We are delighted to announce that our Data Center Interconnect (DCI) solution came first in the Data Center Physical Connectivity Innovation of the Year category at the 2024 DCS Awards. Our entry (titled “AFL introduces DCI solutions”) highlighted the standout aspects of both our connectorized and spliced DCI solutions, which include seamless load balancing, centralized resource sharing, and simplified high-speed data transfers across multiple data center facilities.
Held in London, England, the annual ceremony attracts headline names from across the data center world. This year, the DCS Awards welcomed more than 300 technology leaders, each competing for well-deserved industry recognition and top honors across a broad range of awards spanning 39 categories. The DCS Awards symbolizes the highest standards in data center excellence and our winning entry reflects the resolute, customer-first thinking showcased across AFL’s global teams.
What is Data Center Interconnect?
DCI provides high-speed, optical fiber links between data centers, overcoming the connectivity limitations of multiple dispersed facilities to enhance operational performance and improve business continuity. AFL’s DCI solutions empower customers to scale quickly and securely into growing markets with confidence.
We offer both DCI Connectorized and Spliced solutions, relevant to the bespoke needs of the customer. Both state-of-the-art technologies are crafted using AFL’s innovative Wrapping Tube Cable (WTC) with Spider Web Ribbon® (SWR®) fiber. WTC with SWR® facilitate more ultra-high-fiber-count cables in the existing space, enabling rapid expansion while forgoing costly civil works.
Award entry details: “AFL Introduces DCI solutions”
| Product | Data Center Interconnect (DCI) solutions – Connectorized and Spliced |
| Details | To revolutionize the way businesses connect and operate data centers, AFL is excited to introduce its two new, cutting-edge Data Center Interconnect (DCI) solutions – Connectorized and Splice. Both solutions comprise state-of-the-art innovation, including AFL’s Wrapping Tube Cable (WTC) with SpiderWeb Ribbon® (SWR®) technology. DCI Connectorized solutions allow operators to quickly and easily cross connect data centers, simplifying data center design, build, and deployment. AFL’s cable and connectivity solutions, including Ultra-High Fiber Count MPO Trunk Assembly, Ultra-High Fiber Count Patch Frame, MPO Trunk Assemblies, ASCEND® Housings, and ASCEND® MPO Patch Cassettes, ensure rapid and reliable communication throughout the data center. This results in lower costs, reduced deployment time, maximized pathway space, and streamlined operational efficiency. Designed to build flexible scalability into network performance and accelerate network growth, AFL’s DCI Splice solutions offer a fast and effective way to provide connections across a campus or metro environment utilizing WTC with SWR® technology. This combination can be installed 60-75% faster when using mass-fusion splicing compared to single fiber. Data center operators can achieve a DCI Splice link with Flame-Retardant RI Indoor, Flame-Retardant RIO Indoor/Outdoor, and Outside Plant cable – all of which use WTC with SWR® technology. Mass-Fusion Splice Cabinet and U-Series Front-Access V-Panel (FVP) 6RU offer two other DCI splice solutions. |
The awards ceremony
The annual DCS Awards took place in London, England, on May 23, 2024. Now in its 14th year, the ceremony recognizes and celebrates the most innovative achievements making waves in the hyperscale space. Nominations opened on November 8, 2023, with the shortlist announced on April 3, 2024. AFL was thrilled to have been nominated for the Data Center Physical Connectivity Innovation of the Year award – a high-performing, competitive category.
Representing AFL on the night were Julie Field (Hyperscale Marketing Manager), Steve Neal (Strategic Accounts Director), and Daniel Brown (Commercial Lead). The event began with a drinks reception, followed by a formal meal and stand-up routine from comedian Matt Bragg. The awards presentation took place at 21:30, with the exciting news of our victory circulating shortly thereafter.
Special thanks and acknowledgments
For their exemplary dedication and tireless support in designing AFL’s award-winning Data Center Interconnect solution, AFL would like to offer special thanks to several team members:
Keith Sullivan, Director of Strategic Innovation
Damian Smart, Head of Solutions Engineering
Meredith Kendrick, Product Line Manager
Richard Case, Product Line Manager
Eric Guo, Product Line Manager
Learn more about our award-winning DCI solution
For more information about our award-winning DCI solution, and to discover how AFL can help you deliver uninterrupted services at scale across your data center facilities, contact us today. Choose between connectorized or spliced solutions to suit your project goals and quickly build flexibility and resilience into your centralized, secure hyperscale network.
