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Why Data Centers Must Strengthen Network Resiliency in the Age of AI

The rising demand for artificial intelligence (AI), along with the need for data processing and storage capabilities, will require additional critical infrastructure in data centers.

According to a recent study by Moody’s Ratings, global data center capacity will double over the next five years to accommodate the growth in AI. BlackRock’s 2024 Midyear Global Outlook report estimates that investment in the AI data center will increase annually between 60 and 100% in the coming years.

AI demands completely new architectural designs because of the enormous computer resources required for graphics processing units or GPUs. The power density requirements and associated heat are also up to ten times that of a traditional data center. Moreover, the amount of data being created, and the need to transfer it instantaneously, puts additional stress on operators.

As data centers continue to multiply across the global, the more challenging they become to manage. More devices and connections amplify complexity, subsequently increasing the risk of network failures. The highly interconnected nature of modern services means that even a single point of failure can have serious consequences.

If a network outage occurs, there will be widespread disruptions, negatively affecting businesses globally. In particular, network outages will compromise the accessibility of AI applications, the very thing data centers scaled to support. Outages—and even reduced performance—carry significant risks, both financial and reputational. Data centers must therefore adopt network solutions, like Failover to Cellular and out-of-band (OOB) management, to ensure AI services remain accessible amid disruptions to normal operations.

Benefits of Failover to Cellular for Data Centers

Failover to Cellular is a network solution that provides a robust backup connection during primary network failures. By automatically switching to a cellular network when the primary network fails, data centers can continue running smoothly during outages, preventing service interruptions and maintaining data integrity. In fact, the transition to the cellular network is so seamless and instantaneous that those using AI applications won’t notice any connectivity issues.

Setting up a failover solution involves equipping network devices with cellular modems. The solution then monitors the status of the primary network connection; should it detect a failure in the primary network or significant degradation in service quality, the failover system automatically activates the cellular modems. The network devices will connect to the cellular network, enabling an alternative path for data transmission. Once technical personnel restore the primary network connection, the failover system automatically switches back.

The joke that people only notice the network connection when it is poor couldn’t be truer today—especially because so many rely on AI services to perform their daily job functions. Failover to Cellular helps data centers meet these modern expectations, minimizing downtime and maximizing service availability even during network failures, ultimately boosting trust, satisfaction and retention among customers.

Getting Stronger with Out-of-Band Management

Besides Failover to Cellular, data centers can leverage another network solution in OOB management, which provides a separate, dedicated channel for accessing and managing network infrastructure, independent of the primary network. OOB management allows for independent access to network infrastructure irrespective of the network’s health or availability, ensuring 24/7 optimization. Should the primary network suffer an outage or significant performance reduction, OOB management permits administrators to assess critical infrastructure to troubleshoot and remediate the situation as quickly as possible.

Perhaps the greatest benefit of OOB management tools for data centers is that they allow administrators to manage and troubleshoot network devices remotely. This remote access and control mean that administrators can quickly resolve issues without being on site, which is valuable for distributed data centers with limited personnel. Additionally, OOB management proactively reduces the risk of outages by enabling repeatable automation to configure, deploy and manage variables without human interaction (minimizing overhead and human error) from the first day a data center comes online and every day in-between.

Leading OOB management solutions can also integrate seamlessly with Failover to Cellular technology, making them incredibly beneficial for data centers looking to bolster network resilience. This cellular access adds a layer of accessibility in the event that the backup/OOB network cannot connect.

How AI Enhances Networking Solutions

OOB management capabilities and Failover to Cellular integration lay a solid foundation for network resilience. However, data centers don’t need to stop there. AI integrations promise further enhancements, elevating these tools to the next level through advanced intelligence and automation. While it may seem odd to use AI when the extra stress on data centers today comes from increased AI usage, the advanced capabilities and accompanying benefits of this technology speak for themselves.

AI’s ability to analyze patterns allows it to detect connectivity issues that could cause failures. When combined with Failover to Cellular, for example, AI orchestrates a seamless Failover to Cellular backup, especially during peak traffic. AI can also automatically take proactive measures like predictive maintenance or rerouting traffic, reducing downtime and improving resilience. Likewise, AI augments the efforts of human administrators, automating tedious tasks and enabling them to focus on more pressing or complicated challenges.

Another means by which AI is transforming data center management concerns security. In particular, AI can identify unusual activities that indicate cyber threats, helping safeguard data center operations from malicious actors. Moreover, data centers can leverage AI to optimize cooling and power systems in real time. Energy efficiency will be pivotal in cutting costs and reducing environmental impact, considering that AI-specific data center energy usage will grow by an average of 43% annually between 2023 and 2028.

Weighing the Cost of Outages

It can be difficult for data center operators to determine where to spend their resources amid this rapid evolution sparked by the growing demand for AI. While network solutions like Failover to Cellular and

OOB management can be a significant investment, the long-term savings are well worth it. Downtime can be extremely costly, not just in financial losses but also in eroded reputation. Outages also stress technical personnel who must work tirelessly to restore services.

Failover to Cellular and OOB management mitigate the risks of outages by strengthening network resiliency and throughput, ensuring maximal uptime for crucial AI applications and tools. Within a short time, the disasters avoided through these network solutions will outweigh the initial investment costs.


About the Author

Tracy Collins is VP of Sales, Americas at Opengear. Tracy has over 25 years of experience in leadership positions in the IT and Infrastructure industry. Prior to joining Opengear, Tracy led the Americas business for EkkoSense, the leading provider of AI/ML software that allows data center operators to operate more efficiently. Prior to joining EkkoSense, Tracy was the CEO of Alabama based Simple Helix, a regional colocation data center operator and MSP. Tracy spent over 21 years with Vertiv, in various leadership positions including leading the global channel organization.

Tracy has an extensive background in sales leadership, and channel development with a strong track record of driving growth while improving profitability. Tracy holds both a Bachelors of Science, Business Administration, and a Masters of Science in Management from the University of Alabama – Huntsville.

Featured image: Adobe Stock

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