For instance, data center operators can use the digital twin to calculate the optimal and most energy-efficient configuration of racks and units. Information regarding capacities and potential bottlenecks will be readily available and resolutions can be put into action to prevent downtime — for example, if an ongoing server expansion threatens to overload the power supply or the air conditioning in the data center. The simulation will show whether the cooling capacity is sufficient, if there is enough space for cable strands and if switches with free ports are available without an employee having to go to the site for planning. If components are missing, the digital twin can automatically generate a list of the required hardware and cables and, if necessary, forward the list to the purchasing department in digital form.
The digital twin can also provide detailed instructions for on-site contractors to implement planned additions or changes. Thanks to 3D representations, the system is able to generate precise information for the specific location and to navigate the technical staff to the right place on site. The orders to the service providers themselves can be generated and processed directly in the documentation solution using workflow and work order management. Most importantly, the changes planned in the digital twin can be transferred directly to the “real” system after execution. With one click, the planned target state becomes the new actual state. Subsequent manual entry of the built-in components is no longer necessary.
Another scenario where the digital twin is beneficial is during the expansion of a mobile network. In the digital twin, all current mobile locations, including the fronthaul connections to the edge data centers, as well as midhaul and backhaul connections to the core data center, can be mapped in detail using a georeferenced map, for example. Planners can then zoom into individual locations from a bird’s eye view and find additional location information via background maps which can be enriched with location photos.
The digital twin
can also provide
detailed instructions for
on-site contractors
to implement planned
additions or changes.
The data centers, including their physical and virtual components as well as their interdependencies, can also be realistically mapped in the digital twin as interactive 3D models to help providers create a grid expansion plan. To do this, they also need precise load and capacity information in order to be able to precisely assess demand and proactively expand the infrastructure. A digital twin can provide this data, enabling operators to analyze available resources and plan appropriate adjustments to keep service delivery uninterrupted. It also helps to identify idle capacities thanks to an accurate inventory of network resources tracking all changes.
Five Features To Look For In A Digital Twin
Overall, a digital twin is a valuable tool for designing, planning, and operating hybrid network infrastructures. When looking for a solution for your organization, keep the following features and capabilities in mind:
- A vendor-agnostic, uniform data model.
- Synchronization with your network.
- Integration with other relevant IT, BMS or OSS/BSS solutions.
- Strong visualization, reporting, and analytics capabilities.
- User management/access control to protect the data and prevent unauthorized changes.
Defining “Digital Twin” For A New Generation
Matthias Gromann is Director Business Line IT & Data Center Solutions at FNT Software. He has many years of experience as an IT technology expert and is FNT’s topic leader for service-oriented automation in infrastructure management. In his role, he shapes FNT’s solution approaches for enterprise IT, helping companies to achieve greater transparency, more security, and increased productivity in the operation of critical infrastructures.
