The Anatomy of Data Centers

For decades, data processing centers have relied on high-quality wire and cable systems to sustain their operations. Contemporary data processing hubs use various types of cables, depending on electronic devices and equipment interface. Common examples include copper, fiber optic, ground, and AC/DC power cables.

With cryptocurrency mining on the rise, data hubs face new requirements because of the increased complexity of the operations. For data hubs, cryptocurrency means a significant surge in power because miners have to go through millions of combinations before they are able to find the right one. To give one a sense of perspective, a single bitcoin transaction requires the energy that powers ten homes. 

Therefore, sophisticated high-speed technologies are used to manage this surge of power. Bitcoin mining hubs differ a lot from usual information processing centers. Companies create new hardware with improved cooling techniques that manage the output of heat and solve the algorithms needed for data mining. In the upcoming years, processing center technologies will continue to improve to meet the new demands of the cryptocurrency market. Data hubs that focus exclusively on mining continue to emerge all over the world, from India and China to the United States, and this trend is not going anywhere.

Cooling and air distribution in cryptocurrency mining centers differ significantly from traditional centers, which impacts the type of cables used there. In a regular processing center, servers are placed in a cabinet that manages airflow and makes cable replacement possible. In mining data hubs, servers are put on shelves that allow fast replacement in case they fail.

Some technologies can help make cabling in mining hubs more effective. For example, port replication can increase the efficiency of cabling. This technology uses a patch panel to mirror the ports of hardware. Port replication results in simpler cable management and faster installation time, which is crucial in data mining.

 Innovative Approaches of Tech Giants

When deciding on data center cabling supplies, it is great to look at the experience of tech moguls. Facebook, Amazon, Instagram, and Google work with a large amount of data every day that greatly exceeds the processing capacity of bitcoin mining hubs. Big tech companies are always two steps ahead of everyone else when it comes to the cable used for data storage. Cryptocurrency mining platforms can soon follow the innovative approach of companies like Facebook and Google cloud computing if their experiments succeed.

In 2016, Google and Facebook placed a giant cable in the middle of the Atlantic ocean that provides 160 terabytes of bandwidth per second. This cable, stretched from Virginia to Spain, helps the two companies to dramatically increase the efficiency of their network hubs. As of now, Google, Facebook, and Microsoft continue to build their networks of underwater cables in an effort to build a brand new cable infrastructure.

Facebook innovates by using unused terrestrial wires ("dark fiber") as its primary material for its underwater cable system. "Dark fiber" are fiber optic cables that are laid, but not used. Dark fiber provides potential cost savings and improves traffic because the information in them can get directly from point A to point B without any interruptions. It also gives the benefit of not relying on physical infrastructure in order to preserve data, which is crucial in the case of natural disasters. Not every company can pull off using dark fibers as they require a lot of expertise. Naturally, this is not a problem for tech giants who have no shortage of very skilled labor. What is more, using dark fiber for data computing still calls for a lot of research, but big tech is certainly willing to invest in it.

As of February 2020, most of these cables do not stream the data, as they are yet to be approved by the telecom companies. While centers for cryptocurrency mining rarely have resources to support such impressive innovations, they should look for remarkable performance and high bandwidth when choosing data center mining. 

Current Solutions For Data Center Cabling

There is no need to worry about not being able to keep up with Google or Facebook. Technologies that are already on the market can offer resolutions for bitcoin mining. Some common copper wires & cables used in bitcoin mining include type W cables, type G-GC cables, tray cables, THHN THWN-2 copper building wires, XHHW solid copper building wires. In high voltage applications up to 15000v, aluminum conductor cables can be used. 

Copper wires are a popular solution for bitcoin mining facilities for a reason. As a rule, copper conductors give the benefit of increased performance and low cost. Usually, copper cables are between 2 and 5 times cheaper than their fiber optic analogs. In large data centers, this can help the company to save millions of dollars. 

A common characteristic of these cables is that they are reliable and flexible. They transmit the data at the most powerful bandwidth. Copper wires save power because they require less energy for cooling. They are also relatively reliable and consistent, protecting data centers from downtime. The reliability of cables in data centers is calculated using the mean time between failures. In addition, copper cables have the ability to handle 100 Gbps for a distance of 8 meters. Many of these cables have a high voltage range useful for bitcoin mining, such as aluminum conductor cable used in power circuits up to 15000 volts, and 2000v Type G-GC cables. 

Each type of copper cable in processing hubs brings its benefits to the table. Type W cables are used for power and as a portable cord in bitcoin mining hubs because they are flexible, durable, and unusually light for copper wires. Tray cables are applied because they are efficient in supporting high-density and high-volume connections. Tray systems also give instant access to cables in case they need to be repaired. 

High-quality Type G-GC cables provide excellent grounding, which is crucial for data hub uptime. Bitcoin mining centers have to manage unmatched levels of uptime to keep up with the pace of the business. Type G-GC cables are a crucial component of certified grounding systems that help the company maintain a competitive advantage.

THHN THWN-2 are some of the most versatile cords for processing centers because of their efficient current transmission and stable functionality. These cables keep up with the pace of performance that is expected of bitcoin mining hubs. XHHW is another all-purpose cable that performs surprisingly well in these conditions. Their application in the center may slightly differ because THHN THWN-2 has thermoplastic insulation, whereas XHHW-2 is a thermoset product. XHHW-2 has a wider temperature range and a better resistance to leakage. It is also more flexible, so it performs better when complex bending is required.

Copper Vs. Fiber Optics

In processing centers, cables can be either passive or active. Passive cables for intra-rack connections that are limited to a distance of 7 to 10 meters are always made of copper. Active cables in data centers that connect electronics within connectors can be made both from copper and fiber optics. Compared to copper variables, active optical cables are thinner and lighter, with a reduced bend radio. Moreover, these cables have a reduced airflow blockage compared to copper variations. Fiber optics also have the benefit of fixed and low electromagnetic interference. However, given the need to save costs and intensify the performance, copper cables are still an all-around better option. Some suggest that mining data hubs should rely on a mixed network of copper and fiber optic cables for the utilization of all potential benefits.

Afterword

Cable and wiring systems in cryptocurrency hubs are unique because there is no room for mistakes. Each disruption in operation is likely to cause massive financial losses. Therefore, it is crucial to establish efficient cable systems that work like a clock from the very beginning of the center's operation. Technological progress is likely to catch up with bitcoin mining hubs within the next few years. Major tech companies, such as Google and Facebook, are working on innovative solutions for processing cloud computing data. However, there is no need to wait for these innovations as of now. Today, certified copper cables easily maintain the effective performance of blockchain processing centers. The key is to buy the equipment from trusted sellers. Nassau National Cable offers different copper cables for versatile installations in data hubs.