SWITCHES, DISPLAYS AND UIs


operate at the packet level and can be deployed directly in the rack, where traffi c loads are highest and heat is hardest to manage.


This technology has the potential to reduce switching-related energy use by over 90 per cent in high-density environments. Just as importantly, by removing a key source of localised heat, it eases the strain on cooling systems and unlock broader effi ciency gains across the entire data centre.


Knock-on effects on energy and cooling


This has signifi cant implications for wider facility design. If less energy is consumed by the switching fabric, and less heat is generated at the rack level, operators can make more strategic decisions about power provisioning, layout and cooling strategy. One practical example is the potential to simplify airfl ow design or reduce dependence on perimeter cooling systems. In new-build environments, lower thermal loads from switching can create opportunities to optimise heat reuse schemes. Waste heat, once seen as an issue, becomes an asset - usable in nearby commercial or residential settings, or even in closed-loop industrial applications. In addition, with less localised heat to manage, rack densities can be increased, and cooling zones can be better balanced across the hall. This is particularly important as operators aim to scale capacity without expanding footprint.


Integration, not overhaul A key concern for operators is whether new technologies like optical switching can be integrated without disrupting existing infrastructure. The best solutions are


compatible with standard spine-and-leaf topologies and can operate within common Ethernet-based environments.


This makes it possible to start with targeted deployments in the highest-value areas - such as AI clusters or compute pods - and scale gradually. The barrier to adoption is reduced, allowing teams to test real-world impact before committing to wider rollouts. The immediate benefi ts are compelling. Lower power use, reduced cooling demand and improved latency all contribute to performance and sustainability goals. And in a market increasingly focused on carbon metrics, energy reporting and total cost of ownership, even small gains at the infrastructure layer can deliver meaningful returns.


Future-ready infrastructure requires systems thinking


The story of smarter switching is part of


a larger trend. Data centre infrastructure is becoming more integrated, and performance is increasingly viewed as a system-wide outcome. Decisions about switching no longer sit purely with the network team - they have implications for electrical design, cooling capacity, space planning and sustainability reporting. Power, cooling and network architecture can not be looked at in isolation. A more effi cient switch doesn’t just reduce power, it changes how organisations think about heat, density, even rack layout. It’s a foundational design consideration now, not an afterthought.


This shift in mindset is driving a new wave of infrastructure choices. Operators are seeking components that not only perform well individually but improve the performance of everything around them. In that context, switching is no longer a commodity. It’s a lever for energy effi ciency, resilience and scale.


A small change with wide impact As demand grows and constraints tighten, data centres must fi nd new ways to improve effi ciency without compromising performance. Smarter switching, particularly at the rack level, is emerging as one of the most effective and underused tools in that effort.


By eliminating unnecessary conversions and cutting down on heat at the source, optical switching technologies allow facilities to run cooler, cleaner and more effi ciently. And by fi tting into existing network environments, they offer a realistic path to improvement without disruption.


OCTOBER 2025 | ELECTRONICS FOR ENGINEERS 17


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