In a colocation data center, space is extremely valuable and must be maximised for servers, network equipment and computing hardware. However, to meet the ever-growing data requirements, efficiency can still be improved and fiber capacity increased without reducing space for revenue-generating equipment. Utilising a broad range of high-density fiber optic connectivity solutions, data centers can maximise the full potential of their white space. 

Colocation data centers need fiber management systems that establish high-quality and reliable connections between customers and the outside world. To meet customer demands today and beyond, operators must focus on creating fiber optic foundations for the future. By implementing solutions that are flexible and scalable, the capabilities of existing fiber can be expanded as needed.

The connection within a colocation data center and the outside world relies on a scalable fiber backbone with no limits. Connections to external network services and internet exchange locations, as well as those between enterprise customers and cloud providers, can be realized in the meet-me-room. However, the connection is only possible with a backbone that is easily scaled up. Sufficient capacity, expandable bandwidth, and scalable infrastructure is critical to meeting customer demands to ensure there are no limits to potential growth.

Easy-to-install, high-standard fiber optic cable management solutions, suitable for every network application, are the foundation. As technologies evolve, it is critical that the fiber backbone can adapt to ensure the best, most reliable performance. HUBER+SUHNER fiber solutions are compatible for today and tomorrow, making it easy to scale up with additional fiber or bandwidth when needed.

HUBER+SUHNER has a range of solutions that maximise space and allows fiber bandwidth to be increased, in addition to a full optical switch portfolio that automates complex connections. All fiber backbone needs can be addressed with HUBER+SUHNER solutions that are fast to deploy and support various applications, with either a plug-and-play option or cable splicing.

The multi-tenant area of a colocation data center requires high-performance solutions that are scalable and can be fully customised. It is essential that changes can be made quickly to address and react to varying customer needs with flexible options. It is a space which contains the equipment of various enterprise customers and is managed by a team of technicians and installers who are fast to scale-up equipment or make changes, as needed by surges in data demand. 

The key to fast, proactive installation is preparing for growth in advance of customer demand. Installing customer links is a time-consuming operation – installing one pair of fibers is just as time consuming as installing 12 pairs in some cases. Therefore, it is good practice to install multifiber links between eight and 12 fibers to enable expansion at the critical moment of increased demand. Typically, the time to roll out the customer link in a data center is no longer than 24 hours, and some multi-tenant data centers can do it within a couple of hours.

HUBER+SUHNER offer a wide variety of fiber solutions, scalable modular systems, space-saving cables and high-density structured cabling systems, which are readily available and can be deployed instantly. This enables the colocation data center to offer fast and customised set-ups for each of its customers.

Meet-me rooms provide easy access for internet service providers, cloud operators or other network service providers within or outside of the colocation data center. It is an area separate to the rest of the data center facility, enabling a safe and secure demarcation point with an easy and attractive way of managing the connection to the outside world.

Cross-connect is a methodology that enables service providers’ equipment to be connected to customers. As business needs change, it is important that connection methods are efficient by providing a dedicated area allowing for fast moves, adds and changes. These methods require excellent port identification and must avoid the exposure of active devices by using a demarcation point within the cross-connect methodology.

A neat and organised meet-me room can offer a gateway to the outside world while maximising space. It can further be enhanced by utilising a wide range of easy-to-install and reliable high-quality connectivity options including bandwidth expansion for existing fiber infrastructure and automated all-optical switching technology.

Choosing the right equipment for each type of colocation data center is made easy with a fully accessible portfolio of high-quality solutions that meets a data centre’s needs today and into the future.