Technological Convergence The convergence of advanced networking solutions, energy-aware data management, and next-generation data center architectures is set to reshape the ICT landscape. This convergence is not just about combining existing technologies—it is about creating new capabilities. In networking, there is a persistent push towards higher speeds and lower latency: • Optical interconnects for AI clusters are becoming increasingly common, enabling the massive data transfers required for distributed AI training. • Coherent optics extend high-speed connections over long distances, facilitating data center interconnects and edge computing deployments. • Emerging fiber technologies like Multi-Core Fiber (MCF) and Hollow-Core Fiber (HCF) promise to increase bandwidth while reducing latency. These technologies could be game changers for AI applications that require real-time processing of vast amounts of data.
Key future developments in this area may include:
• Advanced dynamic power management Data centers could dynamically adjust their power consumption based on grid conditions and energy pricing, potentially feeding excess power from periods of lower demand back into the grid. • Next-generation AI-driven energy optimization Future AI systems may constantly analyze and optimize energy use across the entire data center ecosystem, including adjusting cooling systems based on workload predictions and orchestrating workloads across different geographic locations.
• Energy-data marketplaces The emergence of sophisticated energy-data
marketplaces, where data centers can trade compute capacity and energy resources in real-time, would optimize performance and sustainability.
FIGURE 3: Nuclear reactors can range in size and output. (Image: A. Vargas/IAEA) 10
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