News

Keysight, Point2 collaborate to advance AI interconnects

Keysight Technologies, a manufacturer of electronic test and measurement equipment and software, and interconnects provider Point2 Technology have announced a collaboration to validate next-generation, multi-terabit interconnects intended to address scale-up connectivity constraints in AI and machine learning data centres. The companies are working together to test Point2’s e-Tube interconnect technology using Keysight’s high-speed digital test and measurement platforms. The validation work is focused on meeting the performance and reliability requirements associated with hyperscale AI infrastructure. As AI workloads increase bandwidth demand, hyperscale operators face challenges when scaling xPU clusters. Point2’s e-Tube technology uses RF data transmission over plastic waveguide and is intended to extend reach beyond traditional copper-based interconnects while reducing power consumption and latency. The approach is positioned as an alternative to conventional copper connections within high-density AI systems. Validating multi-terabit performance Keysight is providing validation and characterisation support to assess whether the interconnect technology meets hyperscaler requirements for reliability and signal integrity. The collaboration also enables early research and development work on emerging 3.2T interfaces, supported by high-speed electrical signal generation and advanced real-time and sampling analysis. The testing environment supports the generation and analysis of high-baud-rate PAM4 signals required for terabit-scale data transmission within AI systems. Sean Park, CEO at Point2 Technology, says, “A strategic partnership with Keysight gives us access to world-class engineering tools and support, allowing us to accelerate our e-Tube product development cycles. "The confidence that comes from validating our e-Tube platform using Keysight’s rigorous test equipment is invaluable as we engage with leading hyperscaler customers globally.” Dr Joachim Peerlings, Vice President of Network and Data Centre Solutions at Keysight, adds, “AI scale-up architectures demand disruptive innovation in physical interconnects. Keysight provides the industry’s trusted source of measurement truth, helping innovative partners like Point2 validate technologies quickly and confidently at multi-terabit speeds to achieve their next breakthroughs.” For more from Keysight, click here.

nLighten expands footprint through Paris site acquisition

nLighten, a European data centre operator, has announced the acquisition of a data centre in Émerainville, Paris from oXya, a provider of SAP cloud services and managed IT infrastructure. The facility becomes nLighten's eighth site in France and adds to its portfolio of over 30 data centres in seven markets. Strategically located in Paris's eastern data centre cluster, approximately one kilometre from nLighten's existing PAR1 facility, the site will continue serving anchor customer oXya under a long-term master services agreement, while additional capacity will be made available to enterprise customers via channel partners. The facility is designed to support high-density and AI-ready configurations, providing scalable infrastructure that evolves with customer requirements. nLighten says its approach emphasises delivering sustainable, interconnected infrastructure tailored to enterprise needs, with "seamless connectivity between [its] sites." Expanding digital infrastructure Harro Beusker, CEO and co-founder of nLighten, comments, "The acquisition of this Paris data centre represents a significant expansion of our French footprint and strengthens our position in one of Europe's most dynamic digital infrastructure markets. "Paris is a critical hub for regional connectivity and this facility enables us to deliver enhanced capacity and resilience to our enterprise customers. The proximity to our existing Paris sites creates operational synergies while also allowing us to support dual-site deployments. "This acquisition exemplifies our strategy of building smart, sustainable infrastructure that scales with customer needs and contributes to the digital transformation of European businesses." Anwar Saliba, Managing Director at nLighten France, adds, “This acquisition fully aligns with our ambition to build a distributed, locally operated digital infrastructure across France. "By adding capacity in the Paris region through three interconnected sites, we provide our customers with the conditions needed to deploy more resilient architectures, better secure their data, and meet growing requirements in terms of performance, service continuity, and digital sovereignty." Christophe Bronner, Group Chief Financial Officer at oXya, states, "We are pleased to see this data centre continue its evolution thanks to the partnership with nLighten. "This transition allows oXya to focus on its core business of delivering managed cloud services and consulting to our customers, while ensuring continuity and enhanced capabilities for our infrastructure needs. "We believe nLighten's expertise and commitment to sustainable operations will benefit both our organisation and the broader customer community.” For more from nLighten, click here.

Thorn, Zumtobel to exhibit at Data Centre World

Thorn and Zumtobel, both lighting brands of the Zumtobel Group, are to present a "unified approach" to data centre lighting at Data Centre World 2026. The companies say the focus will be on three operational priorities for data centre operators and delivery teams: reduced energy consumption, reliable operation, and consistent control across white space, plant, circulation, and perimeter areas. The stand will outline how a coordinated lighting and controls strategy can support specification, installation, and ongoing operation across different data centre environments. The Zumtobel Group says its approach is intended to support consistency across projects, while also simplifying long-term maintenance and operational management. Lighting controls for data centres A central element of the stand will be the use of the LITECOM control platform, which is presented as a way to connect a defined portfolio of luminaires across different zones of a data centre. The companies say this is intended to support scheduling, presence detection, daylight strategies, scene setting, and portfolio standardisation. The stand will also feature TECTON II, shown as part of a continuous-row lighting infrastructure approach, which is designed to support rapid, tool-free assembly and future adaptation. Lighting applications on show will cover white space, technical areas, offices, and exterior zones. Products listed for demonstration include: • Thorn: Aquaforce Pro, ForceLED, Piazza, Omega Pro 2, IQ Beam • Zumtobel: IZURA, TECTON II, MELLOW LIGHT, AMPHIBIA, LANOS All are shown as being controlled via LITECOM. The stand design itself will be intended to reflect Zumtobel Group's stated sustainability principles, using reused and modular components from previous events, with minimal new-build elements. In addition, graphics have been consolidated to reduce printing and waste. Neil Raithatha, Head of Marketing, Thorn and Zumtobel Lighting UK & Ireland, notes, “Data centre customers need lighting that is consistent, efficient, and straightforward to manage. “Our presentation this year brings together proven luminaires with a control platform that helps project teams deliver quickly and run reliably, from the white space to the perimeter.” Thorn and Zumtobel will be exhibiting at Stand F140 at Excel London on 4–5 March 2026. For more from Thorn and Zumtobel, click here.

Case study: The data centre's shield against errors

In an industry where a single unplugged cable can stall a production line, "good-enough" labelling isn't an option. A leading automotive manufacturer faced a challenge: their cabling was becoming a maze of human error, threatening the uptime of their mission-critical services. The solution wasn't just better labels; it was a standardised identification ecosystem. By deploying industrial-grade materials and the high-volume BradyPrinter i7100, as well as the handheld M610, the manufacturer ensured that every rack and server remained clearly identifiable under any conditions. This move towards precision eliminated the guesswork that leads to accidental disconnections. The result? A solid infrastructure where technicians move with confidence. The operational resilience starts at the surface - with a reliable label that stays readable. Click here to read more and to learn more about reliable identification solutions for data centres. Meet Brady experts at Data Centre World (DCW) in London, UK, 4–5 March 2026, Booth F175. For more from Brady, click here.

Corning, Meta agree $6bn data centre supply deal

Corning, a US manufacturer of optical fibre for telecommunications and data centres, and US technology company Meta Platforms have today announced a multi-year agreement of up to $6 billion (£4.3 billion) to support the build-out of advanced data centres in the United States. Under the agreement, Corning will supply Meta with optical fibre, cable, and connectivity products to support its data centre and AI infrastructure. As part of the arrangement, Corning will expand manufacturing capacity across its operations in North Carolina, including a major expansion at its optical cable manufacturing facility in Hickory, where Meta will act as an anchor customer. Corning says the agreement will support increased domestic production of optical connectivity technology used in large-scale data centre deployments. Manufacturing expansion and employment impact Wendell P. Weeks, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Corning, comments, “This long-term partnership with Meta reflects Corning’s commitment to develop, innovate, and manufacture the critical technologies that power next-generation data centres here in the US. “The investment will expand our manufacturing footprint in North Carolina, support an increase in Corning’s employment levels in the state of 15–20%, and help sustain a highly skilled workforce of more than 5,000 people - including the scientists, engineers, and production teams at two of the world’s largest optical fibre and cable manufacturing facilities. "Together with Meta, we are strengthening domestic supply chains and helping to ensure that advanced data centres are built using US innovation and advanced manufacturing.” Meta says it is continuing to expand its data centre footprint in the US and increase the use of domestically manufactured technology to support its infrastructure requirements. Joel Kaplan, Chief Global Affairs Officer at Meta, notes, “Building the most advanced data centres in the US requires world-class partners and American manufacturing. "We are proud to partner with Corning - a company with deep expertise in optical connectivity and a strong commitment to domestic manufacturing - to supply the high-performance fibre optic cables our AI infrastructure requires. "This collaboration will help create well-paid, skilled jobs in the US, strengthen local economies, and help secure the US lead in the global AI race.” The agreement covers the supply of latest-generation optical fibre, cable, and connectivity products designed to meet the density and scale requirements of large AI-focused data centres.

ISE 2026 launches inaugural CyberSecurity Summit

Integrated Systems Europe (ISE), a Barcelona-based annual trade show for audiovisual (AV) and systems integration professionals, has announced the launch of the CyberSecurity Summit, a major new addition to its 2026 content programme. Scheduled for Thursday, 5 February 2026, the Summit will tackle the escalating cybersecurity challenges confronting the professional AV and systems integration industries as digital threats increasingly impact critical infrastructure, smart buildings, venues, and public services. The announcement comes during European Cybersecurity Awareness Month, a continent-wide initiative coordinated by ENISA and the European Commission to promote safer digital practices across businesses, institutions, and individuals. With cybercrime surging across Europe and globally, the timing of ISE’s new Summit couldn’t be more relevant. Cybersecurity: A business-critical priority for AV As AV systems become increasingly networked and embedded in enterprise, public sector, and venue environments, they are directly exposed to the same vulnerabilities as traditional IT infrastructure. From control rooms and conferencing platforms to digital signage, smart buildings, and event venues, AV solutions are now high-value targets for ransomware, data breaches, social engineering, and denial-of-service attacks. At ISE’s CyberSecurity Summit, AV professionals will learn about safeguarding critical systems, navigate evolving regulations like NIS2 and ISO 27001, and transform cybersecurity from a vulnerability into a strategic advantage, before it’s too late “Cybersecurity is no longer a technical afterthought; it’s a business-critical factor,” says Mike Blackman, Managing Director of Integrated Systems Events. “For AV manufacturers, integrators, and technology users, it’s essential for accessing public tenders, ensuring regulatory compliance, and building long-term trust with clients.” Pere Ferrer i Sastre, Summit Chair and former Director General of the Catalan Police (Mossos d’Esquadra), with extensive experience in public security, digital transformation, regulatory frameworks, and critical infrastructure management, will facilitate discussions addressing emerging digital threats to the AV and systems integration sectors. He explains, “Cybersecurity is no longer optional; it lies at the heart of every AV innovation. ISE’s CyberSecurity Summit brings together the brightest minds in our industry to confront today’s digital threats head-on and turn them into strategic advantages. "By sharing actionable insights, proven strategies, and real-world experience, we will empower AV professionals to protect critical systems, lead with confidence, and build a safer, smarter future for the entire industry.” The CyberSecurity Summit at ISE 2026 will unite AV and cybersecurity leaders to tackle the most pressing challenges facing connected AV systems in critical infrastructure, smart buildings, and corporate environments. Opening with Pere Ferrer, the Summit features keynotes from Shaun Reardon (DNV Cyber) on building cyber resilience, Timo Kosig and Andrew Dowsett (Barco Control Rooms) on secure operations, and Pedro Pablo Pérez (TRC) on protecting corporate communications. Roundtables with Laura Caballero (Cybersecurity Agency of Catalonia), Folly Farrel (TÜV SÜD), and Sergi Carmona (Veolia España) will explore compliance, governance, and best practices for securing critical AV environments. Cybersecurity: A strategic imperative for AV The Summit is part of ISE 2026’s overarching theme, "Push Beyond", which challenges the global AV and systems integration community to redefine what’s possible. By introducing the CyberSecurity Summit, ISE is pushing beyond traditional boundaries to address one of the most urgent and complex issues facing the industry today. Don’t miss your chance to be part of what’s next Registration for ISE 2026 is now open, so take your place among the visionaries, trailblazers, and creative minds from every corner of the globe. Whether you're an AV integrator, manufacturer, IT manager, or facilities director, the CyberSecurity Summit offers essential knowledge and networking opportunities to help you navigate the evolving threat landscape. It’s a chance to learn from leading voices in cybersecurity and discover how to protect your business, your clients, and your reputation. Reserve your spot at the event where tomorrow’s innovations are unveiled, and let’s Push Beyond what’s possible, together: Click here to register for free using the code ‘dcnnews’ to Push Beyond.

Carrier launches CDU with 2°C ATD

Carrier, a manufacturer of HVAC, refrigeration, and fire and security equipment, has introduced a new coolant distribution unit (CDU), designed to support the growing use of liquid cooling in UK data centres while improving energy performance, resilience, and space utilisation. The Carrier CDU is intended to help operators manage higher rack densities and increasing cooling demands. It is designed to support liquid-cooled IT environments and provide greater control over energy use and system uptime. As liquid cooling becomes more widely adopted to meet efficiency targets, the CDU enables deployment at scale through management of secondary coolant loops. Carrier says this can help reduce pumping energy and optimise heat removal across varying load conditions. Thermal performance and system efficiency The CDU uses modular heat exchangers that can deliver approach temperatures as low as 2°C, compared with more typical 4°C systems. According to Carrier, this can enable up to 15% chiller energy savings, allowing more electrical capacity to be allocated to IT loads rather than cooling. Oliver Sanders, Data Centre Commercial Director UK&I, Carrier HVAC, notes, “Data centre leaders across the UK are focused on increasing capacity without increasing risk. “This new Carrier CDU supports that goal by giving operators greater thermal stability, more flexibility in system design, and better visibility of cooling performance. The result is improved energy efficiency and smoother scalability as liquid cooling demand grows.” The CDU is designed for use in mission-critical environments and includes redundant pumps and power supplies to support continued operation during maintenance or unexpected events. Intelligent controls manage fluid temperatures and flow rates in real time, with the aim of maintaining stable conditions for high-density servers while reducing energy consumption. Integration, scalability, and monitoring Carrier states that the CDU is designed for simplified integration into existing facilities, allowing liquid cooling to be introduced with minimal disruption. The product range includes multiple unit sizes from 1.3 to 5 MW, enabling operators to align cooling capacity with current and future high-density requirements. The system is intended to support direct-to-chip cooling as well as mixed cooling environments. Carrier says it is designed to maintain stable performance under fluctuating workloads and higher ambient temperatures. “Liquid cooling adoption is accelerating, and operators want systems that deliver both efficiency and certainty,” Oliver continues. “With this Carrier CDU, customers can integrate high-density workloads confidently, knowing their cooling system is designed to maximise uptime, efficiency, and long-term value.” The CDU integrates with Carrier’s control platforms to support centralised monitoring, performance optimisation, and energy management. This is intended to help data centre teams track cooling trends, respond to load changes, and plan capacity more effectively. The Carrier CDU forms part of Carrier’s QuantumLeap portfolio of data centre technologies. For more from Carrier, click here.

STULZ updates CyberRack Active Rear Door cooling

STULZ, a manufacturer of mission-critical air conditioning technology, has launched an updated version of its CyberRack Active Rear Door, aimed at high-density data centre cooling applications where space is limited and heat loads are increasing. The rear-mounted heat exchanger is designed to capture heat directly at rack level, using electronically commutated fans to remove heat at the point of generation. The updated unit is intended for use in both air-cooled and liquid-cooled data centre environments. Integrated sensors monitor return and supply air temperatures within the rack. Cooling output is then adjusted automatically in line with server heat load, aiming to maintain consistent thermal performance as workloads fluctuate. Designed for high-density and retrofit environments Valeria Mercante, Product Manager at STULZ, explains, “The tremendous growth of high-performance computing and artificial intelligence has driven server power densities higher than ever, creating significant heat challenges. “With data centre space often at a premium, the CyberRack Active Rear Door is precision engineered to deliver maximum cooling capacity in a footprint depth of just 274mm. "Delivering up to 49kW chilled water cooling with large heat exchanger surfaces and EC fans, it also supports higher water temperatures and can extend free cooling hours. This helps reduce overall energy consumption and operating costs.” The compact footprint means the unit can be installed without rack repositioning, making it suitable for retrofit projects and sites with limited floorspace. Custom adaptor frames are available to support a range of rack sizes and deployment models, including standalone use, supplemental precision air conditioning, and hybrid configurations alongside direct-to-chip liquid cooling. For maintenance, the system includes a two-step door opening of more than 90°, providing access to fans and coils. Hot-swappable axial fans with plug connectors are also designed to simplify servicing and reduce downtime. Differential pressure control adjusts fan speed in line with server airflow requirements, while low noise operation is also specified. The CyberRack Active Rear Door includes the STULZ E² intelligent control system, featuring a 4.3-inch touchscreen interface. The controller supports functions such as redundancy management, cross-unit parallel operation, standby mode with emergency operation, and integration with building management systems. Valeria continues, “The updated CyberRack Active Rear Door embodies our commitment to providing air conditioning solutions that combine cutting edge technology with intelligent design, user friendliness, energy efficiency, flexibility, and reliability. “In environments where space is tight, heat loads are high, or there’s no raised floor, these advanced units can deliver highly efficient cooling, regardless of the server load.” For more from STULZ, click here.

Report: How Slough became Europe's largest DC cluster

Kao Data, a developer and operator of data centres engineered for AI and advanced computing, has published a new report examining how Slough has evolved into Europe’s largest data centre cluster - and the UK’s de facto AI Growth Zone (AIGZ) - hosting over 675 Megawatts (MW) of hyperscale data centre capacity, while contributing more than 14,000 jobs and over £30 million in annual business rates to the local economy. The new report, ‘The Quiet Revolution: How Data Centres Remade Slough and Secured the UK’s Digital Future’, was released just as the UK marks 12 months since the inception of the Government’s AI Opportunities Action Plan, which proposed the creation of AIGZs to accelerate infrastructure deployments in support of the country’s AI and economic ambitions. Kao Data’s new report, produced with support from Carbon3IT and Parisi, demonstrates that such a growth zone already exists in Slough, operating at around 1GW of capacity and providing a proven blueprint for regional, economic growth. Further, it highlights the positive contribution that data centres - often incorrectly maligned as an industry which creates minimal jobs and economic impact - can have on a local community. For example, the report reveals that data centres replaced declining manufacturing employment in the Slough region on a near one-to-one basis, and created approximately 8,000 construction jobs between 2010 and 2025, alongside hundreds of permanently skilled operational roles. Other key findings • Slough hosts more than 30 operational data centres with around 1GW of total capacity, including 675MW of hyperscale facilities serving UK availability zones. • The cluster supports approximately 14,000 jobs across direct, indirect, and induced employment. • Data centre operators contribute over £30 million per year in local business rates. • 95% of Slough’s data centre electricity demand is backed by 100% renewable procurement. • The Simplified Planning Zone (SPZ) framework generated £18 million in council revenues between 2014 and 2024. • Nearly 2.7 million people with engineering, construction, and telecommunications experience live within one hour of the Slough Trading Estate. Spencer Lamb, MD & Chief Commercial Officer at Kao Data, explains, “Slough shows, in very real terms, what happens when infrastructure is developed with planning certainty, energy availability, and a skilled workforce, and our new report demonstrates that data centres have delivered long-term job creation, significant tax revenues, and a resilient foundation for the UK’s AI and digital economies. “We firmly believe that data centres are a force for good in this country, providing well-paid, varied, and future-proof employment, economic regeneration to post-industrial areas, and, through operator-led energy procurement, are helping transition the UK to a green economy.” With Slough and West London’s grid constraints well documented, the economic case for developing additional regional hubs in the UK has never been more urgent. Moreover, with data centres now designated as Critical National Infrastructure (CNI), the report concludes that the UK must create additional clusters across the country to propel regional economic growth and provide security diversity. With Slough proving what's possible when the conditions and local governance are right, the task now is to build on that success deliberately, regionally, and at scale - starting with the UK’s AIGZs and existing city tech communities like Greater Manchester - so that Britain's AI and digital economies can be powerful and resilient. For more from Kao Data, click here.

Fluke Networks launches CertiFiber Max fibre tester

Fluke Networks, a manufacturer of network certification and troubleshooting tools, has launched CertiFiber Max, a third-generation optical loss test set designed for high-density data centre fibre testing. The tester is built on the Versiv platform and integrates with LinkWare software. Fluke Networks states that CertiFiber Max can certify up to 24 fibres in under one second, addressing growing testing demands as fibre density increases in AI- and cloud-driven environments. As data centre architectures evolve, contractors are under pressure to certify more fibres within tighter performance margins. Fluke Networks notes that many existing tools either limit fibre counts or rely on fan-out cables and adapters, increasing testing time and complexity. Designed for high-density fibre certification CertiFiber Max supports 12-, 16-, and 24-fibre MPO connectors, as well as 16- and 24-fibre MMC connectors, using field-replaceable UniPort adapters. These adapters are designed to connect directly to multiple connector types and can be replaced or upgraded on site, extending the working life of the tester. The company says this approach allows technicians to adapt to changing connector standards without replacing test equipment, while also protecting tester ports during use in demanding environments. Vineet Thuvara, Chief Product Officer at Fluke Corporation, comments, “CertiFiber Max reflects our belief that trust in data centre operations starts at the physical layer. Built on the proven Versiv platform, it delivers native 24-fibre support for high-density networks.” As fibre counts continue to rise, the company positions its CertiFiber Max as a tool designed to support both current installations and future requirements, including emerging connector formats such as MMC. Charlie Stroup, Applications Engineering Manager at US Conec, notes, “As MMC deployments continue to expand rapidly, Fluke’s CertiFiber Max plays a critical role in supporting reliable testing for next-generation AI networks.” The system measures optical loss, length, and polarity across multiple fibres in under a second and uses the one-jumper reference method recommended by industry standards and manufacturers. For more from Fluke Networks, click here.