As artificial intelligence (AI) driven data centres grapple with surging demand for faster data transmission and greater compute density, a cabling conundrum has emerged – whether to use a point-to-point or structured cabling configuration. And it’s an issue that is dividing some of the leading industry figures.

Each clearly has advantages and disadvantages. Point-to-point cabling may appear to be the more straightforward option, as it offers direct, dedicated connections between devices and is cost effective. Yet, as the network expands and becomes more complex, this method reveals its limitations – leading to cable clutter and maintenance challenges.

In contrast, structured cabling offers a more organised and scalable solution. It uses a centralised patch panel system that keeps connections neat, making it ideal for large scale, high density deployments that require long-term scalability. However, it requires more upfront planning and a higher initial investment.

It’s an important decision and a vital strategic investment, so in this issue’s Question Time we’ve asked a specially selected panel of industry experts to offer their views on the subject and suggest which is most effective – point-to-point or structured cabling. As the responses make clear, it’s not as straightforward as it sounds!

Sticking with cabling infrastructure, this issue contains a feature on fibre optic technology that covers a range of subjects. These include how it can support high performance computing, the performance of fibre cables over extended periods of time, and the role of fibre cabling and connectivity solutions in modern railway systems.

Given the heat generated in AI-driven data centres, it is perhaps timely that this issue also has a feature dedicated to cooling and climate management. Richard Collar of Kao Data identifies what needs to be done to cool the AI workloads of the future, while Panduit’s Hans Obermillacher looks at the key considerations when it comes to effective data centre climate control.

Rob Shepherd 
Editor