Data Centre Infrastructure News & Trends

Arteco introduces ECO coolants for data centres

Arteco, a Belgian manufacturer of heat transfer fluids and direct-to-chip coolants, has expanded its coolant portfolio with the launch of ECO versions of its ZITREC EC product line, designed for direct-to-chip liquid cooling in data centres. Each product is manufactured using renewable or recycled feedstocks with the aim of delivering a significantly reduced product carbon footprint compared with fossil-based equivalents, while maintaining the same thermal performance and reliability. Addressing growing thermal challenges As demand for high-performance computing rises, driven by artificial intelligence (AI) and other workloads, operators face increasing challenges in managing heat loads efficiently. Arteco’s ZITREC EC line was developed to support liquid cooling systems in data centres, enabling high thermal performance and energy efficiency. The new ECO version incorporates base fluids, Propylene Glycol (PG) or Ethylene Glycol (EG), sourced from certified renewable or recycled materials. By moving away from virgin fossil-based resources, ECO products aim to help customers reduce scope 3 emissions without compromising quality. Serge Lievens, Technology Manager at Arteco, says, “Our comprehensive life cycle assessment studies show that the biggest environmental impact of our coolants comes from fossil-based raw materials at the start of the value chain. "By rethinking those building blocks and incorporating renewable and/or recycled raw materials, we are able to offer products with significantly lower climate impact, without compromising on high quality and performance standards.” Certification and traceability Arteco’s ECO coolants use a mass balance approach, ensuring that renewable and recycled feedstocks are integrated into production while maintaining full traceability. The process is certified under the International Sustainability and Carbon Certification (ISCC) PLUS standard. Alexandre Moireau, General Manager at Arteco, says, “At Arteco, we firmly believe the future of cooling must be sustainable. Our sustainability strategy focuses on climate action, smart use of resources, and care for people and communities. "This new family of ECO coolants is a natural extension of that commitment. Sustainability for us is a continuous journey, one where we keep researching, innovating, and collaborating to create better, cleaner cooling solutions.” For more from Arteco, click here.

ProLabs expands 100G DCO transceiver range to 80km

ProLabs, a provider of optical connectivity and networking equipment, has launched an expanded QSFP28 100G digital coherent optics (DCO) transceiver family capable of extending network reach to 80 kilometres - up to twice the distance of typical transceivers. The development comes as the UK, the world’s third-largest data centre market, faces increasing demand from AI and other emerging technologies. By using ProLabs’ 100G DCO transceivers, the company says operators can connect data centres over longer distances without the need for repeaters, reducing infrastructure costs and freeing up resources for other areas of the network. Reducing equipment and energy demand According to ProLabs, the new range reduces reliance on intermediate points of presence (PoPs) and reconfigurable optical add-drop multiplexers (ROADMs), cutting the amount of equipment required. Sam Walker, Vice President of Sales EMEAI at ProLabs, comments, “We are delighted to have launched our expanded range of DCO transceivers complementing our existing 400G ZR+ ahead of Connected Britain. "Our transceivers will enable operators to improve their networks, reducing the number of active elements within the optical path. Not only does this reduce avoidable overheads, but it also helps address the growing demand for high-capacity, low-latency connectivity.” The range is available in two variants: a standard power version for -10 dBm requirements and a high-transmit version for specific applications. Options include ITEMP, ITEMP AutoTune, and CTEMP AutoTune, with a CMIS version due to be launched shortly. These features allow operators to automatically select the required wavelength once installed, aiming to support faster and more flexible integration. Sam continues, “Another issue facing operators is power consumption. AI data centres require far more processing power than traditional facilities, and energy is costly. "However, less network infrastructure means less power is required, so the use of our 100G DCO transceivers means operators can free up essential resources that may have been tied to power consumption.” The ProLabs family of 100G DCO transceivers will be available for the first time at Connected Britain in London (24-25 September) at Stand 258. For more from ProLabs, click here.

Ciena to acquire Nubis Communications in $270m deal

Ciena, an American networking systems and software company, has announced an agreement to acquire Nubis Communications, a privately held company based in New Providence, New Jersey, USA, in an all-cash transaction valued at $270 million (£199 million). Nubis specialises in high-performance, low-power optical and electrical interconnects designed to support artificial intelligence (AI) workloads. The acquisition is hoped to strengthen Ciena’s data centre strategy by adding new technologies and expanding its engineering expertise. Expanding data centre interconnect capabilities Nubis’ technology is focused on increasing scale and density inside the data centre to handle growing AI traffic. Its portfolio includes: • Co-Packaged Optics (CPO) and Near Packaged Optics (NPO) — high-density optical modules capable of 6.4 Tb/s full-duplex bandwidth, optimised for low-latency, low-power operation. Combined with Ciena’s SerDes, these engines enable advanced interconnects for rack-to-rack and in-rack connectivity. • Electrical Active Copper Cables (ACC) — analogue electronics that extend copper connectivity up to 4 metres at 200 Gb/s per lane, offering a low-power, low-latency alternative to traditional copper or DSP-based approaches. In addition, more than 50 Nubis engineers will join Ciena’s research and development team, strengthening its technical capabilities inside the data centre. David Rothenstein, Chief Strategy Officer at Ciena, says, “The acquisition of Nubis represents a significant step forward in Ciena’s strategy to address the rapidly growing demand for scalable, high-performance connectivity inside the data centre, driven by the explosive growth of AI-related traffic. "With ownership of these key technologies for a wider range of use cases inside the data centre, we are expanding our competitive advantage by advancing development of differentiated solutions, reducing development costs, and driving long-term efficiency and profitability.” Dan Harding, CEO of Nubis, adds, “The Nubis team is thrilled to join Ciena and enhance its portfolio with our interconnect technologies. Together, we will advance Ciena's data centre strategy by delivering reliable and high-performance solutions to support the next generation of AI workloads.” Transaction details The acquisition has been approved by the boards of both companies and Nubis shareholders. It includes customary purchase price adjustments for cash, debt, and working capital, along with employee retention arrangements. The deal is expected to close during Ciena’s fiscal fourth quarter of 2025, subject to standard closing conditions. For more from Ciena, click here.

Panduit launches EL2P intelligent PDU

Panduit, a manufacturer of electrical and network infrastructure solutions, has introduced the EL2P Intelligent Power Distribution Unit (iPDU), designed to improve power management in mission-critical data centre environments. With rising rack power densities driven by artificial intelligence (AI) workloads and broader digital transformation, the EL2P series provides data centre operators with tools to maintain uptime, optimise capacity, and support sustainability goals. Key aspects of the product include metering accuracy of ±0.5%, advanced cybersecurity, flexible outlet configurations, and integrated environmental sensing. Features and capabilities The EL2P iPDU includes an integrated colour touchscreen with an automatic interface rotation for different installation orientations, intended to improve usability for technicians. Its hot-swappable controller and display module allow servicing or upgrades without interrupting power, reducing downtime risks. The outlets are designed to provide flexibility by supporting multiple configurations (C13, C15, C19, or C21) within a single unit. The iPDU also supports extended operating temperatures up to 60°C, making it suitable for high-density racks and constrained edge environments. Cybersecurity is addressed with compliance to UL 2900-1 and IEC 62443-4-2 standards, secure code signing, 802.1x authentication, and a USGv6-certified IPv6 stack. Additional functions include: • Dual 1Gb Ethernet with daisy-chain capability – enabling up to 64 iPDUs to share one IP address and switch port• Native Cisco Nexus Dashboard integration – providing energy and sustainability insights without external hardware• Secure Zero Touch Provisioning (sZTP) – for faster configuration and scalable deployment• Redfish and RESTful API integration – ensuring compatibility with DCIM and cloud platforms Available in single- and three-phase models, the EL2P series offers input capacities from 5kVA to 43.5kVA and comes with dual-rated approvals for both North America and EMEA. Martin Kandziora, Senior Marketing Manager EMEA at Panduit, says, “The EL2P is a direct response to our customers’ demand for intelligent power management that simplifies installation, enhances security, and provides the granular visibility needed to future-proof operations. "It combines cutting-edge features like hot-swappable controllers, dual 1Gb Ethernet, and best-in-class metering accuracy in a single platform.” Panduit says the EL2P series is designed for colocation providers requiring tenant-level billing, hyperscale and cloud operators demanding high-density outlet configurations, and enterprises seeking scalable and secure power distribution. For more from Panduit, click here.

CDM unveils DC platforms for the AI era

Compu Dynamics Modular (CDM), an AI-era modular data centre solutions company drawing on Compu Dynamics’ two decades of comprehensive data centre expertise, has launched two modular data centre solutions engineered to overcome the toughest data centre bottlenecks: ultra-high density, rapid deployment, and seamless scaling across edge to core. The CDM L Series is purpose built and optimised for AI learning/training and ultra-high-density workloads, and the CDM I Series is an all-in-one solution designed for AI inference at the edge. Ron Mann, Vice President of Compu Dynamics Modular, comments, “With AI pushing traditional infrastructure limits and no end in sight, we’ve developed two unique, purpose-built modular data centre solutions for learning, inference, and edge. Designed for efficiency and flexibility, these solutions ensure our customers never have to compromise. CDM is redefining the possibilities of modular data centres, and our products are built to handle the requirements of tomorrow’s landscape.” As AI workloads grow exponentially, CDM believes that traditional data centres are increasingly falling short in terms of meeting speed, density, and flexibility requirements. CDM’s two new platforms will address this challenge by offering customers solutions for both AI and edge workloads, which demand different densities, scales, and deployment models. “These innovative new platforms are the result of 20-plus years of expertise in data centre design and deployment,” states Steve Altizer, President and CEO of Compu Dynamics. “The Compu Dynamics Modular team has created two much-needed solutions that are built to grow and evolve with the applications they support.” Features of the CDM L Series include:• Purpose built and optimized for ultra-high density AI workloads• Engineered for 50–250+ kW per rack• Scalable from 1.5 to 3+ MW• Dual-module architecture, delivering powerful performance for next-generation AI applications• Ideal for hyperscale, colocation, and GPU-intensive environments• Designed and built in the USA• Customisable base module and open OEM integration Features of the CDM I Series include: • Designed for edge deployments requiring fewer AI racks, or lower IT density per module• Engineered for 50–250+ kW per rack• Supports up to 500 kW per module with air cooling and 1+ MW with combined air and liquid cooling• Compact, all-in-one architecture to reduce space, streamline deployment and reduce complexity• Ideal for telecom, healthcare, education, and government sectors• Designed and built in the USA• Customisable base module and open OEM integration Both platforms also offer fast, flexible deployment and seamless scalability, as well as being technology neutral, supporting multiple IT hardware and infrastructure OEM equipment sources with no vendor lock-in. CDM provides full-service, end-to-end support for these platforms, from evaluation to delivery and ongoing preventive maintenance. The company’s turnkey and vendor-neutral approach to modular solutions accelerates deployment while reducing costs. With this launch, CDM says that it is empowering customers to face the AI era fully prepared and confident in the company's infrastructure. For more from Compu Dynamics Modular, click here.

FTTH Congress CEE 2025 to focus on fibre rollout

The FTTH Congress CEE 2025 will take place on 7–8 October at the DoubleTree by Hilton in Warsaw, Poland, bringing together policymakers, operators, investors, and technology providers to address fibre deployment challenges and opportunities across Central and Eastern Europe (CEE). The two-day event, organised by the FTTH Council Europe, is expected to draw more than 400 delegates from across the region’s broadband ecosystem. Fibre challenges and opportunities in CEE According to the latest FTTH/B Market Panorama, the CEE region still has more than 13 million homes without fibre access, with rural areas presenting the largest gaps. While markets such as Poland and Romania have seen rapid deployment, others - including Czechia and parts of the Baltics - continue to face regulatory and investment obstacles. Vincent Garnier, Director General of the FTTH Council Europe, says, “Central and Eastern Europe represents both one of the continent’s biggest fibre challenges and one of its greatest opportunities. "With millions of homes still unconnected, this Congress is about ensuring that ambition translates into action by bringing together the actors who can make fibre a reality across the region.” Programme highlights The programme includes keynote sessions, technical presentations, and national market debates, with participation from the European Commission, BEREC, national regulators, operators, infrastructure investors, and vendors. Key themes will cover: • Regulatory frameworks and funding to accelerate deployment• Investment models and cross-border partnerships• Innovations in network resilience and open access models• The role of fibre in smart cities, inclusive growth, and digital sovereignty Country-focused sessions will provide insight into fibre developments in Poland, Czechia, Romania, Ukraine, and the Baltics. Francesco Nonno, President of the FTTH Council Europe, adds, “This event is a unique chance to address the strategic dimension of fibre. Beyond infrastructure, it is about enabling digital competitiveness, sustainability, and resilience. "The Congress in Warsaw will highlight how national and European priorities can come together to deliver for citizens and businesses alike.”

Fluke launches DC kits to reduce fibre failures

Fluke Networks, a manufacturer of network certification and troubleshooting tools, has introduced a set of Versiv Data Center Kits designed to help technicians and engineers prevent copper and fibre connectivity issues, as well as troubleshoot them more efficiently. The launch comes as global demand for data centre capacity continues to rise, driven by artificial intelligence (AI), cloud computing, and hyperscale facilities. With increasing density in fibre connections, contamination and testing challenges are becoming more significant risks to uptime. Kits for fibre inspection and troubleshooting The new kits include: • Fibre and Copper Commissioning and Troubleshooting Kit – for verifying and optimising networks throughout a data centre’s lifecycle, from commissioning to upgrades and troubleshooting • Fibre Inspection Kit – aimed at reducing failures by addressing end-face contamination, a leading cause of fibre performance issues • MPO Maintenance and Troubleshooting Kit – designed to speed up multi-fibre trunk testing by up to 80% with single-button operation Alongside the kits, Fluke is also releasing accessories that support Very Small Form Factor (VSFF) connectors, which enable higher connection density. These accessories allow users of the CertiFiber Pro Optical Loss Test Set to apply the recommended single-jumper reference method for testing MDC connections, as well as inspect and clean MMC, MDC, and SN connectors. Nigel Hedges, Application and Technical Specialist at Fluke Networks, says, “With over 9,000 data centres worldwide, and AI, cloud, and hyperscale technologies driving explosive growth, infrastructure teams are under unprecedented pressure. "The new Versiv Data Center Kits are designed to help technicians and engineers meet that challenge head-on - equipping them with tools to prevent failures, speed up troubleshooting, and ensure high-density fibre connections are clean, tested, and reliable.” Fluke Networks says the kits are intended to support teams working in hyperscale and enterprise environments, where the margin for error is minimal and preventative maintenance is essential to maintaining resilience.

GF partners with NTT Facilities on sustainable cooling

GF, a provider of piping systems for data centre cooling systems, has announced a collaboration with NTT Facilities in Japan to support the development of sustainable cooling technologies for data centres. The partnership involves GF supplying pre-insulated piping for the 'Products Engineering Hub for Data Center Cooling', a testbed and demonstration site operated by NTT Facilities. The hub opened in April 2025 and is designed to accelerate the move from traditional chiller-based systems to alternatives such as direct liquid cooling. Focus on energy-efficient cooling GF is providing its pre-insulated piping for the facility’s water loop. The system is designed to support efficient thermal management, reduce energy losses, and protect against corrosion. GF’s offering covers cooling infrastructure from the facility level through to rack-level systems. Wolfgang Dornfeld, President Business Unit APAC at GF, says, “Our partnership with NTT Facilities reflects our commitment to working side by side with customers to build smarter, more sustainable data centre infrastructure. "Cooling is a critical factor in AI-ready data centres, and our polymer-based systems ensure performance, reliability, and energy efficiency exactly where it matters most.” While the current project focuses on water transport within the facility, GF says it also offers a wider range of polymer-based systems for cooling networks. The company notes that these systems are designed to help improve uptime, increase reliability, and support sustainability targets. For more from GF, click here.

Nokia, Supermicro partner for AI-optimised DC networking

Finnish telecommunications company Nokia has entered into a partnership with Supermicro, a provider of application-optimised IT systems, to deliver integrated networking platforms designed for AI, high-performance computing (HPC), and cloud workloads. The collaboration combines Supermicro’s advanced switching hardware with Nokia’s data centre automation and network operating system for cloud providers, hyperscalers, enterprises, and communications service providers (CSPs). Building networks for AI-era workloads Data centres are under increasing pressure from the rising scale and intensity of AI and cloud applications. Meeting these requirements demands a shift in architecture that places networking at the core, with greater emphasis on performance, scalability, and automation. The joint offering integrates Supermicro’s 800G Ethernet switching platforms with Nokia’s Service Router Linux (SR Linux) Network Operating System (NOS) and Event-Driven Automation (EDA). Together, these form an infrastructure platform that automates the entire network lifecycle - from initial design through deployment and ongoing operations. According to the companies, customers will benefit from "a pre-validated solution that shortens deployment timelines, reduces operational costs, and improves network efficiency." Industry perspectives Cenly Chen, Chief Growth Officer, Senior Vice President, and Managing Director at Supermicro, says, "This collaboration gives our customers more choice and flexibility in how they build their infrastructure, with the confidence that Nokia’s SR Linux and EDA are tightly integrated with our systems. "It strengthens our ability to deliver networked compute architectures for high-performance workloads, while simplifying orchestration and automation with a unified platform." Vach Kompella, Senior Vice President and General Manager of the IP Networks Division at Nokia, adds, "Partnering with Supermicro further validates Nokia SR Linux and Event-Driven Automation as the right software foundation for today’s data centre and IP networks. "It also gives us significantly greater reach into the enterprise market through Supermicro’s extensive channels and direct sales, aligning with our strategy to expand in cloud, HPC, and AI-driven infrastructure." For more from Nokia, click here.

DE-CIX explores orbital interconnection with Space-IX

Internet exchange (IX) operator DE-CIX is extending its interconnection vision beyond Earth through its Space-IX initiative, which aims to connect satellite constellations and space-based assets with terrestrial digital ecosystems. The company, which operates more than 60 internet exchanges worldwide and connects over 4,000 networks, is investigating what the first orbital IX could look like. Ivo Ivanov, CEO of DE-CIX, says, "Wherever networks are created, interconnection should follow. "We’ve spent 30 years building the backbone of the internet here on Earth. Now, we’re bringing that same neutral, high-performance interconnection model to the next layer of digital infrastructure, above the clouds and to the stars." Research into satellite connectivity DE-CIX is working with the German Aerospace Centre (DLR) on the European Space Agency’s OFELIAS project, which is researching how laser-based communications can improve satellite connectivity. Optical links promise higher data rates than radio-based systems, but require advanced protocols to mitigate challenges such as atmospheric interference and cloud cover. While OFELIAS focuses on data flow between satellites and ground stations, DE-CIX’s broader Space-IX initiative is investigating how to interconnect space-based infrastructure at scale, laying the foundations for an orbital internet exchange. Bridging space and terrestrial ecosystems "As satellites become part of the digital supply chain - whether delivering broadband to underserved communities, powering AI for businesses, or enabling orbital analytics - we need an architecture that unites space and Earth into one seamless ecosystem," Ivo continues. "This collaboration is the very beginning of our answer to that challenge." In August, DE-CIX India became the first Internet Exchange in the country to integrate Starlink into its ecosystem. Through Space-IX, DE-CIX is working with satellite operators to ensure orbital networks connect effectively with terrestrial infrastructure, particularly for latency-sensitive applications. From global broadband and IoT to remote sensing and AI, the space economy is projected to reach $1.8 trillion (£1.3 trillion) by 2035. DE-CIX argues that orbital networks must interconnect intelligently with terrestrial networks, content providers, and cloud platforms to avoid developing in isolation. For more from DE-CIX, click here.