This growth is being driven by the transformative power of AI and Cloud computing. These technologies are pushing DC density requirements to new heights. The average server rack density is expected to double in just two years, going from 60kW/rack in 2023 to 80kW/rack in 2024 before skyrocketing to 120kW/rack in 2025. This growth translates to facility expansions, infrastructure overhauls, and the deployment of new data center sites – and their associated price tags. Per a recent study conducted by Cushman and Wakefield , a global commercial real estate services leader, the DC industry saw record fundraising in 2022 with $41B and another $7B in 2023.
SEL Data Center Solutions Guide
To pay for these expansions, facilities managers demand cost-effective "rapid turn-up" infrastructure deployments in traditional (primary) and nontraditional (secondary and tertiary) markets to accelerate facility operation cash flow. Achieving a rapid turn-up schedule, however, is challenging in many ways. Common challenges include:
Coupled with product training and AI-enhanced terminations (yes, installers can also benefit from AI), many, if not all, of these challenges can be minimized and overcome with solutions that require less "in-the-field" work.
Pre-terminated cabling solutions require the upfront work of precisely measuring each connection point within your network, making decisions on cable lengths, splice counts, connector types, etc. before the deployment clock starts ticking. Yes, this solution limits some flexibility once on site, but consider the advantages. Pre-terminated solutions simplify budgets and lead times. Factory/clean room-terminated and tested products meet established performance metrics with minimal effort and liability. Moreover, the products are delivered ready for a "plug and play" installation, ensuring smooth and efficient deployments with few, if any, field terminations and limited installer training.
See SEL’s pre-terminated cable solutions in action
Blog: SEL’s pre-terminated solutions – Save Time and Money
Propelled by jetting machinery using compressed air, unterminated or pre-terminated jetted cables move at 150 feet per minute or faster through ducts. Not only is jetted technology considerably faster than the traditional method of pulling cables, it reduces friction through duct turns and curves and places less strain on cables, allowing for underground deployment lengths into thousands of feet. Aerial ducts can also be used for shorter runs. Jetted installations eliminate many, if not all, of the "intermediate assist points" and labor associated with these touch points. As expected, lower labor, faster deployments, and fewer materials lead to an overall reduction in project cost and need for highly skilled installers.
See SEL Deploy UHD Cables Using Jetting Technology
Blog: Difference Between Jetting vs. Pulling Cable
While a ribbon splicer is nothing new, the use of AI to speed splicing by accounting for impairments is a novel and practical use of AI capabilities. Sumitomo Electric Lightwave’s Q102-M12+ builds on its Q102-M12 predecessor with new technologies that improve splicing performance, reliability, and overall user experience. With new features like patented NanoTune™ technology and an AI-enabled Enhanced-Auto-Clamping Adjustment System, the Q102-M12+ is designed to splice up to 12-count ribbon fiber quickly and accurately, saving time and money on the most complex of jobs.
See SEL’s AI Enabled Q102-M12+ Fusion Splicer In Action
One solution never fits all. Contact Us to our network professionals who can analyze your network and design a solution for your unique deployment challenges.