May 3, 2021

The Most Energy-Efficient Way to Bring Data to The Edge

Cloud Computing

“Cloud Computing” describes when data is stored off-site in massive shared storage facilities and accessed via the Internet. It is scalable (enabling the user to immediately access more data storage space) and maintains redundancies (back-up servers) and security/firewalls to protect the data. Depending on where the company conducts business, redundant data may be stored in “The Cloud” in multiple data hubs in different regions of a country as well as globally.

Distributed Cloud and Edge Computing

Edge Computing is the primary solution to addressing latency (buffering, lag or other such transmission delays) caused by the demands of technology such as streaming, AI (Artificial Intelligence), Augmented and Virtual Reality, and IoT (Internet of Things) putting exponential demands on the over 800 zettabytes of data processing and storage kept in The Cloud. For Enterprise Solutions and 5G networks, Edge Computing/Distributed Cloud brings caches of data and processing closer to where it’s being utilized. It is complimentary to Cloud Computing and dramatically reduces latency for streaming and IoT (smart) devices.

It relocates crucial data processing to the “edge” of the network instead of requiring the data to travel between all users of that particular data and a central server. A Distributed Cloud infrastructure and Edge Computing requires Edge Data Centers in order to process and store vital data and application needs in a localized environment.

Edge Computing is ideal for applications where “real time” processing with dramatically reduced latency is required such as: robotic surgeries & medical procedures, automated manufacturing, real-time control of automated vehicles, smart devices, smart homes & buildings, and for most people the basic needs caused by the shift to streaming for telecommunications, social media & entertainment. Bringing cashes of data to “The Edge” reduces traffic volumes and storage requirements at centralized data centers.

Vital need for Distributed Cloud/Edge Data Centers

Subscribing to Distributed Cloud and Edge Computing requires Edge Data Centers in order to process and store vital data application needs in a localized environment. Thousands of Distributed Cloud/Edge Data Centers must be deployed, as they are a key component of the 5G/Edge Computing infrastructure. To successfully create a network that wirelessly connects all devices and interactions with those devices within the network, data will need to be transferred, stored, and processed at rapid speed. This data processing must also be consistent and highly reliable.

5G’s promise of less than 10 milliseconds of latency and speeds of 1GBps (1 gigabyte per second) is completely dependent on localized infrastructure because 5G operates at frequencies from 24-100GHz which only travel between 500 and 3000ft (based on data provided by US cellular providers).

For localized Enterprise applications (emergency services, hospitals, factories, smart cities, homes & buildings, transportation and businesses of all kinds), certain data will need to live on a dedicated network away from the congestion caused by a glut of applications and storage in a Cloud environment.

Micro Data Centers

Currently, depending on which statistics you read, powering the Internet uses between 2 and 10% of the world’s electricity demands and is growing at a rate of at least 8% annually. According to a China Mobile study, 46% of that energy goes toward cooling data centers. Of the over 800 zettabytes of data clogging the “information super-highway” 85ZB comes from the over 21 billion IoT devices currently deployed world wide. That number is projected to double by 2030!

There have been over 2.2 billion iPhones sold globally in addition to nearly 11 billion other smart phones, not to mention all the tablets in use. By 2030 projections estimate that powering our insatiable demand for instantaneous data could amount to as much as 20% (or more) of the world’s total energy consumption!

Tens of thousands of Edge Data Centers (also known as Micro Data Centers) must be deployed for 5G Wireless and Distributed Cloud/Edge Computing for Enterprise environments to function successfully. Traditionally, data centers have been built from scratch, have followed a model of customized solutions for each deployment, utilize traditional HVAC methods for cooling the servers, and take up to 2 years to deploy.

For Enterprise Solutions and the Distributed Cloud/Edge Computing model, Micro Data Centers are the next generation for Edge Data Centers. Whether for a 5G Macro-Site (antenna array) or an Enterprise Solution, a Micro Data Center needs to be deployed rapidly, should utilize more energy efficient/environmentally friendly cooling solutions, have a smaller, higher density, more consistent footprint, and be easily duplicated for scaling when needed.

PRIME’s Modular Data Centers

Prime’s Modular Data Centers with Natural Air Cooling are the ideal solution for the rapid deployment needs of Distributed Cloud/Edge Computing for 5G Macro-Sites and Enterprise applications, while being sensitive to the urgent need to reduce the ever-growing energy demands of storing and transporting data.

Prime’s MDC’s utilize pre-fabricated structural components, and a Siemens Environmental Programmable Logic Control system with approximately 100 different sensors built into each MDC to measure and control temperature, relative humidity, power consumption, security, lighting and more – on site or remotely.

Natural Air Cooling provides a PUE (Power Usage Effectiveness) of less than 1.1 – meeting ASHRAE standards – and because there is no need for traditional HVAC in most locations where these MDC’s are deployed, can reduce energy costs by at least 50% annually. The supplemental Evaporative Cooling (which helps to balance the MDC’s internal relative humidity) uses 75% less water annually than traditional water-based HVAC solutions.

These pre-fabricated solutions allow for rapid deployment and ease of expandability. Prime’s units are a practically “plug & play” solution because Prime can pre-wire each MDC with Prime’s structured cable patch cables, patch panels and accessories prior to deployment, reducing the set-up time at the site to installing the user’s servers, UPS & batteries and then plugging in the MDC to a power outlet. At the site, the primary needs are power, water and a flat surface.

Total cost of ownership is lower due to:

less design time & cost
infinitely less construction time/cost
faster deployment
reduced energy costs because of the simplified cooling system
lower maintenance and operating costs (primary maintenance is changing air and chemical filters once every 6 months to a year in most environments)

All of which provides a faster return on investment.

Emergency Services

Natural disasters happen. Fires, floods, earthquakes, winter storms, tornadoes & hurricanes all put a strain on communications equipment and access to on-site data. Another advantage of Prime’s Modular Data Centers is that since these are pre-fabricated, they are ideal for Emergency Services/Mission Critical Applications Providers to keep on-hand for such circumstances. Since Prime’s MDC’s can easily ship by truck or rail, and can be maneuvered on-site with a standard fork-lift, they are an ideal solution to drop into an affected area in mission critical situations where the ability to access data is vital. Most of Prime’s MDC’s operate from a 240VAC 30A, 40A or 50A circuit – depending on the model and IT load. Each MDC includes a prewired outdoor-rated, oil, water, weather & abrasion resistant/flame retardant power supply cord and 4 fiberoptic data cable connectors per rack.

Who is Prime

Prime Wire & Cable was founded in 1985 and established its presence in the USA Industrial and Home Improvement market channels with vertically integrated extension cord & electrical accessories design, manufacturing and distribution in Southern California. In 2006 YFC BonEagle International, a manufacturer of structured cabling and OEM power supply cords purchased Prime, combining the best of Prime’s innovative designs, marketing and sales with YFC’s precision manufacturing capabilities to form an ever-expanding industry leader in Structured Cable, Extension Cords and Electrical Accessories. Prime & YFC have manufacturing facilities in Taiwan, The Philippines, Vietnam, Ecuador and China as well as Sales & Service offices in Europe, Asia & North America.

With offices in Diamond Bar, CA and Mooresville, NC, a 200,000 sq.ft. distribution facility in Cerritos, CA. along with regional industrial distribution warehouses in in the USA in addition to fulfillment centers in Toronto and Coquitlam BC, Prime has positioned itself as both a product and service leader in the electrical and data communications cable markets.

PRIME’s MDC Program

Prime has 5 basic models for 5G Macro-Sites, Enterprise Solutions and Emergency Services applications:

Prime also has a larger 10-Rack Enterprise Data Center solution and can customize solutions to your specific needs.

The Programmable Logic Control from Seimens Environmental that is a part of every Prime MDC can be accessed remotely through log-in to a web portal enabling monitoring and control of the following functions:

Access – the doors have an electronic key with upgrades to biometric options. The doors can be opened from the PLC touch screen panel on the MDC or remotely from a computer, phone or tablet
Security – cameras inside and out can be monitored remotely
Alarms – the environmental control system notifies the user when it’s time to change the filters, so there is no guesswork – reducing on-site time, especially when multiple Macro-Site MDC’s are deployed
Intelligent PDU’s – the power distribution units included with each MDC have the option to have automated switching and monitoring capabilities which are visible on the PLC touch screen panel or remotely
Environment – sensors monitor the temperature in the “cold and hot aisles” and automatically turn on/off the high-speed fans that circulate external “natural” air and the air inside the MDC to maintain optimal operating temperatures and relative humidity – automatically deploying moisture when needed to keep components performing at optimal levels. Dampers will automatically open and close to recirculate air, allow the hottest air to escape and bring in fresh air as needed.
Power – in addition to monitoring the PUE level, all aspects of power are monitored through the PLC panel so there is visibility on-site and remotely

PRIME’s MDC team has extensive experience providing data center infrastructure solutions. We have worked hard to build and maintain relationships with leading manufacturers within the information technology (IT) industry, as well as develop our own specialized products. For a “virtual tour” of a PRIME Modular Data Center, please visit: Prime Modular Data Centers tour

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