With the rapid growth of the digital market fueled by SaaS services, remote work, and cloud adoption, the demand for data centers to support these advancements is also on the rise. According to the U.S. market research firm Arizton, the global data center construction market is expected to double, growing from approximately 5 trillion KRW in 2021 to 10 trillion KRW by 20251. In Korea, the need for data centers is increasing exponentially, with the number of facilities projected to grow from 177 in 2021 to 201 by 2024. The market size is also forecasted to expand at an annual growth rate of 6.7% through 20272.
As the number of data centers increases, so does the importance of technologies that enable seamless data sharing between them. Data center interconnection not only helps manage massive internet traffic but also reduces latency and ensures business continuity. In this article, we’ll dive into Data Center Interconnection (DCI), a critical technology driving today’s connected world.
What is DCI(Data Center interconnection)?
DCI (Data Center Interconnection) is a network technology that connects multiple data centers, enabling seamless resource sharing and integration. It not only links physical devices such as routers, switches, firewalls, and servers but also supports essential functions like data backup, IT management, and disaster recovery through interconnection. DCI can be implemented in carrier-neutral hosting environments, such as distributed exchange points or colocation facilities. Moreover, it plays a vital role in balancing and optimizing resources during periods of high demand or traffic surges.
As the adoption of multi-cloud environments accelerates in the era of digital transformation, the importance of DCI technology, which facilitates efficient operation and resource sharing across interconnected data centers, continues to grow.
Essential factors to consider while interconnecting data centers
DCI can connect data centers over short distances, while long-distance connections are typically established through distributed exchange points housed in carrier-neutral colocation data centers. Because the requirements for DCI can vary depending on a data center’s environment, capacity, and specific needs, it’s important to carefully consider various network factors when choosing a DCI provider.
1. Distance
Since the distance between interconnected data centers can affect packet transmission latency, it is better to look for a low latency connection to improve the performance of your network. The type of cable used for a particular connection is also important. Fiber Optic, for example, is faster than UTP.
2. Capacity
Though the idea behind data center interconnection is to share workloads and storage space by transferring data to each other, it does not mean that all data centers have the same capacities. Remember, data centers with limited storage capacity or that are unable to handle data traffic spikes can affect the overall performance of the entire interconnection ecosystem.
3. Security
In today’s world of vast information and data, security is a key consideration when implementing DCI. Every data transfer between data centers requires careful oversight and protection by IT administrators. Furthermore, all data transmitted via DCI must follow strict encryption protocols and adhere to stringent rules for access and usage.
The benefits of Data Center interconnection
As advanced technologies like AI, IoT, and intelligent computing are being adopted more actively than ever, the amount of data processed by a single data center is growing rapidly. However, data centers face physical limitations, such as server capacity, operational budgets, and available space, making it challenging to handle this surge in data. When the data volume surpasses what a single data center can manage, infrastructure expansion becomes essential. DCI technology, which enables the interconnection of multiple data centers, offers an efficient solution to address these growing demands.
DCI offers significant advantages by connecting and utilizing the resources of multiple data centers, enhancing both efficiency and reliability. One of its key benefits is ensuring business continuity. If a failure occurs in one data center, connected centers can seamlessly take over, minimizing service disruptions. Additionally, by sharing data and storing critical information across multiple locations, DCI reduces the risk of data loss.
In a global business environment, DCI plays a vital role in connecting geographically dispersed data centers. This enables businesses to provide faster access and improved services to customers worldwide. Moreover, features like load balancing help distribute traffic efficiently, while cost-saving benefits make DCI a practical and scalable solution for modern data center operations.
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Types of Data Center Interconnections
Cross Connect
Peering Exchange
Blended IP
As the name suggests, this option combines different connectivity options of ISPs to provide a single connection. Blended IP service providers provide businesses with a single Internet connection without giving them the option to negotiate with multiple service providers. Another advantage of this method is that it provides maximum traffic routing while reducing network congestion.
Inter-site Connectivity
In today’s digital era, where data center workloads are rapidly increasing, data center interconnection (DCI) has become essential. DCI not only reduces costs and improves connectivity for businesses but also enhances global internet traffic distribution and routing efficiency, ultimately improving internet speeds. Daou IDC connects its data centers across four metropolitan areas with a robust network design to reduce traffic load and provide optimal network performance. This ensures customers enjoy fast, reliable access to their data, even during network disruptions.
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