How EXFO's innovative multi-fibre testing solutions transformed the daunting challenges of a trailblazing hyperscaler into smooth sailing. Learn about the role of PXM/LXM and FIP-500 in achieving massive AI data centre rollout targets.

Deploying a cutting-edge AI data center within an unprecedented timeline is no small feat. When a trailblazing hyperscaler set out to build a facility with 100,000 interconnected GPUs and 400G/800G technology, they faced daunting challenges that could have delayed the entire project:

  • Unprecedented timelines: Moving from concept to full deployment in a matter of months required flawless execution.
  • Complex fiber infrastructure: A web of singlemode and multimode fibers, coupled with multi-fiber connectors, added extra layers of complexity.
  • Interoperability headaches: Multiple vendors, test methods, and equipment led to confusion, miscommunication, and costly delays.

In the middle of this fast-paced, high-stakes environment, success came down to finding the right expertise and solutions to overcome these issues.

See how EXFO multi-fibre testing solutions transformed daunting infrastructure challenges into a case study in efficiency.

The Challenge

Unprecedented Timelines: From concept to execution in mere months, this project demanded lightning-fast adaptability from contractors and equipment providers. The rapid pace left no room for errors or delays in sourcing, testing, and deploying fibre-optic infrastructure.
Hyper-Complex Fibre Network: The data centre's design called for an intricate fibre network, incorporating a mix of multi-fibre and MPO-APC connectors for both singlemode and multimode fibre. This complexity significantly amplified the challenges in installation and testing processes.

The Solution

EXFO PXM/LXM and FIP-500

In the fast-paced realm of data centres and artificial intelligence (AI), speed, precision, and scalability reign supreme. A prominent hyperscaler embarked on an ambitious journey to construct a cutting-edge AI data centre. This high-stakes infrastructure project demanded unparalleled expertise and innovative solutions to meet its colossal scale and complexity. Let's delve into how groundbreaking fibre testing solutions played a pivotal role in ensuring the project's triumph.

Key Benefits

  • Unmatched Speed and Efficiency
  • Widespread Adoption Across Teams

The project initially grappled with interoperability issues, as multiple contractors and vendors employed conflicting test methods, fibre connector types, and standards. Even industry giants in test equipment struggled to address these hurdles. The hyperscaler's stringent testing requirements, particularly for multimode fibre, led to frustrating delays across teams.

Enter EXFO, the game-changer. Their flexibility and adaptability quickly diagnosed and resolved compatibility issues that had stumped other testing vendors. EXFO's involvement began when the hyperscaler sought a solution to meet their demanding speed and reliability requirements for multi-fibre testing. After trialling various solutions from competitors, EXFO was introduced to the project through strategic interactions with key players.

Glowing recommendations from contractors and distribution partners paved the way for EXFO's involvement. Their stellar track record in high-pressure environments spoke volumes. EXFO's PXM/LXM solution for multi-fibre testing, coupled with the FIP-500 single, duplex, and multi-fibre inspection scope, swiftly emerged as the top choice to tackle the hyperscaler's challenges.

Multi-fibre testing with the PXM/LXM

EXFO's PXM/LXM delivered the speed and accuracy the project desperately needed. With the ability to test 12 fibres in just one second with high precision, this MPO optical loss test set dramatically slashed test times, meeting aggressive timelines. It saved critical time and costs, enabling hundreds of engineers to perform tests faster and more efficiently.

Fibre inspection with the FIP-500 and SmartTips

The cleanliness and inspection of fibre-optic connector endfaces were equally vital in this complex build. EXFO's FIP-500, with its user-friendly interface and wide range of long-reach smart tips for dense panels, ensured thorough inspection.

EXFO's solutions, boasting an 11-hour battery life and streamlined connector inspection process, cut training times and reduced on-site errors. They also provided bespoke solutions for challenging test environments, such as using MPO-APC connectors for multimode fibres—a hurdle other vendors couldn't overcome. Thanks to EXFO's years of pioneering innovation in optical testing, they swiftly diagnosed and resolved these compatibility issues, delighting hyperscalers and on-site contractors alike.

EXFO's solutions not only tackled immediate challenges but also laid the groundwork for long-term success in the hyperscaler's ongoing data centre operations.

Real World Results

On-site contractors saw remarkable improvements in their work quality and efficiency. With test times of just one second per fibre, they significantly reduced testing time on the floor, saving both time and money. This allowed contractors to focus on other critical aspects of the build.

The widespread adoption of EXFO's solutions followed suit. Initially, the data centre had various test equipment from other vendors. However, after witnessing the superior speed and ease of use of EXFO's solutions, coupled with their compounded benefits, the hyperscaler made a decisive shift to EXFO solutions as the primary testing tools on-site.

EXFO's commitment throughout the project was evident in their strong collaboration with multiple stakeholders, including a major cabling vendor, contractors, and distribution partners. Their long-standing relationships with these organisations played a crucial role in their seamless integration into the project.

Next Steps

Looking ahead, the project is far from complete. With phase one of their supercomputer now online, boasting thousands of interconnected GPUs, the build-out process is poised to expand. By deploying innovative multi-fibre testing solutions, they achieved unmatched speed, precision, and the hyperscaler is well-positioned to continue its success in the data centre industry.

Now, the hyperscaler is planning additional facilities and upgrades, including the deployment of 800G networks. These stages will necessitate industry-leading testing capabilities and expertise.

“EXFO’s PXM/LXM duplex and multi-fiber OLTS is a true game-changer for Tier-1 fiber certification in data center networks, helping to alleviate pressures of faster, high-density fiber deployments driven by AI proliferation,” said Etienne Gagnon, Senior Vice-president Test & Measurement at EXFO. “We’ve set new standards for test speed, accuracy, and versatility with the innovative pro version, enabling cost savings and faster time-to-revenue for operators.”

The EXFO PXM/LXM testing of signal loss, length, and polarity is delivered in one second—the fastest in the industry—and compliant with certification standards.