Enterprise Network Infrastructure: Design, Performance & Security

Roxtec Middle East reports record data centre sales growth

The Middle East’s rapid development in the data centre sector, supercharged by AI and cloud computing demand, is driving growth in the region for safety seal manufacturer Roxtec. Dubai-headquartered Roxtec Middle East is expanding from working on six data centre projects in 2023 to more than 20 in 2025, including programmes for major global players and AI ‘hyperscalers’. Swedish-owned Roxtec today announced it is gearing up for more demand for its products over the next 18 months, following the recent development deal to allow the UAE to buy large volumes of US-made AI chips, announced during President Trump’s recent visit to the region, and deals signed by major American companies to develop the AI sector. In a major development, the UAE and US have signed an agreement for the Gulf country to build the largest artificial intelligence campus outside the US. The 10-square-mile AI campus in Abu Dhabi will be powered by a five gigawatt data centre and will be operated by American companies and supported by Emirati firms G42 and MGX. The initiative includes collaborations with major tech companies such as Nvidia, OpenAI, Amazon Web Services, and Microsoft. These partnerships aim to position the Gulf region as a global leader in AI development. Roxtec, a global leader in the manufacture of cable and pipe transit systems, based in the Jebel Ali Freezone, has revealed it is currently in discussions with several companies looking to develop and build the next generation of HPC (High-Performance Computing) data centres, designed to handle intensive AI and Big Data workloads. The company provides specialised seals for cable and pipe penetrations that secure data centres against fire, water ingress, and air leakage, and protect against electromagnetic interferences that can create outages. The sector now represents more than 25% of its infrastructure business unit sales with a potential to reach 50% in the next 18 months. Roxtec is currently active on projects in the Gulf states of UAE, Qatar, and Oman, including new-build centres as well as refit and refurbishment work. The high energy efficiency needs of ever-larger centres which house the supercomputers that run AI systems, and the climate change and environmental challenges being faced across the region, are increasing the demand for resilience. A shift towards modular construction is also helping Roxtec’s growth and scale-up plans as a valuable part of the supply chain. To cater to the growing needs of the market, Roxtec is launching two new products for the Middle East: FlamePlus, which offers a sealing system, addressing the shift toward modular and prefabricated builds, and its Software Suite, which offers a digital lifecycle management platform for cable and pipe transits. In addition, Roxtec has confirmed appointment of a dedicated manager in Abu Dhabi for its data centre operation. Mohammed Abrar, Roxtec Business Unit Head of Infrastructure and Industry, says, “We’re seeing massive demand for our products, powered by the continued rise of AI, the increasing capacity that is required and the large-scale investments that are building a flourishing ecosystem. We’re forecasting that the growth we are seeing will accelerate even further on the back of the continued development of the sector across the Middle East, driven by massive US collaboration and the focus of governments in the region to unlock the opportunities AI presents. “That focus on partnerships in AI and data centres means billions of dollars being poured into their construction, putting Gulf nations at the forefront of the new technology and AI development, which is great news for the supply chain. We are currently working with a number of tech giants, including global hyperscalers. The speed of development is continually increasing, with new centres going from the design stage to build completion in as little as 11 months. “With increasing capacity in these centres and their high energy efficiency needs, there is great demand for airtight sealing to avoid cooling loss. HPC data centres require significant liquid cooling and, as a result, the management of a myriad of pipes. Operators are putting special focus on seals as they work to manage cooling and recycle excess heat. As a result, our expertise and range of products are proving invaluable. We have developed industry leading tools for managing cable and pipe transits. “Climate change and environmental challenges, including sandstorms, unprecedented rainfall, and flash floods, are creating more demand for resilient sealing solutions and we are supporting a number of clients as they look to protect their infrastructure from these threats. “Our expertise in the complete project life cycle, from design to supply and installation, coupled with training and inspection services, is giving us an edge. As the world moves towards increased reliance on data centres and AI, robust infrastructure is essential. A shift towards modular construction is also helping create demand for our services, with our specifically designed solutions that support faster instillations on these sites.”

Cloudera delivers AI-powered data visualisation in data centres

Cloudera, a hybrid platform for data, analytics, and AI, today announced the latest release of Cloudera Data Visualization, extending its AI capabilities to customers operating in on-premises environments. This new AI tool is intended to democratise insights across the full data lifecycle by enabling data engineers, business analysts, and data scientists to communicate, collaborate, and share insights seamlessly, without compromising data security or governance. Enterprises often struggle to appropriately visualise data due to silos across multiple platforms, complex integrations, and data governance limitations. Without a unified view, data visualisation can be incomplete or misleading, often resulting in ineffective decision-making. Cloudera Data Visualization, now available on-premises, seeks to provide secure and integrated AI capabilities native to the Cloudera platform, as well as to empower organisations to self-service visualisation across multi-cloud and hybrid environments and the entire data lifecycle. The idea is to enable users to unlock the value of their on-prem data through out-of-the-box picturing and natural language querying. “As enterprises continue to prioritise both multi-cloud and hybrid environments, they need to see their data as a part of a bigger picture,” says Leo Brunnick, Chief Product Officer at Cloudera. “Bringing together AI-driven insights, secure infrastructure, and seamless collaboration in one unified platform, users can see the missing puzzle pieces of their data, wherever they may be. It’s not just about being able to see the data, it’s about seeing how it all fits together to deliver business-critical insights.” “As data becomes the most strategic asset for modern enterprises, Indian businesses are under growing pressure to unlock actionable insights in real time. However, fragmented architectures and evolving data governance demands impede this progress," highlights Piyush Agarwal, SE Leader, India, Cloudera. "With Cloudera Data Visualization now available in on-premises environments, we are empowering organisations to access AI-powered insights securely, while maintaining complete control over their infrastructure. This launch underscores our commitment to supporting Indian enterprises in becoming more agile, compliant, and insight-driven amid a rapidly evolving AI and data-first economy”. “By integrating directly with Cloudera’s unified platform, users benefit from a consistent experience, enhanced collaboration, and full lifecycle data exploration - all while retaining full control over their own infrastructure,” explains industry analyst, Sanjeev Mohan. “Now, Cloudera users can picture and share insights securely within their on-prem environment, allowing their teams to be more agile and informed in their decision-making.”

Eclipse Power Networks adopts major grid connection

Eclipse Power Networks, a leading Independent Distribution Network Operator (IDNO), has secured a significant contract with Colt Data Centre Services to adopt and maintain grid connections totalling 250 megawatts (MW) for its hyperscale data centre campus at Hayes, Middlesex. The agreement follows a competitive tender process that began late 2023 and ran until the end of 2024. Eclipse offered support and guidance to Colt Data Centre Services throughout the process, and is reportedly delighted to have been contracted at its conclusion. Under the contract, Eclipse will adopt a 132 kilovolt (kV) dual-circuit connection from National Grid’s Uxbridge Moor substation, near Iver, providing 100MW of power to the campus. In addition, Eclipse will adopt a 66kV dual-circuit connection from National Grid’s North Hyde substation for a further 150MW of power. These two connections are designed to support the campus of five data halls, each individually metered via Eclipse Power Networks’ network at 11kV. David Swadling, Group Sales Director at Eclipse Power, says, "This Critical National Infrastructure project showcases our technical expertise, and our ability to develop creative, economically attractive solutions for mission-critical infrastructure. We worked collaboratively and transparently with Colt Data Centre Services to help them develop a complex commercial model that that provided an innovative and equitable economical solution never seen before in Great Britain. “By owning and operating the grid infrastructure on Colt’s behalf, we’re ensuring that they secure reliable power for the facility, while allowing them to focus on their core business of providing sustainable hyperscale data centre solutions.” Eclipse Power Networks’ selection was based on its extra-high voltage (EHV) experience and deep technical understanding of National Grid processes, along with a commitment to working transparently with all stakeholders to optimise the commercial relationship between the parties. David Knox, Global Director of Energy & Sustainability at Colt Data Centre Services, highlights, “As the UK aims to reach the next level in the global digital marketplace, customers require scale in their data centre solutions. Sustainable, hyperscale sites such as our Hayes campus not only require power supply security, but they must also have the expansion potential necessary to support growth. “As a trusted partner for our worldwide customers, Colt Data Centre Services works only with organisations that share our commitment to mission-critical infrastructure. Eclipse’s innovative and collaborative approach, together with its rich expertise in power networking, has made it the ideal partner for our expansion at the Hayes site.” With data halls across five floors and 175MW of IT power, Colt Data Centre Services’ Hayes campus represents a major investment in data centre infrastructure. Energisation of the site is scheduled for 2028, with the network infrastructure provided by Eclipse Power Networks designed to last a minimum of 40 years.

Data centre industry faces dire skills shortage

As part of its campaign to address the ongoing skills shortage in the data centre and IT industry, HireHigher surveyed sixth-form students at its most recent Student Showcase. The event brought together leading data centre developers and operators with 90 sixth-form students from three London schools, making it the UK's largest student-facing digital infrastructure conference. The initiative is a part of HireHigher's mission to improve careers advice in schools and partner with organisations to create real action within the industry to attract new talent. The students were asked to write down their biggest concerns about leaving the sixth form. The research reveals significant worries about university acceptance, career choices, financial stability, and the fear of making wrong decisions. One in five of the students recorded being unsure about their career path as their chief concern, underscoring the need for stronger and perhaps broader career and employability guidance. Interestingly, 14% of the students' leading fear is that they will regret their decisions, with many writing about the fear of not making the most of their potential. Addressing the findings, Adelle Desouza, founder of HireHigher, comments, "The transition from school to adult life is a huge step that many students find difficult, which is reflected in their shared concerns. To see fear rank so highly is a huge worry. "I would like to see more working professionals mentoring young adults, going into schools and youth centres, talking to them about their options, and sharing their stories - warts and all, of how they got to where they are and what they do in their jobs. Most people don't have a smooth transition from school to adult life. Understanding this and knowing there are many options and ways into different industries will hopefully work to eradicate the fear gripping young people, at a time that should be premised on excitement for their future.” For more from HireHigher, click here.

RETN brings Remote IX services to Japan

RETN, a leading independent global network services provider, has announced a strategic partnership with JPNAP, one of Japan’s leading high-capacity Internet Exchange Points (IXPs), becoming an official reseller of JPNAP services. This agreement marks a significant step in RETN’s broader expansion of its Remote IX offering across Asia. This partnership unlocks streamlined access to JPNAP's extensive network for RETN customers, enabling direct peering with key Japanese and international networks. As demand for Japanese content and services grows globally, international telecom companies are increasingly looking to enter the Japanese market without having to invest in infrastructure locally. JPNAP's strategic location and high concentration of network operators make it a critical interconnection point for Asia. RETN’s Remote IX services will open the key Asian markets, including Taiwan, Hong Kong, Singapore, and Korea, connecting customers to JPNAP and enabling them to capitalise on Japan’s digital economy. At the same time, Japanese networks benefit from RETN’s extensive Eurasian infrastructure, creating a two-way bridge between Japan and the rest of the world. William Manzione, Product Manager at RETN, says, "RETN is recognised as a top-tier premium reseller at major IXPs in Europe - including LINX, AMS-IX, and DE-CIX - and is now applying the same successful approach in Asia. The Asia-Pacific region is a key growth market for our customers, with Japan playing a major role in that opportunity. Partnering with JPNAP allows us to deliver superior connectivity and provide a cost-effective gateway to the Japanese market." Hidekazu Yokouchi, Vice President at JPNAP, adds, "We are delighted to welcome RETN as a trusted partner. Together, we are expanding access to JPNAP and strengthening the Japanese internet ecosystem, making it easier for international companies to engage with Japan and its growing digital opportunities. RETN's global network and expertise in delivering connectivity solutions make them an ideal partner to help us connect more networks to JPNAP." For more from RETN, click here.

L2Tek brings 800G transceivers to UK data centres

L2Tek, a leading distributor of high-performance broadcast and AV components and sub-assemblies, has introduced a portfolio of 800G optical transceivers from leading manufacturers Eoptolink and Gigalight. These modules are aimed at UK broadcasters and data centre operators seeking to future-proof their networks and meet the rigorous demands of increasingly bandwidth-intensive applications. As data volumes surge and broadcast infrastructure continues to evolve, the need for faster, more efficient interconnect solutions has never been greater. L2Tek’s distribution of new 800G solutions seeks to ensure UK customers can access reliable, high-performance transceivers that support a wide range of deployment scenarios, from short-reach data centre interconnects to long-haul transport links. Both manufacturers offer complementary technologies built around industry-standard OSFP and QSFP-DD form factors, ensuring integration with existing network infrastructure. Modules are compliant with CMIS 4.0 or newer and fully support IEEE 802.3 and QSFP-DD MSA specifications, delivering interoperability, network stability and responsiveness, especially suitable for AI applications. For high-density data centre environments, short-reach modules utilise 850nm VCSEL technology to support multimode fibre (MMF) connections up to 100 metres. For longer distances, silicon photonics-based DR8, DR8+, and DR8++ transceivers offer single-mode fibre (SMF) connectivity at 1310nm, ranging from 500 metres to 10 kilometres. For greater flexibility, both manufacturers provide dual-channel modules such as 2xFR4 and 2xLR4, enabling two independent 400G channels per module over SMF. These would be suited to staged migrations or cost-sensitive projects. Eoptolink additionally offers features such as OSFP ZR coherent modules, compliant with OIF-800ZR standards for transport up to 120km, and liquid-cooled OSFP modules for high-density installations where thermal performance is critical. “The availability of 800G modules from both Gigalight and Eoptolink represents a significant step forward in high-speed optical networking for the UK market,” says Mark Scott-South, Director at L2Tek. “We expect many new and existing customers to leverage the next generation of transceivers, empowering them to scale efficiently, reduce latency, and manage overall network resilience, whether they are broadcasting live UHD content or managing hyperscale data operations.”

DE-CIX reports 10% increase in global network connections

Internet Exchange (IX) operator, DE-CIX, has today released its results from the financial year 2024, demonstrating double-figure growth in networks, data traffic, and capacity. The company finished the year with more than 4,000 networks connected worldwide, up 10% on the previous year, and 170 terabits connected customer capacity, which is a growth of 20%. Global peak traffic from peering – the direct interconnection of networks – finished the year just below 25 Tbit/s, up 11% from 2023. Global revenues grew by 8.3% to €68.6 million (£58.1m). Having added a further five IX locations during 2024, and announcing its market entry to Brazil, DE-CIX is today present in 60 markets on five continents. The company operates several of the world’s most important IXs, including DE-CIX Frankfurt, the largest IX in Europe, DE-CIX New York, the largest in the Northeast of the US, DE-CIX Mumbai, the largest in India, and the UAE-IX powered by DE-CIX, the largest in the Middle East. With its connected networks and its geographical coverage, DE-CIX is unsurpassed worldwide in the provision of peering services via IXs – whether wholesale network peering, cloud peering, or application network peering. Peering is used by network operators to optimise data pathways and enhance the performance and security of the digital content, services, and applications that make up the Internet. As well as catering to the long-standing wholesale network operator customer group, DE-CIX also provides enterprise-grade peering and interconnection services to global corporations and Fortune 500 companies. As such, the operator has a decisive influence on the global traffic flows that power the Internet, digital economies, and digital life. Ivo Ivanov, CEO of DE-CIX, comments, “In our 30th anniversary year, the time has come for a new style of peering to meet the needs of the new Internet. Peering – direct network interconnection over an IX – will be central to creating AI-ready infrastructure for all future use-cases. “Alongside Internet Exchanges creating network density in major aggregation points, AI Exchanges will be needed at the Deep Edge to support the development of multi-AI inference functionality in the next generation of products and services. Therefore, we will see a layered approach to infrastructure, integrating the hyper-local, the regional, the pan-regional, and the global. At DE-CIX, we are working towards the realisation of this vision to meet the needs of tomorrow – ready for the next 30 years of innovation and peering excellence.” On 26 June 2025, DE-CIX will celebrate the 30th anniversary of its first Internet Exchange (IX) in Frankfurt, Germany – a milestone not only in the company’s history, but also in the development of the global Internet. Exactly 30 years to the day since its foundation, the celebration will take place in Frankfurt with the DE-CIX Global Interconnection Summit. Among the highlights will be the publication of a new study delving into existing and emerging Digital Capitals, of which Frankfurt is a leading example globally. The full DE-CIX Annual Report 2024 can be downloaded by clicking here. For more from DE-CIX, click here.

CommScope and Altnets powering the fibre takeover

As part of the UK Government’s Project Gigabit, internet service providers (ISPs) are working to upgrade the nation’s data infrastructure. As one of the UK’s leading fibre suppliers, Brighton-based Altnets has already been at the forefront of bridging the UK’s digital divide. Altnets and CommScope will accelerate these fibre rollouts, improve network resilience, and support the next phase of digital connectivity. Additionally, supplying CommScope’s products paves the way for Altnets to support the rollout of FTTX networks and central offices, which will be of key importance for the future of the nation’s economic prosperity. Paul Britnell, Co-Founder of Altnets, says, “We’re incredibly excited to support CommScope’s initiative to further support the UK telecoms sector, helping ISPs build faster and more resilient networks for the digital future. We are delivering high-density fibre connectivity solutions that are instrumental in FttX networks. Altnets is proud to play a key role in advancing the UK’s digital infrastructure." CommScope's central office fibre optic and broadband solutions give network operators and ISPs access to the scalable, high-quality infrastructure needed to satisfy the increasing demand for ultra-fast broadband and connectivity in the UK. By harnessing Altnets' established market position and logistical expertise, these advanced connectivity solutions will be available throughout the UK. Ronald Van der Kraan, VP Broadband – EMEA, comments, “We are pleased to be working with Altnets, who have vast industry expertise in full fibre products. We look forward to collaborating more to level up the UK’s digital infrastructure.” As a fibre optic specialist, Altnets is in a unique position to efficiently supply CommScope's products to UK clients, guaranteeing that network operators, and ISPs have access to advanced fibre networks with GPON, XGS-PON, and high-density fibre solutions to meet rising bandwidth demands, alongside high-capacity 5G and wireless deployments for fronthaul, backhaul, and small cells. Network operators must prioritise complete authority over their Optical Distribution Frames and fibre management systems and expand into high-processing Central Offices to accommodate the growing demand for data consumption. CommScope and Altnets ensure that the UK stays at the forefront of connectivity by providing innovative solutions that will drive the next phase of digital infrastructure. For more from Altnets, click here.

Nokia partners with atNorth to support cloud services in Finland

atNorth, a Nordic colocation, high-performance computing and AI service provider, has announced plans to support Nokia’s cloud infrastructure with a multi megawatt deployment at its FIN02 site in Finland (pictured above). The contract spans over 12 years and includes potential extensions totalling over 10MW. Nokia, one of the world’s leading telecommunications and networking technology companies, is headquartered in Finland and has long utilised Finnish data centres, leveraging the country’s cool climate and renewable energy sources to ensure the sustainability of its workloads. In fact, the business was ranked as the most sustainable telecoms and communications company in the world earlier this year. Nokia and atNorth have built a long-standing relationship through atNorth’s use of Nokia data centre switches that power its HPCaaS offering, which currently runs from its data centres in Iceland and Sweden. Well versed in the evolving data centre landscape, Nokia was looking for a data centre partner that could accommodate its high-density infrastructure needs without compromising its environmental credentials. The business required capacity suitable for high-density workloads of more than 130kw per rack, available at speed and with the potential for future scalability. Located in Espoo, Greater Helsinki, atNorth’s newest data centre, FIN02, runs on renewable energy and features robust power and liquid cooling capabilities. Built for scalability, its modular design supports high-performance workloads. A collaboration with Kesko Corporation enables waste heat recycling to heat a nearby store, further lowering its carbon footprint. “atNorth was able to meet our complex technical requirements at speed without compromising on our sustainability goals,” says Marika Mentula, Vice President for Network Infrastructure North Europe at Nokia. “By helping support our cloud infrastructure at atNorth’s FIN02 data center, we can deliver high-performance infrastructure that supports our most demanding applications.” Eyjólfur Magnús Kristinsson, CEO of atNorth, adds, “As the data centre industry continues to grow at record speed, it’s clear that businesses are increasingly seeking the full package - sustainable, secure, infrastructure that can scale rapidly. Our longstanding partnership with Nokia, rooted in the hardware demands of our HPCaaS offering and built on a shared commitment to sustainability, is a testament to that. It adds to a growing list of globally recognized companies that trust atNorth with their mission-critical data and rely on us to deliver best-in-class service.” The news follows atNorth’s recent announcement of its heat reuse partnership with retail giant, Kesko Corporation at its FIN02 data centre in Finland. The business has two other metro sites near Helsinki, and a fourth ‘mega’ site - which is currently in development in Kouvola - is expected to be operational by the end of 2025. For more from atNorth, click here.

Cyber attacks drop by nearly 10%

Four in 10 (43%) of UK businesses and 30% of charities experienced cyber attacks or data breaches in the last 12 months, according to the latest Cyber Security Breaches Survey. While this marks a slight decrease from last year’s 50%, the threat level for medium and large businesses remains alarmingly high.  The average cost of the most disruptive breach was estimated at £1,600 for businesses and £3,240 for charities. The drop in incidents is attributed mainly to fewer small businesses reporting breaches – but government officials warn against complacency. With cyber threats increasingly targeting critical infrastructure, the UK Government is introducing the Cyber Security and Resilience Bill, compelling organisations to strengthen their digital defences. The survey found that 70% of large businesses now have a formal cyber strategy in place, compared to just 57% of medium-sized firms – exposing a potential gap in preparedness among mid-sized enterprises. There has been a notable improvement in cyber hygiene practices among smaller businesses, with rising adoption of risk assessments, cyber insurance, formal cyber security policies and continuity planning.  These steps are seen as essential in building digital resilience across the UK economy. However, the number of high-income charities implementing best practices such as risk assessments has declined. Insights suggest this may be linked to budgetary pressures, limiting their ability to invest in adequate cyber security measures. Sawan Joshi, Group Director of Information Security at FDM Group, comments, “Keeping banking systems online is becoming more challenging, and technology alone isn’t enough. Skilled IT teams are crucial for spotting risks early and responding quickly to prevent disruptions. Organisations need to invest in ongoing training so their staff can strengthen system defences and recover fast when issues arise. A mix of advanced monitoring, backup systems, and a well-trained workforce is key to keeping services running and maintaining customer trust.'" The Government has also confirmed that UK data centres are now officially designated as critical national infrastructure. This means they will receive the same priority in the event of a major incident - such as a cyber attack - as essential services like water and energy.