Data Centre Infrastructure News & Trends

GNM completes 400G infrastructure upgrade in Sofia

GNM (Global Network Management), a backbone internet provider and telecom operator, has completed the modernisation of its point of presence in Sofia, Bulgaria, deploying the Arista 7800R3 - a modular, carrier-grade platform with native 400G capability. The upgrade is part of GNM’s ongoing strategy to strengthen its optical backbone and meet increasing interconnection demands across south-eastern Europe. The Sofia node now plays a key role in supporting high-throughput transit traffic from the Balkans, Turkey, the Middle East, and the Caucasus. With two fully independent DWDM paths - routed via Belgrade and a diverse route through Romania - the site has been engineered to provide path diversity, automated failover, and consistent low-latency performance. It is fully integrated into GNM’s meshed DWDM backbone, which provides onward connectivity to major European hubs including Bratislava, Frankfurt, Amsterdam, Vienna, Prague, Warsaw, and Stockholm. The node also offers access to a full range of services, including high-capacity 100G and 400G DWDM transport, direct and remote access to GNM-IX, IP Transit with BGP community-based policy control, and Layer 2 services backed by strict service-level guarantees. “The Sofia upgrade is an important step in the ongoing development of GNM’s core infrastructure in the region," comments Alex Surkov, Head of Development at GNM. "One of the first customers to use the new platform was a European network operator that provisioned a 100G DWDM service over both available paths, along with a GNM-IX peering connection. "The deployment delivered a measurable reduction in latency to Frankfurt, around 18%, and significantly improved recovery times during incidents. It’s a clear example of how infrastructure investment directly enhances service performance for our clients.”

Trane adds CRAH units to DC cooling portfolio

Trane, an American manufacturer of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems, has expanded its data centre thermal management range with the addition of a Computer Room Air Handler (CRAH) system. The unit is designed to maintain airflow and temperature conditions for servers and other electronic equipment, aiming to support operational uptime while reducing energy use. The CRAH system is equipped with Trane’s Symbio controller, which provides a broad capacity range and customisable configurations. The controller enables leader designation and dynamic reassignment for up to 32 units, allowing continuous operation and access to digital tools for lifecycle management. According to Trane, the new airside system is intended for both colocation and hyperscale data centre operators seeking flexible integration into existing or new-build facilities. Steve Obstein, Vice President and General Manager, Data Centres, Trane Technologies, says, “Expansion of our airside offer gives our colo and hyperscale customers greater flexibility for configuring custom systems and addresses the growing trend toward a single-source solutions provider.” Integration and lifecycle support The CRAH addition is part of Trane’s wider approach to unifying and integrating thermal management systems through smart controls. The company offers local service teams across North America and remote monitoring capabilities for predictive maintenance and operational oversight. Recent updates to Trane’s thermal management portfolio include: • Scalable liquid cooling platforms• A fan coil wall platform• Larger capacity and higher ambient temperature air-cooled chillers The CRAH system has been developed to operate alongside these technologies as part of a consolidated data centre cooling strategy, with the aim of improving efficiency, reliability, and sustainability. For more from Trane, click here.

BSRIA first UKAS-accredited provider for BTS 4/2024

BSRIA, a consultancy and testing organisation, has become the first organisation to receive UKAS accreditation in accordance with BTS 4/2024 for airtightness testing of Raised Access Plenum Floors (RAPFs), following a successful ISO 17025 audit earlier in 2024. The accreditation formally extends BSRIA’s scope of approved activities and introduces an industry-recognised methodology for testing RAPFs, which play a key role in airflow management in data centres. Chris Knights, BSRIA Building Performance Evaluation Business Manager and lead author of BTS 4/2024, comments, “The UKAS accreditation ensures we continue to provide independent testing to the highest standards of quality, repeatability, and traceability. "This is a significant advancement, enabling the industry to adopt a dedicated standard that supports higher-performing building services for owners and operators.” BTS 4/2024 standard The accreditation follows the introduction of BTS 4/2024 Airtightness Testing of Raised Access Plenum Floors, which sets out a methodology for measuring RAPF air leakage. The standard is designed to support efficient airflow management by ensuring conditioned air in underfloor voids is directed to the intended occupied areas rather than escaping through cavities, risers, stairwells, or other adjacent spaces. RAPFs are widely used in modern construction, particularly in data centres, where optimised airflow is important for both cooling performance and energy efficiency. BTS 4/2024 supersedes previous guidance, BG 65/2016 Floor Plenum Airtightness – Guidance and Testing Methodology, and incorporates clearer guidance and refined testing processes developed in response to industry feedback. Chris continues, “An effectively constructed and sealed raised access plenum floor is essential for achieving the air distribution performance intended during the design phase. "The methodology in BTS 4/2024 provides clear criteria and a step-by-step process for verifying as-built performance. "With increasing demand for high-performing environments such as data centres, specifying BTS 4/2024 supports effective air distribution and helps ensure RAPFs deliver on design intent.”

Joule, Caterpillar, Wheeler to power Utah DC

Joule Capital Partners, an infrastructure company, Caterpillar, a manufacturer of construction equipment, and Wheeler Machinery, a dealer of heavy construction equipment, have jointly announced an agreement to power Joule’s High Performance Compute Data Center Campus in Utah. Joule says it aims to create the largest single campus in Utah. Bringing multiple gigawatts of capacity to Utah This initiative will provide four gigawatts of total energy to the centre of the Intermountain West. The project will deliver prime power and integrated combined cooling heat and power (CCHP) systems with a by-design liquid cooling architecture. Powered by a fleet of Caterpillar’s latest G3520K generator sets and support equipment, the distributed generation system produces electricity and captures waste heat to power and cool high-density server systems. The provision includes 1.1 gigawatt hours of grid forming battery energy storage along with backup power generation served by diverse fuel sources. Due to Caterpillar’s US-based manufacturing footprint, the full generation package should be able to be delivered ahead of other generation technologies. This speed-to-power advantage could be critical for meeting the growth in demand for compute capacity. Beyond the gensets, this integrated system includes the controls, switchgear, inverters, energy storage, and CCHP, providing a total power provision for the Joule data centre. Caterpillar and Wheeler will also provide service and support for the products and systems, aiming to ensure uptime and availability targets are met. Comments “This project represents the core of Joule’s mission: to deliver artificial-intelligence-(AI)-ready compute capacity by pairing world-class data centre campuses with reliable, on-demand power,” says David Gray, President of Joule Capital Partners. “By combining Caterpillar’s advanced energy systems with Wheeler’s local expertise, we can bring gigawatt-scale capacity to market faster and more efficiently than ever before, ensuring our tenants have the power and reliability they need to thrive in the next generation of high-performance computing.” Melissa Busen, Senior Vice President of Electric Power at Caterpillar, adds, “Caterpillar is uniquely positioned to tackle the growing energy needs for artificial intelligence and the evolving needs of modern infrastructure. "This project is a perfect example of how we can deliver fast, reliable power generation to our customers through integrated energy solutions. We are proud to work with Joule and Wheeler to help bring this project to life.” Bryan Campbell, CEO of Wheeler Machinery, claims, “This strategic alliance between Joule, Caterpillar, and Wheeler brings together world-class engineering, local expertise, and visionary energy design. “We’re proud to help deliver a resilient solution ready to meet future compute demands and set a new standard for data centre infrastructure.”

Comnet releases 720W industrial PoE switch

Comnet, a manufacturer of mission-critical industrial networking systems, has just announced the release of an "ultra-resilient," high-power PoE switch. As the first in Comnet’s new line of IEEE802.3bt-compliant ethernet switches, the CNGE10FX2TX8MSBT switch has been designed to power next-generation devices in extreme environments. With 8 RJ45 ports delivering 90W simultaneously and a total PoE budget of 720W, plus 2 SFP ports supporting up to 2.5 Gbps, the new system has been engineered for high-capacity, high-performance applications like advanced IP cameras, edge sensors, digital signage, and intelligence-driven systems. The switch’s power architecture allows users to install a smaller power supply today and scale up later, aiming to eliminate the need for costly hardware replacements as demands grow. Built for resilience and bandwidth intensive applications, the switch maintains full power output across a -40°C to +70°C temperature range, while ruggedised housing and redundant power inputs intend to ensure maximum uptime. It is designed for mission-critical sectors, including transportation, security, energy, and manufacturing, and features Comnet’s Port Guardian technology, which automatically locks down ports in case of tampering to guard against unauthorised access. “We are proud to introduce our latest product innovation, designed and built in the United States, for harsh environments with high bandwidth and high-power requirements,” says Sergio Resendiz, President, Comnet. “We built this new switch to deliver full 90W power on every port, even in harsh conditions. "Whether you need that level of power today or are planning for tomorrow, the new switch provides the flexibility to scale without compromising reliability or security. It’s built to keep your network connected, no matter the circumstances.” Designed, manufactured, and supported in the United States, the switch meets BABA, NDAA, and TAA compliance standards.

BIGLOBE selects DE-CIX for faster European connectivity

Japanese internet service provider (ISP) BIGLOBE is now connected to internet exchange (IX) operator DE-CIX Frankfurt via GlobePEER Remote. The direct connection to one of the world’s largest internet exchanges seeks to enhance latency and network performance for BIGLOBE’s customers – especially for data exchange with European eyeball networks. As one of Japan’s largest ISPs, BIGLOBE is using the remote peering service from the IX operator to optimise its intercontinental data flows. The Tier 2 ISP connects through its existing access point in Tokyo. Peering at DE-CIX Frankfurt: Controlling data flows and minimising latency “Remote peering enables ISPs across the globe to connect to DE-CIX internet exchanges independent of their physical location,” says Frank P. Orlowski, Executive Vice President Corporate Development at DE-CIX. “This allows for more efficient control of data flows, reduced latency, and significantly improved network stability.” Yuichi Minami, Executive Officer / CNO at BIGLOBE, adds, “By directly connecting to European eyeball and content networks, we shorten data paths and improve service quality – especially for streaming and cloud-based applications. "At the same time, we reduce costs and boost the resilience of our network.” Internet and network services for Japan With nearly 1100 connected networks and an annual data volume of around 45 exabytes (as of 2024), DE-CIX Frankfurt is one of the largest internet exchanges in the world. GlobePEER Remote allows customers at one DE-CIX location to access other internet exchanges within the global DE-CIX ecosystem – including Singapore, New York, Madrid, Dubai, and Frankfurt – without needing additional on-site infrastructure. Headquartered in Tokyo, BIGLOBE provides internet access and network services, as well as content and applications for both private and business users. The new peering connection is part of the company’s international expansion strategy. In its 30th anniversary year, DE-CIX is accessible from data centres in more than 600 cities worldwide. For more from DE-CIX, click here.

Riverbed launches new network observability tools

Riverbed, a US-based provider of network performance monitoring, application management, and WAN optimisation software and hardware, has launched a new range of AI-powered network observability tools, aimed at helping enterprise IT teams manage increasingly complex environments. The latest updates include new hardware, enhanced software, and a more flexible licensing model, designed to support high-performance, AI-ready infrastructure. The new release features the Riverbed xx90 appliance family, reportedly delivering up to three times the performance of previous systems for AppResponse, NetProfiler, and Flow Gateway. The appliances are built for high-throughput packet and flow capture across distributed networks, supporting monitoring at over 50Gbps and offering scalable storage beyond 2.4PB. AppResponse 11.21 now enables real-time analysis of encrypted IPSec ESP tunnel traffic and cipher hygiene, while the new version of NetProfiler (10.29), according to the company, brings faster reporting, dynamic flow balancing, and support for Versa SD-WAN. The release also introduces the Riverbed Intelligent Network Observability Essentials bundle, combining key tools for hybrid environments: • Riverbed IQ – AI-powered diagnostics for issue detection and resolution • Workspaces – Role-based dashboards integrating packet, flow, and endpoint data • Grafana plug-in – Allows Riverbed data to be displayed in existing Grafana dashboards • Topology Viewer – Map-based visualisation of networks, applications, and user experience These features are available through the company's Riverbed Flex Subscription. The model, they claim, is intended to improve licensing flexibility, reduce total cost of ownership, and simplify long-term planning. “With today’s launch, we’re introducing next-generation observability systems that align with what our customers need: streamlined toolsets, automation, and cost-efficient performance,” says Dave Donatelli, CEO of Riverbed. “We’re delivering these capabilities with faster appliances, smarter software, and greater flexibility.” Riverbed reports 92% year-on-year growth in observability bookings for the first half of 2025. “As organisations prepare their infrastructure for AI and data-heavy applications, they need monitoring systems that are intelligent and built to scale,” adds Shamus McGillicuddy, Research Vice President at EMA.

Scolmore introduces IEC Lock C21 Locking Connector

Scolmore, a UK-based manufacturer of electrical wiring accessories, circuit protection products, and lighting equipment, has expanded its IEC Lock range with the addition of a new C21 locking connector, compatible with both C20 and C22 inlets.Featuring a side button release, the IEC Lock C21’s design aims to offer extra protection against accidental disconnection, making it an appropriate choice for applications where reliability is essential.Designed to handle the heat, the company says the C21 is a durable, lockable connector built to protect appliances that are sensitive to vibration against power loss. The product is particularly suited to data centres, servers, and other industrial equipment where maintaining the proper device temperature is critical to operational success.

AssetHUB, ITS to speed up fibre rollouts in UK cities

Organisations looking to deliver high-speed connectivity in major cities across the UK have been given a boost following a new partnership between asset reuse specialist AssetHUB and full fibre networks provider ITS. The collaboration will allow Altnets and other interested parties, such as enterprise businesses, government units, local council and carriers, to purchase ITS’s dark fibre assets through AssetHUB’s secure marketplace for buying and selling existing infrastructure. The companies say the addition reflects a "shared commitment to enabling faster, more efficient fibre deployments through smarter infrastructure planning and reuse." “Fibre rollouts in big cities often mean weeks of roadworks, noise, and many other disruptions, which frustrate residents and obstruct already busy streets,” says AssetHUB CEO Rob Leenderts. “Through collaboration and sharing of assets in big cities, Altnets and other fibre builders can avoid unnecessary dig costs and overbuild, as well as speed up deployments to businesses and other amenities that require urgent connectivity upgrades. "Having a centralised platform that clearly maps infrastructure or product availability in dense locations and streamlines asset enquiries can also help network builders decrease the time to market of their services.” Kevin McNulty, Strategy Director at ITS, adds, “Our strategic partnership with AssetHUB is an important step in our ambition to scale through collaboration. "By making our infrastructure discoverable to other parties at the point of planning, we’re supporting faster rollouts, reduced disruption, and greater visibility of critical fibre routes in some of the UK’s most in-demand urban areas.” The partnership also enables ITS to utilise AssetHUB’s marketplace as a buyer, sourcing infrastructure assets to support its own build and expansion plans.

365 Data Centers, Megaport grow partnership

365 Data Centers (365), a provider of network-centric colocation, network, cloud, and other managed services, has announced a further expansion of its partnership with Megaport, a global Network-as-a-Service provider (NaaS). Megaport has broadened its 365 footprint by adding Points of Presence (PoPs) at several of 365 Data Centers’ colocation facilities - namely Alpharetta, GA; Aurora, CO; Boca Raton, FL; Bridgewater, NJ; Carlstadt, NJ; and Spring Garden, PA - enhancing public cloud and other connectivity systems available to 365’s customers. Said customers will now be able to access DIA, Transport, and direct-to-cloud connectivity options to all the major public cloud hyperscalers - such as Amazon Web Services (AWS), Microsoft Azure, Google Cloud Platform (GCP), Oracle Cloud, and IBM Cloud - directly from 365 Data Centers. “Integrating Megaport’s advanced connectivity solutions into our data centers is a natural progression of our partnership and network-centric strategy," comments Derek Gillespie, CRO at 365 Data Centers. "When we’ve added to Megaport’s presence in other facilities, the deployments [have] fortified our joint Infrastructure-as-a-Service (IaaS) and NaaS offerings and complemented our partnership in major markets. "Megaport’s growing presence with 365 significantly enhances the public cloud connectivity options available to our customers.” Michael Reid, CEO at Megaport, adds, “Our expanded partnership with 365 Data Centers is all about pushing boundaries and delivering more for our customers. "Together, we’re making cutting-edge network solutions easier to access, no matter the size or location of the business, so customers can connect, scale, and innovate on their terms.” For more from 365 Data Centers, click here.