Data center

A data center is a facility used to house computer systems and associated components, such as telecommunications and storage systems.^[1][2]

ARSAT data center (2014)

Since IT operations are crucial for business continuity, a data center generally includes redundant or backup components and infrastructure for power supply, data communication connections, environmental controls (e.g., cooling, fire suppression), and various security devices. Data centers are the foundation of the digital infrastructure that powers the modern economy, aggregating collective computing demands for cloud services, video streaming, blockchain and crypto mining, machine learning, and virtual reality.^[3] Large data centers operate at an industrial scale, requiring significant energy. Estimated global data center electricity consumption in 2024 was around 415 terawatt hours (TWh), or about 1.5% of global electricity demand.^[4] The IEA projects that data center electricity consumption could double by 2030.^[4] High demand, driven by artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning workloads is accelerating the deployment of high-performance servers, leading to greater power density and increased strain on electric grids.^[5][4]

Data centers can vary widely in terms of size, power requirements, redundancy, and overall structure. Four common categories used to segment types of data centers are onsite data centers, colocation facilities, hyperscale data centers, and edge data centers.^[6] In particular, colocation centers often host private peering connections between their customers, internet transit providers, cloud providers,^[7][8] meet-me rooms for connecting customers together^[9] Internet exchange points,^[10][11] and landing points and terminal equipment for fiber optic submarine communication cables,^[12] which are critical to connecting the internet.^[13]