Infrastructure & Hardware

Trane sets new data centre cooling standards

Trane, by Trane Technologies, is revolutionising mission critical operations with the development of two new data centre cooling offerings - Magnetic Bearing chillers and Ascend chillers for facility chilled water cooling applications. Trane’s Magnetic Bearing Chiller provides unparalleled cooling capacity to address the escalating capacity needs of data centre thermal management systems. The introduction of the Ascend chiller platform for data centres provides even greater efficiency for high ambient temperature operations. “Next-gen microprocessors are expected to exponentially increase rack density, elevating demand for efficient, higher capacity and higher ambient air-cooled chillers,” says Steve Obstein, Vice President and General Manager, Data Centres & High-Tech, Trane Technologies. “Building on our leading platforms, in close collaboration with our customers, gives us the ability to redefine the standards of cooling efficiency, capacity and environmental sustainability for data centre owners and operators, helping them stay ahead of rapidly advancing thermal management needs.” Magnetic bearing chiller helps maximise cooling capacity The new air-cooled chiller, based on Trane’s Magnetic Bearing compressor platform, produces up to 850 tons, 3MW at data centre conditions on a single unit frame. The new chiller helps maximise cooling capacity per square foot of unit footprint, often allowing for a reduction in the number of chillers needed onsite and helping to lower installation costs. Replacing multiple chillers with a single larger capacity chiller can help reduce sound transmission to the local environment, helping reduce the impact in sound sensitive locations.  Ascend chiller enables higher ambient temperature operations Through the extended capabilities of the Ascend screw-compressor chiller platform, Trane is leading with solutions that meet customer needs to address escalating ambient temperatures from greater heat density generated by modern GPUs and AI adoption. Expansion of the Trane Ascend Air-Cooled Chiller with integrated indirect free cooling, supports data centre uptime with efficient operation at up to 145oF. Free cooling reduces reliance on mechanical cooling and helps reduce energy consumption and operational costs. Designed for higher efficiency and serviceability The new air-cooled chillers use refrigerants with lower global warming potential, supporting reduced energy costs and carbon footprints. Both chillers are equipped with Trane’s Symbio 800 unit controller with AdaptiView user interface, offering secure enhanced connectivity, flexibility and serviceability. Trane supports operations and uptime throughout the lifecycle of the data centre with thousands of local service experts across North America, strategically located in proximity to customers, and Smart Service options for proactive monitoring, predictive maintenance and improved thermal management systems.

EXFO introduces new line of 'always-on' testers

EXFO, a network test, monitoring, and analytics expert, has introduced a new series of always mobile-connected testers designed to increase field efficiency, compliance, and collaboration when deploying and maintaining fibre networks. The FTB Lite 700 series of OTDRs (optical time domain reflectometers), with seamless connectivity to EXFO’s Exchange cloud-based solution, was revealed at the FTTH Conference 2025 in Amsterdam earlier this week. “EXFO’s innovative FTB Lite 700 series is not just another test platform - it’s a game-changing tool built to enhance efficiency and performance in the field,” says Etienne Gagnon, Senior Vice President, Test & Measurement at EXFO. “Given the expansive growth in fibre networks as well as data centre proliferation, driven by AI applications, it’s imperative for deployments to be completed right the first time, and operators can now see their entire operation unfold in real time.” Automated access to comprehensive live data enabled by EXFO Exchange means being able to perform analytics and extract insights for better informed decision-making and planning, EXFO says, which in turn can accelerate project timelines. Real-time job tracking and reporting ensures that methods of procedure are adhered to for compliance with testing standards, while reducing errors and administrative time. Collaboration is enhanced given ease of connecting with team members in the office, on the road, or on-site in the field. Real-time data sharing, automated uploads, and cloud-based reporting all contribute to seamless and efficient teamwork. EXFO is an expert in OTDRs, and whether technicians are experienced or new to the role, EXFO believes they can excel at their jobs with user-friendly FTB Lite 700 series OTDRs for faster task completion and faster time to payment.

Digital Realty to boost global connectivity

Digital Realty, a global provider of cloud- and carrier-neutral data centre, colocation, and interconnection services, and Console Connect, PCCW Global’s on-demand platform and automated network for intelligent data movement, have announced a significant expansion of their strategic collaboration, which will extend the reach of ServiceFabric to several new markets globally. This latest move builds on the collaboration initially established in 2022 and will provide enterprises with enhanced options to connect to businesses and partners globally, across any location, at any time. Through a seamless API integration with the Console Connect platform, users of Digital Realty’s ServiceFabric gain access to on-demand connectivity to more than 100 new third-party data centres, including many located in key metros across the Middle East and Africa, where demand for connectivity from enterprises is growing. Additionally, the partnership will provide access to more than 75 new cloud on-ramps, further enriching the global connectivity options available to enterprises across PlatformDIGITAL. With the addition of these new sites, Digital Realty’s orchestration platform ServiceFabric is now accessible at more than 600 data centres globally, providing a myriad of interconnection opportunities and supporting the growing demands of digital businesses, including private connections for AI applications and joint expansion of respective AI Exchange ecosystems. “Our expanded collaboration with Console Connect underscores our commitment to providing seamless, scalable, and secure interconnection solutions for enterprises worldwide,” says Scott Mills, Senior Vice President, Product and Engineering, Digital Realty. “By leveraging Console Connect’s platform and the robust PCCW Global network, we’re enabling more customers to accelerate their digital transformation, drive AI adoption, and connect to a broader ecosystem of partners and services across diverse geographies including growing markets in Africa and the Middle East.” “With our extended collaboration, Digital Realty customers can enjoy the performance, speed and security offered by Console Connect’s privately managed network more easily than ever,” adds Michael Glynn, Senior Vice President of Digital Automated Innovation, PCCW Global. “Meanwhile, the broader availability of our on-demand services offers enterprises greater choice, flexibility and control over their global connections.” This expanded partnership strengthens Digital Realty and Console Connect’s leadership in data centre, NaaS (Network-as-a-Service), and AI Exchange solutions, empowering businesses to thrive in an increasingly digital and interconnected world. The deeper integration has already driven joint customer success, providing on-demand access to a vast ecosystem of networks, partners, and services. According to Kenny Wong, Technical Consultant at Azonne, a provider of customisable business-class Hosted PBX phone service and unified communications services based in Hong Kong, "Console Connect and Digital Realty offered Azonne a seamless, one-stop solution for our networking needs. Setting up Console Connect via a ServiceFabric port at our existing data centre location was incredibly easy, and this collaboration has enabled us to interconnect effortlessly with other data centre locations, internet exchanges, and office sites across Asia." For more from Digital Realty, click here.

ZTE showcasing FTTx innovations at FTTH Conference 2025

ZTE Corporation, a global provider of integrated information and communication technology products, is showcasing its full lifecycle FTTx innovation at the FTTH Conference 2025. The FTTx innovation indicates that the entire FTTx construction and O&M process has entered the 'zero era', including four features: Zero-touch planning: Cutting-edge AI identification technologies are used for planning and design, and project survey results are output with only one click, greatly improving planning efficiency.Zero construction threshold: The end-to-end full-stack FTTx innovation allows for full-scenario coverage, laying a foundation for smooth upgrade and continuous evolution in the future. ZTE offers a comprehensive series of ODN products in the industry to accurately meet the diversified requirements of different markets.Zero fault blind spot: The system provides the active early warning function for potential faults, and works with the end-to-end digital and intelligent network management and O&M to ensure network operation without fault dead spots.Zero idle resources: The system dynamically perceives the link status and automatically updates it in a timely manner so that the ODN end-to-end resource accuracy is 100% and idle ports are activated to avoid resource waste. The precise resource management ensures zero errors in one-time deployment, without the need for revisit. In home area, ZTE builds 'one smart home, one-key control, and AI-enabled quality life', and reconstructs a new ecosystem of digital home life through the AIoT technology. One smart home: ZTE builds a full-scenario home ecosystem. XGS-PON and Wi-Fi 7 are integrated to offer ultra-broadband access capability and ultra-gigabit network coverage in the whole home. In the Wi-Fi Mesh and all-optical FTTR three-dimensional network architecture, the topology structure of 'one master, three slaves, N extensions' is constructed, the signal coverage is increased by 300%, and the roaming handover duration is as low as 10ms. In business innovation, the 4K/8K set-top boxes (STB) are used to create smart home screens. The AI-based intelligent security components of IP cameras (IPC) are employed to build a home security butler, and the distributed NAS storage matrix is utilised to construct a home data bank. One-click control: ZTE seeks to deliver a better home experience. Its home all-terminal management platform, ZENIC ONE, supports seamless interconnection of over 200 smart devices and empowerment based on large AI models to achieve AI O&M hubs and intelligent diagnosis. The large-model-based Wi-Fi self-optimisation system reduces complaint rate by 28%. In predictive maintenance, AI evaluation of device health promotes O&M efficiency by 74%. Facing the new experience of smart life in the future, the AI FTTR 6.0 integrates sensing, computing, storage and display, creating an entrance to a smart home. AI STBs support viewing, AI fitness, AI gaming, computing, and communication, serving as a gateway for home services. The Light PON solution supports lightweight and fast deployment. The lightweight OLT is light in weight and small in size. The outdoor design supports single-person single-site installation, greatly eliminating the dependence on large equipment rooms. The equipment room rental cost drops by 90%. Efficient and lightweight ODN breaks professional limitations, so that ordinary workers can quickly lay out it as needed and operate it easily, cutting cabling costs by 50%. Intelligent and lightweight management and O&M enables on-site device plug-and-play and zero configuration, greatly decreasing O&M load and human error risks and ensuring stable network operation. The cost-effective and easy-to-maintain transport network product is also showcased. Designed to help operators and ISP customers optimise network deployment and operations, this end-to-end lightweight transport network features compact, low-power, and easy-to-maintain box-type products. By streamlining infrastructure and reducing operational complexity, the solution minimises space requirements and power consumption, significantly lowering the total cost of ownership while ensuring efficient, reliable, and scalable network performance. ZTE says that it has achieved outstanding performance in the fierce competition in the global communications field. It ranks second in global market share of FTTx in the industry, and has carried out deep cooperation with over 300 operators across more than 100 countries. ZTE takes the lead in 50G PON, and has cooperated with over 50 operators. The ODN network covers more than 30 million users worldwide, and has been successfully deployed in more than 100 turnkey projects. In 2024, the total shipment of home terminals exceeded 100 million, and PON ONT/IP STB ranked number one in market share. For more from ZTE, click here.

Vertiv launches free cooling unit for data centres

Vertiv, a global provider of critical digital infrastructure and continuity products, has announced a significant upgrade of its thermal management product portfolio with the introduction of the next-gen Vertiv Liebert EFC free cooling unit with low-GWP (Global Warming Potential) refrigerant. It is designed to meet stringent environmental standards for data centre applications, including colocation and cloud services, and is now available across Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) with capacities ranging from 150 to 450 kW. Vertiv Liebert EFC combines the capabilities of indirect air-to-air heat exchange and evaporative cooling principles in a single unit. The innovative patented polymer heat exchanger and the new low-GWP inverter driven compressor technology significantly enhance annual efficiency by up to 19% compared to previous technologies, allowing a pPUE (partial Power Usage Effectiveness) as low as 1.05. One of the standout benefits of the Liebert EFC is its extreme flexibility, Vertiv tells us. Based on onsite-specific conditions, a live toggling control feature allows users to seamlessly and securely reduce the use of critical resources like power or water via software controls, to leverage the free cooling mode. This flexibility empowers data centre owners to reduce their climate impact while enabling continuous cooling, regardless of site-specific resources. Models are available with full direct expansion (DX) back-up with a remote condenser, to supply the entire cooling capacity without any water requirements - offering full water independence, without impacting reliability. "As businesses prioritise sustainability strategies, customers are increasingly seeking innovative cooling solutions that reduce resource consumption while offering operational flexibility and resilience," states Sam Bainborough, Vice President, Thermal Business EMEA at Vertiv. "The Liebert EFC, with its game-changing and patented technology, addresses these needs with a flexible system that delivers an entirely new experience for the customer, maximising time using free cooling and leveraging the natural power of evaporation.” The new Liebert EFC complies with current global regulations and bans (EU F-Gas regulation 2024/573, and IPCC AR4), offering a turnkey solution engineered for future scalability, easy maintenance, and durability. The polymer design offers improved corrosion resistance and also allows a wider range of water qualities during operation when compared to an aluminium heat exchanger. At the core of this innovation is Vertiv Liebert iCOM and its control algorithms, which manage automatic transitions between the most suitable working modes, enabling use of the preferred cooling source. The controls also enable seamless coordination of units, allowing them to function as a unified system, enhancing cooling continuity and reliability without the need for an additional plant management system. For more from Vertiv, click here.

Huber+Suhner introduces ribbon innovation for data centres

Huber+Suhner has introduced a new Ribbon End-to-End Solution for the streamlining and optimisation of data centre infrastructure. As the global data centre industry continues to experience significant growth in both traffic and demand, the product - which integrates key components such as LISA, IANOS, OptiRibbon cables, and the Ribbon Splice Box (RSB) - delivers the efficiency and scalability required for modern operations. “The increasing need for high data transmission rates and improved efficiency in data centres has driven us to develop an advanced solution that not only enhances connectivity but also simplifies operations,” says Vanesa Alias, Vice President of Product Management at Huber+Suhner. “With our Ribbon End-to-End Solution, customers not only benefit from reduced installation time and improved cable management, but also a future-proof network architecture.” The Huber+Suhner Ribbon End-to-End Solution offers a comprehensive, high-density fibre optic connectivity system, ensuring seamless data transmission, optimised network performance, and reduced complexity in cabling infrastructure. The solution enables splicing up to 60% faster than current market offerings, significantly improving installation efficiency. Through the extensive expertise in fibre optics demonstrated by Huber+Suhner, the Ribbon End-to-End Solution enables seamless scalability, allowing data centres to effectively adapt to evolving technological requirements. It offers high-performance density cabling that minimises space requirements and enhances airflow within data centres. The streamlined installation process also reduces deployment time and complexity, while a future-ready architecture ensures scalability to meet growing bandwidth demands and consistent performance in mission-critical environments. For more from Huber+Suhner, click here.

nLighten introduces nConnect network service platform

nLighten, a digital infrastructure platform and a frontrunner in the European edge data centre market, has launched nConnect, its new network service platform which will deliver versatile network services across all nConnect enabled nLighten data centres throughout Europe. Through the nConnect platform, businesses can seamlessly connect to data centres, internet, and cloud providers, ensuring high-performance and low-latency access across Europe. Built on a resilient, route-diverse network spanning 12 of nLighten’s 34 edge data centre locations, the platform is supported by the latest data centre networking architecture. nConnect provides clients with a range of services, including Cloud Connect, DC Connect, Direct Internet Access (DIA), and IP Transit (IPT), all integrating with their presence in nLighten data centres. This ensures "effortless connectivity and streamlined network integration,", according to nLighten, offering clients: - Quick provisioning and flexible bandwidth options- Latest data centre networking architecture supporting segmentation, DDoS protection, and advanced analytics- Standardised SLA and pricing model with no long-term contracts- One-stop shop for multiple services, reducing complexity and costs Joachim van Collenburg, VP of Product Management at nLighten, highlights the advantages of nConnect, stating, “With nConnect, customers benefit from ultra-fast provisioning, flexible bandwidth options, and the latest data centre networking architecture. This is particularly valuable for businesses looking to establish an edge performance hub in a new region, or enterprises seeking cost-effective disaster recovery solutions with built-in geo-redundancy.” nConnect is now available in four of the seven markets where nLighten operates, including: - The Netherlands: Amsterdam (AMS1 and AMS2)- Germany: Frankfurt (FRA1)- France: Paris (PAR2)- United Kingdom: Birmingham (BHX1), Bristol (BRS1), Chester (MAN1), Leeds (LBA1), Liverpool (PLP1), Milton Keynes (LTN1), Nottingham (EMA1), and Swindon (BRS2). A phased rollout to additional nLighten edge data centres is planned later this year, ensuring low latency and high-performance connectivity across Europe. Data privacy is a cornerstone of nConnect, and the platform thus delivers a high-performance, resilient network using best-in-class intelligent networking technology. Private Ethernet networks and protected IP services ensure secure and efficient data handling, making nConnect ideal for AI-driven, high-density, and critical environments. Businesses can take advantage of nConnect services immediately to enhance their connectivity, scalability, and resilience. For more from nLighten, click here.

Vertiv launches new unified control platform

Vertiv, a global provider of critical digital infrastructure and continuity solutions, has announced the launch of Vertiv Unify, a unified control platform designed to simplify, standardise, and streamline data centre operations by integrating visibility, management, and reporting of critical power and thermal infrastructure while providing scalability and flexibility. As the only provider of the full suite of power train and thermal chain equipment, Vertiv now enables seamless integration and coordination across systems through Vertiv Unify. As AI-driven workloads and hyperscale data centres expand, operators face growing challenges in maintaining efficiency across power and thermal infrastructure. The Vertiv Unify consolidated management platform provides convenient monitoring, management, and control of critical digital infrastructure for enhanced system performance. This decentralised system is available to approved users from virtually any device, empowering facility and data centre managers with access to actionable insights for improved decision-making. “Data centres require an integrated approach to infrastructure management that reduces complexity and enhances performance,” says Andrew McClintock, Global Offering Manager at Vertiv. “Vertiv Unify accelerates system deployment with plug-and-play functionality, offers unlimited scalability, and provides real-time visibility into power and thermal infrastructure for more informed decision-making.” The system provides plug-and-play configurations, simplified energy usage reporting, and global and site-specific scalability. It also offers an unlimited licensing model for unlimited clients, screens, tags, connections, and devices, allowing access and information to all required stakeholders. Vertiv Unify is backed by Vertiv’s support and lifecycle services, a global organisation trained to provide end-to-end support to protect and optimise critical operations. For more from Vertiv, click here.

ODATA announces new data centre in Sao Paulo

ODATA, an Aligned Data Centers company and a provider of data centre services for Latin America, has announced DC SP04, its new data centre located in the city of Osasco, Sao Paulo. With an investment of over $450m (£347m) upon completion, the 48MW facility will feature a flexible and adaptive design, enabling ODATA to seamlessly meet the dynamic requirements of its customers today and into the future. DC SP04 will be the first ODATA facility in Brazil to feature the Delta Cube (Delta³) cooling system, which the company says reinforces its commitment to efficiency, innovation, and flexibility in its deployments. This proprietary, high-efficiency cooling technology, developed by ODATA’s parent company, Aligned Data Centers, is exclusively available to ODATA across its facilities in South America. The patented design offers unmatched energy efficiency and flexibility to support shifting density requirements, the company claims. Ricardo Alário, CEO of ODATA, comments, “We take great pride in operating with 100% renewable energy in Brazil, reinforcing our ongoing commitment to sustainable and responsible energy practices. The integration of Delta³ in DC SP04 delivers rapid scalability, cutting-edge technological innovation, and exceptional energy efficiency, enabling us to quickly address the growing power density and capacity needs of our customers.” Designed to support power densities of up to 50kW per rack, Delta³ allows ODATA's data centres to maximise space utilisation and significantly reduce the load required to cool them, thereby decreasing energy consumption. Unlike conventional methods that simply push cold air into data halls, Delta³ captures and removes heat directly at the source, creating a hyper-scalable and highly efficient environment that dynamically adapts to the IT load demands of customers. Kelvin Tamura, Design Director at ODATA, adds, “Delta³ enables us to cool hyperscale IT environments efficiently, saving both energy and space. The system also seamlessly integrates with liquid cooling solutions, enabling ODATA to provide customers with high-density computing environments that can scale easily to accommodate AI, cloud and high-performance computing deployments.” ODATA believes that DC SP04 is set to significantly impact both the local economy and the technological landscape of Sao Paulo. The facility’s establishment is expected to address a critical gap in data centre expansion capacity within Osasco, providing robust IT infrastructure and a reliable power supply. This strengthens Greater Sao Paulo's position as a leading technology hub, driving job creation, and attracting significant regional investments. DC SP04 is on schedule to become operational in April 2025. For more from ODATA, click here.

Johnson Controls launches air-cooled chillers in Europe

Johnson Controls, an expert in smart, safe, healthy and sustainable buildings, has expanded the availability of its YORK range of YVAM air-cooled magnetic bearing chillers to Europe to meet the growing demand in the data centre industry. As the European data centre market experiences significant growth driven by AI and cloud computing, the YVAM is a crucial thermal management technology for hyperscale and colocation facilities, Johnson Controls tells us. Designed to accelerate deployment with an innovative, scalable and consistent platform, the YVAM also plays a role in ensuring compliance with the new European Union policy on energy efficiency and water conservation. "As data storage demand rises and chip density increases, data centres face increasing challenges with cooling technologies, including broader temperature ranges, reduced energy and water use, noise reduction and limited space," says Johnson Controls President of Data Centre Solutions, Todd Grabowski. "At Johnson Controls, we work with our customers to offer solutions that enable data centres to scale rapidly, operate efficiently, minimise resource use and maintain reliability in a quickly changing landscape." The YORK YVAM chiller consumes 40% less power annually while still delivering the same cooling capacity as other available products. In addition, YVAM offers the widest operating range, allowing for chiller operation from -29°C up to +55°C ambient temperature while producing chilled water temperatures between +15°C up to 30°C. This allows complete flexibility to use the same cooling infrastructure regardless of the cooling technology ranging from cold air aisles to immersion cooling or direct liquid cooling. Further features and benefits include: • Operates with zero water use on site, supporting the growing importance of water usage effectiveness (WUE) and the conservation of water.• Utilises ultra-low Global Warming Potential (GWP) refrigerant.• Leverages Johnson Controls proprietary magnetic-bearing technology, variable-speed drives and active front-end technology to maximise efficiency while eliminating the need for free cooling coils.• Produces notably less sound than screw chillers, operating at just 65 dBA at 10 metres - equivalent to the noise level of background music at a restaurant.• The lubrication-free design further simplifies the system by eliminating complex subsystems and reducing maintenance costs.• To ensure uninterrupted operations, the YVAM incorporates Quick Start technology with an integral emergency power management system, enabling the chiller to return to full load in as little as three minutes after a power interruption.• The YVAM is designed in-house and built using flagship York technologies.• It's designed to be a flexible platform that allows for easy inspection and service. "With its innovative design and industry-leading efficiency, YVAM is set to redefine thermal management in data centres across the region,” Todd continues. “We’ve already seen great success for this technology in the North American market and we’re excited to partner with our European customers as the AI and data centre demand rapidly develops.” Johnson Controls offers a wide range of air-cooled and water-cooled chillers as well as air handling units, all designed to meet the needs of hyperscale and colocation customers. These products are supported by a comprehensive suite of fire, safety, building automation and digitally connected services. In June 2024, Johnson Controls launched a dedicated Global Data Centre Solutions organisation to address the industry's rapid growth. Since then, the company has boosted capacity in key regions to meet market demand and reduce lead times. This specialised organisation allows Johnson Controls to provide consistent, high-quality, centralised solutions across the globe, while also adapting to the unique needs of North America, EMEA and APAC, ensuring smooth and reliable support for data centre operators worldwide. For more from Johnson Controls, click here.