centre automation and network operating system for cloud providers, hyperscalers, enterprises, and communications service providers (CSPs). Building networks for AI-era workloads Data centres are under increasing pressure from the rising scale and intensity of AI and cloud applications. Meeting these requirements demands a shift in architecture that places networking at the core, with greater emphasis on performance, scalability, and automation. The joint offering integrates Supermicro’s 800G Ethernet switching platforms with Nokia’s Service Router Linux (SR Linux) Network Operating System (NOS) and Event-Driven Automation (EDA). Together, these form an infrastructure platform that automates the entire network lifecycle - from initial design through deployment and ongoing operations. According to the companies, customers will benefit from "a pre-validated solution that shortens deployment timelines, reduces operational costs, and improves network efficiency." Industry perspectives Cenly Chen, Chief Growth Officer, Senior Vice President, and Managing Director at Supermicro, says, "This collaboration gives our customers more choice and flexibility in how they build their infrastructure, with the confidence that Nokia’s SR Linux and EDA are tightly integrated with our systems. "It strengthens our ability to deliver networked compute architectures for high-performance workloads, while simplifying orchestration and automation with a unified platform." Vach Kompella, Senior Vice President and General Manager of the IP Networks Division at Nokia, adds, "Partnering with Supermicro further validates Nokia SR Linux and Event-Driven Automation as the right software foundation for today’s data centre and IP networks. "It also gives us significantly greater reach into the enterprise market through Supermicro’s extensive channels and direct sales, aligning with our strategy to expand in cloud, HPC, and AI-driven infrastructure." For more from Nokia, click here.

DE-CIX explores orbital interconnection with Space-IX

Internet exchange (IX) operator DE-CIX is extending its interconnection vision beyond Earth through its Space-IX initiative, which aims to connect satellite constellations and space-based assets with terrestrial digital ecosystems. The company, which operates more than 60 internet exchanges worldwide and connects over 4,000 networks, is investigating what the first orbital IX could look like. Ivo Ivanov, CEO of DE-CIX, says, "Wherever networks are created, interconnection should follow. "We’ve spent 30 years building the backbone of the internet here on Earth. Now, we’re bringing that same neutral, high-performance interconnection model to the next layer of digital infrastructure, above the clouds and to the stars." Research into satellite connectivity DE-CIX is working with the German Aerospace Centre (DLR) on the European Space Agency’s OFELIAS project, which is researching how laser-based communications can improve satellite connectivity. Optical links promise higher data rates than radio-based systems, but require advanced protocols to mitigate challenges such as atmospheric interference and cloud cover. While OFELIAS focuses on data flow between satellites and ground stations, DE-CIX’s broader Space-IX initiative is investigating how to interconnect space-based infrastructure at scale, laying the foundations for an orbital internet exchange. Bridging space and terrestrial ecosystems "As satellites become part of the digital supply chain - whether delivering broadband to underserved communities, powering AI for businesses, or enabling orbital analytics - we need an architecture that unites space and Earth into one seamless ecosystem," Ivo continues. "This collaboration is the very beginning of our answer to that challenge." In August, DE-CIX India became the first Internet Exchange in the country to integrate Starlink into its ecosystem. Through Space-IX, DE-CIX is working with satellite operators to ensure orbital networks connect effectively with terrestrial infrastructure, particularly for latency-sensitive applications. From global broadband and IoT to remote sensing and AI, the space economy is projected to reach $1.8 trillion (£1.3 trillion) by 2035. DE-CIX argues that orbital networks must interconnect intelligently with terrestrial networks, content providers, and cloud platforms to avoid developing in isolation. For more from DE-CIX, click here.

Telehouse Thailand & NT to enhance ASEAN connectivity

Telehouse Thailand, a provider of data centre colocation services, has partnered with National Telecom (NT) to enhance international data transmission via submarine cable systems. The collaboration aims to reinforce the country’s telecommunications backbone and support digital transformation across both public and private sectors. The agreement links NT’s international submarine cable network directly to the Telehouse Bangkok data centre, which is now fully operational. This connection allows Telehouse Thailand to provide domestic content providers and internet service providers (ISPs) from neighbouring countries with access to the Asia Direct Cable (ADC) and Asia America Gateway (AAG) systems. The ADC network connects China, Hong Kong, Japan, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam, while the AAG network extends from Asia to the United States. Together, these systems link key data centre locations hosting major cloud and content providers, and establish direct connections with global markets. NT’s domestic submarine cable system offers alternative routing through Thailand’s Gulf coast to its international landing stations in Songkhla and Satun, supporting reliable connectivity across multiple regions. Strengthening Thailand’s digital infrastructure Alongside benefits for private companies and public organisations, the partnership supports the Thai government’s aim of positioning the country as an ASEAN Digital Hub, encouraging investment and enabling regional digital growth. Colonel Sanpachai Huvanandana, President of NT, says, "This collaboration expands Thailand’s business potential and telecommunications readiness in the AI era. "With terabit-scale capacity and high-reliability network design, our international connectivity infrastructure addresses the critical requirements of global cloud and content providers when considering investment in Thai data centre facilities." Ken Miyashita, Managing Director of Telehouse Thailand, adds, "Leveraging NT’s submarine cable network, a core element of Thailand’s telecommunications infrastructure, enables our customers to efficiently handle the huge volumes of data traffic from Gen AI and cloud services, which are expected to significantly grow. "As Bangkok’s leading carrier-neutral interconnection data centre, Telehouse further strengthens this submarine connectivity and high service availability with the four diverse incoming fibre routes." For more from Telehouse, click here.

84% of businesses report rising network outages

Nearly nine in ten organisations have experienced an increase in network outages over the past two years, with more than a quarter reporting increases of 25% to 50%, according to new research from Opengear, a developer of remote infrastructure management systems and a Digi International company. The rise in outages has reportedly cost more than a third of businesses between $1 million (£744,000) and $5 million (£3.7 million) in the past year alone. Over half of organisations also noted a 10-24% increase in outages over the two-year timeframe. The survey, designed to identify critical pain points affecting data centre operations, polled over 1,000 CIOs, CSOs, and network engineers across the UK, US, France, Germany, and Australia. The survey highlights how network outages are causing significant disruptions across data centre operations, affecting everything from system availability to business continuity. What the research shows Network engineers identified the most common causes of these outages as device configuration changes (highlighted by 27%) and server hardware failures (referenced by 26%), both of which can severely impact the stability and performance of data centres. To mitigate these risks, nearly a third of organisations (32%) rank AI and machine learning technologies among the technologies they have primarily invested in to support data centre operations. At the same time, 30% expect to increase spending on Out-of-Band (OOB) management solutions over the next five years to meet this same goal. Patrick Quirk, President and General Manager, Opengear, says, “Outages are no longer isolated events; they are happening more often and the cost is hitting businesses hard. Complexity, ageing infrastructure, human error, and cyberattacks are all part of the problem. "Governments are starting to take notice too, putting policies in place to protect critical digital infrastructure. As organisations lean more heavily on data centres to power digital transformation, the stakes are higher than ever. An outage is not just downtime; it is lost revenue, lost productivity, and lost trust. “Forward-looking businesses are not standing still; they are rethinking their strategies to build resilience into every layer of their operations. One clear shift is towards decentralisation, pushing workloads closer to where data is generated and consumed. That move reduces risk from a single point of failure, but it also demands new approaches to management and security.” As businesses adopt decentralised data processing models, 28% of organisations view the shift to edge computing and distributed networks as a trend that will significantly impact network management within their data centres over the next five years. This move towards edge computing further reflects the broader trend of decentralisation in network architecture, which - while offering operational efficiencies - requires more sophisticated management systems to handle the increased complexity of data centre operations. According to Patrick, “Edge computing brings clear advantages in speed, security, and efficiency, but it does not make the job easier. Distributed environments create more moving parts, and that means more opportunity for failure if they are not managed properly. "The answer is a resilient foundation and secure remote management that keeps infrastructure reachable and under control, no matter where it is deployed.”

World's first AI internet exchange launched by DE-CIX

DE-CIX, an internet exchange (IX) operator, has announced the launch of what it calls the world’s first AI Internet Exchange (AI-IX), making its global network of internet exchanges “AI-ready.” The company has completed the first phase of the rollout, connecting more than 50 AI-related networks – including providers of AI inference and GPU services, alongside a range of cloud platforms – to its ecosystem. DE-CIX says it now operates over 160 cloud on-ramps globally, supported by its proprietary multi-AI routing system. The new exchange capabilities are available across all DE-CIX locations worldwide, including its flagship site in Frankfurt. Two-phase rollout The second phase of deployment will see DE-CIX AI-IX made Ultra Ethernet-ready, designed to support geographically distributed AI training as workloads move away from large centralised data centres. Once complete, the operator says it will be the first to offer an exchange capable of supporting both AI inference and AI training. AI inference – where trained models are applied in real-world use cases – depends on low-latency, high-security connections. According to DE-CIX CEO Ivo Ivanov, the growth of AI agents and AI-enabled devices is creating new demand for direct interconnection. “This is the core benefit of the DE-CIX AI-IX, which uses the unique DE-CIX AI router to enable seamless multi-agent inference for today’s complex use-cases and tomorrow’s innovation in all industry segments,” Ivo says. Ultra ethernet and AI training Phase two focuses on AI model training. DE-CIX CTO Thomas King says that Ultra Ethernet, a new networking protocol optimised for AI, will enable disaggregated computing across metropolitan areas. This could reduce reliance on centralised data centres and create more cost-effective, resilient private AI infrastructure. “Until now, huge, centralised data centres have been needed to quickly process AI computing loads on parallel clusters,” Thomas explains. “Ultra Ethernet is driving the trend towards disaggregated computing, enabling AI training to be carried out in a geographically distributed manner.” DE-CIX hardware is already compatible with Ultra Ethernet and the operator plans to introduce it once network equipment vendors make the necessary software features available. For more from DE-CIX, click here.

rConfig launches Version 8 of its network configuration platform

Irish software developer rConfig has announced the release of Version 8 of its network configuration and compliance management platform. The update introduces a new distributed architecture, enhanced security features, and broader vendor support. It has been designed to support large-scale environments, with capacity for more than 20,000 devices and faster search and compliance processes. Key Features in Version 8 • Vector architecture — Distributed collection and multi-tenant scalability for managed service providers and large enterprises • Security and compliance — Expanded policy frameworks, encrypted configuration storage, and reporting designed to meet regulatory requirements • Performance — Proven capability to manage 20,000+ devices with faster compliance execution • Vendor support — Broad compatibility without restrictions Positioning in the Market The company says the platform combines its open-source heritage with enterprise-level capability. Its distributed design, focus on compliance automation, and multi-vendor support aim to make it suitable for sectors including telecommunications, manufacturing, energy, and government. rConfig is also developing AI-driven features, including automated compliance baselines, anomaly detection, and predictive analytics to support proactive network management. Industry Collaboration The company will be a Platinum Partner at Zabbix Summit 2025 in Riga this October, where it will demonstrate how Version 8 integrates with Zabbix for real-time configuration monitoring and compliance. “With V8, we’ve set a new standard for the industry,” claims Stephen Stack, CTO of rConfig. “Our customers demanded speed, compliance, and distributed scale – we delivered. And with AI-driven innovation and our deepening partnership with Zabbix, we’re excited to lead the next chapter of network automation.”

DE-CIX becomes first in India to integrate Starlink

Internet exchange (IX) operator DE-CIX India has announced that Starlink has joined its interconnection platform, making it the first IX in the country to provide interconnection for Low-Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite services. The move follows Starlink’s approval of a commercial licence from India’s Department of Telecommunications, with final clearance expected by late 2025 or early 2026. The partnership is expected to play a role in supporting India’s digital infrastructure and extending broadband access to underserved areas. Expanding connectivity Starlink services are priced at around ₹33,000 ($376 / £276) for hardware, with monthly costs of ₹3,000–₹4,200 ($35–$50 / £25-£35). The service offers speeds of 25–220 Mbps, which can provide broadband-grade access in remote regions beyond the reach of fibre networks. DE-CIX says its infrastructure will provide the terrestrial backbone needed to support Starlink’s satellite connectivity, enabling reliable performance for applications such as streaming, video conferencing, and online gaming. Satellite and terrestrial integration Through its global Space-IX programme, DE-CIX provides interconnection for satellite operators by linking them with terrestrial networks and cloud services. The organisation says this integration is critical to maintaining low latency and high reliability. By joining DE-CIX India’s platform, Starlink is positioned to operate as an internet service provider in the country, complementing existing terrestrial and mobile networks. DE-CIX India operates across major metros including Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai, Kolkata, Hyderabad, and Bengaluru, and offers multiple 100GE ports for high-capacity connections. For more from DE-CIX, click here.

Community IX launches new internet exchange in Virginia

Community IX, the operator of the FL-IX (South Florida) and CIX-ATL (Atlanta) internet exchanges (IXs), has launched a new exchange in Northern Virginia called CIX-NoVA. The service is initially available through data centres in Ashburn and Reston, with additional sites under review. According to the organisation, the launch responds to customer demand for greater interconnection capacity in Northern Virginia, which is it regards as the world’s largest data centre and connectivity hub. Community IX says it has already secured participants to anchor the new platform and, across its existing exchanges, the organisation already operates more than 30Tbps of installed port capacity. Expanding interconnection services Randy Epstein, co-founder and Executive Director of Community IX, says, “Since beginning operations in 2015, we’ve focused on providing a cost-effective, community-driven service to our membership and have experienced tremendous growth in Florida and later in the Atlanta Metro market. "Over the years, we’ve been asked what other markets we can offer our service [to] and Northern Virginia has consistently come up in conversation.” CIX-NoVA allows ISPs, content providers, and enterprises to exchange IP traffic across multiple sites in the region. The exchange is open to networks operating in Ashburn and Reston. Community IX is offering new 10G and 100G port connections free for the first year (with a two-year agreement). 400G ports are also available, but the company says they are not included in this promotion.