Data Centre Infrastructure News & Trends

Arista launches 1.6T networking platforms for AI fabrics

Arista Networks, a provider of cloud and AI networking systems, has introduced the 7060XE7 Series, a new portfolio of 1.6T networking platforms designed for rack-scale AI infrastructure. The launch reflects growing demand for networking architectures capable of supporting increasingly large AI deployments, as training and inference environments scale from thousands to hundreds of thousands of accelerators. According to Arista, the new platforms are designed to support both scale-up and scale-out AI fabrics across air-cooled, liquid-cooled, and hybrid environments. The company says the 7060XE7 Series is intended to address the density, power, and thermal requirements associated with large AI clusters, whilst also enabling greater compute density within a given power envelope. Tyson Lamoreaux, Senior Vice President, Cloud and AI Networking at Arista Networks, comments, "The AI era requires a shift in how we think about the network. It is no longer a standalone layer of infrastructure, but a tightly integrated component of the AI supersystem. "With the 7060XE7 Series, we are delivering massive-scale 1.6T systems that combine world-class reliability and the differentiation of EOS with liquid cooling and low-power optics to help our customers build AI fabrics designed for maximum performance and power efficiency." Designed for large-scale AI deployments The 7060XE7 Series includes fixed-switch platforms and configurable rack-scale systems designed to support a range of AI workloads and infrastructure requirements. According to Arista, the systems provide low-latency connectivity and intelligent packet buffering to manage the traffic patterns associated with AI training and inference workloads. The platforms also support a range of EOS features aimed at improving resilience, congestion management, and operational visibility within AI environments. The portfolio comprises three main configurations: • 7060XE7-64PS and 7060XE7-64PRS rack switches, offering 64 1.6T ports in an air-cooled 4RU design• 7060XE7-64PRS-RV3-L, a liquid-cooled 2OU platform designed for high-density AI clusters• 7060XE7-128PE, providing 128 800G ports in an air-cooled 4RU form factor The systems use 224G and 100G SerDes technologies, depending on configuration, and support Linear Pluggable Optics (LPO), which Arista says can reduce interconnect power consumption by around 60%. Industry support for 1.6T ethernet Several major cloud providers have provided statements supporting the development of higher-capacity ethernet infrastructure for AI environments. Gaya Nagarajan, Vice President of Infrastructure at Meta, says, "Arista’s 1.6T platforms and liquid-cooled designs align with our focus on open, scalable AI fabrics that meet the requirements of next-generation training and inference." Rani Borkar, President, Azure Hardware Systems and Infrastructure at Microsoft, notes, "Our collaboration with Arista on the 1.6T ethernet interface helps enable the next generation of AI clusters with greater interconnect capacity for Azure Maia, Microsoft's AI accelerator, and Fairwater, Microsoft's extreme-scale AI data centres, while preserving operational simplicity across our infrastructure." Mahesh Thiagarajan, Executive Vice President, Oracle Cloud Infrastructure, adds, "Arista Networks’ 1.6T platforms provide the throughput, determinism, and stability needed for our RDMA-based AI fabrics, while Arista EOS delivers operational consistency and performance at scale across our global AI infrastructure." The 7060XE7 Series is also supported through collaborations with AMD and Broadcom, with the platforms utilising Broadcom's Tomahawk 6 ethernet switching silicon. Arista expects the first systems in the portfolio to become available during Q4 2026, with additional models scheduled for release during Q1 2027. For more from Arista, click here.

Raltron launches compact OCXOs for DC timing

Raltron, a manufacturer of frequency control components, has announced the OX7000 Series of oven-controlled crystal oscillators (OCXOs), developed to provide a timing option for network interface cards (NICs) and other space-constrained data centre hardware. The OX7000 Series is designed to support networking applications requiring stable, low-phase-noise reference clocks while maintaining a compact footprint. The devices are housed in a 9mm x 7mm surface-mount package, making them suitable for use in NIC cards, servers, storage systems, and network switching platforms. The company says the oscillators are intended to help designers address challenges around board space, power consumption, and system cost as networking and data centre infrastructure continues to scale. Designed for networking and data centre hardware The OX7000 Series operates from a single 3.3V supply and consumes between 0.35W and 0.5W during steady-state operation. During warm-up at 25°C, power consumption ranges from 0.8W to 0.9W. According to Raltron, the devices combine OCXO stability with low phase noise in a package aimed at high-volume networking applications. Sasha Wolloch, President of Raltron, says, "Network and data centre designers need timing products that balance performance, size, and cost. With the OX7000 Series, we're providing a compact, lower-cost OCXO that is especially well suited for NIC cards and other high-volume networking platforms." The OX7000 Series has also been qualified for environmental testing, including vibration, mechanical shock, and thermal cycling, which are common requirements for continuously operating infrastructure equipment.

ABB launches grid stability package for data centres

ABB, a multinational corporation specialising in industrial automation and electrification products, has introduced a pre-engineered synchronous condenser package designed to help data centre operators address grid stability challenges associated with growing AI workloads and increasing power demand. The company says the modular system is intended to support power network stability at grid connection points, helping operators connect new capacity while maintaining reliable power system performance. As AI adoption increases, data centres are placing greater demands on electricity networks. Large and rapidly changing power loads can affect voltage and frequency stability, creating challenges for both grid operators and data centre developers seeking new connections. ABB's synchronous condenser package is designed to provide instantaneous inertia and dynamic reactive power, helping to stabilise voltage and frequency during sudden changes in demand. According to ABB, the pre-engineered design is intended to simplify deployment by reducing engineering requirements, installation complexity, and project delivery times. The package combines a synchronous condenser, flywheel, starting system, lubrication system, cooling infrastructure, auxiliary equipment, e-house, and optional noise enclosure within a standardised design. The flywheel includes an integrated safety enclosure and is designed specifically to support electrical network stabilisation. Supporting AI-driven power demands ABB says the solution can help operators address grid stability requirements earlier in the development process, potentially simplifying approvals and supporting future capacity expansion without significant changes to core power infrastructure. The company also states that providing mechanical, electrical, and control systems through a single supplier can reduce on-site integration requirements and streamline project delivery. David Bjerharg, Business Line Manager, High Speed Synchronous at ABB, notes, "As data centres become increasingly widespread and AI-driven demand increases, grid stability is becoming a fundamental requirement for ongoing expansion. "This solution enables operators to connect faster, operate reliably from day one, and scale with confidence." The launch reflects growing industry focus on power infrastructure capable of supporting AI-driven facilities, where high-density computing workloads can create significant fluctuations in electricity demand. ABB says the synchronous condenser package is intended to support long-term infrastructure performance while helping operators deploy new data centre capacity more efficiently. For more from ABB, click here.

Siemens, Infineon partner on data centre circuit protection

German multinational technology company Siemens and German semiconductor manufacturing company Infineon Technologies have partnered to develop electrical protection technology for data centres, industrial facilities, and battery energy storage systems (BESS). Under the agreement, Infineon will supply silicon carbide (SiC) power modules for use in Siemens's SENTRON 3QD2 semiconductor circuit breakers, designed to improve efficiency, power density, and reliability in power distribution systems. According to the companies, growing electrification and the increasing complexity of AI data centres and industrial operations are driving demand for faster and more reliable electrical protection. A semiconductor circuit breaker, also known as a solid-state circuit breaker, is designed to protect electrical circuits from excessive current caused by faults such as short circuits and overloads. Unlike conventional electromechanical breakers, which use mechanical components to interrupt current flow, semiconductor-based devices use electronic components and control algorithms to react significantly faster. Siemens says the SENTRON 3QD2 can interrupt current in the microsecond range, making it suitable for direct current (DC) power systems where rapid fault isolation is required to minimise downtime and equipment damage. Andreas Weisl, Executive Vice President and Chief Sales Officer of Industrial and Infrastructure at Infineon, notes, "AI data centres and factories are becoming increasingly electrified and complex. "This increases vulnerability to electrical failures and drives the demand for more sustainable, efficient, and reliable power distribution systems. "By combining our advanced silicon carbide technology with Siemens's expertise in power distribution, we are addressing this demand to ensure fast, safe, and reliable operations in power-critical environments." Growing interest in DC power systems The collaboration centres on Infineon's CoolSiC MOSFET power module, which has been integrated into Siemens's semiconductor circuit breaker platform. The companies say the technology supports the wider adoption of DC power distribution systems, which are gaining attention in industrial environments and data centres because of their potential efficiency benefits and ability to integrate more effectively with battery storage systems. Markus Grabmeier, CEO Electrical Products at Siemens Smart Infrastructure, comments, "Our new direct current portfolio offers innovative solutions that not only improve energy efficiency but also enable the development of resilient, future-proof infrastructure. "Direct current applications can decrease energy consumption and substantially cut material usage. By integrating batteries, peak power can also be significantly reduced. "With this approach, we are making a decisive contribution to the decarbonisation of our industries, while reinforcing our commitment to developing technologies that deliver tangible value to our customers and society." The companies state that the partnership is intended to support the growing requirements of power-critical environments where electrical protection systems must operate quickly and reliably to maintain availability and reduce the risk of service disruption. A demonstration of the SENTRON 3QD2 semiconductor circuit breaker will be showcased at PCIM Europe 2026 in Nuremberg, Germany, from 9–11 June. For more from Siemens, click here.

A-Gas to attend DCN Toronto as sponsor

A-Gas, a company specialising in lifecycle refrigerant management (LRM), will attend Data Center Nation (DCN) Toronto in Canada on 9 June as an official sponsor, following its participation as a Gold Sponsor at DCN Milan earlier this year. The company is increasing its engagement with the data centre sector as demand for digital infrastructure continues to grow and cooling efficiency remains a key consideration for operators. A-Gas specialises in LRM, providing services focused on the recovery, reclamation, reuse, and disposal of refrigerants. While the company has traditionally operated in sectors including HVAC, automotive, and cold chain logistics, it is expanding its focus on data centres and their cooling requirements. Operating in 15 countries, A-Gas provides refrigerant supply services alongside refrigerant recovery and management programmes for facilities undergoing equipment replacement or decommissioning. Refrigerant management remains key cooling consideration As data centre operators deploy higher-density infrastructure and adopt new cooling technologies, refrigerant management is becoming an increasingly important aspect of sustainability and operational planning. A-Gas says its offering includes on-site refrigerant recovery services, reclaimed refrigerant supply, and the destruction of refrigerants that cannot be processed for future reuse. The company notes it will use the event to meet with industry stakeholders and discuss approaches to cooling infrastructure management within data centre environments. For more from A-Gas, click here.

nLighten launches rapid colocation deployment service

European data centre operator nLighten has launched ReadyCabinet, a standardised colocation offering designed to reduce deployment times for organisations requiring edge infrastructure across Europe. The service provides customers with a pre-built, fixed-price colocation cabinet and is designed to enable deployments within three working days of an order being placed. According to nLighten, ReadyCabinet is intended to simplify the process of procuring colocation capacity by replacing bespoke design and engineering processes with a standardised offering. Customers can choose a full or partial cabinet configuration, including up to 5kW of power and access to nConnect, the company's connectivity platform. Joachim van Collenburg, Vice President of Enabling Services at nLighten, says, "We are moving colocation away from bespoke engineering and turning it into a scalable product. "ReadyCabinet reflects that reality. It's a deliberately simple product, built to be the entry point to a much longer journey with our customers." The deployment process consists of a quotation with real-time availability, a service order agreement, and cabinet handover within three working days. Standardised approach targets edge infrastructure growth nLighten says the service has been developed in response to increasing demand for rapid, repeatable infrastructure deployments across multiple locations. The company cites the growth of AI inference, low-latency applications, and edge computing as drivers behind the need for faster provisioning and more standardised colocation services. ReadyCabinet forms part of nLighten's wider colocation platform, which allows customers to expand from a single cabinet deployment to higher-density and liquid-cooled environments across its European data centre portfolio. All ReadyCabinet deployments operate across nLighten's European edge platform and include metered power billing. The service is currently available at selected nLighten facilities, with further expansion planned throughout 2026. For more from nLighten, click here.

EUDCA backs EU data centre energy integration plan

The European Data Centre Association (EUDCA), the representative body of the European data centre community, has co-signed a Declaration of Intent aimed at improving the integration of data centres within the European Union's energy system. The agreement supports the objectives of the European Commission's Strategic Roadmap for Digitalisation and AI in the Energy Sector and seeks to strengthen cooperation between data centre operators, energy providers, grid operators, and public authorities. As investment in AI, cloud computing, and digital infrastructure continues to increase across Europe, the declaration is intended to help establish common frameworks for planning and coordinating future infrastructure development. According to the signatories, the initiative will contribute to the development of shared principles, procedures, and best practices that can be adopted by EU Member States to support sustainable growth in data centre capacity. The declaration aligns with several European policy initiatives, including the Data Centre Energy Efficiency Package, the European Grids Package, and the proposed Cloud and AI Development Act. Industry groups target closer energy sector collaboration The declaration has been signed by organisations representing a broad range of sectors, including electricity networks, energy storage, renewable energy, district heating, and digital infrastructure. Among the signatories are the EUDCA, Eurelectric, ENTSO-E, WindEurope, SolarPower Europe, Energy Storage Europe, and the EU DSO Entity. Lex Coors, President of the EUDCA, says, "The energy system can no longer be viewed as a single connection to a single data centre. Europe is moving into a more complex, four-dimensional environment where capacity, flexibility, sustainability, and digital resilience must be planned together. "Data centres are becoming part of the wider energy system, and this Declaration of Intent is an important step towards building that cooperation in a responsible and future-proof way." The declaration establishes a series of working groups focused on areas including grid planning, connection agreements, flexibility services, energy generation, and energy storage. Working groups to address future capacity requirements Europe is expected to expand its data centre capacity significantly over the next five to seven years as AI infrastructure investment accelerates. The declaration is intended to support this growth while helping Member States meet wider energy and sustainability objectives. Michael Winterson, Secretary General of the EUDCA, explains, "Europe’s AI, cloud, and digital ambitions will require significant new infrastructure capacity over the coming years. Delivering that growth responsibly will depend on much closer coordination between the digital infrastructure and energy sectors. "This Declaration of Intent shows our commitment to partner with energy providers, local authorities, and wider EU institutions to deliver on advanced technologies, energy, and sustainability ambitions." The EUDCA says it will contribute technical and policy expertise to the working groups as discussions progress, supporting the development of future frameworks for cooperation between Europe's digital infrastructure and energy sectors. For more from the EUDCA, click here.

Bergen Engines signs 750MW data centre deal

Bergen Engines, a Norwegian manufacturer of medium-speed gas and dual-fuel engines, has signed an agreement with Crusoe to provide up to 750MW of power generation capacity for AI data centre developments in the United States. The agreement comprises a 438MW contract and a further 310MW letter of intent, supporting Crusoe's expanding portfolio of AI infrastructure projects. Crusoe develops large-scale AI data centre campuses using a combination of grid power, natural gas generation, renewable energy, and battery storage. The company deploys both grid-connected and behind-the-meter power infrastructure to support the high energy demands of AI workloads. John Adams, Senior Vice President of Power at Crusoe, says, "The pace of AI infrastructure development demands builders who treat power as a first-class AI infrastructure layer. "Bergen’s gensets give us the reliable baseload power we need to energise large-scale campuses, deployable on our timeline. We’re building AI factories at record speed, and this agreement helps us maintain that pace." Under the initial contract, Bergen Engines will supply 27 gas-powered generating sets rated at 12.5MWe and 20 units rated at 5MWe. Additional units are included within the letter of intent, with deliveries planned across multiple US locations through 2027. On-site generation supports growing AI power demand The generators are intended to provide continuous baseload power for AI data centres operating around the clock. The systems will incorporate alternators from Marelli Motori and dynamic power stabilisation technology from Piller Power Systems. According to the companies, the technology is designed to manage rapid fluctuations in electricity demand associated with computing-intensive workloads. Dean Richards, CEO of Piller Power Systems, says, "AI workloads have a distinct power profile that demands purpose-built generation and stabilisation technology. "SHIELD-X is designed to manage those dynamics, protecting the generation assets and maintaining stable plant operation while ensuring consistent power quality for the data centre." As AI infrastructure capacity expands, developers are increasingly turning to on-site and behind-the-meter power generation where grid connections are unavailable or unable to support required capacity within project timescales. Theo Lorentzos, Vice President of Sales for Bergen Engines Americas, notes, "The pace of AI infrastructure development is unlike anything the power generation industry has seen before. "In this market, access to power determines how fast you can scale. Crusoe’s model is built around speed and stable power, and our solution is designed to deliver both." The agreement forms part of a wider trend towards dedicated power infrastructure for AI data centres, enabling developers to accelerate deployments while reducing reliance on traditional utility connection timelines. For more from Bergen Engines, click here.

LINX offers 15 months free at NoVA

The London Internet Exchange (LINX), an internet exchange point (IXP) operator, has launched a new initiative offering 15 months of no-charge port access and peering services at its LINX NoVA internet exchange in Ashburn, Virginia, USA. Available from 1 June 2026, the offer applies to both existing members upgrading services and organisations joining LINX for the first time. Participants signing up to an 18-month service term will receive the first 15 months without charge. LINX says the initiative has been introduced to help network operators manage increasing traffic demands and cost pressures while expanding their interconnection capabilities. Established in 2014, LINX NoVA operates within Ashburn's 'Data Center Alley', one of the world's largest internet interconnection markets. The exchange spans five data centre campuses operated by Equinix, Digital Realty, Iron Mountain, CoreSite, and QTS. More than 50 networks are connected to the platform, including content delivery networks, internet service providers, and cloud operators. Jennifer Holmes, CEO of LINX, says, "We recognise that network operators are managing a complex environment right now, from capacity planning to cost control. As a member-owned organisation, our role is to listen carefully to the feedback from our membership and monitor trends in the industry, acting where we can. "This initiative is about supporting our community in a practical way - creating space for networks to plan, grow, and adapt without immediate pressure." Ashburn exchange continues to expand network ecosystem LINX NoVA operates as a carrier-neutral internet exchange and allows participants to establish peering relationships through a single connection across its multi-site infrastructure. The organisation says the new programme is intended to encourage greater traffic localisation, increased peering activity, and further interconnection growth within the region. Jennifer continues, "We want to remind our members why LINX has remained a global leader in interconnection for over 30 years. "The difference is in the engineering discipline, the resilience of the platform, and the depth of operational support we provide. Not all IXPs are built the same - and when networks rely on interconnection for critical traffic paths, there’s very little margin for error. "Packet loss, instability, or downtime can have a direct and immediate impacts on revenue and customer experience. At LINX, we’ve built our reputation on removing that risk, delivering a level of reliability and support that our members can depend on without question." The exchange is supported by a fully redundant architecture, a 24/7 Network Operations Centre, and a distributed platform spanning multiple data centre locations. LINX operates as a member-owned organisation and says revenue is reinvested into the development of its infrastructure and services. For more from LINX, click here.

Schneider Electric unveils Uniflair XCA chillers

Global energy technology company Schneider Electric has introduced the Uniflair XCA range of air-cooled and free-cooling chillers, designed for high-density, liquid-cooled data centres supporting AI workloads. The new portfolio comprises the Uniflair XCAC air-cooled series and the Uniflair XCAF free-cooling series. Both incorporate oil-free centrifugal compressors with magnetic bearing technology and variable-speed drives to support operation across varying thermal loads and environmental conditions. The chillers are available in six sizes, ranging from 1,200kW to 2,500kW, and utilise low global warming potential (GWP) refrigerants. Schneider Electric says the systems are designed to support elevated water temperatures commonly associated with liquid cooling deployments in AI data centres. Andrew Bradner, Senior Vice President, Cooling Business at Schneider Electric, notes, "Energy efficiency, adaptability, and reliability are essential components of liquid cooling systems for AI-optimised data centres, and we’ve designed the Uniflair XCA line with these most important design features at the forefront. "With adaptable water operating temperatures and versatile deployment options, the XCA line features a system-level approach that gives operators scalability, enhanced performance, and long-term peace of mind as data centre complexity continues to rise." Cooling infrastructure adapts to rising AI power densities As AI applications, GPU clusters, and liquid cooling deployments increase data centre power densities, cooling infrastructure is becoming an increasingly important factor in facility efficiency and reliability. The Uniflair XCA platform incorporates oil-free magnetic bearing centrifugal compressors, which remove the need for lubrication systems and are intended to reduce maintenance requirements and mechanical losses. The chillers also feature a spray evaporator combined with V-shaped microchannel coils, designed to improve heat exchange performance while reducing refrigerant volume and material usage. For free-cooling deployments, the XCAF models support water outlet temperatures of up to 33°C and are designed to operate in ambient temperatures ranging from -20°C to 52°C. Schneider Electric states that, in suitable climates, the free-cooling configuration can reduce energy consumption compared with mechanical cooling systems by extending free-cooling operating periods. The range can also be configured with a variety of electrical, hydraulic, acoustic, and performance options to suit different deployment requirements. Additionally, a quick restart capability is included, enabling systems to reportedly return to full operating capacity within three minutes of a power outage. New control features target operational efficiency The XCA range also introduces new firmware and control functions designed to optimise cooling performance. These include variable-speed pump algorithms supporting constant flow, constant temperature differential, and constant head pressure operation, alongside advanced fan control modes that can be adjusted according to temperature, load conditions, or scheduled operating periods. Additional monitoring capabilities include energy metering and real-time water flow measurement to provide greater visibility into system performance. According to Schneider Electric, these features are designed to reduce compressor cycling and improve long-term operational stability. The first Uniflair XCA chiller units are scheduled to begin shipping globally in June 2026. For more from Schneider Electric, click here.