AI and the critical role of fiber infrastructure
Written by Erik den Breejen, Senior Account Manager International Sales
The forgotten backbone of AI
While the world is fascinated by #ChatGPT, image generation, and autonomous vehicles, a crucial component of the AI revolution is largely overlooked: fiber optic infrastructure. Every AI application we use daily, from voice recognition to real-time translation, is entirely dependent on robust, fast, and reliable network infrastructure. Without adequate fiber connections, even the most advanced AI technology remains an empty promise.
Why AI demands unprecedented bandwidth? Modern AI systems generate and process data volumes that grow exponentially. A single training run of a large language model can require petabytes of data, while real-time AI applications like autonomous vehicles or industrial IoT systems need continuous, low-latency connections. Current network infrastructure, designed for traditional data communications, quickly becomes a bottleneck when AI workloads take precedence.
Data centers that train and run AI models must communicate at unprecedented speeds. GPU clusters need not only internal high-speed interconnects but also external connections capable of transporting large datasets between geographically distributed facilities. Edge computing for AI applications additionally requires ultra-low latency connections to enable real-time decision-making.
The fiber solution: Technologies for the AI future
WDM (Wavelength Division Multiplexing): Maximum capacity
WDM technology is key to solving the capacity challenge. By sending multiple wavelengths over the same fiber, enormous bandwidths can be achieved without laying new cables. For AI data centers, this means they can scale their capacity without costly infrastructure expansions. WDM systems can transport terabits per second of data, exactly what’s needed for training and inference of large AI models.
Dark Fiber: Strategic connectivity
Dark fiber forms the backbone for strategic AI infrastructure between Western Europe’s key data center hubs. Cross-border dark fiber networks -for example - connect critical AI locations in the Netherlands (Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Groningen), Belgium (Brussels, Antwerp), France (Paris, Marseille), and Germany (Frankfurt, Munich, Hamburg, Berlin). This connectivity enables AI organizations to geographically distribute their compute resources for optimal performance, compliance with local data regulations, and disaster recovery.
For hyperscale AI providers, this means they can run training workloads in Frankfurt while delivering inference services from Amsterdam, with real-time data synchronization via dedicated dark fiber connections. Complete control over these connections ensures organizations can implement their own optimizations for AI-specific protocols and scale to the terabit capacities that modern AI workloads require.
Metro Networks: Strategic data center connectivity
Metro networks form the critical link between strategic data centers within major European metropolitan areas. In Amsterdam, these networks connect AMS Business Park with AMS Science Park and Schiphol-Rijk data center clusters, while in Frankfurt, direct connections between various data center campuses ensure ultra-low latency AI communication. This intra-city connectivity enables AI operators to distribute their workloads across multiple facilities within the same metropolitan region, benefiting from redundancy, load balancing, and optimal resource allocation. For AI training requiring real-time data synchronization between coupled GPU clusters, metro networks provide the sub-millisecond latency essential for distributed machine learning architectures.
Long Haul: Continental-scale connectivity
AI development is a global phenomenon. Research institutions in different countries collaborate on breakthroughs, while multinational companies distribute their AI workloads across multiple regions for redundancy and performance. Long haul networks enable this intercontinental collaboration by providing reliable, high-capacity connections between major AI hubs in Europe and beyond.
The urgency of now
The AI race is in full swing, and infrastructure is increasingly becoming the determining factor for success. Organizations that invest in adequate fiber infrastructure now position themselves for the future. Those who delay risk a competitive disadvantage that’s difficult to overcome.
Time-to-market for AI applications is becoming increasingly critical. Inadequate network infrastructure can cause months of delays in AI projects, while competitors with robust connections can innovate and deploy faster.
Infrastructure as competitive advantage
In the AI revolution, the winner is determined not only by algorithms and compute power but also by the quality of the underlying network infrastructure. The question is not whether this infrastructure will be needed, but whether organizations invest in it early enough to secure their competitive position.
Eurofiber: Your partner in AI
With an extensive portfolio of WDM technology, Dark Fiber, Metro Networks, and Long Haul solutions, Eurofiber provides organizations with the fundamental building blocks for AI success. Through strategic connections between data center hubs in the Netherlands, Belgium, France, and Germany, Eurofiber supports companies in realizing their AI ambitions. Whether it’s scaling training capacity, optimizing inference latency, or ensuring cross-border data compliance - Eurofiber’s fiber infrastructure forms the reliable foundation for your AI strategy.
The AI future is now - and that future travels over fiber…
This blog is related to my previous blog: “The impact of mixing fiber types in a digital connection – a specialist’s perspective”.