A network of data centers made of steel is being built in Africa that will revolutionize Internet speeds on the continent.

Much of Africa's data is currently stored outside the continent and transported back and forth via underwater cables from southern France to Europe. This outsourcing of Africa's data infrastructure is holding back the development of the entire region.

Steel builds the 21st century Internet

With the expected massive increase in demand for data storage, and the corresponding increase in demand for electricity, it should come as no surprise that Africa is experiencing a data center construction boom.

It is here that the selection issue will play a key role in the success of Africa's data revolution. Data centers must meet stringent performance standards and must be built quickly to keep up with demand.

Thanks to the precision-manufactured structural steel frame, components of the data center can be manufactured off-site, which greatly reduces construction time without compromising quality and durability.

Data centers must be able to safely and reliably house the critical infrastructure that underpins the Internet, and for structural integrity and overall functionality, data centers are highly dependent on steel.

Steel has an exceptional strength-to-weight ratio and is ideal for building strong load-bearing structures

With its exceptional strength-to-weight ratio, steel is ideal for building strong load-bearing structures that can support the enormous weight of servers, networking equipment and other hardware.

In addition, steel provides design flexibility, helping to create large open Spaces and high ceilings, which are necessary for efficient airflow and installation of equipment.

Inside the data center, steel is widely used to make server racks and cabinets that organize and house servers, switches, routers, and other sophisticated but bulky IT equipment.

In addition, steel is used to build a raised floor system that creates space beneath the equipment for air flow, wiring, and installation of cooling infrastructure to optimize energy efficiency and facilitate maintenance.

Also in the network cable, steel also plays a vital role, steel has a strengthening effect on the network cable, during installation and operation, can prevent the fragile fiber from being affected by tension and damage. This ensures that the cable can withstand harsh conditions during deployment, including bending, pulling, and extrusion forces.

In addition, steel is also used as a protective layer for the network cable to further protect the network cable from environmental hazards such as moisture and physical effects.