Intelligent Data Centres Issue 21 | Page 46

FEATURE
John Hall , Managing Director , Proximity Data Centres
Having a strict guide that provides best practice on how to do this securely will provide assurances and defences against data leaks taking place .
Edge data centres ’ role in 5G ’ s future
With billions of devices to be connected globally , it is inevitable that not all these devices will be located in urbanised areas throughout the UK . As a result , Edge data centres must be deployed as an extension of centralised data centres throughout both urban and rural areas , as well as coming out of the Greater London conurbation too . This will ensure that connected devices throughout the country are serviced , no matter where they are operating .
Edge data centres will play a key role in ensuring the whole of the UK – not just its major cities – is reaping the rewards of 5G by overcoming the latency issues and having wide-spread data centres present . And while centralised data centres still have a crucial role to play as they are the hubs of data distribution networks , it is Edge data centres that will continue to act as the local depots of data , for regions across the country .
The growth of Edge data centres will also lead to a required shift in the overall operations of data centres and their deployment , not just for the rollout of 5G – but forever . Due to the ever-increasing customer demand and surface areas requiring network coverage , the business model of data centres must change entirely .
The topology and infrastructure of data centres itself will naturally evolve into a business model where data is stored and transmitted equally , through Edge data centres . In fact , by 2025 , Gartner predicts that 80 % of enterprises will shut down their traditional data centres .
Regulatory issues and traditional rivalries
With IoT devices connecting around the world , it is inevitable that countries across the globe will have to collaborate and agree on blanket regulations , which is no mean feat . Different countries have different regulations when it comes to 5G installation , but new standards must be set and adhered to in order for rival countries , rival product makers and rival network operators to put aside their differences .
As we have seen with Huawei , this is easier said than done after the US banned the use of its equipment in their 5G networks , and is calling on the UK to do the same . Rivalries aren ’ t so easily laid to rest , it seems . And geopolitics is only one of several key issues that need to be ironed out if 5G is to reach half of its capability potential around the world .
New technical standards
To make global interoperability possible , new technical standards must be set for network infrastructure equipment , smartphones and IoT sensors alike . Ongoing standards deliberations are fraught with geopolitical and commercial rivalry challenges as well as the core technical ones .
Deployment of additional network transmission capacity
Massive infrastructure is still to be deployed and developed in many countries , and to support 5G networks , regional Edge data centres on mass are still needing to be connected to cell towers with fibre optic cabling , both in the UK and the wider world . This is absolutely necessary to support 5G ’ s implementation .
Licensing spectrum
Each national government must allocate and licence sufficient spectrum for both fixed and wireless links , as well as mobile 5G connections . 5G networks need spectrum within three key frequency ranges to deliver widespread coverage and support all use cases . There remains a key focus on establishing international agreement and allocated licensed spectrums . If unlicensed , there is no legal protection against outside interference to the networks .
A new chapter
While there are still many barriers to overcome , 5G will eventually change the world . But for it to do so , it will need to rely somewhat on Edge data centres for its comprehensive delivery . Not only is the next evolution of Internet connection going to change the way business and people operate , it will certainly birth a new chapter for Edge data centres , too . ◊
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