Why choose edge data centers?
Edge data centers are situated closer to the end user, minimising latency, optimising performance, and enhancing user experiences with faster, more reliable data processing.
At nLighten we operate a European network of edge data centers designed to combine today’s top-level performance with tomorrow’s sustainability needs.
What is an edge data center?
Edge data centers are compact facilities located close to the end user. They are designed to support applications and services by reducing latency and IP transit costs. In doing so, this improves the end user experience by processing data and services as close to them as possible.
The demand for edge data center services has increased with the rising demand for more data at higher speeds. Locating at the edge is essential for businesses who want to keep pace with the ongoing rise of the Internet of Things (IoT), Artificial Intelligence (AI), 5G technologies, big data and cloud applications.
nLighten provides the most comprehensive edge infrastructure network throughout Europe, with hubs focused within Europe’s core data center markets.
The key characteristics of edge data centers
These characteristics enable edge data centers to support applications and services that require real-time data processing and low-latency performance.
Local
Placed near the areas they serve, whether in urban or suburban areas, significantly reduces latency and enhances the performance of applications that require real-time processing.
Distributed network
Edge data centers form part of a distributed network of data centers. This decentralised approach helps balance loads, enhances redundancy, and improves overall system resilience.
Modular and scalable
A modular approach enables organisations to deploy additional capacity as needed, quickly and efficiently.
What are the benefits of edge?
Colocating IT infrastructure and services within edge data centers offers a multitude of advantages that contribute to a more robust ROI for organisations.
IMPROVED USER EXPERIENCE (UX)
Edge computing delivers a stronger end UX thanks to reduced latency – a key differentiator for customers when choosing and remaining with a service or platform
INCREASED RELIABILITY
Distributing traffic between edge data centers provides added security whilst ensuring no individual location exceeds its maximum capacity or becomes a single point of failure
SCALABILITY AT SPEED
Edge data centers provide a scalable infrastructure that can quickly adapt to changing demands and fluctuations in user traffic, without compromising performance
COST REDUCTION
Organisations achieve both CAPEX and OPEX reductions with reduced real-estate, lower bandwidth costs, reduced energy consumption, optimised infrastructure and more efficient use of shared resources
DATA SOVEREIGNTY & COMPLIANCE
BANDWIDTH OPTIMISATION
By offloading data processing tasks and content delivery to local servers, this reduces the need for data transfer across long distances, therefore lowering bandwidth costs for both providers and users
ENHANCED SECURITY
Security measures, such as firewalls and encryption, can be implemented locally helping to reduce the risk of cyber attacks
EXPERTISE AND SUPPORT
Free up internal resource to focus on core business activities by accessing edge provider on-site engineers and support
Edge data center use cases
At a sector level, ‘Edge caching’ use cases are diverse, delivering a wide range of benefits for organisations and users alike.
Entertainment Services
Improves streaming quality through localised content caching and faster data delivery
Public Cloud Providers
Enables providers to scale their infrastructure at speed whilst delivering greater bandwidth savings
Financial Services
Improves transaction processing security and delivers real-time data analytics
Gaming
Ensures smoother gameplay with no lag or buffering and allows gaming companies to extend their reach to new markets with minimal infrastructure investment
MSPs
Enhances service performance, scalability and geographic reach enabling them to deliver competitive, value-added services to clients more effectively
What to look for in an edge data center provider
When choosing a provider, it is important to compare services against the following criteria:
Location
- Aligns with target audience locations
- Option for local, regional and multi-market growth
- Convenient locations with ease of access by road and public transport
Reliability
- Tier 3 design target
- Standby generators
- Concurrently maintainable infrastructure
- On-site engineers during office hours
- High Density positions to support AI applications
- Redundant power with independent A and B feeds to each cabinet
Scalability
- Ability to scale resources dynamically to meet changing demands
Security
- Dual factor Access Control (pin / biometrics)
- CCTV - Full coverage and storage in compliance with local laws
- Fire suppression system in place
Connectivity
- Diverse fibre entry points and meet me areas
- Range of carriers
- Carrier neutrality
- Connectivity to major public cloud providers
Cost-Effectiveness
- Provides both CAPEX and OPEX cost reductions
- Minimum commitments
Safety
- Fire suppression in the data hall
- Cooling and humidity design complying with ASHRAE A1 category
- ISO Certifications
Accessibility
- 24/7 NOC and 24/7 Service desk
- Client Wi-Fi and amenities
Support
- Assess the provider's support offerings, response times, and Service Level Agreements (SLAs) to ensure timely assistance and resolution of issues
- On-site staffing during office hours
- 24/7 remote hands
Sustainability
- Carbon Free Energy scoring commitment and Green Certifications
- Future-proofing your infrastructure with sustainable energy sources
- Low Power Usage Effectiveness (PUE) ratio
Find out more about nLighten’s edge data center network
Why choose nLighten’s edge data center platform?
At nLighten, we operate a network of regional and local edge data centers across Europe’s key economic hubs. Our unique value proposition delivers ultra-low latency sustainably, whilst also ensuring European data sovereignty.
CLOSE.
Proximity and
speed.
Our edge is your edge. Minimizing latency and bringing colocation and your data closer to you. Ensuring maximum accessibility & availability for your IT systems and data.
COUPLED.
Innovation in sustainability.
nLighten is committed to continuous improvement in sustainability and implementing innovative solutions. Our vision is for our data centers to be increasingly coupled to the energy sector, seeking to recover heat for the local community and stabilize the grid, using energy increasingly from onsite renewable generation.
CONNECTED.
Ecosystem marketplace.
A whole ecosystem of national and international carriers and service providers deliver low-latency and connectivity to the region, to and between sites, to enterprise customers, to end-users within milliseconds across Europe.
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FAQs
Q. How does edge computing relate to edge data centers, and what are the advantages of combining the two?
A. Edge computing involves processing data closer to its source, while edge data centers provide the infrastructure to support this approach, resulting in reduced latency, improved performance, and enhanced reliability for applications and services
Q. What are the cost implications of deploying and using an edge data center?
A. Businesses typically see cost reductions when using an edge data center approach thanks to localised data processing and storage in addition to improved operational efficiency and customer retention as a result of minimised latency.
Q. How can I ensure scalability and flexibility with an edge data center as my business grows?
A. Providers that offer flexible deployment options and scalable infrastructure solutions are key when considering the growth of your business. nLighten offers the ability to scale and contract dynamically as demand changes.
Q. What is the difference between an edge data center and edge colocation?
A. Edge data center: An edge data center refers to a facility located close to the point of data generation or consumption. These data centers are designed to process and store data locally, reducing latency and improving performance for end-users. Edge data centers can be operated by a single organisation or service provider and may host a variety of applications and workloads.
Edge colocation: Edge colocation, on the other hand, refers to the practice of colocating IT infrastructure and services in edge data centers operated by third-party providers. Instead of building and managing their own edge data centers, organisations can colocate their servers, storage, and networking equipment in these facilities. Edge colocation providers offer space, power, cooling, and connectivity services, allowing organisations to deploy and operate their IT infrastructure closer to end-users without the overhead of building and managing a dedicated data center.
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