Enterprise Network Infrastructure: Design, Performance & Security

Huber+Suhner launches SYNCRO

Huber+Suhner, a Swiss fibre optic cable manufacturer, has introduced its new SYNCRO family, an integrated, modular timing and Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) distribution portfolio, designed to simplify optical timing integration for data centre operators. Precise time synchronisation, accurate to within nanoseconds, underpins critical services such as global trade, telecommunications, navigation, and scientific measurement. The SYNCRO system aims to enable operators to integrate optical timing into existing fibre infrastructure, improving performance and reducing the cost and complexity associated with coaxial cabling. Modular design for reliable, scalable synchronisation The SYNCRO portfolio seeks to extend transmission distances, reduce the number of GNSS antennas required, and minimise the limitations of traditional cabling. It builds on Huber+Suhner’s earlier GNSS and Power-over-Fibre (PoF) technologies to deliver precise time synchronisation while maintaining nanosecond accuracy across a network. PoF allows optical fibre to transmit both timing signals and electrical power to remote antenna assemblies, removing the need for separate cabling or rooftop power connections. This enables operators to use existing fibre networks to deliver GNSS signals and centrally managed power to antenna locations. Dominik Tibolla, Product Manager at Huber+Suhner, says, “The increasing computing requirements driven by digitalisation, particularly in cloud computing and artificial intelligence, mean that data centre operators must expand capacity efficiently and securely. "SYNCRO has been developed to help operators scale their infrastructure, enhance monitoring, and ensure high levels of reliability and redundancy.” Details of the new range The SYNCRO range is available in three configurations to meet different operational needs: • SYNCRO Max — offering PoF capability, signal expansion, monitoring, and redundancy for demanding environments • SYNCRO Eco — which provides signal expansion and monitoring without PoF • SYNCRO Mini — for applications that do not require PoF or redundancy, while maintaining monitoring and expansion functions According to Huber+Suhner, moving timing distribution onto fibre eliminates many installation constraints and simplifies planning. The plug-and-play design, the company asserts, removes transmission distance limits associated with coaxial cabling, reduces the need for reinforced ducting or extensive grounding, and supports secure, long-distance connections between antennas and receivers. Dominik continues, “SYNCRO gives operators a reliable, cost-effective timing solution that consolidates GNSS antennas and simplifies deployment. This allows infrastructure budgets to be reallocated to higher-value projects while maintaining precise, resilient synchronisation across data centre operations.” The SYNCRO family will be presented at booth 29 at the International Timing and Sync Forum in Prague, Czech Republic, from 27–30 October. For more from Huber+Suhner, click here.

DC BLOX to expand Myrtle Beach landing station

DC BLOX, a provider of connected data centre and fibre networks, has announced the planned expansion of its Myrtle Beach cable landing station in South Carolina, USA. The company has acquired approximately 20 acres of adjacent land within the Myrtle Beach International Technology and Aerospace Park (ITAP) with the potential to accommodate up to five additional subsea cables and an additional 20MW of power from the current on-site substation. The Myrtle Beach cable landing station (MYR1) opened in 2023 and was developed to enable a resilient international communications gateway for subsea cable access into the southeastern US from western European countries, South America, the Caribbean, and Africa. MYR1 is the largest facility of its kind on the Eastern Seaboard. MYR2 will complement existing subsea cables already landing in Myrtle Beach (including Firmina, Anjana, and Nuvem), enhancing the region’s role in connecting the US with the world. Expanding existing connectivity Jeff Wabik, Chief Technology Officer at DC BLOX, says, “Demand for landing subsea cables in Myrtle Beach has been extraordinary and the rapid addition of new carrier partners into MYR1 has significantly enhanced the facility’s connectivity ecosystem. “By preparing for MYR2, DC BLOX is enabling new digital infrastructure development across the region by global hyperscale companies and ensuring continued growth of the Southeast’s digital economy.” Sandy Davis, Myrtle Beach Regional EDC President & CEO, comments, “The continued growth of DC BLOX in our community is the vision presented by their leadership in 2021. "DC BLOX is an extraordinary company committed to providing technology services and community partnerships as promised. We are excited to have DC BLOX expand in Horry County and to house the largest facility of its kind on the Eastern Seaboard in our county." Pending additional demand, the new MYR2 facility would be built adjacent to MYR1 within ITAP, a site that offers a solid coastal location for subsea systems. Once completed, the two facilities combined would support up to ten subsea cables, strengthening international connectivity and advancing Myrtle Beach’s position as a global cable landing destination. For more from DC BLOX, click here.

Fibre overlooked in UK, delaying 82% of DC projects

Neos Networks, a UK-based B2B connectivity provider, today revealed that 82% of UK data centre operators have delayed site builds or expansion due to fibre availability. 95% of these operators say that access to new, high-capacity fibre networks will now influence their expansion plans. The findings come from new research showing that, despite unprecedented government and enterprise momentum around data centre development and artificial intelligence (AI), fibre remains the critical bottleneck that could slow the UK’s digital growth. However, Neos says the industry is united on the solution: investment in new, high-capacity fibre backbones. The study, carried out in partnership with Censuswide, surveyed data centre operators, enterprise IT leaders and local government stakeholders. Across all three groups, there was a consensus that core fibre networks are the foundation of the UK’s AI infrastructure: • 89% of local government stakeholders report that fibre gaps have delayed infrastructure projects in their regions. • Almost half (45%) of enterprises cite fibre as the key bottleneck holding back AI and digital infrastructure. • Almost half (46%) of local government authorities say their region’s fibre infrastructure is not fully ready to support AI data centres. • One in six companies (16%) doubt the ability of the UK’s current fibre infrastructure to support their AI ambitions. Lee Myall, CEO of Neos Networks, comments, “Over the past decade, we’ve seen a huge amount of investment in last-mile fibre builds, but core fibre networks across the country have received much less attention. Without them, workloads cannot move between data centres, data cannot be trained, and investments stall. "The UK has the ambition, the demand and the regional readiness to lead in AI, but if we don’t address fibre gaps, we risk losing out on one of the greatest economic opportunities of our generation.” AI is reshaping data centre and digital strategy The UK government has set out its ambition to position the country as a global leader in AI, with initiatives such as AI Growth Zones in the AI Opportunities Action Plan central to this vision. The research shows these policies are already shaping investment and strategy across the ecosystem: • 96% of data centre operators say AI Growth Zones are influencing expansion and site selection, with 44% citing them as a strong influence. • 68% of enterprises view AI Growth Zones as a strong driver of change in their infrastructure planning. Importantly, this momentum is fuelling new growth corridors beyond London. While 23% of data centre operators still expect new investment in Greater London, a greater share pointed to the North of England and the Midlands (39%), signalling a shift towards regional hubs of AI activity. This diversification is mirrored in the way compute is being deployed. With data centre sites becoming more dispersed, almost all (97%) data centre operators expect up to half of their UK compute to move to the edge of the network by 2030, underlining the need for high-performance, resilient fibre across every region. But despite this momentum, concerns remain: • 41% of data centre leaders believe the UK’s fibre networks are only partially prepared to support regional AI workloads. • More than 70% of enterprises feel the UK’s attractiveness for data centre investment needs improvement (53%) or is lagging (17%). Unlocking opportunity through new fibre backbones The research highlights a path forward, with new fibre backbone projects critical to unlocking growth. Nearly all respondents agree that investment in high-capacity fibre corridors will transform confidence in the UK’s ability to attract and scale AI projects: • 95% of data centre operators, 96% of enterprises, and 96% of local authorities say new fibre corridors into underserved areas would positively impact AI and data centre growth. • More than half of local authorities (53%) believe such projects would be transformative for their regions. Lee concludes, “AI is no longer a future ambition; it’s here today, reshaping how businesses, communities, and governments operate. "But the UK cannot lead in AI on yesterday’s infrastructure and we need continued investment in the fibre backbones that connect every region of the country. "At Neos, we’re committed to building those foundations so the UK can not only keep pace, but compete and thrive in the global AI race.” For more from Neos Networks, click here.

GNM launches new PoP in Paris

GNM, a backbone internet provider and telecom operator, has launched a new Point of Presence (PoP) at 137 Boulevard Voltaire in Paris, expanding its Western European footprint and giving French operators direct access to its backbone and interconnection services. The company says that strong growth in France over the past year drove the decision to expand into the capital. The Paris site connects regional operators with lower-latency routes to Frankfurt, Amsterdam, London, and Central Europe, integrated with GNM’s 20,000 km backbone and 80+ PoPs in 21 countries. From Paris, GNM says it offers services including IP Transit with Tier-1 upstreams and advanced BGP community control; GNM-IX peering, with more than 650 connected networks; Ethernet / L2VPN with SLAs and end-to-end traffic control; and Remote IX for access to European Internet Exchanges without physical presence. Ahmed Eidarous, International Development Manager at GNM, comments, “Paris is a natural step in our European expansion. “By launching a PoP here, we are bringing French operators closer to our backbone and service portfolio, enabling them to exchange traffic more efficiently and access international hubs with minimal latency.” With the Paris PoP online, GNM says it has both expanded its presence in Western Europe and strengthened connectivity for regional and global customers. For more from GNM, click here.

LINX achieves 25 x 400GE port count milestone

The London Internet Exchange (LINX), an internet exchange point (IXP) operator, has successfully deployed their 25th 400GE port across their global network, a major milestone within the wider industry's growth. The first 400GE port was provisioned in 2021, with demand for ultra-high bandwidth connectivity surging since then, driven by the exponential growth in cloud services, video streaming, gaming, and AI workloads. A single 400GE connection delivers four times the capacity of a standard 1000GE port, enabling networks to consolidate traffic, reduce operational complexity, and build in resilience, future-proofing their infrastructure. Investing in the future LINX has invested heavily in Nokia’s next-generation hardware and optical technologies to enable 400GE delivery across its interconnection ecosystems in London and Manchester. This investment aims to ensure members can scale quickly and efficiently while maintaining the resilience and reliability that underpin the global internet. Jennifer Holmes, CEO of LINX, comments, “Reaching 25 active 400GE ports is a testament to the evolving needs of our members and the strength of our technical infrastructure. "We’ve seen a clear shift towards high-capacity services, with our larger delivery networks upgrading first to 400GE. "In the last 12 months UK ISPs are now seeing the demand for the service and are upgrading in London and Manchester, a positive sign of effective network traffic management or regional peering. "This evolution demonstrates how network operators of all sizes are adapting to keep pace with the demands of modern digital services.” As digital transformation accelerates globally, LINX says it continues to extend its reach beyond the UK, also supporting interconnection platforms in the US and Africa. For more from LINX, click here.

CommScope expands SYSTIMAX Constellation platform

CommScope, a US manufacturer of network infrastructure products, has announced the global availability of its evolved SYSTIMAX Constellation platform, an edge-based system for power and data connectivity designed for large-scale enterprise networks. Now compliant with international power and data transmission standards, the Constellation platform combines fault-managed power with hybrid power and data fibre cabling in a simplified star topology. The design enables hundreds or thousands of connected devices to be powered and linked efficiently across buildings or campuses. Simplified architecture for modern infrastructure The platform’s modular, technology-agnostic design supports both AC and DC power applications and multiple IT and operational technology (OT) standards. The company says unlike traditional structured cabling, Constellation removes the need for a telecoms room or wiring closet on every floor, allowing centralised uninterruptible power supply (UPS) management. Constellation Points (CPs) can be installed in ceilings, walls, or equipment racks, reducing space requirements and component use. The system delivers higher power and faster data speeds over longer distances, supporting 10G and above bandwidth and up to 1kW of fault-managed power. According to CommScope, the platform can reduce installation labour by more than 50% compared with conventional cabling, while also lowering material use and the network’s overall carbon footprint through reductions in copper and plastic. Luc Adriaenssens, Vice President of Building and Campus, CommScope Connectivity Solutions, comments, “The Constellation platform enables our customers to support denser urban environments and the growing number of connected devices in their buildings. "By offering a modular, technology-agnostic solution, we’re providing greater flexibility for network design - allowing scalability, sustainability, and cost efficiency.” Technical and sustainability features Part of CommScope’s SYSTIMAX cabling and connectivity range, the Constellation system includes Propel fibre panels, power transmitters, and transition panels connected to CPs via hybrid fibre trunks. End devices are linked through pre-terminated Cat 6A patch cords and cable assemblies. Key performance and sustainability metrics include: • Up to 1,800W of power delivered at distances of 250m• Up to 1,000W at 500m• Up to 700W at 1,000m• Support for 10G and higher data rates• Up to 50 connected devices per CP• 57% reduction in skilled installation labour hours• 59% less copper and 65% less plastic compared with traditional LAN systems• Up to 40% lower embodied network carbon footprint The Constellation platform is now available worldwide. For more from CommScope, click here.

Building AI-ready networks: Smart cabling for the edge era

In this exclusive article for DCNN, Rachid Ait Ben Ali, Product & Solutions Manager, Smart Building & Data Center at Aginode, explores how next-generation fibre and automated management systems are redefining infrastructure for AI and edge computing: Cabling for the future As artificial intelligence and edge computing rapidly reshape data centre architectures, network infrastructure has to evolve to keep up. Critical applications such as autonomous systems, real-time analytics, and GPU-to-GPU communication for AI model training are highly sensitive to latency, signal degradation, and disruptions caused by excessive hops or amplification points. To meet fast-moving, rigorous requirements, cutting-edge cabling solutions - including ultra-dense fibre panels and the latest generation of Automated Infrastructure Management (AIM) systems - are essential. A closer look at the requirements AI-driven infrastructure is unforgiving of downtime and demands built-in redundancy. Workloads are often unpredictable and heavily overloaded, which means they need optical cabling that can absorb traffic spikes without performance degradation. Architectures supporting AI are non-linear and bandwidth-intensive, requiring designs with optimised physical pathways. Fibre networks in these settings must be capable of supporting transmission rates of 400G, 800G, and beyond. At the same time, edge computing introduces a new level of complexity. Its highly distributed nature requires fibre connectivity that is not only robust and high-performing, but also low maintenance and compact enough to function within physical and power-constrained environments. As AI workloads - from training to inference - generate immense volumes of east-west traffic across dense GPU clusters, managing connectivity and thermal performance becomes critical. These clusters produce extreme heat, making thermally optimised cabling and carefully considered airflow vital. Addressing challenges from a technical perspective Everything starts with the right cabling. Pre-terminated fibre links support rapid and reliable deployment at hyperscale and edge sites. High CPR-rated solutions help ensure compliance with stringent fire safety standards. As organisations plan for upgrades to 800G or even 1.6 Tbps networks, deploying a future-ready cabling plant is essential. Smart labelling systems simplify identification, reduce downtime, and help teams operate more efficiently. Ultra-polished UPC and APC connectors minimise reflection and insertion loss - crucial for extremely latency-sensitive AI applications. High-density fibre-optic cabling, such as MPO/MTP for parallel optics, enables scalable bandwidth in compact footprints. OM5 multimode fibre is well-suited for dense AI clusters and edge deployments. Supporting multiple wavelengths over short distances and offering tighter loss budgets, OM5 delivers high bandwidth without dramatically increasing cable volume. Modern cable designs enhance performance through quality shielding, precise construction, shorter channel lengths, and cleaner signal paths that reduce hops and signal loss. The network architecture itself also plays a key role. Ethernet backbones operating at 400G and 800G, combined with direct-connect models like leaf-spine or fully meshed fabrics, reduce latency and support AI’s massive east-west traffic patterns. Minimising patching and interconnection points cuts down on signal attenuation and interference, further improving efficiency. Innovations such as ultra-dense fibre panels and MPO connectors help scale operations without overloading valuable rack space and enable rapid deployment while avoiding costly rewiring. AIM systems are becoming indispensable, offering real-time visibility into port status, topology, and usage, and integrating with Data Centre Infrastructure Management (DCIM) and orchestration tools. By leveraging AI-powered tracking and analytics, AIM systems enable real-time monitoring and automate management tasks. This reduces mean time to repair (MTTR), minimises human error, and supports large-scale, AI-driven operations. In environments where model training may take months, cabling with embedded diagnostics ensures uninterrupted operation and transparency. Different types of fibre can be tracked, diagnosed, and reconfigured with minimal manual intervention. That’s essential for mission-critical systems. Further considerations Smooth integration of high-performance fibre into AI and edge-ready environments demands careful attention to detail. As GPU-dense racks fill with fibre, insertion and connection loss must be minimised, which increases the importance of ultra-low-loss multimode solutions. Thermal and spatial constraints in AI deployments necessitate slim, compact cabling designs that do not compromise on performance. Adhering to industry standards such as ISO/IEC OM5 and MPO ensures compatibility across hardware ecosystems and simplifies deployment at geographically distributed edge sites. Looking ahead, future-proofing and sustainability are equally important. Investing in OM5 fibre today helps avoid the cost and disruption of replacement as bandwidth demands continue to grow. Automated cabling systems reduce operational expenditures but also enable agile provisioning, even in edge locations where power is constrained. Low-loss fibre reduces the need for signal amplification, conserving energy, while structured, durable panels minimise long-term maintenance waste. To accommodate the demanding requirements of AI and edge computing, data centre design must transition from legacy copper and basic point-to-point fibre models to high-density, automated multimode fibre ecosystems. Smart cabling, ultra-dense panels, and intelligent management solutions form the backbone of this transformation. These technologies empower both hyperscale and edge operations with high bandwidth, low latency, and operational agility. Meeting the needs of AI-ready infrastructure doesn’t just require speed; it demands ultra-high bandwidth, minimal latency, granular insights, simplified manageability, and flexible (re)configuration. With the right infrastructure, it’s possible to build networks that are powerful enough for AI at scale and flexible enough enough for edge deployment.

DE-CIX Malaysia extends reach with NTT DATA partnership

Internet exchange (IX) operator DE-CIX Malaysia has announced the launch of its full suite of interconnection services at NTT DATA’s CBJ1 data centre in Cyberjaya, marking a further expansion of Malaysia’s digital infrastructure and the country’s role as a regional connectivity hub. The partnership represents the first local collaboration between DE-CIX Malaysia and NTT Global Data Centres, following successful projects in other international markets. It aims to enhance interconnection options for enterprises, internet service providers (ISPs), cloud providers, and content delivery networks (CDNs) across Southeast Asia. Expanding interconnection capacity in Cyberjaya The collaboration enables customers at NTT DATA’s Cyberjaya facility to access DE-CIX’s peering, cloud exchange, and virtual private network interconnection (VPNI) services. These include premium peering through GlobePEER, direct cloud connectivity via DirectCLOUD, and Blackholing for DDoS mitigation. Weng-Yew Wong, Member of the Board of Management at DE-CIX Malaysia, comments, “This partnership is a strategic move to bring DE-CIX’s interconnection services closer to Malaysia’s enterprises. "By enabling our platform at NTT Global Data Centres’ Cyberjaya site, we are expanding the region’s digital ecosystem and offering greater reach, security, and reliability.” The collaboration will also allow NTT Global Data Centres to attract additional network-focused tenants, including enterprise and hyperscale operators. Yasuo Suzuki, Managing Director, APAC, NTT Global Data Centres, says, “This collaboration reflects our ongoing efforts to bring strategic partners such as DE-CIX into our facilities to enhance connectivity and performance for our clients. "The presence of DE-CIX in our Cyberjaya campus offers improved access to cloud platforms and digital services with minimal latency.” Strengthening Malaysia’s digital ecosystem Cyberjaya has become one of Malaysia’s leading technology hubs, offering high-capacity power, fibre connectivity, and a growing community of network-based enterprises. DE-CIX’s presence at NTT DATA’s CBJ1 data centre provides immediate access to its global interconnection platform via secure ethernet cross-connects and VLAN tagging, supporting low-latency connectivity to international networks. The companies say the collaboration will contribute to the development of resilient, scalable digital infrastructure across Malaysia and strengthen interconnection routes between Asia, Europe, and the United States. For more from DE-CIX, click here.

GNM launches new PoP in Warsaw

GNM (Global Network Management), a backbone internet provider and telecom operator, has launched a new Point of Presence (PoP) at LIM DC in Warsaw, Poland. The new site joins the company’s existing PoPs at Equinix WA1 in Warsaw and 4DC in Katowice, expanding GNM’s footprint in Central Europe. Together, these sites position Poland as a key hub in GNM’s network, directly connected with Germany, Czechia, Ukraine, and other markets in the region. The Warsaw PoP delivers GNM’s full service portfolio, including IP Transit with Tier-1 upstreams, DWDM up to 400G, peering with over 650 ASNs via GNM-IX, ethernet and L2VPN transport, and Remote IX for access to major European exchanges. Krzysztof Krasuski, Head of Region at GNM, comments, “With the launch of our node in LIM DC, Poland is becoming the heart of our Central European network and we are committed to expanding services and connectivity options for all operators in the region.” GNM’s backbone interconnects more than 80 PoPs in 21 countries over 20,000km of optical infrastructure, supporting resilient, low-latency connectivity for carriers, ISPs, and content providers across Europe. For more from GNM, click here.

Nokia, Keysight complete UET test for AI data centres

Finnish telecommunications company Nokia, in collaboration with Keysight Technologies, a US manufacturer of electronic test and measurement equipment and software, has completed end-to-end testing of ultra ethernet (UET) traffic across its data centre switching platforms, including the 7220 and 7250 Interconnect Routers (IXR). The test demonstrates Nokia’s integration of Ultra Ethernet Consortium (UEC) Specification 1.0 features into its networking portfolio, designed to support high-performance computing (HPC) and AI workloads. It marks a step towards lossless, low-latency, large-scale data centre networks built for the demands of AI infrastructure. Testing UET for next-generation network performance The UEC Specification 1.0 defines a new ethernet layer optimised for HPC and AI environments, aiming to reduce latency and packet loss while maintaining interoperability across network architectures. The joint test between Nokia and Keysight used 800 Gigabit ethernet interfaces with UET traffic generated via Keysight’s AresONE 800GE platform. The network spanned Nokia’s 7220 IXR-H5 and 7250 IXR-10e systems, operating with the SR Linux network operating system. According to Nokia, the test also validated coexistence with Remote Direct Memory Access over Converged Ethernet (RoCEv2) and Data Centre Quantised Congestion Notification (DCQCN) technologies, both already supported in its switching platforms. Ram Periakaruppan, Vice President and General Manager of Network Applications and Security at Keysight Technologies, comments, “Networking technologies are evolving rapidly to meet the demands of large-scale AI clusters. "Ultra ethernet is one of the approaches under active development, enabling the next generation of scale-out fabrics. "Our collaboration with Nokia represents a key milestone in validating interoperability and accelerating adoption across the AI networking ecosystem.” Rudy Hoebeke, Vice President of Software Product Management at Nokia, adds, “AI is redefining expectations for data centre network performance. "This successful demonstration with Keysight of UET traffic over Nokia’s switching platforms underlines our commitment to the UEC initiative and reinforces our role in shaping the future of HPC and AI networking.” For more from Nokia, click here.