The Infrastructure Paradox: Why Central Texas is the New Ground Zero for Data Hubs

Many people follow the mantra that you never discuss politics and religion at family get togethers. You may need to add data centers to that list. The fast-paced approval and construction of data centers in Central Texas have many people up in arms. Why Texas? Why Central Texas? Why in every county? It all boils down to performance speed.

The Physical Reality of Computing: Why Location Matters

Forget size matters. In the world of internet data, location is king. I’ll admit that I had no idea why so many data centers had a hyper focus on Texas, but after a recent conversation, it made sense. It is all about the upload and download. I thought big data was targeting Texas because we have so much land (and that helps) but it is more than that. AI use has put a huge strain on how the internet functions,and because of that, more physical data hubs are needed to ensure download speed does not return to the days of dial up. Okay. Maybe that is extreme,  but it does all goes back to how we use the internet.

Read More: Concerns Rise As Temple Approves Controversial Data Center Project 

Cloud Computing

Storage space has always been a problem with the internet, but cloud computing offered a way to store an endless amount of information that was retrievable at a moment’s notice. However, this virtual ecosystem is fundamentally anchored to tangible servers operating within concrete, physical data centers. While these facilities can technically be constructed anywhere that offers sufficient power and utility infrastructure, their geographical placement directly dictates the overall quality, speed, and reliability of the cloud services they deliver.

The Anatomy of Latency and Network Proximity

In cloud environments, the performance bottleneck is rarely the processing capability of the virtualized server itself, but rather the connectivity infrastructure linking the data center to the end user. Delivering high-volume, consistent bandwidth requires a data center to establish redundant fiber-optic links to multiple major telecommunications providers. Because these network providers heavily concentrate their infrastructure at centralized internet exchanges and peering points, data centers situated near these geographic hubs do a better job of getting the information to the end user quicker.

The Problems Many Texans Have With Data Centers

Where do I start? How much time do you have? It all boils down to water availability, electricity prices, noise, artificial light (at night), and the loss of Texas farmland. Many companies are creating their own power sources and that is a great thing. The major sticking point is water and the fact that we only have a certain amount. Data centers say they operate with a closed loop cooling system...but that only works up to 85 degrees (at which point more water must be added). It is 85 degrees during a Texas winter. If these companies can figure out a way to limit their water use, Texans may have a change of heart.