Despite developments such as more efficient processors and innovative cooling systems data centres remain major power consumers. Which is why the EU launches PhoxTroT, an initiative aiming to replace copper cabling with fibre.
Headed by Germany's Fraunhofer Institute, the PhoxTrot project describes optical data transmissions as "key" to slashing the energy consumption of European data centres by at least 50% over the next 4 years, while doubling data connection capacity to 2 terabits per second (Tb/s).
Optical data transmission uses a fraction of conventional means. The technology already exists, and also extensively researched. It is also more disaster-proof-- after the Hurricane Sandy disaster took down communications around the US east coast telcos rushed to replace all cabling with fibre, boosting network speeds in the process. Read more...