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Powered by NVIDIA RTX data centre technology , the application allows high levels of collaboration through the design , approval and build phases and so reduces the associated costs to the client . It allows key stakeholders to quickly visualise and understand any changes and to measure progress without physically being together .

The GRID Factory platform uses a combination of high performance , low latency , Edge networking provided by its partner , BT , which connects customers to NVIDIA RTX 8000 and NVIDIA A40 data centre GPUs to allow highly performant , real time , 3D and immersive experiences .

Key requirements and challenges

The GRID Factory platform requires high levels of power ( 25kW ) in a single rack in a data centre , as well as cooling in a secure environment . Power requirements of this level are still very rare in the data centre market and are challenging to deliver cost-effectively .

Due to the design of the Proximity Edge 7 data centre , Proximity was able to create an extremely comprehensive package that not only allows support for these new 3D and immersive workloads to be delivered but will also support resource-intensive computational workloads such as Blockchain , AI and ML on The GRID Factory platform .

Lastly , The GRID Factory required an Edge data centre partner that could support the deployment of multiple platforms across the UK to ensure a best-in-class service , minimising latency and reducing network costs .

The solution

Commencing in February 2022 , Proximity and The GRID Factory worked closely to understand the unique requirements for the computing platform and to develop the solution .

In April 2022 , Proximity ’ s Edge 7 , a 89,000 sqft . Edge data centre in Swindon was chosen as the initial deployment site for the application . Along with significant power , the facility offers easy access to digital fibre routes connecting London to Ireland and the US . It is also highly accessible to the major R & D hub at Harwell which is home to numerous research organisations in biotech , genome and space tech .

The site uses a modular and flexible blade room design to support The GRID Factory platform which will allow the platform to grow as well as ensuring continuity of power and high levels of cooling .

The cooling unit uses primarily fresh air cooling for external temperatures up to 24 ° C , with secondary evaporative cooling controlling temperatures up to 34 ° C . However , the system has been tested up to 48 ° C . Direct Expansion ( DX ) refrigerant cooling provides final backup for temperatures exceeding 34 ° C .

DX cooling is also used during full recirculation mode should the outside air become contaminated , or to contain the fireextinguishing gas system in the event of an internal fire .

The GRID Factory technology stack uses specially designed cold aisle technology which is sealed and pressurised with blanking panels to stop cool air loss . Thermal imaging is used to check for leakage from the hot aisle . A key factor was not only the ability to support a 25kW rack today but be able to increase to 50kW in the future .

In addition , the availability of diverse high-capacity fibre connectivity was a key consideration to minimise latency . This was achieved through Proximity Edge 7 and BT .

Further benefits

To support the required future deployment of multiple platforms , Proximity Data Centres has 10 Edge facilities in the UK on stream and has identified another 10 sites to acquire in the next 12 months .

Proximity ’ s policy of full on-site support , transition and onboarding and provision ,

Previous page : Ben Jones , Founder and CTO of The GRID Factory

POWERED BY NVIDIA RTX DATA CENTRE TECHNOLOGY , THE APPLICATION ALLOWS HIGH LEVELS OF COLLABORATION THROUGH THE DESIGN , APPROVAL AND BUILD PHASES AND SO REDUCES THE ASSOCIATED COSTS TO THE CLIENT .