Seven Layers

Ethernet is undoubtedly one of the most widely used technologies for local area network (LAN) connections globally, appreciated for its simplicity, cost-effectiveness, and relative ease of installation. However over long distances, certain technical challenges arise that can impact its reliability significantly. The main reason relates to its flow-control mechanism and how it interacts with the inherent physical and protocol limitations of Ethernet cabling and signalling. This article explores why Ethernet becomes less reliable as distance increases, with a particular focus on flow-control and related limitations that contribute to performance degradation in longer Ethernet runs. Understanding Ethernet and Its Typical Distance Limits First, it’s important to grasp the physical constraints of Ethernet over copper twisted-pair cables, which are the most common form of Ethernet wiring. The Ethernet standards, especially those covering typical cables such as Cat5e, Cat6, and Cat6a, sp...

Remember the good old days of dial-up? The screeching modem, the agonising wait for a single webpage to load? Okay, maybe some of you don’t, and that’s probably a good thing for your sanity. But the point is, our need for speed online has exploded faster than a cat startled by a cucumber. And while 10 Gigabit Ethernet (10GE) was once the king of the hill, a new contender has emerged, promising more oomph without breaking the bank (or requiring you to sell a kidney for the privilege): 25 Gigabit Ethernet (25GE) . So, why is 25GE suddenly the cool kid on the block in both Wide Area Networks (WANs) and the bustling datacentre? Let’s dive in with a bit of humour and some real-world examples. The Insatiable Appetite for Bandwidth: It's Not Just for Streaming Netflix Anymore Whether it's across the vast expanse of the WAN or within the tightly packed racks of a datacentre, the demand for bandwidth is like a teenager’s appetite – seemingly endless. In the WAN:  Enterprise orgs ar...

I have recently been speaking to customers who have concerns with using AI and large language models (LLM) within a specific geographic area. As always, reading up on this stuff, these are my notes - trying not to make it a complete word-salad: The Labyrinth of Sovereignty Navigating the Challenges of AI in a Data-Defined World The rise of artificial intelligence (AI) has ushered in an era of unprecedented potential, transforming industries and reshaping the very fabric of our lives. However, this technological revolution is unfolding against a complex backdrop of evolving data privacy regulations and a growing emphasis on data sovereignty. For enterprises seeking to harness the power of AI, navigating this intricate landscape presents a formidable challenge.  Data sovereignty, at its core, is the principle that data is subject to the laws and regulations of the jurisdiction in which it is collected or processed. This concept, while seemingly straightforward, becomes incredibly nu...

Introduction Data centres have become the backbone of the digital economy, supporting everything from cloud computing to artificial intelligence and e-commerce. However, their enormous energy consumption presents a significant challenge for operators , especially as sustainability and cost-efficiency become critical concerns. Traditionally, data centres were built in regions with established infrastructure and access to major markets. However, a growing trend sees operators shifting to locations with lower energy costs , often at the expense of traditional business hubs. This analysis explores the key drivers behind this shift and its implications for the industry. The Impact of Energy Costs on Datacentre Operations The High Energy Demand of Data Centres Data centres consume vast amounts of electricity, primarily for powering servers and cooling systems. Estimates suggest that global data centres use approximately 1-2% of the world’s electricity, with some hyperscale facilities consumi...