5G networking is on the rise and will make data worth its weight in gold. Data centres need to prepare by understanding exactly how 5G networks function, how it can benefit them and the crucial infrastructure that needs upgrading.

5G transfers mass data at unrivalled speeds, enabling innovation that could only be imagined before. Even AI possibilities can’t be fully achieved without a full 5G ecosystem.

But, 5G is coming. High speed, low latency networking. And ultra fast computing will unlock the needs of the next generation. Data centres are already stepping up their infrastructure investments, implementing advanced Data Centre Infrastructure Management (DCIM) and shifting computing capabilities, ready to meet 5G head on.

As data centres evolve to accommodate 5G, they will be less defined by size and more by proximity to end users and their adaptability to process, move, and store data.

What is the 5G Network Demand?

The latest figures state that, globally, data centre space takes up 63.4 million square feet, with another 4.3 million square feet under construction. At the rate data centres are being developed, by the time you read this, this figure will have grown further to meet record demands for data centre space.

The global 5G market is estimated to reach £1.34 trillion by 2030, more than double the current 5G market. The rising demand for reliable and low latency data networks is the driving force estimated to boost market growth.

The potential of 5G is mind blowing. From remote surgery and autonomous vehicles to smart homes and smart cities. We’re talking about industry 4.0 – the fourth Industrial Revolution, focusing on interconnectivity, machine learning and real-time data.

How Will 5G Change Data Centres?

20 times faster than 4G, 5G is supported by machine-to-machine (M2M) communications and advanced DCIM driven by software defined networks (SDNs) and network virtualization, powered by high-density servers.

Today’s hyperscale data centres are built to deal with this network of increased computing power. However, enterprise data centres will need to step up and migrate to a cloud provider or upgrade infrastructure to be able to deal with future 5G innovations.

And data centres will no longer be constructed on the edge of major cities. They’ll need to be in the middle of them to improve latency. It will be a case of more data centres but with smaller footprints, edge data centres, to allow fast distribution of 5G data.

In short, data centres will need to optimise efficiency, accuracy, flexibility, latency and security while meeting growing data and network demands.

5G Meets the Edge

As uber-fast computing becomes the norm, data centres will need to evolve. Gartner predicts that 75% of enterprise data will be created and processed outside of traditional centralised data centres or the cloud by 2025.

Data centre infrastructure will need to be ready to store, process and converge close to end users to have the ability to rapidly deliver reliable and accessible data to the next generation of consumers.

The rise of 5G will propel this need to manage huge amounts of data with greater and more sophisticated DCIM.

To meet the scale and speed required by the market, big players Switch, Dell and FedEx are already deploying edge data centres throughout their strategically placed sites. This approach will become more common as data centres bring 5G closer to advanced infrastructure, such as autonomous vehicles.

Flexible and scalable solutions will become crucial to successful edge deployment in order to understand data and latency requirements, modular design, large-scale deployment capabilities and systemwide perspective.

The Cooling Dilemma of 5G

The high-density racks required for 5G eat up vast quantities of power, generate excess heat, and require a new and innovative approach to how equipment is configured and effectively cooled. Cooling systems already use a significant amount of energy and will use even more to deal with 5G.

Hand in hand with cooling is power. 5G will put even more demand on power demand in an already under pressure industry. Let’s not forget the imminent net-zero emissions targets looming only a few years away. Hyperscale data centres are preparing or already prepared for 5G and have systems in place to decarbonise and responsibly manage the predicted rise in power usage.

The options to prepare for the increase in cooling needs include migrating data centres to cooler climates where natural cooling can do the hard work, free of charge, or with the use of next-gen DCIM that offers full and accurate insights into power usage and where exactly and how much cooling is needed. DCIM optimises power and cooling and ensures that all components work seamlessly together for maximum efficiency.

Taking back control over cooling and energy usage allows for the potential of massive savings when it comes to reducing energy bills, boosting profits and reaching those all important environmental net-zero goals. Absolutely essential with the introduction of 5G.

The Next Step for Data Centres

To meet this next generation technology, data centres will need next-gen DCIM. Software that can pinpoint inefficiencies, optimise capacity and even save money on cooling.

Assetspire’s innovative DCIM is the key to meeting 5G head on and with ease. DCIM that can future-proof and optimise hyperscale, enterprise and edge data centres. Manage vital components, save energy and save money with this smart DCIM software and embrace the opportunity to effectively maximise control and visibility of your data centre space, ready for 5G.