AI gets all of the attention, but it’s data centers that give AI its power.
Data centers are what host and power the coding, large language models, and learning. Without them, AI is just a car without an engine.
As businesses herald this latest wave of world-changing innovation, we must also take a moment to understand what powers it. Why? Because a data center’s infrastructure will either hinder or unlock the full potential of AI.
What Goes Into a Data Center Infrastructure?
We’ve all heard the term data center, but have you considered what a data center and its infrastructure entail? Probably not, so let’s take a quick look.
A data center is a highly engineered backbone of AI. They are massive facilities where computational, storage, and networking hardware live. Inside a data center, you’ll find a marvel of IT engineering that includes:
- Servers
- Storage arrays
- Network equipment (switches, routers, firewalls)
- Power systems
- Cooling systems (CRACs, CRAHs, liquig cooling, and heat exchangers)
- Structured cabling (Fiber optic and copper)
- Security (access control, surveillance, and monitoring)
What Keeps a Data Center from Failing?
Reliable and Uninterrupted Power
Few types of facilities, if any, consume as much electricity as a data center. The unpopular reality is that AI gulps power and is always hungry for more. However, the power draw is not steady. It actually fluctuates wildly. As AI processes prompts, the GPUs swing from idle to full throttle in milliseconds, millions of times a day.
If the electrical design isn’t engineered to handle massive volatility, the data center will experience brownouts, tripped breakers, thermal spirals, and performance throttling. All of which are unacceptable to the companies and customers relying on always-there AI.
A power outage is not an option. It’s miserable to see a multimillion-dollar data center crippled by inadequate design and scaling.
Low Voltage Systems
Data centers have tens of kilovolts running into them. Inside the walls, that power is split into 277/480 V AC three-phase. But that’s for the big systems. Beyond that are millions of feet of low-voltage cabling that connect and power essential systems.
The low-voltage runs also provide critical separation from EMI sources, as well as grounding and bonding. When thinking of power lines, consider high voltage as equivalent to freeways, and low voltage as equivalent to county roads and city streets.
Cooling
Just like a PC, data centers operate at extremely high temperatures. All that computational and networking power generates a massive amount of heat. Interestingly, even though it creates heat, the infrastructure also abhors heat. That’s why liquid cooling, rear-door heat exchangers, and smart airflow systems all play a role, and all rely on resilient electrical design
Scalability
Data center infrastructure must be designed for rapid and consistent growth. This includes high-capacity busways, modular UPS systems, intelligent PDUs, and low-voltage cabling that support next-generation transceiver speeds.
A brand and sales team will promote AI — but the real selling point is the infrastructure behind it: the data centers that make AI possible.
Structured Cabling is the Foundation of Data Center Infrastructure
Structured cabling is no place to skimp. AI bandwidth demands are extreme. The only way to achieve maximum AI throughput (100G, 200G, 400G, and 800G) and reliability is with best-spec cabling. Right now, that’s fiber optic and CAT6 Ethernet (never CAT5).
Beyond the cables themselves, you’ll also need proper routing, connector hygiene, clear documentation, proper labeling, and bend radius control.
We also understand Wi–Fi routers will be part of the data center infrastructure connectivity. While it’s not an ideal signal carrier, it’s a must for some devices.
You may be wondering which connection type to use in a specific application. Here’s a good rule of thumb. Use fiber optic for the heavy lifting, deploy Ethernet to handle edge devices and structured endpoints, and reserve Wi-Fi for applications that require mobility. If a hardware connection is an option, that is always the preferred connection type over Wi-Fi.
Ready to Future-Proof Your Data Center Infrastructure IT Team?
Having the proper infrastructure in place is critical for future-proofing your data center AI operations. The best way to ensure you achieve it is by working with an expert. Matrix-NDI solves the challenges of IT by unlocking the full ROI of your IT infrastructure. We design and install networks built for maximum speed and perfectly matched to bandwidth demands.
Why work with Matrix-NDI?
With on-staff Registered Communications Distribution Designers (RCDDs), coast-to-coast service coverage, and partnerships with leading data networking providers—including Extreme Networks, Nile, and others—Matrix-NDI delivers the expertise and reach to support your technology goals. We invite you to connect with us to see how our expertise, partnerships, and national reach can help solve your challenges.
Contact Matrix-NDI to get started. Let’s build smarter, safer, more connected spaces — together.
