Smarter Data Center Scaling with High-Density Connectors

Reprinted from: https://www.molex.com/en-us/blog/smarter-data-center-scaling-with-high-density-connectors

Hyperscale data centers are facing unprecedented growth and complexity. High-density optical connectors are emerging as the linchpin to optimize overall resource efficiency, enabling faster deployments, optimized operations and future-proof infrastructure.

According to Data Center Dynamics, cited by Synergy Research Group, the number of hyperscale data centers globally is expected to grow by 120 to 130 facilities per year over the next decade. This expansion requires an uptick in the workforce, shorter deployment times and rapid scalability. Currently, facility operators often take 16 weeks or more to launch a new data center, but some companies addressing the rising demand for development are aiming to reduce this timeframe to just 6 weeks.

A robust, scalable infrastructure is crucial to allow facility operators to tackle compute utilization challenges head on. As technology companies and cloud service providers invest heavily in graphics processing units (GPUs) to power AI, machine learning and high-performance computing workloads, maximizing GPU utilization becomes critical. To prevent idle GPU resources, operators must implement strategies for workload optimization, dynamic resource allocation and efficient power management. A highly flexible infrastructure enables operators to expand deployments to meet fluctuating demand rapidly, ensuring optimal utilization of GPU resources and a maximized return on investment (ROI).

Fiber optic interconnects are indispensable in providing the high-speed data transfer needed in data centers. Scalable fiber interconnect infrastructures support existing and emerging technologies like 5G, artificial intelligence and the Internet of Things (IoT), which generate massive amounts of data. By deploying higher-density fiber connectors within cable assemblies, data center operators can increase network capacity, reduce congestion and improve overall system performance.

High-Density Fiber Optic Connectors: A Foundation for Scalability

In data center architecture, particularly for hyperscalers, cable assemblies are critical. By enabling efficient data routing and reducing the need for additional network equipment, cable assemblies contribute to simplified network management and lower operational costs. As data centers evolve to support additional workloads and applications, the demand for higher bandwidth and lower latency increases. High-density connectors within cable assemblies provide the necessary foundation for meeting these challenges by offering additional port density, greater signal integrity and reduced power consumption.

High-density connectors and cable assemblies play a central role in supporting increasing data rates and fiber cabling requirements in new facilities. Because high-density connectors allow for more connections per unit volume, new facilities can be quickly scaled helping to reach deployment timelines as short as six weeks. Similarly, when an existing facility needs to be scaled, high-density connectors allow for faster installation and scaling.

Key Technologies Driving Connector Density

To address these data-heavy, space-constrained challenges, the industry has embraced multi-fiber push-on (MPO) and multi-fiber termination push-on fiber (MTP) connectors. These proven technologies have found their greatest adoption in hyperscale data centers due to their ability to enable the simultaneous transmission of multiple optical fibers within a single connector, resulting in increased bandwidth, reduced port count and simplified cable management. Their superior performance and scalability have resulted in MPO/MTP connectors having become the industry standard for high-speed data center interconnections.

In parallel with MPO/MTP advancements, Very Small Form Factor (VSFF) such as MMC and SN cable assemblies have emerged as a promising option for high-density connectivity. Characterized by their compact size, VSFF connectors easily handle both single-mode and multimode fibers, providing versatility and flexibility in data center installation and design. By minimizing physical footprint and fiber density, VSFF assemblies contribute significantly to space savings and enhanced airflow within data center environments.

In addition to connector advancements, adopting smaller diameter fiber, such as 200-micron fiber, has enabled further advances in interconnect density. Reducing fiber size allows more fibers to be accommodated within a given cable assembly, leading to higher port counts and heightened system capacity. This approach also helps reduce costs by improving cable utilization and minimizing infrastructure requirements.

While fiber density is a critical factor in data center design, it is essential to consider the broader ecosystem of interconnect components. To achieve optimal performance and scalability, data center operators must carefully evaluate cable assembly design, connector quality and overall system integration. By incorporating a comprehensive approach to interconnect infrastructure, operators can maximize the benefits of high-density connectors and advanced data center operations.

Faster Deployment and Cost Control Opportunities

Achieving rapid deployment and controlling costs are always a priority for the success of any hyperscale data center. High-density connector solutions offer a strategic advantage in optimizing these critical factors.

Accelerating Time-to-Market

High-density connector products offer substantial opportunities to accelerate deployment timelines and reduce overall costs within hyperscale data center environments. By integrating plug-and-play hardware components, operators can significantly streamline the initial setup process, reducing labor costs and accelerating time-to-market. Futureproofing with high-density connectors also allows for scalability and adaptability to evolving infrastructure demands, mitigating the need for costly redesigns or overhauls.

Optimizing Costs Through Standardization

Standardized connector systems are instrumental in improving installation and maintenance efficiency. Adopting interoperable connectors simplifies cabling design, reduces errors and accelerates deployment schedules. Standardized connectors foster a more competitive marketplace by promoting compatibility between different equipment vendors, driving down costs and expanding product choices.

Maximizing Resource Efficiency

By transitioning to higher-density cable configurations, such as upgrading from Base-12 to Base-16 or consolidating from 3x Base-8 to 1x Base-24 cabling, operators can enhance space utilization within data center racks. This not only reduces hardware requirements but also simplifies cabling management, leading to cost reductions and improved airflow. Further, establishing a scalable platform sets up hyperscale designers to streamline deployment of even larger sizes as required down the road.

The relentless pursuit of speed and cost efficiency in hyperscale data center deployments has ignited a wave of innovation within the industry. High-density connectors have emerged as a cornerstone technology, enabling accelerated time-to-revenue, simplified scalability and reduced operational expenditures. By embracing these cutting-edge solutions, data center operators can gain a competitive advantage and drive long-term success.

Molex: Equipping Data Centers for Hyperscale Success

By leading the way in high-density connector technology, Molex provides cutting-edge solutions tailored to the unique demands of hyperscale data centers. Our deep understanding of industry needs, along with our expertise in connector design and manufacturing, allows us to deliver products that speed up deployment and upgrade performance.

Partnering with Molex grants customers access to a comprehensive range of high-density connectors specifically designed for hyperscale environments. Molex solutions are engineered for scalability, reliability and efficiency, ensuring that data centers can operate at peak performance.