Data Centre Infrastructure News & Trends

Next generation control technology

Deep Sea Electronics (DSE) presents an in-depth look at how its next-generation control platforms are revolutionising data centre backup power control: In the high-stakes world of data centres, where uptime is critical and power continuity is non-negotiable, the technologies used to control and monitor backup power systems must evolve to meet increasingly complex demands. DSE has responded to this challenge with its UK manufactured next-generation suite of control platforms – the G8 Series, 86xx MKII Series, and 335 MKII, all supported by its powerful DSEWebNet remote monitoring solution. These innovative platforms bring together advanced control functionality, flexible integration options, and intelligent monitoring to transform the way data centres manage their backup power infrastructure. Whether deployed in hyperscale environments or regional facilities, DSE’s next-generation technology delivers precision, resilience, and full situational awareness. The DSEG8 Series – paralleling without compromise At the core of DSE’s offering is the G8 Series, a cutting-edge advanced paralleling controller platform specifically engineered for complex backup power applications. With enhanced processing power, impressive I/O scalability, and advanced communications protocols, the G8 Series allows multiple generator sets to operate in perfect synchronisation, dynamically balancing load and optimising fuel use. For data centres requiring modular or scalable backup configurations, the G8 series offers plug-and-play expandability, seamless integration with switchgear, and support for advanced load shedding and demand-based control logic. Its intuitive interface and built-in redundancy protocols ensure that power delivery remains stable – even in failure scenarios. The G8 series also boasts enhanced cyber security features and encryption standards (IEC62443), helping data centres to stay compliant with IT security policies and protect against cyber threats. The DSE86 MKII Series – power meets simplicity The 86 MKII Series builds on DSE’s legacy of reliable control with an all-in-one solution that combines sophisticated functionality with ease of use. Designed for generator applications in both standby and prime power roles, the 86 MKII range offers built-in synchronising, load sharing, and generator-to-generator or generator-to-mains paralleling capabilities. Its flexible configuration options make it an ideal choice for data centre backup systems that need to strike a balance between performance and operational simplicity. With support for multiple communication protocols including Modbus, SNMP and CAN, the 86 MKII integrates smoothly into existing infrastructure while offering the tools needed to build a more resilient power environment. The DSE335 MKII – intelligent switching redefined No modern backup power system is complete without a reliable transfer switch controller, and the DSE335 MKII sets a new standard for intelligence and precision. Designed to manage the automatic transfer of power between two power sources (S1 & S2), the 335 MKII delivers seamless switching with options for closed transition – eliminating momentary interruptions that could impact sensitive equipment. Its advanced monitoring capabilities, built-in event logging, and remote access make it a vital component in high-availability environments. The 335 MKII is particularly well-suited to Tier III and Tier IV data centres, where power transfer accuracy and system transparency are essential. Remote visibility with DSEWebNet System control is no longer confined to on-site panels. With DSEWebNet, DSE’s cloud-based remote monitoring platform, data centre managers gain full visibility of their backup power systems from anywhere in the world. Whether monitoring live generator status, fuel levels, alarms, load demand or environmental conditions, DSEWebNet enables proactive maintenance and rapid response. Custom alerts and real-time dashboards keep stakeholders informed, while historical data and reporting tools support compliance, audits, and performance improvement initiatives. The secure architecture of DSEWebNet ensures that remote connectivity does not compromise system security – a critical consideration in data centre environments. Looking ahead As the data centre landscape continues to grow and evolve, the demand for smarter, faster and more integrated backup power solutions will only intensify. DSE’s next-generation control platforms are built with this future in mind – offering the tools, intelligence, and flexibility needed to support always-on digital infrastructures. From advanced paralleling multi-set control with the G8 series, to smart switching with the 335 MKII and real-time monitoring with DSEWebNet, DSE is redefining what’s possible in backup power control for data centres – and setting a new benchmark for resilience and reliability. Discover how DSE’s next-generation control technology can transform your data centre power strategy by getting in touch today. To speak with a DSE product expert, call +44(0) 1732 890099 or visit DSE's website.

Uni of Huddersfield academic awarded £450k, funding 6G research

University of Huddersfield academic Professor Pavlos Lazaridis has been awarded a £450,000 grant by the EPSRC (the UKRI Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council) to fund vital equipment to further his research into future 6G networks. The core equipment grant will fund three key hi-tech pieces: a 110 GHz vector network analyser, a 43.5 GHz signal generator, and a portable combined 50 GHz VNA and spectrum analyser. Together, they will seek to improve the University of Huddersfield's research capacity when it comes to higher frequency radio frequency systems that are related to next-generation technologies, including 5G/6G communications, metamaterials, satellite communications, and advanced sensor technologies. Professor Lazaridis, an expert in electronic and electrical engineering within the School of Computing and Engineering, leads the University’s Systems, Telecommunications, and Antenna Research Group (STAR). The equipment will be used in two ongoing international Horizon Europe projects he is collaborating on - namely ISAC-NEWTON and 6G-ICARUS. The former involves University of Huddersfield academics being part of a doctoral network training a new generation of experts in 6G networks. It is a Europe-wide project focusing on research into integrated sensing and communications for 6G and involves a total of 17 academic and industrial partners. The latter is a partnership of 22 organisations across Europe, the US, and Brazil that are investigating and improving on current technologies in order to address obstacles that 6G networks will face and to define the future wireless networks (FWNs). Professor Lazaridis comments, “These state-of-the-art instruments will tremendously increase our research capabilities and place us in the top of 6G research. We are grateful to the EPSRC.” The EPSRC, part of UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), is the main funding body for engineering and physical sciences research in the UK. It invests in research and skills to advance knowledge, as well as supporting new ideas and transformative technologies. UKRI is a public body sponsored by the UK Government’s Department for Science, Innovation, and Technology, designed to foster the research culture needed for research and innovation excellence.

The Wilmott Group joins Rehlko to advance critical power

The Wilmott Group, a UK provider of critical power projects and generator installations, has just announced that it has entered into a tentative agreement to be acquired by Rehlko (formerly Kohler Energy), a US-based manufacturer of power systems, generators, and energy solutions. The move marks a new chapter for the Wilmott Group and hopes to strengthen the company’s ability to deliver across data centres and other critical infrastructure sectors, such as healthcare, manufacturing, and utilities. As part of Rehlko’s EMEA operations, The Wilmott Group - including WB Power Services (WBPS) and Wiltech Acoustics - will gain access to expanded resources, global links, and new manufacturing and engineering capabilities. “This is a hugely exciting and pivotal moment for the Wilmott Group,” expresses Andy Wilmott, Co-CEO and Chairman of The Wilmott Group. “Rehlko shares our deep-rooted commitment to long-term customer value, innovation, and operational excellence - values that the Wilmott Group were founded upon back in 1983. By coming together, we are uniquely positioned to elevate our impact, delivering even greater levels of reliability and innovation to mission-critical operations across the UK and EMEA.” Through the acquisition, WBPS will partner more closely with Rehlko’s engineering teams to scale data centre projects. In addition, Wiltech Acoustics’ in-house acoustic manufacturing capabilities aim to enable shorter lead times and improved responsiveness to dynamic market demands. “The Wilmott Group’s dedication to creating long-term value with customers strongly complements Rehlko’s commitment to delivering innovative and reliable energy solutions,” claims Brian Melka, President and Chief Executive Officer of Rehlko. “In this new chapter for Rehlko, The Wilmott Group’s long history of success will bolster our data centre solutions across the UK and the rest of Europe.” For more from Rehlko (formerly Kohler Energy), click here.

Gemtek first to achieve prplWare device certification

prpl Foundation member company Gemtek Technologies, a Taiwan-based manufacturer of wireless communication products and broadband systems, becomes the first to deliver prplWare-certified devices. By achieving the certification, Gemtek has evidenced that their devices will behave as expected by operators and that all applications will run consistently across all their prplWare devices. As a result, operators using Gemtek devices with certified prplWare firmware can manage devices spanning multiple generations and silicon platforms, sourced from various suppliers and running complex applications. “We are proud to see the first certification with Gemtek of what will be many certified devices in the future,” says Leonard Dauphinee, prpl Foundation President, MaxLinear VP, and CTO Broadband Group. “A device running prplWare provides a well-defined set of APIs and predictable behaviour for both the gateway and the applications that operators intend to run on the gateways they offer to their customers. CPE platforms are now being certified as authentic, fully-featured prplWare.” “At Gemtek, we are true believers in open standards and open source, as we fully share the vision and values of the prpl Foundation,” states Gemtek CEO James Lee. “By working closely with our broadband silicon partners and providing prplWare-certified devices across multiple SoC platforms to its customers, Gemtek can greatly accelerate time to market for operators. "As the number of RFPs specifying prpl-certified proposals continues to increase, we are proud to be the first to achieve prplWare device certification supporting acceleration and scalability. “The first two devices certified are a Multi-WAN Gateway, which supports Wi-Fi7 Tri-Band, XGS-PON/5G NR/10G Ethernet, based on MaxLinear silicon, and a Wi-Fi7 Tri-Band Gateway based on the Qualcomm Dragonwing platform." “We congratulate Gemtek on delivering the pplWare-certified, carrier-grade OSPv2 platform based on MaxLinear technology,” comments Puneet Sethi, Vice President of MaxLinear’s Network Infrastructure and Carrier Business. “With full Wi-Fi 7 certification, Tri-Band support, and multi-WAN readiness, this platform is primed for operator deployment. We’re proud to see the prpl Foundation ecosystem expanding rapidly and gaining strong traction among MaxLinear’s global customer base.” The certification follows the official release of the prplWare Certification Program earlier this year, with a standardised test plan and supporting test software on the CDRouter Test Platform from QA Cafe. “It is a testament to the dedication and hard work of prpl Foundation members, and Gemtek in particular, to get the first devices through the prplWare Certification programme,” concludes Tim Winters, QA Cafe CTO and Chair of the prpl Foundation Testing and Certification Working Group. “We look forward to more and more companies using certification to prove their devices will work the way operators expect and moving the open-source CPE industry forward.”

Mansfield Pollard and BladeRoom announce partnership

Mansfield Pollard, a manufacturer of air handling units and environmental control systems, and BladeRoom Data Centres, a manufacturer of modular data centre systems and sustainable infrastructure, have announced a new partnering arrangement that paves the way for the businesses to collaborate and deliver cooling solutions for the fast-growing data centre market in the UK and globally. The new agreement builds on a 15-year-long relationship, during which time both businesses have used their history of developing engineering solutions to support the high-tech and mission-critical market of data centre cooling. Building on this foundation, the partnership will see the two companies collaborate on research and development to meet growing demand for advanced air- and water-based cooling solutions, supporting evolving AI and high-performance computing applications. Over 210MW of IT cooling has been delivered to date, and further systems are in production. These systems, the companies say, are designed to be "adaptable and forward-looking," accommodating new compute technologies while maintaining compatibility with legacy estates. As cooling requirements continue to increase with the latest chipsets and processing densities, the partnership intends to place added emphasis on "innovative" approaches, including hybrid system architectures that combine the strengths of air and liquid cooling. These designs aim to enable integration within new or existing facilities and support retrofitting strategies that extend the lifecycle of established data centres. Louise Ellis-Frankland, Chief Executive of Bradford-based Mansfield Pollard, says, "Mansfield Pollard and BladeRoom Data Centres have always been aligned in our values, especially when it comes to sustainability, energy efficiency, and technological advances. “Both companies have a strong focus on responsible manufacturing and driving innovation, making this partnership a natural evolution in our longstanding relationship." Will Thornton, Chief Executive of BladeRoom Data Centres, comments, "As a company that prides itself on delivering low-energy, high-efficiency data centre infrastructure solutions at any scale, our partnership with Mansfield Pollard adds a whole new dimension to what we can offer our clients. “Their innovative technologies align seamlessly with our commitment to dramatically reduce energy consumption and build the world’s most efficient, sustainable, and operationally superior data centres." Head of Sales for BladeRoom Data Centres Edward Dusting adds, “This collaboration also focuses on retrofitting our existing facilities with cutting-edge, energy-efficient cooling technologies, be that via air or water. “This ensures that already established data centre estates, such as those delivered for our partners Ark Data Centres, always achieve optimal performance whilst becoming future-ready, AI-optimised infrastructure ready for the next generation of innovation.”

Digital Realty collaborates with Vodafone Greece

Digital Realty, a provider of cloud- and carrier-neutral data centre, colocation, and interconnection systems, has announced a collaboration with Vodafone Greece, a telecommunications, IoT, and 5G connectivity provider, to enhance Crete’s digital infrastructure and connectivity. This collaboration, according to Digital Realty, "underscores both companies’ commitment to fostering Crete’s emergence as a key connectivity hub in the Mediterranean." As part of this collaboration, Vodafone Greece will establish a point of presence (PoP) at Digital Realty’s HER1 data centre in Heraklion, the first carrier-neutral interconnection point for all cable landing stations in Crete. The facility will host customers’ submarine line terminating equipment, creating a link in the island’s connectivity ecosystem. Vodafone Greece intends to deploy a dual-route connectivity system between HER1 and its cable landing station in Tympaki in southern Crete to enhance capacity and resilience. These routes will also serve as backhaul services for major subsea cables landing in Crete by connecting to the HER1 data centre. Connectivity between Chania and Heraklion should also become more robust due to the Vodafone Greece terrestrial network, enhancing the infrastructure for cloud service providers, large enterprises, internet service providers, content delivery networks, and carriers. These developments also supplement Vodafone Greece’s existing connectivity services between Athens and Crete through Chania in the west and Sitia in the east. “This collaboration with Vodafone Greece marks a transformative moment for Crete’s digital infrastructure,” comments Alexandros Bechrakis, Managing Director of Digital Realty in Greece. “Our HER1 data centre is designed to establish Crete as a strategic digital hub which requires close collaboration with local, regional, and global partners. By supporting critical landing cables and enhancing regional connectivity, we’re reinforcing Crete’s position as a gateway to Southern Europe and beyond. This collaboration with Vodafone Greece reflects our shared commitment to delivering world-class digital services and infrastructure that empower local communities and businesses.” Nikos Plevris, Chief Network Officer, Vodafone Greece, states, “Our partnership with Digital Realty is another critical step in what we have managed to implement through the construction and operation of our submarine cable landing station in Tympaki, Crete. Having agreements in place on the interconnection for some of the largest subsea fibre optic cables in the world, we connect the country with the rest of the world, bolstering Greece's digital economy and offering new opportunities for our communities, partners, and the entire country. [By] combining our infrastructure in the area with Digital Realty’s, it is certain that we will build something truly impactful, and we are looking forward to seeing the results of this collaboration." For more from Digital Realty, click here.

Get ready to ‘Elevate’ your infrastructure

Elevate is the premium data centre white space and equipment room solution from Excel Networking, meeting tomorrow's infrastructure demands today. AI, HPC, and data volumes generally are increasing demands on compute resources at a pace never seen before, leading to more fibre in the same, if not less, rack space, exponential increases to power density, unprecedented cooling challenges, and legislative requirements to manage, report and protect. All while deployment schedules tighten. Elevate transforms complexity into competitive advantage through superior passive infrastructure solutions, including ultra-high-density fibre optic connectivity built on Senko low loss MPO and VSFF ready to support multi-terabit applications, intelligent rack systems with smart power and enhanced security, and aisle containment and fibre ducting systems. Strategic partnerships with nVent and Sunbird complement the infrastructure offer, bringing precision cooling, high density intelligent power, and best-in-class DCIM. Excel Networking recognises that efficient, on-time deployment needs more than just the right solution. Supply chain capability and support is critical, and here is where Excel Networking changes the game. Responsive, proactive pre-sales, lead times measured in days not months, pre-terminated UK assembled fibres, pre-configured racks, and high production capacities slash project timelines. The ability to deliver at scale is assured thanks to being part of Sonepar: the world's largest electrical distributor with a revenue of over €30 billion (£25.6 billion) across more than 40 countries, ensuring supply chain excellence, consistent EMEA-wide support and financial stability. Talk to Excel Networking’s dedicated team today to learn more about Elevate and how the company can support your next build. For more from Elevate – Future Faster, click here.

Anritsu, Fujikura confirm equivalent core crosstalk results

Anritsu Corporation, a Japanese multinational corporation manufacturing test and measurement equipment for telecommunications, in collaboration with Fujikura, a Japanese manufacturer of cables and optical fibres, has measured inter-core crosstalk in weakly-coupled multi-core optical fibres using multiple methods and has confirmed that the results are equivalent. Both companies presented their results at the international OptoElectronics and Communications Conference (OECC 2025) in Sapporo, Japan. With the growing adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) and cloud services, the demand for higher transmission capacity in optical submarine cables and data centre interconnects is rapidly increasing. Today’s optical communications rely on single-mode fibre (SMF) and advanced signal optimisation technologies to achieve high data throughput. However, as the transmission capacity per fibre continues to grow, these technologies are approaching their physical and performance limits. Consequently, recent R&D has focused on weakly-coupled multi-core optical fibre with multiple independent cores in a single optical fibre. While this type of fibre significantly increases transmission capacity, inter-core crosstalk – caused by interference resulting from light leakage between each core – degrades the quality of transmission. This varies not only due to the optical fibre design and manufacturing, but also depending on the installation conditions, requiring evaluation of inter-core crosstalk in field conditions. Although various companies and research institutions have proposed different methods for measuring inter-core crosstalk, the measured results from each method have not yet been adequately validated. In the presented comparative evaluation, Anritsu, collaborating with Fujikura, measured inter-core crosstalk using four methods: two using optical power meters, and two using Anritsu's OTDR (Optical Time Domain Reflectometer) for measuring optical fibre loss and reflection. The evaluated four-core weakly-coupled multi-core optical fibre manufactured by Fujikura features a standard cladding diameter of 125 µm. The measured results from each measurement method were all within ±1.0 dB at 1550 nm. Consequently, any of these four measurement methods can be chosen according to the weakly-coupled multi-core optical fibre application scenario, such as R&D, Manufacturing, and Installation and Maintenance (I&M), with assured consistent correlation regardless of which method is used. Furthermore, these results should assist with future standardisation of weakly-coupled multi-core optical fibre. Anritsu says it will continue to contribute to the practical implementation of next-generation optical communications technology by providing test solutions for weakly-coupled multi-core optical fibres.

Arista expands AI-driven campus and branch networking offerings

Arista Networks, a provider of cloud and artificial intelligence (AI) networking systems, has announced several AI-driven enterprise products that deliver an expanded set of switching, Wi-Fi 7 access point, and WAN capabilities. In conjunction, Arista has acquired the VeloCloud SD-WAN portfolio from Broadcom. This combination hopes to bring operational ease through zero touch operations, proactive monitoring, and automated troubleshooting across the broad set of client-to-cloud networking domains. As organisations seek real-world business value from generative and agentic AI, they are adopting centres of data strategy that connect the algorithms and models to key, distributed data stores across the enterprise - from the data centres to the campus, the branches, and remote offices. Reliable networks that are always on, easy to operate, and with built-in security are, therefore, more important than ever. Arista says it continues to embrace this challenge with "an expanding set of hardware and software solutions optimised for various customer needs." VeloCloud offers cloud-delivered SD-WAN solutions with integrated security. It comprises of a range of edge hardware platforms, featuring integrated firewalling and application-optimised SD-WAN, available with a choice of integrated Wi-Fi and/or 5G mobile connectivity. This portfolio intends to provide expanded choice and to enable global WAN services to interconnect data centres and distributed campus offices, whilst adding to Arista's existing CloudEOS routing stack and 7000-series WAN routers. “We have been using Arista and VeloCloud in production environments,” states Alan Davidson, CIO of Broadcom. “The addition of the VeloCloud edge strengthens and scales the enterprise WAN network.” Arista is also introducing the AWE-7220R WAN router with regional connectivity. Together with the previously announced AWE-7230R and AWE-7250R systems, the company suggests customers can build a hub-spine and VeloCloud micro-edge ​​WAN topology. Arista's new campus portfolio features PoE capabilities in a compact form factor switch, along with a wider range of Wi-Fi 7 indoor and outdoor access points for branch deployments, enabling newer IoT applications, such as ESL (Electronic Shelf Label). "We’re thrilled with Arista's access point integration with VusionGroup's Electronic Shelf Labels,” comments Dean Penebacker, IT Director, Pan Pacific Retail Management (PPRM) Hawaii. “This seamless integration with our existing systems means we can manage pricing dynamically and reduce labour costs, all while ensuring accuracy at the shelf edge. It’s the innovative technology we need to stay competitive in today’s retail landscape." Key additions to the switching and wireless portfolio include:• A new, compact, fanless 12-port PoE switch that is also 60W capable in the 710 family of access switches, designed for remote office and branch deployments.• A new, ruggedised outdoor Wi-Fi 7 access point, the O-435, designed for harsh industrial and outdoor environments, featuring a 2x2 tri-radio and a fourth dedicated tri-band multi-function radio.• A new, entry-level 2x2 tri-radio Wi-Fi 7 indoor access point, the C-400, targeted for high-volume service provider-managed (MSP) branch environments, including SMBs, multi-dwelling units, and small remote offices. “Arista Networks’ new, compact, fanless switch platform and entry-level Wi-Fi 7 access point are a perfect fit for our clients with small distributed offices and branches,” claims Neil Dearman, CTO EMEA, High Point Solutions. “As a channel partner, we can address the unique needs of our clients with enterprise-grade technology that’s easy to deploy and manage, all while keeping costs in check. It’s a win-win for us and our customers." Arista CloudVision AGNI (CV AGNI) now supports a fully on-premises deployment model, seeking to enable customers with strict regulatory and data compliance requirements to benefit from scalable AI-driven network access control from large campuses to distributed locations - while the new 1G and 10G virtual ZTX platforms extend Arista MSS identity-based micro-segmentation to remote branches and small campuses. "For years, we searched for a solution to secure our network and district resources without adding complexity, financial strain, or management challenges,” notes Najeeb Qasimi, Director of IT, Oak Grove School District. “Arista CV AGNI allows us to effortlessly implement and maintain policies, while its secure client connectivity ensures every student, teacher, and device - whether on district-provided or personal equipment - remains protected. This powerful, hassle-free tool has revolutionised how we safeguard and operate our network." The availability of the products are currently as follows: • O-435 and C-400 will ship in Q2 2025.• 710XP will ship early Q3 2025.• The AWE-7220R WAN router is shipping now.• On-premises CloudVision AGNI is shipping now.• Arista MSS virtual ZTX appliances are shipping now. For more from Arista Networks, click here.

RETN deploys new fibre route between Milan and Padua

RETN, an independent global network services provider, has announced the launch of a new fibre optic route between Milan and Padua as part of its national expansion strategy, aiming to deliver increasingly high-performance, low-latency connectivity. The new route, spanning 360km and adding to RETN’s 140,000km global network, takes an optimised path and introduces a key improvement: the segment from Milan to Ponte San Pietro (Bergamo) is the shortest connection available on the market, which the company says brings "significant benefits," particularly for latency-sensitive sectors like finance. By leveraging points of presence at Milan’s Caldera Campus and the Padua VSIX, and transiting through the Aruba Data Center in Ponte San Pietro, the route seeks to ensure enhanced performance and network efficiency. As a carrier neutral provider, Aruba supports the route by providing a strategic location for RETN’s network deployment. Designed to serve organisations that consider connectivity a strategic asset, the new route hopes to guarantee ultra-fast response times and high stability. Furthermore, RETN aims to provide companies with greater bandwidth capacity to meet their hyperscaling needs and support increasingly complex digital business models. “This new route reaffirms our ongoing commitment to the Italian market and represents a concrete milestone towards interconnecting with RETN’s Eastern European network, delivering increasingly widespread and integrated connectivity on a Eurasian scale,” comments Milko Ilari, Head of Southern Europe at RETN. “Milan and Padua are two strategic hubs for national data traffic: connecting them through an optimised infrastructure offers Italian businesses a tangible advantage in terms of performance, scalability, and global market access.” For more from RETN, click here.