The 7×24 Exchange event in Atlantic City was nothing short of electric! A gathering of the industry’s top minds, from engineers to data center visionaries, this conference was the place to be for anyone looking to stay ahead in the rapidly evolving digital landscape. The event was packed with forward-thinking insights all aimed at tackling the big challenges and seizing even bigger opportunities shaping the future of global connectivity with cutting-edge discussions on fiber networks, subsea cables, and hyperscale infrastructure. Esteemed speakers like Bret Crosswinds from Coreweave and Joe Liccardo from Coresite provided invaluable perspective of AI end users and the demand for speed-to-market. In attendance were other innovators from companies like Tierpoint, Bala Consulting, Schneider Electric, SSI and much more!

Among the highlights was a powerful panel discussion on “The Great Fiber Network,” with expert leaders such as, Jason Walker from DC Blox, Ryan Imkemeier from NJFX, Gabe Sudduth from Corning, and Terri Schiavello from Corning who expertly moderated the conversation. The panel tackled some of the most critical topics facing the industry today, including the explosive growth in fiber density, the increasing role of hyperscalers, and the operational challenges of building out a resilient, future-proof fiber infrastructure.

The conversation delved into the critical role subsea cables play in today’s hyperconnected world. Gabe Sudduth, Product Line Manager at Corning, underscored the importance of these undersea lifelines: “Approximately 95-99% of intercontinental traffic is carried by subsea cables. There are currently 400-600 operational cables, with many more in the pipeline, highlighting the crucial role these systems play in global communications.” The panel further emphasized the ongoing efforts to meet increasing demand, particularly through the exponential growth of fiber counts per cable, which have surged from 432 to 1,728 fibers.

Ryan Imkemeier, VP of Operations at NJFX, highlighted the operational challenges and the growing need for additional cable landing stations. “As data demand rises, so does the need for more cable landing stations. Securing permits and overcoming local regulatory hurdles are essential steps in accelerating fiber buildouts from these stations to hyperscale data center campuses and metro fiber routes.” He also emphasized the complexity of new higher count subsea fibers and the role of the power feed equipment (PFE) to power the repeaters, branching units and other subsea equipment based on design.

Jason Walker, VP of Operations at DC Blox, shared insights into how hyperscalers are rebuilding the internet by deploying 10 megawatt network nodes and implementing new fiber pair systems capable of transmitting over 20 terabytes per pair. “Hyperscalers are reserving old cables to ensure the necessary infrastructure for future AI workloads, pushing the boundaries of what our networks can handle,” he explained. Jason also noted the growing trend of hyperscalers constructing their own high-capacity dark fiber routes from cable landing stations to data center campuses, as demonstrated by companies like Google.

The panel also tackled the hurdles involved in expanding the fiber network. Jason emphasized the supply chain challenges, particularly in securing local permits for building new infrastructure. He shared the example of their Myrtle Beach cable landing station project, which faced significant delays due to regulatory approvals and navigating residential and commercial developments.

As the conversation shifted toward AI’s impact on the industry, Ryan pointed out the growing demand for liquid cooling solutions to support the higher density racks needed for AI applications. Jason highlighted the effect of GPU chips on data center design, stressing the importance of adapting infrastructure to meet these new power and cooling requirements.

Gabe Sudduth rounded off the discussion by stressing the importance of staying ahead of the curve in fiber technology: “The industry is experiencing exponential growth, particularly in fiber density. Moving from 432 to 1,728 fibers in a single cable is just the beginning. We need to continue engaging with subsea cable providers to transition to multi-core fiber designs that can handle the future’s bandwidth demands.”

The panel wrapped up with questions from the audience, touching on topics like security protocols for cable landing stations, alternative routes for subsea cables, and the power requirements of next-generation networks. Jason and Ryan both agreed on the need for stringent security measures at cable landing stations, including multiple layers of physical security, surveillance, and collaboration with government entities. Ryan Imkemeier touches on the Confluence Cable, “There is a subsea project, Confluence, that would be an alternate wet cable with branching units connecting New Jersey, Virginia Beach, Myrtle Beach, Jacksonville, and Boca providing diversity from the traditional I-95 route.”

In conclusion, the 7×24 Exchange panel provided a comprehensive look at the future of fiber networks, highlighting both the challenges and opportunities in this rapidly evolving field. As Jason succinctly put it, “The hyper-scale-driven growth in fiber connectivity shows no signs of slowing down.” With advancements in subsea cable technology and the rise of hyperscale networks, the fiber network industry is poised for a future defined by innovation and resilience.

The demand for AI-driven technologies accelerates as enterprise customers are increasingly seeking to deploy hundreds of GPU applications within high-density environments. Searching for a uniquely positioned data center to meet these challenges and seize the opportunities presented by AI’s rapidly growing influence can be difficult. NJFX carrier neutral data center is now poised to support up to 5MW of Edge AI infrastructure with developments in liquid cooled solutions.

NJFX has created a future-ready infrastructure capable of sustaining the intense performance and efficiency required for GPU-intensive workloads. For AI inference, having robust and highly available network connectivity is essential. NJFX’s infrastructure allows customers flexibility in power densities and a high level of connectivity that AI applications demand. NJFX is meticulously designed to accommodate high-density computing hardware ensuring uninterrupted operations even under the most demanding conditions. The integration of water-based cooled applications enables NJFX to efficiently manage the immense heat generated by GPUs.

“Our infrastructure is designed to meet the needs of tomorrow’s digital landscape,” says Gil Santaliz, CEO of NJFX. “By incorporating advanced cooled applications and optimizing our power distribution systems, we’re ensuring that NJFX is not just prepared for today’s AI demands, but also for the next wave of advancements that will shape the industry.”

Strengthening Our AI-Ready Infrastructure

To further support the requirements of AI applications, NJFX has onsite N+1 Generators and Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) systems. This design allows for real-time configurable emergency power distribution, providing redundancy that guarantees operations remain uninterrupted eliminating single points of failure. This level of reliability is critical for businesses that cannot afford delays, particularly in markets like, finance and high-frequency trading, where every millisecond counts.

NJFX is supported by New Jersey’s power supplier JCP&L ensuring we have the capacity to support up to 5MWs of Edge AI inference and connectivity convergence. The mission critical infrastructure design can hold capacity over 1,000 cabinets in a carrier-neutral environment. Also, NJFX provides greater capacity to address customers’ high density power needs up to 20kw/cabinet. This capacity enhancement strengthens NJFX’s position as a leader in the global connectivity landscape and underscores the commitment to supporting the next generation of AI-driven enterprises.

NJFX is working closely with leading technology partners, including Supermicro and Vertiv, to design our first-floor AI space to support the higher density requirements of these GPUs , while maintaining the highest levels of efficiency and reliability.

“Our collaboration with partners like Supermicro and Vertiv has been instrumental in creating a space that is both optimized for AI applications and flexible enough to accommodate future technological advancements,” added Ryan Imkemeier, NJFX’s VP of Operations. “We are committed to ensuring that our facility remains at the cutting edge of digital infrastructure.”

NJFX continues to expand and enhance its infrastructure, our commitment to providing exceptional service to our partners and tenants remains stronger than ever. Our journey is a proactive approach to innovation with a clear focus on creating a resilient and scalable environment for AI. Implementing advanced cooling solutions to optimizing power distribution, every aspect of our facility has been designed with the future in mind, ensuring we can meet the demands of tomorrow’s digital world.

NJFX Hosts Upcoming Event to Showcase AI Capabilities

In line with our mission to lead the way in AI connectivity, NJFX is hosting an exclusive event in Lower Manhattan this October. The event is in collaboration with Bulk Infrastructure, EXA Infrastructure, Supermicro and will feature distinguished speakers from NVIDIA and CBRE. The day will provide a platform to discuss the convergence of infrastructure, connectivity, and hardware.

NJFX CEO, Gil Santaliz, will address attendees from the financial, high-frequency trading, and enterprise markets, highlighting the importance of purpose-built data centers, the challenges of integrating AI into data centers, and how NJFX is creating an AI connectivity hub in New Jersey that links directly to the megalopolis area. This event is part of our broader commitment to innovation, collaboration, and leadership in the AI-driven future.

“We are excited to be part of this revolution and to engage with industry leaders in exploring the limitless possibilities that AI brings to our interconnected world,” concluded Santaliz. “Together, we are shaping the future of AI and digital infrastructure.”

With our infrastructure enhancements and strategic partnerships, NJFX is not just preparing for the future—we’re actively creating it, ensuring our facility remains a critical player in the global AI ecosystem for years to come.

In the competitive and ever-evolving world of data center infrastructure, no name stands out like that of Frank Farrugia, coining him “The Renaissance Man” of the industry. Rising from humble beginnings, Frank’s journey from a young immigrant with boundless determination to a revered industry visionary is nothing short of extraordinary. Known for his brilliant mind and innovative spirit, Frank not only set new standards in critical infrastructure builds but also mentored countless individuals along the way, leaving a lasting impact that continues to shape the industry today.

Frank’s legacy includes groundbreaking contributions to major projects at Equinix, where his designs and solutions are still in use, as well as the construction of the purpose-built facility, NJFX. Despite his monumental achievements, Frank remained humble and focused, never seeking the spotlight for his accomplishments but always ready for the next challenge. This Luminary piece is dedicated to honoring Frank Farrugia’s unparalleled contributions and the enduring influence he has had on all of us within the telecom industry.

Frank Farrugia’s early life was marked by resilience and determination. His daughter, Francesca, shared insights into his upbringing, “He grew up in Alexandria, Egypt, which is interesting because his father was in the British Army, and he was mostly raised by his grandparents. He came to the US as a teenager and started from the ground up. No job was too small or beneath him.”

“As a teenager, he took on various jobs to make ends meet, including working as a taxi driver, a food cart operator, he would do anything to get by, slowly but surely working his way up,” she added.

These diverse experiences instilled in Frank a relentless work ethic and a knack for problem-solving that would define his career. Francesca recalled, “He eventually became an engineer. Solving problems was his passion, no situation was too difficult to solve! At work, they would joke that if you needed to move a building 10 feet, Frank would be your guy!”

Frank’s career took a significant turn when he joined Smith Barney, where his talents and leadership skills began to truly shine. I interviewed John Diamond, who worked with Frank as a boss, colleague, and friend. Reflecting on their time together, John shared that Smith Barney had acquired Shearson and would go on to acquire Travelers’ Insurance, Salomon Brothers, and ultimately be merged into Citigroup. During this period, Frank served as an assistant chief engineer. John, who was the director of engineering at the Shearson Smith Barney group, managed a team of 65 engineers and electricians. In a building complex that had suffered from low morale and indolence, Frank stood out as one of three people who took the initiative and worked tirelessly as an example of how rewarding action and productivity are in and of itself.

John described how Frank, along with two other diligent colleagues, created a highly effective team. John assigned them tasks every day, and they tackled a vast array of work in their major data center, a 12-megawatt facility, which was a substantial operation at the time. They also managed a 4,000-seat trading floor operation and operated across seven buildings, totaling over 3 million square feet of technology space in Brooklyn, New York, uptown, midtown, and downtown. Frank drove a work ethic change on all maintenance and repair activities in these facilities, which in turn allowed operating staff to take on new skills and involvement throughout the portfolio.

Frank’s exceptional leadership and hands-on approach were instrumental in transforming the work culture at Smith Barney. His ability to inspire and mobilize his team set a precedent for his future achievements in the industry. Frank’s relentless drive and commitment to excellence were contagious. He was the type of leader who led by example, never asking anyone to do something he wouldn’t do himself. This approach fostered a sense of camaraderie and respect within the team. It wasn’t long before other engineers and technicians started to take notice and wanted to be part of Frank’s crew. The work environment began to change; there was a noticeable increase in productivity and morale.

Over time, the team’s success became evident. As John explained, “Those three guys created such a great work environment, a fourth guy would join, then a fifth, and a sixth. Over time, everybody wanted to participate and be part of that group. Their pride really started to take off. After about five years, which is about as long as it took for me to get that off the ground with Frank as a key ingredient, they became self-sustaining. We hired much higher quality personnel and allowed the entire staff to take pride in their expertise. They made decisions for themselves. It was quite self-developing. It was probably one of the most productive experiences of my life, taking an absolutely toxic situation and converting it into a very respectable, desirable place to be.”

John also highlighted the remarkable transformation within the team: “We became one of the top teams in New York among all the financials. We all knew each other, talked to each other, and competed against each other. Frank was key to that.”

One notable project that exemplifies Frank’s ingenuity and resourcefulness was at the Brooklyn Army Terminal, a large warehouse facility that printed publications for Smith Barney, Salomon Brothers, and Travelers. The facility’s forklifts, driven by inexperienced employees, frequently damaged expensive printing equipment. Frank devised a solution by creating a guardrail program. When faced with an exorbitant $3 million quote to install steel protection, Frank took matters into his own hands. He commandeered the janitorial team, bought the steel himself, and created an assembly line with drill presses and welding equipment, completing the project at a fraction of the cost.

Frank’s problem-solving skills and engineering mind were already evident in his work. Frank had a background in machining, having experience in what was called a “bicycle shop” in New York, which involved contract machining. He would re-machine broken pieces, whether it was a pump, valve, or some unique component. This experience gave him a keen awareness of how to make things and a creative approach to working with metal. He learned welding and other skills on his own, demonstrating his self-taught expertise and resourcefulness.

John highlighted Frank’s quick thinking and creativity during his earlier career. Frank was able to actualize abstract concepts and come up with creative solutions. He was always quick on his feet. When he had an idea, you could see his face light up. He wouldn’t just let ideas sit; he would immediately start thinking about how to implement them. This mentality made him an invaluable asset in any project.

Frank’s last position at Smith Barney was Chief Engineering at 7 World Trade Center. On the tragic day of 9/11, Frank’s leadership and quick thinking were put to the ultimate test. He was working when the building started shaking and crashing sounds were heard. While many initially thought it was an accident, Frank knew immediately that it wasn’t. He insisted on evacuating the building, despite facing resistance from the management on the floors. Frank managed to convince others to evacuate and even helped carry a handicapped man out of the building. In an extraordinary act of bravery, he went back into World Trade 7 with FBI agents to get blankets and medical supplies for the bodies on the ground. Frank’s fight or flight kicked in demonstrating his characteristic decisiveness and courage during high stress moments.

In 2001, after the traumatic events of 9/11, Frank got out of New York City to start on other projects. When his building went away, so did his responsibilities, and he was released as a chief engineer. He then did an interim job where he met Anthony Sclafani, who worked at Morgan Stanley.  Frank would later bring Anthony over to Equinix where he continues as Senior Director today.

During this time, John was in contact with Mike Poleshuk from Equinix. Equinix, struggling during the dot-com era, had started to turn things around. Mike, who had just started with Equinix, needed help, and John suggested Frank. John described Frank as someone whose work you would love but wouldn’t want to know how he did it.

Frank began working directly for Mike, and those who worked with Frank often progressed well in the organization. Mike went on to become the Eastern Board Director of Operations and VP of Operations for Equinix, running all operations and construction for the entire eastern half of the US.

At that time, the EVP of Operations, effectively the unnamed COO, was Sam Kapoor. Sam was credited with single-handedly saving Equinix post-2000 by cutting and reducing construction and maintenance costs. Frank became key to that effort. As Sam toured different regions, he saw Frank’s work and realized Frank had an incredible gift. Despite being in the labor force rather than management, Frank’s insights were invaluable. Sam respected Frank’s expertise and often sought his advice on what should be done.

Frank worked closely with the design and construction teams, often challenging their designs. He would review electrical and mechanical drawings, pointing out flaws and suggesting improvements. His practical approach and hands-on experience made him an invaluable asset. Over time, the design teams began to listen to Frank’s recommendations, which led to significant improvements in efficiency and space utilization.

One of the main challenges was designing for the power and space requirements of data centers, such as 5 kW per cabinet or 200 watts per square foot. Frank was responsible for identifying and repurposing space that was not initially designed to be data center space. He redesigned, recreated, and reconstructed these spaces, significantly enhancing the New York portfolio’s capacity. His innovative solutions helped Equinix navigate through the challenging post-dot-com era, making the most out of available resources.

Frank’s role at Equinix was pivotal during a time of significant transformation and growth for the company. His expertise in engineering and problem-solving became a cornerstone for many projects. Working closely with Mike Poleshuk and Sam Kapoor, Frank’s contributions were critical in streamlining operations and reducing costs. The design changes Frank made to Equinix are certainly responsible for hundreds of millions of dollars in revenue and his designs are still in use today, showcasing the lasting impact of his work.

After years of groundbreaking work at Equinix, Frank was ready for a new challenge. He was approached to design a building to support an existing cable landing station (CLS) as their data center. Frank took on this project, bringing every skill he had developed over his career to NJFX. At NJFX, he implemented onsite tilt-up panels and other unique building solutions that he had picked up from previous projects. His vision and leadership were instrumental in establishing NJFX as a critical hub in the connectivity landscape.

Felix Seda, General Manager at NJFX, shared his experience offering a personal glimpse into Frank’s character and his profound impact on those around him. Felix shared, “Frank was my first friend and mentor in the industry. Upon joining NJFX, my first role was clear: shadow Frank, learn as much as possible, and watch the magic unfold.”

Frank was very direct, but deep down, he had a heart of gold and was always ready to step up and help no matter the situation. “Watching Frank in action when he was engaged with vendors and customers was a unique experience,” Felix adds, “He could go toe-to-toe with anyone and frequently did, defending his choices in building NJFX.”

During the period between starting at NJFX and opening the facility, Felix spent more time with Frank than anyone else. This time was chaotic, fun, and one of the best memories of Felix’s young adult life. Despite having no prior knowledge or history in the industry, Frank saw Felix’s ability to grasp things quickly and trusted him as both a colleague and a friend. Frank was a relationship guy and extended himself to anyone who needed it.

Felix recalled, “When I initially transitioned from NYC to New Jersey, I was moving my sofa into the apartment and quickly realized that it wasn’t going to fit. I called Frank, and 30 minutes later he showed up in cargo shorts and a saw, ready to cut a piece of the sofa so we could fit it in.”

Frank Farrugia’s journey from a determined young immigrant to a visionary leader in the telecom industry is a testament to his extraordinary talent, relentless work ethic, and unwavering dedication. Throughout his career, Frank consistently demonstrated his ability to turn challenges into opportunities, leaving a legacy at every organization he touched.

From Frank’s early days at Smith Barney to his transformative role at Equinix and his pioneering work at NJFX highlights his relentless commitment. His innovative designs and strategic insights have generated substantial revenue and set new standards for data center infrastructure. More importantly, his mentorship and leadership have inspired countless individuals to strive for excellence.

We miss Frank dearly and can’t stop thinking about how much he would have loved this time of AI data centers and unique cooling solutions. Quick, complex builds were what Frank thrived on. Frank Farrugia, the Renaissance Man, leaves a legacy of brilliance and devotion that continues to inspire the data center industry and everyone within it.

NJFX has been a trailblazer in the digital landscape setting new standards for connectivity, infrastructure resiliency, and adaptability to emerging technologies. On June 25th, our CEO Gil Santaliz held NJFX’s annual partners meeting at the facility discussing the convergence of Internet of Things, Global Critical Network infrastructure and AI applications. Now with the emergence of Edge AI inference, a process that uses AI models to identify patterns or objects in incoming data, NJFX is merging infrastructure and connectivity to support the local demands for Edge AI deployments. NJFX is strategically positioned within the Tri State Area extending to the Northeast Megalopolis covering a population over 50 million, providing direct access to the end user.

NJFX’s journey began with a bold vision to create a Tier 3 carrier-neutral colocation and cable landing station that would redefine connectivity. We strategically designed our facility to link carrier-grade networks beyond major U.S. cities, accommodating over 35 international and domestic operators and continually expanding. Our unique position allows us to be a critical junction where major cloud and network operators have their global backbones physically connecting to transatlantic cables that reach Europe and South America.

One of NJFX’s distinguishing features is our robust infrastructure designed to withstand the most demanding operational needs. The campus boasts direct access to an onsite substation, providing access to utility backbone capacity. This substantial power offers tenants the flexibility of power densities ranging from 4kW to 25kW per cabinet, catering to diverse requirements.

The facility also features onsite N+1 Generator & Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) systems, allowing for on-the-fly configurable emergency power distribution. This redundancy ensures operations are never down even in the face of power interruptions, making NJFX a reliable partner for businesses that cannot afford delays.

Santaliz informed the partners about NJFX’s newly implemented “First Line Maintenance” program, which prioritizes operations supporting our subsea cable systems landing at NJFX.

This program, along with the Front Haul capabilities from the bore pipes acquired from Subcom in February 2024 demonstrates NJFX’s commitment to maintaining robust support for our subsea cable owners and overseeing all operational aspects.

We are already seeing interest from enterprise customers, looking to deploy hundreds of GPU applications within high-density cages at our facility. Our ability to support such high-density, high-performance computing environments underscores our readiness to meet the challenges and opportunities presented by AI proliferation. NJFX will be able to support up to 5MW of Edge AI infrastructure with the development of water-based cooling solutions.

As the technological landscape evolves, NJFX is poised to support the next wave of innovation: Artificial Intelligence. During our partners meeting, we highlighted our plans to support AI applications locally with Edge AI.  The facility’s design, coupled with our innovative cooling solutions, enables us to efficiently support GPUs. Additionally, Santaliz highlighted NJFX’s integration of AI cooling technology into our infrastructure, these capabilities are crucial as AI continues to grow in importance and demand.

The evolution of NJFX is a testament to our plan for global connectivity, resilient infrastructure, and adaptability with new advancements. As we continue to expand and enhance our infrastructure, we remain dedicated to providing our partners and tenants with the highest level of service. Our unique strategy, robust infrastructure, and readiness to embrace emerging technologies position NJFX at the forefront of the connectivity landscape with Edge AI deployments.

In the complex world of network architecture, resilience and diversity are pivotal in ensuring robust, uninterrupted services. Each concept plays a critical role, and their greatest potential is unlocked when they work together.

Resilience refers to a network’s ability to maintain an acceptable level of service in the face of various faults and challenges. Strategies to enhance resilience include implementing redundancy, which involves the presence of duplicate elements within the network infrastructure. This redundancy ensures continued operation and reliability, even when one component fails.

Diversity in network design means incorporating a variety of routes, vendors, technologies, and access points to prevent single points of failure. It involves using distinct and physically separate paths, technologies, or providers for network connections. This strategy is crucial for mitigating risks that could lead to widespread network failures, enhancing the network’s reliability and resilience against failures, including natural disasters or intentional attacks.

How Resilience and Diversity Complement Each Other

The synergy between resilience and diversity is particularly effective. For example, a network that not only has multiple pathways to reroute traffic (resilience through redundancy) but also uses different technology providers for these pathways (diversity) is far more robust. Such a network is better equipped to remain operational under multiple types of failures. The combination of diversified resilience strategies—where the methods for achieving resilience are themselves diverse—ensures that networks can withstand complex, unpredictable challenges.

Businesses must evaluate their current network structures and identify areas for enhancement to integrate resilience and diversity effectively. Key steps include conducting a thorough risk assessment, developing a plan that incorporates diverse technologies and providers, and regularly testing network resilience to ensure all systems function as expected when disruptions occur.

Resilience and diversity are foundational to strategic network planning. By understanding and deploying both, businesses can create networks that are not only robust and reliable but also prepared to handle the evolving challenges of the digital landscape.

The Perfect Point of Presence for Your Network

At NJFX, we exemplify the principles of resilience and diversity, making our facility an ideal point of presence (PoP) for your network. As the first carrier-neutral cable colocation and landing station in New Jersey, we have over 35 network carriers and 4 susbea cable systems that can provide unique connectivity network architectures that incorporate diverse routes and redundant systems ensuring unmatched reliability and connectivity. Partnering with NJFX grants you access a global platform that supports robust, secure, and resilient network operations.

In a world increasingly driven by data and connectivity, the importance of robust digital infrastructure cannot be overstated. This year at International Telecoms Week (ITW) 2024 hosted by Capacity Media, industry leaders and innovators gathered for an insightful Fishbowl Panel to discuss which routes are most influential in expanding subsea connectivity — that’s 99% of all intercontinental internet traffic.

Andy Bax, Senior Partner, Digital Infrastructure – Cambridge Management Consulting (moderator)

Wilfried Dudink, Strategy & Development, Network Service Providers – Digital Realty

Gil Santaliz, CEO – NJFX

Kapil Kumar Jain, VP & Global Head Network – Tata Communications

Noah Drake, President & Managing Director – Telstra

Monica Martinez Quero, Chief Marketing Officer– Telxius

Addressing Challenges and Seizing Opportunities in Subsea Connectivity

Andy kicked off the panel with a vibrant introduction of the participants, emphasizing the comprehensive expertise gathered. “We’ve all been in the business; we’ve been there, done that. We’ve run operations, we’ve built systems, we’ve developed networks,” Andy explained. He underscored the importance of smaller cable systems, posing to the panel, “What role do they play today? What role might they play in the future?”

Monica Martinez Quero, CMO at Telxius, took the lead, articulating the significance of smaller cable systems. “These systems connect less populated areas with less demand, serving as vital links for growing markets,” Monica said. She highlighted the San Juan project, extending from Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic to Puerto Rico and onto the United States, as a pivotal development in bridging high-capacity gaps in the Caribbean.

Monica further described the Junior cable, a 390-kilometer submarine system connecting Rio de Janeiro to Santos, which plays a critical role in routing traffic from Argentina to Virginia Beach in the U.S. “These cables are a part of the bigger topology map in the industry and play a big role due to their strategic positions and capabilities,” she added.

Acknowledging Monica’s insights, Andy reflected on the broader implications. “People often think about small systems as being regional, connecting small populations. But they are a different part of the ecosystem, integral to our global infrastructure.”

Gil Santaliz, CEO of NJFX, brought to light the strategic importance of the Confluence Cable System, a pivotal infrastructure project enhancing connectivity along the East Coast of the United States. “The Confluence Cable is providing an alternate path connecting five key landing stations—Boca, Jacksonville, Myrtle Beach, Virginia Beach, and Wall, New Jersey,” Gil explained. He emphasized the system’s role in offering failover capabilities and addressing the aging infrastructure challenges traditionally handled by highways and railroads. “By avoiding the congested right-of-way issues, this system not only supports inter-country but also intra-country traffic, enhancing the technological landscape significantly,” he added.

Noah Drake, President & Managing Director at Telstra, then shifted the focus towards regional connectivity and its impact on underserved populations. “The regional systems play a critical role, especially in the South Pacific, where we bridge the digital divide through a mix of subsea, wireless, and satellite technologies,” Noah noted. Reflecting on Telstra’s acquisition of Digital South Pacific, he highlighted collaborative efforts with governments to make these projects viable, emphasizing the synergy between commercial interests and social responsibilities.

Kapil Kumar Jain, VP & Global Head Network at Tata Communications, expanded on the discussion by linking the functionality of small cable systems to broader network resilience. “On both the East and West Coasts of the U.S., these smaller systems provide crucial alternate connectivity,” Kapil pointed out. He detailed how, during simultaneous disruptions of major routes, smaller systems facilitate a mesh ecosystem that maintains network integrity. “These cables are integral to our industry’s future, potentially increasing to represent 30-40% of our ecosystem within the next five years as we aim to connect digitally divided regions,” he projected.

As the panel discussion revealed, small submarine cable systems are more than mere supplements to their larger counterparts; they are vital components that ensure robust, resilient, and inclusive global connectivity. This holistic approach not only addresses immediate logistical challenges but also paves the way for a more interconnected and equitable future.

Wilfried Dudink, Strategy & Development, Network Service Providers at Digital Realty, reflecting on the evolving landscape of connectivity hubs in the Mediterranean, emphasized the emergence of new key locations beyond the traditional hubs like Marseille. “Cities like Barcelona, Genoa, Rome, Crete, Athens, and Tel Aviv are becoming significant connectivity hubs, aided by both terrestrial and innovative subsea cable technologies,” he stated. This diversification is seen as a vital strategy for enhancing regional connectivity resilience.

Andy Bax then broadened the discussion to address the challenges facing the industry, including the shortages in cable ships and manufacturing capabilities. “We’re witnessing a surge in demand for both large-scale and small, regional interconnector cables that offer diversity,” Andy noted. He highlighted ongoing issues such as the shortage of cable ships and the slow pace of scaling up manufacturing post-COVID, which are compounded by the need for dual-purpose ships that can both install and repair cables.

Kapil contributed insights into the operational hurdles, “The balancing act between installing new cables and repairing existing ones creates a complex operational scenario. Moreover, there’s a push towards sustainability, demanding that end-to-end cable delivery aligns with eco-friendly practices.” He shed light on the aging fleet of cable ships, with many nearing the end of their service life, underscoring the need for investment in new, sustainable technologies for future developments.

The conversation then shifted towards the impact of geopolitics on the subsea cable industry, a topic further explored by Noah Drake and Gil Santaliz. Noah discussed the strategic delays and challenges posed by permitting processes and geopolitical tensions. “The industry is not just about managing physical resources but also navigating regulatory and political landscapes,” Noah explained.

Gil provided a deeper perspective on how geopolitical tensions are fostering innovation within the industry. “The demand for additional resilience has led to the development of Layer 1 SDN platforms, enabling dynamic switching between subsea cables, thus enhancing the monetization of these assets,” Gil detailed.

Wilfried added that geopolitical shifts are prompting the exploration of new routes, “The current geopolitical climate is pushing the industry to develop alternative routes, enhancing global connectivity diversity.” This includes potentially transformative routes from APAC directly to South Africa and across the Arctic.

Andy reflected on the broader implications of these challenges. “Addressing these issues isn’t just about overcoming technical obstacles but also involves enhancing cooperation between governments and private stakeholders to ensure the deployment of sustainable, resilient infrastructure.”

Adapting to the Evolving Demands of Subsea Cable Infrastructure

Kapil elaborated on the challenges faced by the industry due to recent cable damages and the complexities involved in repair processes. Highlighting the extended downtime, Kapil expressed concern over the industry’s responsiveness to unforeseen incidents, “It’s been two and a half months since the cable cuts, and without permits, we can’t even begin repairs. This situation forces us to rethink traditional routing and introduces substantial challenges but also opens opportunities for innovative solutions.”

The panel also discussed the broader implications of these delays, emphasizing the need for more robust infrastructure and faster response strategies to maintain global connectivity. Andy added perspective on the role of hyperscalers and traditional carriers in building redundancy into their networks. “Hyperscalers are pushing the boundaries, not just focusing on route diversity but also on path and system diversity, which is increasingly important as we aim to ensure resilience in our global networks,” Andy noted.

Wilfried touched upon the development of new connectivity hubs in the Mediterranean, expanding the geographic diversity and resilience of the network infrastructure. “The emergence of new hubs in locations like Barcelona and Tel Aviv represents a strategic evolution, offering alternative routes that enhance the overall robustness of our connectivity solutions,” Wilfried observed.

The conversation shifted to technological advancements that could mitigate some of these challenges. Kapil adding that the deployment of Layer 1 SDN might revolutionize how traffic is managed across these networks. “With SDN technology, we can automate the rerouting process, which currently relies heavily on manual intervention. This could significantly enhance our operational efficiency and reduce downtime during outages,” he proposed.

Andy directed the panel’s attention towards future developments in fiber technology and system capacity. “As we build larger cables with higher fiber counts, we need to consider the long-term implications of these developments on our networks and the global connectivity landscape. How do we manage the increased capacity, and what does it mean for the overall durability of our infrastructure?” Andy questioned.

The panelists discussed the potential for multicore fiber technologies to double the capacity of existing systems without adding more fiber pairs, a critical consideration as the industry seeks to expand capacity while managing the complexities of repair and maintenance.

The panelists delved deeper into the technical, operational, and geopolitical challenges facing the subsea cable industry, exploring strategies to navigate these complexities while fostering innovation and resilience in global connectivity.

The Future of Transatlantic and Global Subsea Networks

Kapil highlighted the ongoing and future challenges in the transatlantic routes, noting the proliferation of new, high-capacity cables. “As we look to the next three to four years, we may see multiple cables with 16 to 25 fiber pairs becoming available in the Transatlantic. However, integrating these cables to create a resilient network remains a puzzle, particularly in Europe,” Kapil reflected. He emphasized the need for innovative solutions to interconnect these diverse routes to ensure robust and redundant network architectures.

Andy responded to Kapil’s insights, focusing on the necessity for direct fiber restoration over mere capacity routing. “What Confluence is aiming to do on the East Coast of the U.S. needs to be mirrored along the entire coast of Europe to ensure seamless fiber restoration,” Andy added, underscoring the importance of comprehensive connectivity solutions that can adapt to unexpected disruptions.

Wilfried shared a specific example from Crete, where multiple cable landing stations are being connected to a central facility to facilitate switching between cables, enhancing network flexibility and resilience. “The project in Crete reflects a broader necessity for integrated infrastructure that can support the dynamic needs of the subsea community,” Wilfried noted.

The panel then opened the floor to questions from the audience, leading to a lively discussion about the investment challenges and educational gaps surrounding subsea cable systems. Andy tackled the overarching challenges facing the subsea community, particularly the need to elevate the industry’s profile to attract investment and governmental support.

Gil addressed the logistical and environmental challenges of deploying subsea cables, highlighting the delicate balance between development and local regulations. “The pushback from local communities and the high costs imposed by municipalities can significantly complicate development efforts,” Gil explained.

The session concluded with a consensus on the critical role of education and collaboration in overcoming the challenges faced by the subsea cable industry. The panelists underscored the importance of raising awareness about the strategic value of subsea cables and fostering partnerships to support sustainable and resilient infrastructure development.

In the stillness of an early morning, the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore faced an unforeseen catastrophe—a cargo ship, having lost power, veered uncontrollably towards the bridge’s pillar. Amid emergency procedures, anchors were dropped in a futile attempt to halt the vessel’s momentum. The lights on the ship flickered, and as a dark plume of smoke ascended, the inevitable occurred. The collision resulted in a massive portion of the bridge succumbing to the water below in mere seconds, a vivid testament to the unpredictable forces at play.

This tragic incident underscores the indispensable need for resilient connectivity solutions in our increasingly interconnected world. Located at the strategic confluence of international subsea cables and terrestrial networks, NJFX’s carrier-neutral colocation CLS is designed to ensure that connectivity remains uninterrupted.

A notable aspect of NJFX’s robust offerings is the alternative route provided by United Fiber & Data (UFD), which bypasses the now-vulnerable Baltimore region, ensuring a secure and direct pathway to Ashburn, Virginia. This thoughtful infrastructure planning embodies NJFX’s deep commitment to upholding the continuity and reliability of secure infrastructure, emphasizing the critical nature of having resilient connectivity solutions in place.

The abrupt collapse of the Baltimore bridge serves as a poignant reminder of our physical infrastructure’s vulnerabilities and the cascading effects such failures can have on connectivity. In response, NJFX’s strategic foresight in crafting a resilient connectivity ecosystem emerges not just as a measure of preparedness but as a necessity. By facilitating secure, reliable network pathways that adeptly circumvent potential vulnerabilities, NJFX ensures that the networks we depend upon remain resilient, robust, and never down.

For a deeper understanding of NJFX’s pivotal role in enhancing global connectivity resilience, visit our Customer Benefits. 

The digital infrastructure of Latin America is on the brink of a major overhaul, with subsea cables playing a pivotal role in this transformation. A panel of industry experts, including CEOs, EVPs, and senior analysts, came together to discuss the future trajectory of these essential components of the global internet backbone. Here’s a closer look at the participants and the key takeaways from their discussion.

Participants:

Gil Santaliz, CEO at NJFX
Maurice Traverso, EVP at Sparkle
Alexander Salomon, RVP Brazil Sales at Infineria
Enrique Lozoya, Network Investments Manager – Americas at META
Carmine Sorrentino, VP Chief Commercial and Operating Officer at Liberty Networks
Peter Wood, Senior Research Analyst at TeleGeography

 Key Takeaways:

1. There’s a consensus on the urgent need to replace subsea cables that were built in 2002 and earlier. The industry is moving towards adopting new cables with advanced technology to ensure seamless connectivity between Latin America and North America.

2. Simply upgrading the equipment of existing cables is insufficient. The panelists pointed out that new cables with higher fiber counts and technological advancements offer far superior performance, which is necessary to meet the increasing demand for data and bandwidth.

3. Over-The-Top (OTT) providers are at the forefront of developing new subsea systems. Their efforts are expanding the network’s reach beyond Brazil to Argentina, Chile, and potentially Peru, showcasing a significant shift in infrastructure development and investment.

4. Highlighting specific initiatives, Liberty Media, in collaboration with Gold Data, is working on expanding the US-Mexico and Central America subsea network. Their focus on reducing latency is critical for real-time data applications, enhancing the region’s connectivity.

5. The responsibility falls on both users and operators to ensure their network’s resilience. Having access to multiple cables and backhaul options is essential for maintaining network uptime, emphasizing the need for robust infrastructure.

6. The panel discussed the unpredictable impact of AI on network infrastructure and the growth of hyperscale data centers in Latin America. These data centers, increasingly powered by renewable energy, are poised to drive further demand for subsea cable expansion.

The discussions by these industry leaders offer a roadmap for the future of Latin America’s digital infrastructure. As the region gears up for a major transition, the focus on technological advancements, strategic partnerships, and sustainability will be key to ensuring its connectivity with the global digital economy.

Wall Township, NJ – Today, NJFX Utility Service LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of NJFX, announced the successful acquisition of key infrastructure assets from SubCom LLC, originally developed in 2001. This acquisition comprises bore pipes and conduits situated in Manasquan and Avon, NJ. This offers purpose built underground access to the NJFX Wall CLS Campus. These critical infrastructure assets required maintenance, which involves use of complicated and scarce marine expertise. 

Starting in September 2023, NJFX engaged with several marine contractors providing necessary maintenance to these assets, to prepare them for another 25 years, which is the useful life of a subsea cable. This included proofing bore pipes with divers that have underwater welding capabilities.  The number one priority is always life safety which makes this an expensive maintenance exercise in preserving US Critical Infrastructure.

Ryan Imkemeier, the CLS Manager at NJFX, highlighted the collaboration’s depth with HDD and MCC (Marine Contractors and Consultants) to ensure seamless operations, he stated, “We’ve worked closely with our contractor to ensure there are no hiccups. Delays can become costly, and it’s our priority to prepare thoroughly to avoid any potential issues.”

NJFX supports AquaComms who lands in one of the four acquired bore pipes with its Havfrue/AEC-2 cable, connecting the US to Denmark, Norway, and Ireland. Other significant customers of the NJFX Campus include Tata Communications who owns TGN 1 & 2 connecting to the United Kingdom and Seaborn Networks, which owns the Seabras-1 cable connecting Wall, NJ to Sao Paulo, Brazil.

Gil Santaliz, the CEO of NJFX, further emphasized the investment’s significance, “We have invested close to $2 million to ensure these critical assets are ready for the next 30 years of use. This not only demonstrates our commitment to maintaining robust infrastructure, but also to securing New Jersey’s position in the future of transatlantic connectivity.”

Currently there are over 574 active and planned submarine cables reported by TeleGeography in January of 2024.  This includes fourteen transatlantic subsea cables on the east coast of the United States with seven of these cables being considered modern (these include ACE-1, Havfrue/AEC-2, Grace Hopper, Amitie, Marea, Dunant, and EXA Express) with at least 15 years of useful life supporting voice, data, and cloud connectivity. There are 870,000 miles of subsea routes globally with projects like 2Africa, Bifrost and Echo being deployed in the next coming years. These subsea systems solve for topics ranging from geopolitical concerns to economic development for countries who need to be connected and participate in the digital economy.

This acquisition of these assets strengthens NJFX’s role in global communications by restoring transatlantic connectivity infrastructure.

About NJFX:

Located in Wall, NJ, NJFX is the innovative leader in carrier-neutral colocation and subsea infrastructure, setting a new standard for interconnecting carrier-grade networks outside any major U.S. city. Our campus hosts over 35 global and U.S. operators, including multinational banks that rely on us for their “never down” network strategies. The NJFX campus is also where the major cloud operators have their global backbones physically connecting to transatlantic cables to Europe and South America. NJFX customers requiring transparency and true diversity can interconnect at a layer one level with their preferred network connectivity partners.

Media Inquiries, please contact:

Emily Newman | PR & Marketing Manager | [email protected]

On February 9th, NJFX’s Tier 3 carrier-neutral and subsea colocation facility hosted a Critical Infrastructure Forum supporting various applications for multinational banks. This event marked a revolutionary stride towards redefining cloud, IP, and global connectivity with 30+ executives presenting from Fortune 100 and 500 companies within NJFX’s advanced facility.

The forum facilitated sessions on enhancing network infrastructure and enabling private backbone access to the major cloud operators. Additional topics included insights from the world’s largest Internet exchange provider and a leading network operator providing last mile access throughout LATAM.

Key participants and highlights included:

• Head of Solutions Architecture of Banking and Payments from AWS.
• COO’s from Orchest, Colt, and Crown Castle, emphasizing the importance of scalable and resilient network infrastructure.
• Executives from DE-CIX, sharing strategies on internet exchange capabilities and global business development.
• Representatives from Altice, Verizon, EXA, and AT&T, discussing advancements in mobile networks and enterprise fiber solutions.

This forum underscored NJFX’s role in facilitating a future-proof, expansive internet infrastructure, highlighting the collective effort towards a more connected and efficient global network.

About NJFX

NJFX is setting a new standard for interconnecting carrier-grade networks outside any major U.S. city. Our campus hosts over 35 global and U.S. operators, including multinational banks that rely on us for their “never down” network strategies. The NJFX campus is also where the major cloud operators have their global backbones physically connecting to transatlantic cables to Europe and South America. NJFX customers requiring transparency and true diversity can interconnect at a layer one level with their preferred network connectivity partners.