Data Centre Solutions

Introduction

HellermannTyton is an established leader in the design, development and manufacture of innovative data centre infrastructure solutions as well as internal and external copper and fibre networks.

We pride ourselves on being a leading solutions provider, offering quality end to end network systems, industry and technical expertise and first-class customer service and support.

We offer an extensive range of high-performance connectivity solutions, with the RapidNet ULTRA system serving as a core foundation. We recognise that the data centre industry is a complex assembly of unique challenges; in this landscape, a ‘standard kit’ approach simply won’t snap into place with modern infrastructure requirements.

Grey Space:
The Grey Space is the "back-of-house" engine room that provides the essential utility infrastructure required to keep the White Space operational. This area houses the massive mechanical and electrical systems, including UPS banks, backup generators, switchgear, and chiller plants. While it contains no actual servers, the Grey Space functions as a fortress of redundancy that ensures the facility remains powered and cooled even during a total grid failure.

Meet-me Room (MMR):
The Meet-Me Room, or MMR, is the most critical point of connectivity within a data centre, acting as the secure gateway where internal networks “meet” the outside world. This small but highly fortified space contains the Optical Distribution Frames (ODFs) and racks where various telecommunications carriers (such as BT or Virgin Media) physically terminate their fibre optic cables. By facilitating direct “cross-connects” between these providers and the facility’s tenants, the MMR eliminates the need for data to travel over the public internet, significantly reducing latency and costs while providing 24/7, high-bandwidth access to the global digital landscape.

White Space:
The White Space is the core functional area of a data centre where the actual computing takes place, housing the rows of server racks, storage arrays, and networking hardware. It is a highly controlled environment characterised by precision cooling, raised flooring or overhead cable trays, and sophisticated fire suppression systems. Unlike the “Grey Space” that supports the building’s power and cooling infrastructure, the White Space is dedicated entirely to the IT equipment, managed through strict “Hot” and “Cold” aisle containment to ensure maximum operational efficiency and data security.

Uncompromised Support

From design to deployment and beyond: get dedicated support services with our experienced product and engineering team.

HellermannTyton offers design, training and on-site support services.

Design Consultation Service
If you require assistance with designing your data centre infrastructure or want to discuss how to optimise your cable management, then simply submit your data centre floor plan with cabinet locations and any obstructions to HellermannTyton's engineering team.
We can deliver a complete solution, tailored to your requirements - including a customised design drawing and detailed bill of materials for your consideration.
On-Site Technical Support
Our dedicated product and engineering team offer full on-site technical support.
Whether it is pre or post installation site audits, on-site design consultation, troubleshooting or long term aftercare, our team is dedicated to ensuring you get the best out of your investment.
Installation Training
We pride ourselves on the broad spectrum of training available to our customers.
We offer a full HellermannTyton Academy Certified product familiarisation and installation training courses for your data centre infrastructure.
Whether you are an engineer, an end user, or work within the distribution channel, you will gain a detailed understanding of the product range, how to install, inspect and maintain your solution.

Data centre topology

The interactive diagram below showcases key areas of a data centre and their potential product ranges. Hover and click the areas to learn more about the key product ranges.

If you can't find the exact product to meet your needs, don't worry our extensive range will have the right solution for you. Drop us a message and we will work with you to configure what you're looking for.

Key product ranges of an efficient next-gen data centre

Fibre Transition
In a data centre Meet-Me Room (MMR), modular distribution units serve as the critical bridge between external carrier fibre and the internal network fabric. These can be built in a range of sizes, suited to the application, all utilising HellermannTyton IR fibre management.
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Pre-Terminated Structured Cabling
Deployment of high-density structured cabling is increasingly driven by pre-terminated solutions. These factory-tested assemblies, available in both high-performance fibre and Cat6A copper, allow for rapid installation while eliminating the risks and inconsistencies of on-site termination.
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Cable Management / Pathways
GigaDuct is a robust, scalable cable management system engineered specifically for organising and protecting optical fibre cables in the data centre environment. It provides a dedicated pathway that prevents cable congestion, minimises physical stress on fibres, and facilitates efficient cable management.
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Out-of-Band / Zone Cabling
Out of rack systems move high-density patching away from the server cabinet, providing a scalable environment. By physically separating primary data traffic from out-of-band management cabling, these pathways ensure secure, interference-free access to critical hardware, allowing for rapid maintenance without disrupting live services.
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Copper / Ethernet Connectivity
High-density CAT6A systems use modular, factory-tested cassettes (like RapidNet CLASSIC) for rapid, plug-and-play 10Gbps deployment. These units integrate into scalable panels within the Meet-Me Room, ensuring signal integrity and simplifying cable management for easier reconfigurations.
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High Strength Bundling
Managing heavy-duty power infrastructure requires robust bundling solutions capable of withstanding extreme temperatures and mechanical stress.
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Cable Protection Systems
Protecting critical control and power distribution wiring requires a versatile range of conduits and fittings. They provide a high-performance barrier against mechanical damage ensuring long-term operational continuity.
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Identification
Durable identification is vital for safety and maintenance. For high-voltage power runs, halogen-free cable markers provide a low-smoke, non-toxic tagging solution.
Read more >

Case Studies

Sky Studios Elstree

Sky Studios Elstree is a newly developed high-end, purpose-built film and TV studio facility in Borehamwood, Hertfordshire. Boasting 585,000sq ft of production facilities across the 27-acre site, Sky Studios Elstree delivers sound stages across multiple studio buildings, production support buildings accommodating ancillary production activities including set design and scene construction, a central Reception & Administration building and a 1,000 space Multi-Storey car park.

“The network infrastructure on a project of this scale and importance is absolutely critical.”

Tom Mahoney, Sky.

The team of engineers carried out the next phase of network installation, deploying a combination of OS2 fibre and hundreds of Cat6A cable looms throughout the site. The project which included the connection of 6 main comms rooms with over 20 floor distribution units and over 70 wall cabinets within studios and soundstages was completed in August 2023.

As a result of the working history between Sky, Kinetic IT and HellermannTyton and the familiarity and trust in the solutions provided, the network infrastructure was largely designed using HellermannTyton’s RapidNet system and Cat6A connectivity products.

Sky Elstree Case Study

PDF, 1.64 MB

Design considerations

As the demand for data centre capacity increases, so do the internal demands on the data centre. The data centre now faces a number of issues that all impact the success, profitability and operational effectiveness including:

Speed of return on investment
The primary driver for ROI in HellermannTyton’s ecosystem is the RapidNet pre-terminated system.
Reduced Labour Costs: By using "plug-and-play" cassettes, installation times are reduced by up to 85% for copper and 95% for fibre.
Elimination of On-site Testing Issues: Since links are pre-terminated and 100% factory-tested in the UK, the risk of failed links and costly troubleshooting during commissioning is virtually eliminated.
Infrastructure performance
HellermannTyton’s components are designed to exceed international standards, ensuring future-proof reliability.
Category 6A (Cat6A) Solutions: The CA199 shielded cables and HTC Series jacks support 10G Ethernet at 500MHz. The F/FTP construction eliminates "alien crosstalk," ensuring peak performance in high-density bundles.
40G/100G Readiness: The RapidNet ULTRA MTP and VHD fibre ranges are engineered for the high-bandwidth requirements of 40Gbps and 100Gbps backbone environments.
Power consumption
While connectivity is passive, its design directly influences active equipment efficiency.
Low-Loss Fibre Links: Known for best-in-class low-loss pre-terminated links, by reducing decibel (dB) loss at connection points, the optical transceivers on switches can operate more efficiently, contributing to overall power savings.
RapidNet Hybrid Panels: These allow for a mix of copper and fibre in 1U, reducing the number of panels required and improving the overall efficiency of the power-to-port ratio.
Temperature control
Proper cable management is essential for maintaining the "Hot/Cold Aisle" integrity of a data centre.
GigaDuct Fibre Raceway: A dedicated system to manage fibre overhead, preventing blocked airflow at the back of server racks.
Two Post Racks and Server Cabinets: These cabinets are designed with high-grade steel and optimised for airflow, ensuring that cooling reaches the equipment effectively.
Blanking Panels: Used to maintain consistent air pressure and prevent the recirculation of hot air.
On-site security
Physical infrastructure is the first line of defence in data security.
Reduced On-site Personnel: Because RapidNet is pre-terminated, significantly fewer engineers are required on-site for shorter periods, reducing the security risk associated with external contractors.
Lockable Enclosures: Products like the ZCE Zone Cabling Enclosures and cabinets feature lockable lids and doors to prevent unauthorised physical access to critical links.
Environmental impact
HellermannTyton have a strong focus on sustainability.
Reduced Waste: Cables are cut to exact specified lengths at the UK factory, which eliminates the bulk cable waste usually found with on-site cut-to-fit installations.
Sustainable Packaging: There has been a transition of much of the connectivity range to plastic-free packaging and use reusable plastic drums for RapidNet deliveries to minimise site waste.
Shorter Logistics: As a UK-based manufacturer (Northampton), the logistics paths are shorter for UK projects, resulting in a significantly lower carbon footprint compared to imported solutions.

Data Centre Solutions