Data center services are not only about the equipment inside a data center. Businesses also need good network connections to move data between data centers, offices, cloud platforms, and other places. As businesses use more data and AI, these connections need to carry more data without becoming slow.
For network teams, good connections are an important part of data center services. Things like how much data a connection can carry, how fast data can move, backup connections, different network paths, and fiber can all affect how well a network works.
Why does connectivity matter in data center services?
Network connections are important in data center services because they link a data center to the places it needs to reach. This could be another data center, an office, a cloud platform, a network hub, or an internet exchange.
Each connection may have different needs. For example, two data centers may need to move a lot of data between them. An office may only need to access an application or files stored in a data center.
TrendForce’s 2025 data center interconnection report expects the global data center interconnection market to grow by 14.3% in 2025 and pass US$40 billion. The report also points to growing demand for connections between data centers.
As more businesses need these connections, network planning becomes more important. Teams need to think about what the network needs now and how much data it may need to handle in the future.
How does fiber support data center connectivity?
Fiber gives data a path to travel between different locations. It can carry large amounts of data across cities, regions, and countries. It can also support different network technologies as the amount of data grows. Because of this, fiber is an important part of reliable data center services.
The Fiber Broadband Association’s 2026 white paper highlights the growing need for fiber as data centers handle more data. Google’s 2026 overview of networks for the AI era also explains how AI is creating new network needs between data centers and other locations.
Fiber can connect:
- Data centers
- Network hubs
- Offices
- Cloud facilities
- Internet exchanges
- Other important locations
The fiber path also matters. A longer path can mean more delay when data travels between locations. If two connections use the same path, one fiber cut could affect both connections.
That is why businesses need to look at both the fiber and the path when planning data center services.
What is the difference between dark fiber and managed connectivity?
The main difference between dark fiber and managed connectivity is who manages the connection.
With managed connectivity, the provider manages the connection between two locations. The customer uses the connection without having to manage the network equipment or fiber.
With dark fiber, the customer gets fiber that is used only by them and has more control over the connection. The business can choose its own network equipment and decide how to use the fiber.
This gives network teams more freedom when deciding how much data the connection should carry and how the network should be set up for data center services.
Dark fiber can be a good choice for businesses that want more control over their network. Managed connectivity can be a better choice for businesses that want the provider to handle more of the network work.
The best option depends on the business needs, budget, network team, and plans for growth.
When does dark fiber make sense for data centers?
Dark fiber can be a good choice when a business needs its own fiber, can carry a lot of data, and wants more control over its network. It can be used for many types of data center connections, such as:
- Data center-to-data center connections
- Metro data center networks
- Long-distance connections
- Cross-border networks
- Data center-to-office connections
- High-bandwidth applications
- Future network expansion
- Data center-to-network hub connections
According to Fortune Business Insights’ 2026 dark fiber market report, the global dark fiber market was valued at US$4.22 billion in 2025. The report also lists data centers as one of the areas where dark fiber is used.
For businesses using data center services, choosing dark fiber is about more than getting a fiber connection. Teams should also check the path, available locations, how much data the fiber can carry, and whether more capacity can be added later.
What should you check when choosing a dark fiber route?
There are a few important things to check before choosing a dark fiber path. These include where the fiber runs, where the connection starts and ends, how much data it can carry, whether there are different paths, the delay, and where the network is available.
The fiber path shows where the fiber runs between two locations. Teams should check if different connections use different paths or share part of the same path.
Connection locations are also important. The fiber needs to reach the right data center, building, or network facility. A path may look good, but it will not help if it does not reach the location a business needs.
Capacity should be enough for the data being used now and for future growth. Teams can also check if the fiber can support technologies such as DWDM when they need to carry more data later.
Different network paths can help reduce the impact of a fiber cut. If connections use different physical paths, one problem is less likely to affect all of them.
Latency, or delay, is also important when apps need to move data quickly between locations. Ciena’s 2025 report also highlights capacity, coverage, latency, and different network paths as important needs for growing data center networks.
Checking these areas can help businesses choose data center services that work well now and can support future growth.
How can fiber infrastructure support data center growth?
Fiber can help businesses connect new locations and handle more data as they grow. This is becoming more important as data centers expand into new cities and regions.
CBRE’s Global Data Center Trends 2025 reported that limited power availability was pushing data center growth into new markets. Its H2 2025 North America Data Center Trends report also found growing demand for fiber that can carry large amounts of data and for protected paths for fiber cables.
When a business grows, it may need to connect new data centers, offices, or other locations. A flexible fiber network can make it easier to add these new connections.
It can also reduce the need to make big changes to the network every time a business opens a new location or needs to carry more data.
This makes fiber planning an important part of data center services, especially for businesses that expect their network needs to grow.
Building data center connectivity with ARNet
ARNet provides dedicated dark fiber for businesses that need reliable connections between data centers and other locations. ARNet provides fiber infrastructure across Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, and Indonesia.
Its dark fiber solutions are made for businesses that want their own fiber and more control over their network. The network can support data center connections, connections within cities, long-distance connections, and connections between countries. You can also check ARNet’s network coverage to see available locations across Southeast Asia.
For businesses using data center services, it is important to look beyond the data center itself. The network that connects each location can also affect how well everything works and how easily the business can grow. With the right fiber network, businesses can handle more data, connect locations more reliably, and have more room to grow.
About the Author
Nabila Choirunnisa, Digital Marketing Executive at ARNet
