The commercial use of 5G will bring massive IoT and AI applications that will change the way we work and live, but it will also require much more in terms of network capabilities.
The
essence of IoT lies in the intelligent network and the core of IoT is to
connect things and manifest their intelligence. However, we can only do so by
combining big data and IoT. As everything becomes connected, computing and
cloud capabilities will be enabled to accelerate the commercial use of AI.
What
Is the Basis of Ubiquitous Connectivity?
To
answer this question, let’s look at the standard definition of multi-access
edge computing (MEC):
“A network architecture concept that
enables cloud computing capabilities and an IT service environment at the edge
of the cellular network.”
Edge
computing is a new phase of industry digitalization that drives the development
of cloud computing. In essence, it extends cloud computing to the user edge and
creates a new form of cloud computing.
With the emergence of various new service types, such as AR/VR and autonomous vehicles, the traditional network structure is gradually becoming overburdened. Multi-access Edge Computing (MEC) is emerging as tool that enables network services to “sink” to the radio access network side of users.
Service “sink” has the following advantages:
1.
Decreases the transmission latency perceived by users.
2. Controls network congestion.
It
works by providing hardware infrastructure for IT+CT+OT (such as computing,
storage, network, and intelligence) and software cloud services (such as IaaS,
PaaS, DaaS, and SaaS) near data sources or users.
A
traditional data center is basically a centralized big data processing
platform, while MEC is an edge-based big data processing platform.
Under
this architecture, a traditional data center is divided into various small data
centers that are placed at the edge of a network. Data centers can be closer to
users, providing faster services and achieving better network performance.
Obviously, ubiquitous connectivity relies on edge computing. According to statistics, about 70% of IoT data is processed at the edge.
Edge
computing with such a large space and large capacity will need to meet the
construction requirements of hardware infrastructure for IT+CT+OT, such as
computing, storage, network, and intelligence, to be near data sources or
users.
So,
where should we deploy the basic hardware infrastructure for IT+CT+OT (such as
computing, storage, network, and intelligence)?
In edge DCs.
With
massive IoT and AI applications, the number of edge DCs will also surge. However,
they have particular requirements for construction and management:
1. Simple and flexible deployment
Simple
installation and maintenance is required for a large number of edge DCs. Unlike
large-scale DCs, edge DCs can use dedicated hardware to facilitate quick
installation and flexible access. And they can carry MEC capabilities. In 2B
and 2C scenarios, edge DCs of different sizes and capabilities need to be
flexibly deployed to meet requirements in different scenarios, such as
enterprise campus and street cabinets, for a plug and play experience.
2. Efficient operations and maintenance (O&M)
Since
the number of edge DCs is high, the pressure and costs involved in O&M are also
high. Therefore, unified O&M is essential to improve efficiency.
3. High reliability
High-speed
computing features like the low latency of 5G and cloud computing require edge
DCs to be highly reliable, for example, through prefabricating the core
components of edge DCs in the factory and designing redundant components.
The
Answer Is Modular
Based
on these three requirements, modular DCs are the best choice for constructing edge
DCs for ubiquitous connectivity. The modular DC is fast to deploy, can be
flexibly expanded, and it matches the intelligent management system for unified
O&M. It meets the requirements of edge DCs for simplicity, efficiency, and
reliability.
As
a leader in modular DC solutions, Huawei Network Energy has launched the modular
DC solution FusionModule800 3.0 for edge DCs, building on the FusionModule800
2.0 integrated data center.
Modular design, fast deployment, and flexible
expansion
Huawei
FusionModule800 3.0 DC adopts a modular design where the core components are
prefabricated and pre-commissioned before delivery. Complex onsite installation
is left at the factory, so delivery is fast, onsite installation and
maintenance are simple, and capacity can be flexibly expanded by adding modules,
meaning that initial investment does not necessarily have to be exorbitant.
Smart O&M for efficiency gains
The
data center infrastructure management system DCIM-NetEco6000 helps unify the
management of massive volumes of edge DCs, improving O&M efficiency.
Huawei
DCIM can implement dynamic visualized management for multiple DCs on one
graphical user interface (GUI), helping users quickly identify the running
status of DC infrastructure. The geographic information system (GIS) map
function ensures that faults are located quickly, reducing data center risks.
The mobile O&M app is provided to check DC running status anytime and
anywhere. Even non-O&M experts can efficiently and accurately perform
preventive maintenance inspections based on the operations guide.
To
control access, FusionModule800 3.0 uses facial recognition technology, so that
authorized users can easily log in to the local surveillance system and open
any cabinet door through the local surveillance screen.
Cold and hot aisle containment reduces power
consumption and improving efficiency
FusionModule800
3.0 uses cold and hot aisle containment to ensure that equipment is cooled before
the ambient environment. It prevents dust and reduces noise, improving cooling
efficiency. FusionModule800 3.0 also uses direct current inverter air
conditioners, electronically commutated (EC) fans, and wet film humidifiers to
improve cooling system efficiency and slash annual electricity fees.
Prefabricating core components in the
factory and designing redundant components to ensure high reliability
The
core components are prefabricated, preinstalled, and pre-commissioned in the
factory, which reduces the potential risks caused by onsite cabling and
commissioning. Strict factory inspections and testing certification also ensure
the product reliability.
Leading
the trend of DC modularization is only one of things we’re doing to evolve
networks. In the future, considering the massive construction requirements and
pain points of edge DCs, we will dive deeper into how the AI+Cloud platform can
continuously create intelligent modular kernels, making DCs simpler, more
efficient, and more reliable.
Read
more about Huawei’s
modular data centers.
Article Source: HuaWei
Article Source: HuaWei
Disclaimer: Any views and/or opinions expressed in this post by individual authors or contributors are their personal views and/or opinions and do not necessarily reflect the views and/or opinions of Huawei Technologies.
