Data centres turn to photonics to cut copper and power use

Data centre operators and researchers are pushing photonic interconnects inside facilities, replacing electrons in copper wiring with light to reduce heat and cooling energy. A typical 100MW site uses around 400 tonnes of copper, with up to 70 tonnes in servers and 20 tonnes in network wiring. Nvidia backs the shift, but heat sensitivity of optics and manufacturing costs remain challenges.

• A 100MW data centre uses around 400 tonnes of copper
• Up to 70 tonnes goes to servers and 20 tonnes to network wiring
• Photonics cuts heat and cooling energy needs in data centres
• Nvidia has thrown its weight behind optical interconnects