{"id":10293,"date":"2025-05-09T18:48:00","date_gmt":"2025-05-10T00:48:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/zayo.zayowebservers.com\/?post_type=resources&#038;p=10293"},"modified":"2025-07-14T16:24:47","modified_gmt":"2025-07-14T22:24:47","slug":"fiber-to-the-factory","status":"publish","type":"resources","link":"https:\/\/zayoustrans.burbledev.com\/fr\/resources\/fiber-to-the-factory\/","title":{"rendered":"Fiber to the Factory\u00a0"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>What\u2019s a Factory Today?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-8f761849 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Not Your Grandfather\u2019s Detroit<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1280\" src=\"https:\/\/zayoustrans.burbledev.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/factory-line-machinery-feat-image-fiber-1920x1280.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-10303\" style=\"width:837px;height:auto\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/zayoustrans.burbledev.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/factory-line-machinery-feat-image-fiber-scaled.jpeg 1920w, https:\/\/zayoustrans.burbledev.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/factory-line-machinery-feat-image-fiber-960x640.jpeg 960w, https:\/\/zayoustrans.burbledev.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/factory-line-machinery-feat-image-fiber-768x512.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/zayoustrans.burbledev.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/factory-line-machinery-feat-image-fiber-480x320.jpeg 480w, https:\/\/zayoustrans.burbledev.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/factory-line-machinery-feat-image-fiber-640x427.jpeg 640w, https:\/\/zayoustrans.burbledev.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/factory-line-machinery-feat-image-fiber-720x480.jpeg 720w, https:\/\/zayoustrans.burbledev.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/factory-line-machinery-feat-image-fiber-1168x779.jpeg 1168w, https:\/\/zayoustrans.burbledev.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/factory-line-machinery-feat-image-fiber-1440x960.jpeg 1440w, https:\/\/zayoustrans.burbledev.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/factory-line-machinery-feat-image-fiber-1536x1024.jpeg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Factories are special places. When we think about \u201cthe factory,\u201d some of us still have the old Henry Ford assembly lines in mind. Revolutionary for its time, people performed repetitive tasks in a predictable and continuous, conveyor-belt-driven flow, breaking important ground in efficiency, industrialization, standardization, output, and profit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It worked well, except when it didn&#8217;t:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"500\" height=\"375\" src=\"https:\/\/zayoustrans.burbledev.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/I-Love-Lucy-Supermarket-GIF.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12600\" style=\"width:839px;height:auto\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/zayoustrans.burbledev.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/I-Love-Lucy-Supermarket-GIF.webp 500w, https:\/\/zayoustrans.burbledev.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/I-Love-Lucy-Supermarket-GIF-480x360.webp 480w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Humans are, after all, not robots, and there was just no room on the conveyor for the flexibility and variable performance accommodations we all need. With human involvement, production slows.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignright size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1920\" src=\"https:\/\/zayoustrans.burbledev.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/car-factory-machinery-feat-image-fiber-edited-1-scaled.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-10307\" style=\"width:303px;height:auto\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/zayoustrans.burbledev.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/car-factory-machinery-feat-image-fiber-edited-1-scaled.jpeg 1920w, https:\/\/zayoustrans.burbledev.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/car-factory-machinery-feat-image-fiber-edited-1-960x960.jpeg 960w, https:\/\/zayoustrans.burbledev.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/car-factory-machinery-feat-image-fiber-edited-1-150x150.jpeg 150w, https:\/\/zayoustrans.burbledev.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/car-factory-machinery-feat-image-fiber-edited-1-768x768.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/zayoustrans.burbledev.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/car-factory-machinery-feat-image-fiber-edited-1-480x480.jpeg 480w, https:\/\/zayoustrans.burbledev.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/car-factory-machinery-feat-image-fiber-edited-1-640x640.jpeg 640w, https:\/\/zayoustrans.burbledev.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/car-factory-machinery-feat-image-fiber-edited-1-720x720.jpeg 720w, https:\/\/zayoustrans.burbledev.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/car-factory-machinery-feat-image-fiber-edited-1-1168x1168.jpeg 1168w, https:\/\/zayoustrans.burbledev.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/car-factory-machinery-feat-image-fiber-edited-1-1440x1440.jpeg 1440w, https:\/\/zayoustrans.burbledev.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/car-factory-machinery-feat-image-fiber-edited-1-1536x1536.jpeg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Fast forward a century, and we have a very different picture. People have been replaced by robots for those repeatable tasks, further honing the near-perfection of each part\u2019s placement.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Intelligent software replaces poring over spreadsheets, so inventory and production meet demand almost exactly. Product quality is ensured as it\u2019s managed to pinpoint precision.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Lean, clean, safe, productive, and flexible.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">And now, computer intelligence (read: AI) is unlocking the true value of IoT and automation. Without AI, IoT and automation were fairly decent workers. They provided the eyes, ears, skin, and muscle working on a task. The brains that programmed and monitored their work? Those were still human.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">AI is the force multiplier \u2013 the brains of the operation \u2013 that will find the efficiencies <em>and <\/em>will provide the automation to act on what it finds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">At this inflection point, we must consider the production implications of the speed, precision, and intelligent output of not only goods, but ideas and strategies, plans and processes. And ultimately, what are the <em>network<\/em> implications when computers do our thinking?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Enter AI \u2013 The Genie That Cannot Be Put Back Into the Bottle<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Manufacturing may not look like Henry Ford\u2019s conveyors any longer, but we are experiencing an unmistakable groundswell of \u201cfactory\u201d like production, both in our physical economy and our digital economy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The factories of our <strong>physical economy<\/strong> produce physical goods, and use physical transportation methods to bring raw parts to the place of production.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The factories of our <strong>digital economy<\/strong> are our <strong>data centers<\/strong>, and use a digital supply chain (the network) as their transportation.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">And artificial intelligence is transforming not just digital and physical factory floors, but entire supply chains. AI now powers critical functions such as predictive maintenance, faster decision-making, demand forecasting, and even emotionally aware customer chatbots. IoT devices ensure factories remain interconnected, collecting and analyzing real-time data to boost operational efficiency.<br><br>To maximize the benefits of this tech, factories of all kinds need networks capable of processing vast amounts of data with the lowest latency possible, ensuring real-time insights and uninterrupted workflows.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>When Humans Split the Scene, Things Get FAST<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How fast will our networks need to run when machines chat only with each other?<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Factories (physical <strong><em>and <\/em><\/strong>digital factories) are at the very edge of digital transformation. They\u2019ve consistently led the way, showing us what happens when we put our trust in technology.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If humans are still involved in the collection or analysis of the data \u2013 at either end of the transaction \u2013 network speed is less relevant, because humans don\u2019t process quickly. However, humans are being removed from transactions altogether.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>When humans get out of the way<\/strong> and we leave the decision-making, the computational analyses, and our daily transactions in the hands of our machines, we find a new need for network speed.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The merging of physical and digital economies requires an underlying digital infrastructure. The data center is where physical and digital means of production merge. The connectivity data centers needed in the past are the requirements of the factory today.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It is becoming apparent that traditional network infrastructure is ill-equipped to handle this surge in multi-cloud information flow. A 50 Mbps connection to the Internet is no longer sufficient and 10 Gbps is barely table stakes. Factories require fiber connectivity and the huge bandwidth it enables.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Why?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Because data is now bigger than factories have ever seen<\/strong><strong><br><\/strong>AI models need training. They use all available digital information to learn and infer. Plus, the power of AI lies in its ability to connect the dots &#8211; to analyze large datasets, correlate the data, identify patterns, and provide insights with more data-driven precision than mere mortals can.<br><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Because data needs new distribution patterns<\/strong><br>Factories have adopted a multi-cloud architecture. Data is shared among public and private clouds, on- and off-premises. Critical data needs failover paths.&nbsp; Can today\u2019s networks orchestrate the good, intercloud communication that allows AI to draw sounder conclusions?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>And because this explosive volume of data still needs to perform well<\/strong><br>You need a networking environment that <strong>scales <\/strong>easily (to accommodate all that data storage and processing). Plus, the more data you\u2019re processing, the more you need to think about <strong>security<\/strong>, including encryption, access control, threat detection, and attack protection.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>And you need that network to be <strong>quick as a whip<\/strong>. In fact, much quicker than that. (If the crack of a whip occurs at Mach 2 \u2013 twice the speed of sound \u2013 data needs to move literally one million times faster: at the speed of light.) Factories relying on AI applications require real-time processing. With the <strong>lowest latency<\/strong> possible.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">As factories lead the way in adopting this new category of machine assistance (assistants?), they also need to prepare their networks to provide an accommodating and responsive digital infrastructure for the incoming.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Fiber to the Factory<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Networking capacity is barely keeping up with the demands of data. Breaking the bottleneck means more capacity, delivered faster.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">With its lightning-fast speeds and unparalleled reliability, fiber will be the foundation of this data-driven era. The bandwidth fiber provides is limited only by the equipment placed on either end. So the potential fiber holds is immense \u2013 from enabling real-time communication between machines to powering advanced analytics systems that would optimize production lines.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The impact of fiber on manufacturing processes can be transformative. Factories become digital ecosystems where machines seamlessly communicate with one another, leading to increased automation and reduced downtime. Productivity soars, waste diminishes, and quality reaches new heights.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The <strong>network <\/strong>is the new supply chain of the digital economy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Fiber-equipped factories:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Are well-positioned to grow<\/strong>. <br>If we\u2019ve learned anything, we\u2019ve learned that more and more bandwidth will be needed to support the data needs of our new factories. Only fiber provides the foundational infrastructure for such growth.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Are connected to the broader ecosystem of support<\/strong>. <br>The right fiber provider adds considerable value to the fiber \u2013 since that fiber will be connected to a broader network that can connect factories to the lattice of destinations and partners in their digital supply chain.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Fiber is the only transmission medium worthy of the task ahead. In fact, within data centers, it\u2019s estimated that AI will generate a need for <a href=\"https:\/\/www.silverliningsinfo.com\/data-center\/ai-demands-5x-more-fiber-data-center#:~:text=%E2%80%9COur%20initial%20estimates%20are%20at,want%20to%20use%20artificial%20intelligence.%E2%80%9D\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">five times more fiber optic cabling<\/a> than they currently have.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>The Perfect Partner for Your Fiber Upgrade<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">When looking for a partner to equip your factory with fiber, look for providers with reach, scale,&nbsp; experience, and an appetite for continuous investment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Fiber Reach<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If new fiber is to become the backbone of modern factories, it needs to be where factory data needs to go. We discussed last week that the industrialization of North America is humming at levels of investment not seen since the 1950s. Make sure your provider\u2019s long haul and metro networks reach the production centers important to you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Fiber Scale<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">No technology, including fiber, is a one-and-done installation. We didn\u2019t see AI coming, but now it\u2019s here, and it\u2019s <a href=\"https:\/\/zayoustrans.burbledev.com\/info\/the-zayo-bandwidth-report-unveils-key-trends-driving-the-bandwidth-boom\/\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/zayoustrans.burbledev.com\/info\/the-zayo-bandwidth-report-unveils-key-trends-driving-the-bandwidth-boom\/\">hungry for bandwidth<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Fiber Experience<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Here, we recommend going to the source: purchase network capacity from a network provider. Life will be easier \u2013 you\u2019ll be treated to installation expertise, permitting experience, better customization, faster response times, ensured security, SLAs with teeth, diagnostic expertise, and so much more!\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Fiber Investment<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If a provider is counseling you to upgrade your fiber network, be sure they take their own advice! Tech moves fast &#8211; and when your provider upgrades their own network, they\u2019re meeting increasing demand, supporting new innovations, ensuring quality, and adapting to a factory\u2019s evolving needs. If you\u2019re on the cutting edge, be sure your provider is too.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You\u2019ve got the data. Zayo\u2019s got the experience. Our fiber <a href=\"https:\/\/zayoustrans.burbledev.com\/network\/\">reach<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.businesswire.com\/news\/home\/20231005166562\/en\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">capacity growth<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/zayoustrans.burbledev.com\/resources\/zayos-network-investments-a-look-back-at-2023-and-looking-forward-to-2024\/\">investments<\/a>, customized designs, and fast turnaround can ensure that your data flows unimpeded.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>For both physical factories and digital factories (data centers), the data onslaught generated by IoT, robotics, AI, and ML has true profit-impacting potential in the factory and data center environments. However, this potential screeches to a full stop if your network &#8211; the circuitry of your company\u2019s communications infrastructure &#8211; is inadequately equipped. In this age of American Reindustrialization, capitalizing on computing intelligence means fortifying your factory\u2019s network with the bandwidth it needs to keep all that information flowing.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"featured_media":10305,"template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_relevanssi_hide_post":"","_relevanssi_hide_content":"","_relevanssi_pin_for_all":"","_relevanssi_pin_keywords":"","_relevanssi_unpin_keywords":"","_relevanssi_related_keywords":"","_relevanssi_related_include_ids":"","_relevanssi_related_exclude_ids":"","_relevanssi_related_no_append":"","_relevanssi_related_not_related":"","_relevanssi_related_posts":"2810,3902,3959,3926,3129,4020","_relevanssi_noindex_reason":"","resource-post-excerpt":"In this age of American reindustrialization, capitalizing on computing intelligence means fortifying your factory\u2019s network with the bandwidth it needs to keep all that information flowing. Learn more about the importance of fiber in a new industrial era. 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