Modular cabling concept enables scalable IT infrastructure to meet a variety of requirements
Rosenberger Optical Solutions & Infrastructure (Rosenberger OSI), a European manufacturer of innovative fibre-optic cabling infrastructures, has implemented the passive IT infrastructure for a new colocation data centre in Sehnde, Lower Saxony (near Hanover), for the Avacon Group and the telecommunications provider envia TEL. The focus of the project was on implementing a flexible cabling solution that can adapt to diverse and often unpredictable customer requirements.
The data centre, which was built on a greenfield site, is expected to cover an area of around 2,000 square metres when fully completed. A total of up to 28,000 servers can be accommodated. The partners are investing around 40 million euros in the site, which is aimed in particular at companies with high demands for data security and availability – including critical infrastructure operators.
Flexible infrastructure for dynamic requirements
A key challenge was designing the internal infrastructure to accommodate different usage scenarios. As the requirements of future colocation customers – for example, regarding bandwidth and port density – are difficult to predict in advance, the cabling had to be designed to be particularly flexible. Rosenberger OSI opted for a scalable concept based on the PreCONNECT® SMAP-G2 system. The solution allows for the flexible combined use of fibre-optic and copper cabling and can be expanded and adapted to new technologies modularly and without major modifications.
The 19-inch cabling system used supports both individual rack solutions and enclosed server cages, thereby offering a high degree of adaptability. Existing cabling runs can continue to be utilised and selectively expanded as requirements increase.
A redundant fibre-optic connection, state-of-the-art air conditioning technology, fire protection systems and 24/7 monitoring by a dedicated control centre ensure a high level of operational reliability. In addition, the operator is aiming to obtain several security certifications.
Sustainable data centre concept
Sustainability also plays a central role. The data centre is powered entirely by electricity from renewable energy sources and has its own photovoltaic system. A green façade supports natural climate control, and plans are in place to utilise the resulting waste heat at a later stage.
“In the colocation environment, flexibility is crucial. Infrastructure must meet a wide range of requirements whilst remaining future-proof. With our modular approach, we are laying the foundations for this,” says Thomas Schmidt, Managing Director of Rosenberger OSI.
