Modular Data Center Guide – Definition, Cost, and Key Advantages
A modular data center becomes popular because it is fast, flexible, and cheaper than building a traditional data center. As businesses handle more data every day, they need a system that can store and process information quickly. So, instead of waiting for long construction, many companies now choose modular solutions. What is a modular data center? A modular data center is made from pre-built modules. These modules include servers, storage, cooling systems, power supplies, and network equipment. Factory workers build and test the modules, then ship them to the company site for installation. This allows companies to set up a modular center in just a few weeks or months. On the other hand, a traditional data center usually takes 12 to 18 months to build. Businesses can move or expand it as they grow. Modular vs Traditional data centers The main difference is in their construction and expansion. Companies build traditional data centers from scratch, which takes a long time and costs more. Modular data centers use pre-made units that are easier to add or move. Here are the main advantages: How much does a modular data center cost? The cost depends on the type and size of the modules. According to StateTech Magazine, it includes: Schneider Electric reports that a full modular data center usually costs $2–$10 per watt of power. This means companies can start small and buy more capacity later. It helps control spending and avoid extra costs. Why does the network matter? A network is important because a modular data center needs a strong network. First, it helps send data quickly. Second, it makes backups easier. Third, it keeps the system running during problems. Big companies like AWS, Microsoft Azure, Google, and Meta are building more data centers in Southeast Asia. Therefore, they need private, fast networks like dark fiber. Dark fiber provides large capacity and reliable connections, so data can move without slowing down. Building a strong network with ARNet A modular data center is a fast, flexible, and cost-effective solution for businesses. Unlike traditional data centers, these centers are cheaper, faster to build, and easier to expand. With strong networks like ARNet, they can run smoothly and handle large amounts of data. They are a smart choice for companies that want to grow quickly and safely. ARNet has over 10,000 km of fiber. It connects more than 60 data centers in Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, and Thailand. ARNet’s network has fiber between cities and countries. It also has fiber inside cities for heavy data use. Last-mile fiber connects straight to customer places. ARNet owns and runs the whole network. It has all needed licenses. This helps keep the network steady with 99.99% uptime. Because of this, many data centers and cloud companies trust ARNet in the region. About the Author Nabila Choirunnisa, Digital Marketing Executive at ARNet
4 Steps to Build a Cloud Data Center That Supports Businesses
The digital world keeps growing. Because of this growth, more business work moves online. As a result, companies depend more on digital systems. These systems store data and support daily work. Due to this heavy use, technology systems face higher demand. For this reason, a cloud data center becomes a key support system. A cloud data center provides computing power and storage. With this insight from Precedence Research, applications can run without disruption. As digital platforms expand, reliance on this infrastructure increases. Because of this reliance, demand continues to rise. Market data supports this pattern. Precedence Research reports a global value of USD 29.34 billion in 2024 and a possible rise to USD 75.40 billion by 2034. This steady growth explains the need for a clear understanding of this infrastructure. What is a cloud data center? A cloud data center is like a real building. Inside this building, the system stores data and runs cloud services. It has servers, storage, and network equipment. Each part has its own job. Because all the parts work together, services can reach users through the internet. Many users use cloud services at the same time. To make this possible, virtualization is used. This means one server can run many virtual systems. Each virtual system serves one user. Because of this, data stays separate, so security and organization stay strong. How a cloud data center works? A cloud data center works with hardware and software. At the bottom, hardware makes the main layer. This includes servers, storage devices, network cables, cooling systems, and backup power. On top of that, software runs. With this software, virtual machines are made. Because of this, these machines work like separate computers. Users connect to the services through the internet. At the same time, workloads are shared across many servers. This way, the system does not get too busy. Data is also stored in many places. So, the chance of losing data is lower. Also, management software watches what is happening and changes workloads depending on how much capacity is free. How to build a cloud data center? Building a cloud data center starts with a clear system plan. This clear plan helps teams understand what needs to be built. It also reduces confusion during the process. Strong planning is important at this stage. Several key areas need attention. These areas are linked to each other. Each area supports system growth and long term stability. Because of this, the planning stage needs a clear structure. The sections below explain the main focus areas for 2026. 1. Defining goals Clear goals guide the project and help decide services, users, computing power, and storage. For example, Fortune Business Insights reported strong cloud usage in IT and Telecom in 2024. 2. Securing large power capacity After setting goals, a cloud data center needs steady electricity for servers and cooling. Organizations work with local power providers to ensure enough power. 3. Designing for efficiency With power ready, efficient design saves energy and money. Proper airflow, server placement, and modern cooling keep machines safe and use less power. 4. Ensuring disaster recovery Finally, disaster recovery protects services and data. Backup power and storing data in multiple locations reduce risks and keep businesses running. Supporting digital growth with strong connectivity Once the network is built, it keeps everything running smoothly. As a result, it allows data to move quickly without delays, which is very important for big cloud companies. To achieve this, the network must be strong and reliable. ARNet meets this need by providing dark fiber services in Southeast Asia. In fact, our network stretches over 10,000 km, connecting Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, and Thailand. Moreover, it links more than 60 data centers through long routes, city networks, and direct connections, ensuring data moves fast and safely across the region. For long-term reliability, it is better to choose experienced network providers. That is why ARNet offers high-capacity fiber with more than 99.99% uptime. Additionally, our team continuously monitors the system to keep it dependable. Consequently, hyperscalers and major players can run their services safely throughout Southeast Asia. About the Author Nabila Choirunnisa, Digital Marketing Executive at ARNet
What is an AI Data Center? Understanding the 4 Main Types
Artificial intelligence changes how businesses work. To make this possible, companies build AI data centers to run artificial intelligence programs. These buildings use powerful computers to handle heavy work. They store large amounts of data and drastically increase power consumption due to high-density computing needs. People build AI data centers to handle heavy computing, store large amounts of data, and use the high power AI systems needed. So what actually sets them apart? This article explains what makes these facilities unique and describes the four main types of data centers available. What is the AI data center? An AI data center is a special building that holds powerful computers for artificial intelligence. These computers are used to train models and run AI applications. Compared to normal software, these workloads need much more computing power. Because of this, the facility uses strong chips like GPUs and TPUs that can do many tasks at the same time. It uses very fast networks and large storage so data can move quickly between servers. As a result, AI systems can work faster and deliver better results. However, high performance brings challenges. An AI data center uses a lot of electricity and produces a lot of heat. The International Energy Agency (IEA) reported that data centers used about 415 TWh of electricity in 2024. This is 1.5% of all electricity in the world, and it has been growing about 12% every year. The report says that electricity use will double to about 945 TWh by 2030, taking up almost 3% of the world’s electricity, mainly because AI servers are growing fast. For this reason, strong power systems and advanced cooling keep operations safe and stable. What are the 4 types of data centers? Data centers come in four main types: onsite data centers, colocation facilities, hyperscale data centers, and edge data centers. These types support different needs and workloads, including those used in an AI data center. While they serve the same basic purpose, they differ in scale, location, and operation. The following sections explain each type in more detail. Infrastructure that powers AI growth AI data center do more than house powerful computers. They handle heavy workloads, store large amounts of data, and manage high electricity use safely and efficiently. What makes them unique is their use of advanced chips, fast networks, and strong cooling and power systems. As AI grows, businesses rely on these centers for speed, reliability, and flexibility in handling complex computing tasks. To support this growth, fast and stable networks are critical. Large amounts of data must move quickly between systems without delay. Dark fiber provides high speed, low latency, and reliable connections. This allows advanced computing workloads to run smoothly and scale when demand increases. In Southeast Asia, choosing the right network partner is key to success. ARNet builds dark fiber networks for hyperscalers and major players across Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, and Thailand. Our long-haul, metro, and last-mile fiber solutions give businesses full control over network speed and reliability. With our networks, companies can easily expand capacity as AI workloads grow, ensuring smooth performance at every stage. We give businesses the tools to build their AI data center. We help them grow across the region. About the Author Nabila Choirunnisa, Digital Marketing Executive at ARNet
Data Center Infrastructure Management: 4 Key Things Every Business Should Understand
Modern businesses use technology to store and process data. When a business grows, it needs systems that are stable and easy to manage. Because of this, data center infrastructure management is important for many companies. In simple terms, data center infrastructure management puts different systems into one place. It connects building systems, IT equipment, and control tools. With this system, teams can see power use, cooling, and server space in real time. This helps them manage the data center better and prevent service downtime. What is data center infrastructure management? Data center infrastructure management is a system that manages buildings and IT equipment in a data center. It brings building operations, IT control, and automation software into one system. This helps companies manage their hardware and keep data safe. The system does more than store data. It checks power use, cooling systems, and equipment health. This helps teams find problems early and keep the data center running smoothly. Understanding server size and rack units Most data centers for companies have between 500 and 5,000 servers.According to the Pew Research Center, many data centers have about 2,000 to 5,000 servers. At the same time, smaller data centers usually have around 500 to 2,000 servers. To arrange these servers, data centers use a simple size system called a rack unit. One rack unit, or 1U, is 1.75 inches tall. So, when a server is called 1U, 2U, or 3U, the “U” shows how much vertical space the server uses in the rack. Space and cooling requirements Physical space is very important in a data center. The size of the building affects layout, airflow, and equipment placement. Because of this, data centers are grouped by size. Servers produce heat when they run. Without good cooling, performance goes down and equipment can be damaged. How many servers fit in one rack? A standard 42U rack can hold 42 servers if each server is 1U. So, this rack is used a lot in the industry. This also helps data center teams plan how much space they need. But, servers can be different sizes depending on how powerful they are. For example, high-performance servers need 2U or 4U because they have more parts. That’s why data center software tracks all these server sizes in the facility. Building reliable infrastructure for growth Reliable operations depend on careful planning of power supply, cooling capacity, and physical space through effective data center infrastructure management. Alongside this, strong connectivity between data centers and networks also supports business expansion. In response to these requirements, dark fiber provides secure, high-speed, and low-latency connections for modern data centers. ARNet provides dark fiber to give fast, safe, and low-latency connections for hyperscalers and major players in Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, and Thailand. We own over 10,000 km of fiber and connect 60+ data centers across the region. Our network is fully built and operated in-house, with robust data center infrastructure management practices ensuring reliability and scalability for growing business needs. It includes long-distance, metro, and last-mile fiber to cover every connection requirement. This way, hyperscalers and major players enjoy stable, high-speed connections that help them perform better now and in the future. About the Author Nabila Choirunnisa, Digital Marketing Executive at ARNet
Hyperscale Data Center Explained: Challenges, Growth, and Southeast Asia Expansion
Every time you watch a video, send a message, or save a file online, big facilities work behind the scenes. These are called a hyperscale data center. They store and process huge amounts of data to keep our digital world running. Research from Mordor Intelligence shows that the need for these centers is growing very fast. Most people do not see them, but they are very important. Without a hyperscale data center, services like Netflix, Facebook, and Gmail would not work. As we use more digital services, these centers become even more important. What does a hyperscale data center do? A hyperscale data center helps run large digital services by storing and processing a lot of data. It gives space and power for the biggest online platforms in the world. For example, it supports social media, cloud storage, and apps that millions of people use every day. A hyperscale data center is a very big building that has at least 5,000 servers. As mentioned in the earlier research, these centers provide more than 20 megawatts of power to run all the computers. To understand this, 20 megawatts can power about 16,000 homes. Companies like Amazon, Google, and Microsoft use these data centers to run their services worldwide. Other big software and content companies also rely on them. The demand for these facilities is growing fast. The same research shows the market reached USD 167.34 billion in 2025. Experts expect it will grow to USD 602.39 billion by 2030. This means the market will grow about 23.58% each year, making it one of the fastest-growing technology areas in the world. Why are hyperscale data centers expanding? The expansion of a hyperscale data center happens because of several factors. These factors include: Current challenges According to the previous report, Even though this industry is growing fast, it still faces three main problems: Connectivity needs in southeast asia A hyperscale data center needs strong infrastructure to work well, store large amounts of data, and grow when demand increases, especially in Southeast Asia. More people are using digital services, so reliable networks and systems are becoming very important in the region. To support this demand, big cloud companies are investing billions in Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, and Singapore. These data centers also need stable and fast connections. ARNet provides dark fiber networks to give them this connectivity. Our network covers over 10,000 kilometers and links 60 data centers across the region, keeping them connected. We have all the telecom licenses needed in each country, so our customers can work with a single provider. Because we build and maintain our own network, we can provide fast setup and high-quality service for a hyperscale data center. This network focuses on major cities like Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, Johor Bahru, Singapore, Jakarta, and Batam, where demand is highest. As Southeast Asia’s digital economy grows, strong connections become even more important. ARNet gives operators the foundation they need for their networks. Companies planning a new hyperscale data center in the region can rely on our solutions to support their growth. About the Author Nabila Choirunnisa, Digital Marketing Executive at ARNet
7 Types of Data Center Cooling Systems That Keep Your Servers Running
Data centers store computer servers and networking equipment. Because servers work all day and night, they produce heat. When there is too much heat, it can damage the equipment. As a result, damaged servers stop working. This can cost businesses money and important data. Data center cooling helps prevent these problems. This industry is growing fast. In fact, the market reached USD 26.31 billion in 2025, according to Grand View Research. Many companies now use data centers, which are shared facilities for multiple businesses. All of these centers need good cooling systems. In this article, we will explain the main types of data center cooling systems. What is a data center cooling system? A Data Center Cooling System is a setup that keeps a data center’s servers and equipment at the right temperature. It works by removing the heat made by servers and other equipment. This way, servers run safely and last longer. Cooling systems have many parts. Some systems blow cold air into the room. Others remove hot air. Then, the cold air flows around the servers to keep them at a safe temperature. This process happens continuously while servers are running. How much cooling does a data center need? The cooling needs depend on how many servers are in the data center. For example, more servers make more heat. A small room with 10 servers needs less cooling than a large data center with thousands of servers. Cooling also uses a lot of electricity. Research from Data Center Knowledge shows that cooling can use 30-40% of a data center’s total power. In addition, powerful computers, like AI servers or graphics processors, produce even more heat. Therefore, the data center cooling system must handle this heat safely. Types of data center cooling systems Data center cooling systems use either air or liquid to remove heat. Air systems are older but still common. Liquid systems are newer and can remove more heat. Some data centers use both types together. To understand it more, below is the explanation of these types. 1. Air cooling systems Air cooling moves air around the room to control temperature. This method is common in most data centers. It includes several types: 2. Liquid cooling systems Liquid cooling uses water or special fluids. It removes more heat than air systems. According to BIS Research, the liquid cooling market reached $5,654.8 million in 2024. This method includes: Choosing the right cooling system Choosing a cooling system for a data center requires planning. You should consider your equipment, budget, and local weather. Many centers use more than one type of cooling. This helps save energy and provides backup options. Also, regular maintenance keeps the system working and prevents costly problems. Good cooling system also needs fast and reliable networks. For example, ARNet provides dark fiber networks in Southeast Asia. Dark fiber is a private fiber optic network you control. In fact, ARNet covers over 10,000 km and connects 60 colocation data centers in Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, and Thailand. ARNet owns and manages the network equipment. This means we can fix problems quickly and add new connections fast. Our dark fiber allows upgrades to speed anytime. As a result, we provide 99.99% uptime. This network helps data centers run cooling systems smoothly and reliably. About the Author Nabila Choirunnisa, Digital Marketing Executive at ARNet
3 Types of Colocation Data Centers That Matter for Your Business
Businesses today make more data than before. Because of this, they need a safe place to keep it. A colocation data center is a place where businesses can put their servers and equipment. This way, they do not need to build their own data center. Many businesses use colocation since it is cheaper and easier. For example, they can rent space in a professional data center instead of making one. In this article, we will explain what a colocation data center is, how it works, and the three main types for different business needs. What is a colocation data center? A colocation data center is a place where businesses rent space for their IT equipment. In addition, the center gives power, cooling, internet, and security. Companies bring their own servers and other hardware. Moreover, using this type of data center can save money. Businesses do not need to build their own data center. Instead, the provider takes care of the building, power backup, and security. At the same time, companies still control their own equipment and data. According to Grand View Research, the global colocation market was USD 69.41 billion in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 165.45 billion by 2030. How colocation data center works? Colocation data centers work by sharing space among multiple companies. For example, each company has its own space. Also, the center gives power, cooling, and other things to run the servers. In addition, it has backup generators to keep power on. Meanwhile, cooling systems stop servers from getting too hot. Moreover, security includes cameras, locked doors, and staff. Then, the servers connect to the internet using many networks. As a result, the colocation data center takes care of all these things. Therefore, companies get safe and reliable service. Additionally, staff watch the center all the time and fix problems fast. Types of colocation data center Different businesses need different space and services. Colocation data centers have three main types. Each type is for different business sizes and needs. Each type gives different benefits. The benefits depend on the size of the business, money, and technical needs. Here are the details of each type. Choosing the right colocation data center type depends on how much equipment you have. It also depends on your growth plans and your budget limits. Building better connectivity for your data center Colocation data centers need fast and strong connections. They use fiber optic cables to move data quickly. These cables link data centers and connect them to the internet. Strong fiber networks reduce delays and give better service. To meet this need, ARNet provides dark fiber solutions in Southeast Asia. Dark fiber is fiber that companies can use by themselves. ARNet has over 10,000 kilometers of fiber and connects 60 data centers in Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, and Thailand. This helps hyperscalers and internet companies connect their facilities. We own and run all of the networks. We do not rely on other companies. This helps us to give you fast setup, steady service, and over 99.99% uptime. Our solutions also can help you to monitor the network to fix problems early. Because of this, businesses using a colocation data center get one provider managing all connections, making it simple and reliable. About the Author Nabila Choirunnisa, Digital Marketing Executive at ARNet
Data Center Infrastructure: 3 Essential Components You Need to Know
Businesses use digital services every day. These services help them work and serve customers. They also need systems to store data and run applications. These systems must work all the time. Because of this, data center infrastructure is very important. It helps keep systems running and data safe and available. When businesses understand data center infrastructure, they can choose better technology. This article explains the basic parts that help a data center work well. What is data center infrastructure? Data center infrastructure is all the tools and systems used to run a data facility. In simple words, it includes what is needed to store, process, and protect data. These facilities support technology that businesses use every day. Because of this, they need careful planning. This is because the systems must run all the time without stopping. When a system goes down, companies can lose money. In 2024, a report by the Ponemon Institute showed that downtime cost about $9,000 per minute. For this reason, reliability is very important. What are the three main components of a data center infrastructure The three main parts of data center infrastructure are network infrastructure, storage infrastructure, and computing resources. Together, they help the data center run smoothly. Each part has a specific job. At the same time, they must work together to support business operations. 1. Network infrastructure Network infrastructure helps systems talk to each other. It uses routers, switches, cables, and firewalls to send data fast and safely. Without it, systems cannot share data and apps cannot work well. 2. Storage infrastructure Storage infrastructure keeps data safe and easy to access. It uses tools like hard drives, SSDs, networks, and backup systems. The same data is saved in more than one place, so it is still available if one system fails. It also works with data centers to make sure data is always ready. 3. Computing resources Computing resources help computers work and run programs. They include servers and processors. More power and virtualization let computers do tasks faster, run more programs, and stay reliable. Building tomorrow’s digital foundation As data center infrastructure grows, dark fiber becomes more important. Dark fiber is fiber optic cable that is not used until a company turns it on. When a company uses it, they control how data moves on the network. This helps businesses add more bandwidth when needed. Dark fiber also gives flexibility and security. Companies can manage capacity, keep data private, and upgrade equipment without changing the fiber. This makes it easy to expand networks. Based on research from Mordor Intelligence, the demand for dark fiber is growing in Southeast Asia. Its market in Asia Pacific may grow 12.5% each year until 2029. ARNet provides dark fiber for modern digital infrastructure. We help large businesses and hyperscalers in Southeast Asia, including Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, and Thailand. Our services include long haul fiber, metro fiber, and last mile fiber. These connections link facilities to key network exchange points. Our networks give low latency and high bandwidth, which are very important for data centers. Businesses choose ARNet because we build strong fiber networks. We work with clients to make solutions that help them grow. ARNet dark fiber gives companies a flexible and scalable network for long-term success. About the Author Nabila Choirunnisa, Digital Marketing Executive at ARNet
Data Center Connectivity Explained: 4 Types of Data Centers and How They Connect
Modern businesses need data centers to store and handle huge amounts of information. This is why data center connectivity is growing so fast today. In fact, Grand View Research shows that the global data center market was worth USD 383.82 billion in 2025. It is expected to reach USD 902.19 billion by 2033. These numbers will continue to grow quickly. As a result, companies need their data centers to talk to each other quickly and smoothly. They need to connect to other buildings, cloud services, and their customers. Because of this growing need, good data center connectivity and planning has become important for companies in all industries. Beyond basic setup, the quality of connections between data centers directly affects how fast apps run. It affects how well services work. As the amount of data continues to grow, businesses look for connectivity solutions that offer high speed, low delays, and complete control over their network setup. For these reasons, dark fiber has become a popular choice. It helps companies that want to build their own private networks between buildings. However, to understand how this works, we first need to explore what data center connectivity means. What is data center connectivity? Data center connectivity is how data centers connect to each other and to the internet. These connections help data move between computers and other devices. Companies use different ways to connect. For example, they use cables, wireless links, or rented network lines. Choosing the right connection helps businesses keep their systems fast and stable. How are data centers connected? Data centers connect to each other using fiber optic cables, wireless links, or rented network lines. The choice depends on their needs. Most buildings use fiber optic cables because they are fast and reliable. In many cases, companies rent lit fiber from telecom providers. With this option, the provider handles the equipment and manages the bandwidth. Another option is dark fiber. This means companies use unused fiber lines and control them fully. They can install their own equipment and upgrade the network anytime without waiting for approval. According to Grand View Research, the dark fiber market was worth USD 6.25 billion in 2024, showing strong demand for this solution. Still, choosing the right connection depends on several factors that affect data center connectivity performance. What are the 4 types of data centers? There are four main types of data centers: onsite data centers, colocation facilities, hyperscale data centers, and edge data centers. Each type supports different business needs. They also offer different options for data center connectivity. Onsite data centers These data centers are built inside a company’s own location. This means the company has full control over the systems and network. Onsite data centers are suitable for businesses with high security needs. They also work well for companies that use special or custom equipment. Colocation facilities Unlike onsite centers, colocation facilities are shared by many companies. The provider supplies power, cooling, and network access. These facilities offer strong connectivity options. They allow companies to connect easily to multiple carriers and internet exchanges. Hyperscale data centers Big tech companies use these very large data centers. They support cloud services that need a lot of power. These data centers must connect many locations together. Strong connections help them share data smoothly. Edge data centers These are smaller data centers placed close to users. They help reduce delay by handling data nearby. Because of this, they need good connections to main data centers and cloud systems. Without strong connections, they cannot work well. Knowing these types of data centers helps companies choose the best setup for their needs. Conclusion Strong data center connections are important for daily work. Today, companies need fast speed, low delay, and safe networks. Because of this, many companies choose dark fiber. In this case, ARNet provides dark fiber for companies that want their own private network. With this service, ARNet gives unused fiber lines that connect buildings and data centers. So, companies can run their systems more smoothly. Also, many companies choose ARNet because the fiber can grow as their needs grow. At the same time, it gives safe and stable connections. In the end, this setup helps companies control their network and work without problems. About the Author Nabila Choirunnisa, Digital Marketing Executive at ARNet