Your AI Network Blueprint: 7 Critical Questions for Hybrid and Multicloud Architects
Artificial Intelligence (AI) has moved beyond the lab and is now the engine of digital transformation, driving everything from real-time customer experiences to supply chain automation. Yet, the true performance of an AI model—its speed, reliability, and cost-efficiency doesn't just depend on the GPUs or the data science; it depends fundamentally on the network. For Network Architects, AI workloads present a new and complex challenge: how do you design a network that can handle the massive, sustained bandwidth demands of model training while simultaneously meeting the ultra-low-latency, real-time requirements of model inference? The wrong architecture can lead to GPU clusters sitting idle, costs skyrocketing, and AI projects stalling. In this deep-dive, we tackle the seven most critical networking questions for building a high-performance, cost-optimized AI infrastructure: What are the networking differences between AI training and inferencing? How much network bandwidth do AI models really need? What’s the optimal way to interconnect GPU clusters and storage to minimize latency? What’s the most efficient way to transfer multi-petabyte AI datasets between clouds? Best practices for protecting AI training data in transit? How to architect for resiliency for AI in multicloud environments? What are my options for connecting edge locations to cloud for real-time AI? We’ll show you how Equinix Fabric and Network Edge can help you dynamically provision the right connectivity for every phase of the AI lifecycle from petabyte-scale data transfers between clouds to real-time inference at the edge, turning your network from a constraint into an AI performance multiplier. Ready to dive into the definitive network blueprint for AI success? Let's get started. Q: What are the networking differences between AI training and inference? A. AI training and inference workloads impose distinct demands on connectivity, throughput, and latency, requiring network designs optimized for each phase. Training involves processing massive datasets, often multiple terabytes or more, across GPU clusters for iterative computations. This creates sustained, high-volume data flows between storage and compute, where congestion, packet loss, or latency can slow training and increase cost. Distributed training across multiple clouds or hybrid environments adds further complexity, demanding high-throughput interconnects and predictable routing to maintain synchronization and comply with data residency requirements. Inference workloads, by contrast, are latency-sensitive rather than bandwidth-heavy. Once a model is trained, tasks like real-time recommendations, image recognition, or sensor data processing depend on rapid network response times to deliver outputs close to users or devices. The network must handle variable transaction rates, distributed endpoints, and consistent policy enforcement without sacrificing responsiveness. A balanced approach addresses both needs: high-throughput interconnects accelerate data movement for training, while low-latency connections near edge locations support real-time inference. Equinix Fabric can enable private, high-bandwidth connectivity between on-premises, cloud, and hybrid environments, helping minimize congestion and maintain predictable performance. Equinix Network Edge supports the deployment of virtualized network functions (VNFs) such as SD-WAN or firewalls close to compute and edge nodes, allowing flexible scaling, optimized routing, and consistent policy enforcement without physical hardware dependencies. In practice, training benefits from robust, high-throughput interconnects, while inference relies on low-latency, responsive links near the edge. Using Fabric and Network Edge together allows architects to provision network resources dynamically, maintain consistent performance, and scale globally as workload demands evolve, all without adding operational complexity. Q: How much network bandwidth do AI models really need? A. Bandwidth needs vary depending on the type of workload, dataset size, and deployment model. During training, large-scale models process vast datasets and generate sustained, high-throughput data movement between storage and compute. If bandwidth is constrained, GPUs may sit idle, extending training time and increasing costs. In distributed or hybrid setups, synchronization between nodes further amplifies bandwidth requirements. Inference, in contrast, generates smaller but more frequent transactions. Although the per-request bandwidth is lower, the network must accommodate bursts in traffic and maintain low latency for time-sensitive applications such as recommendation engines, autonomous systems, or IoT processing. An effective strategy treats bandwidth as an elastic resource aligned to workload type. Training environments need consistent, high-throughput interconnects to support data-intensive operations, while inference benefits from low-latency connectivity at or near the edge to handle bursts efficiently. Equinix Fabric can provide private, high-capacity interconnections between cloud, on-prem, and edge environments, enabling bandwidth to scale with workload demand and reducing reliance on public internet links. Equinix Network Edge allows VNFs, such as SD-WAN or WAN optimization, to dynamically manage traffic, compress data streams, and apply policy controls without additional physical infrastructure. By combining Fabric for dedicated capacity and Network Edge for adaptive control, organizations can right-size bandwidth, keep GPUs efficiently utilized, and manage cost and performance predictably. Q: What’s the optimal way to interconnect GPU clusters and storage to minimize latency? A. The interconnect between GPU clusters and storage is critical for AI performance. Training large models requires GPUs to continuously pull data from storage, so any latency or jitter along that path can leave compute resources underutilized. The goal is to establish high-throughput, low-latency, and deterministic data paths that keep GPUs saturated and workloads efficient. Proximity plays a major role; placing GPU clusters and storage within the same colocation environment or campus minimizes distance and round-trip time. Direct, private connectivity between these systems avoids internet variability and security exposure, while high-capacity links ensure consistent synchronization for distributed workloads. A sound architecture combines both physical and logical design principles: locating compute and storage close together, using private interconnects to reduce variability, and applying software-defined tools for optimization. Virtual network functions such as WAN optimization, SD-WAN, or traffic acceleration can help reduce jitter and enforce quality-of-service (QoS) policies for AI data flows. Equinix Fabric enables private, high-bandwidth interconnections between GPU clusters, storage systems, and cloud regions, supporting predictable, low-latency data transfer. For multi-cloud or hybrid designs, Fabric can provide on-demand, dedicated links to GPU or storage instances without relying on public internet routing. Equinix Network Edge can host VNFs such as WAN optimizers and SD-WAN close to compute and storage, helping enforce QoS and streamline traffic flows. Together, these capabilities support low-latency, high-throughput interconnects that improve GPU efficiency, accelerate training cycles, and reduce overall AI infrastructure costs. Q: What’s the most efficient way to transfer multi-petabyte AI datasets between clouds? A. Transferring large AI datasets across clouds can quickly become a performance bottleneck if network paths aren’t optimized for sustained throughput and predictable latency. Multi-petabyte transfers often span distributed storage and compute environments, where even small inefficiencies can delay model training and inflate costs. Efficiency starts with minimizing distance and maximizing control. Locating GPU clusters and storage within the same colocation environment or interconnection hub reduces round-trip latency. Establishing direct, private connectivity between environments avoids the variability, congestion, and security exposure of internet-based routing. For distributed training, high-capacity links with deterministic paths are essential to keep GPU nodes synchronized and maintain steady data flows. A well-architected interconnection strategy blends physical proximity with logical optimization. Physically, high-density interconnection hubs reduce latency; logically, private, high-throughput connections and advanced VNFs such as WAN optimizers or SD-WAN enhance performance by reducing jitter and enforcing quality-of-service (QoS) policies. Equinix Fabric can facilitate this model by providing dedicated, high-bandwidth connectivity between clouds, storage environments, and on-premises infrastructure, helping ensure consistent performance for large data transfers. Equinix Network Edge complements this with traffic optimization, encryption, and routing control near compute or storage nodes. Together, these capabilities can help organizations move multi-petabyte datasets efficiently and predictably between clouds, while reducing costs and operational complexity. Q: What are best practices for protecting AI training data in transit? A. AI training frequently involves transferring large volumes of sensitive data across distributed compute, storage, and cloud environments. These transfers can expose data to risks such as interception, tampering, or non-compliance if not properly secured. To mitigate these risks, organizations should combine private connectivity, encryption, segmentation, and continuous monitoring to maintain data integrity and compliance. End-to-end encryption with automated key management ensures that data remains protected while in motion and satisfies regulations such as GDPR and HIPAA. Network segmentation and zoning isolate sensitive data flows from other traffic, while monitoring and logging help detect anomalies or unauthorized access attempts in real time. Private, dedicated interconnections—such as those available through Equinix Fabric—can strengthen these protections by keeping sensitive data off the public internet. These links provide predictable performance and deterministic routing, ensuring data stays within controlled pathways across regions and providers. Equinix Network Edge enables the deployment of VNFs such as encryption gateways, firewalls, and secure VPNs near compute or storage nodes, providing localized protection and traffic inspection without additional hardware. VNFs for WAN optimization or integrity checking can also enhance throughput while maintaining security. Together, these measures help organizations maintain confidentiality and compliance for AI data in transit, protecting sensitive assets while preserving performance and scalability. Q: How should I architect for resiliency in multicloud AI environments? A. AI workloads that span data centers and cloud environments demand resilient, high-throughput network architectures that can maintain performance even under failure conditions. Without proper design, outages or routing inefficiencies can delay model training, underutilize GPUs, or drive up egress costs. Building resiliency starts with private, high-bandwidth interconnects that avoid the variability of the public internet. Equinix Fabric supports this by enabling direct, software-defined connections between on-premises data centers, multiple cloud regions, and AI storage systems, delivering predictable performance and deterministic routing. Resilience also depends on flexible service provisioning. Equinix Network Edge enables VNFs such as firewalls, SD-WAN, or load balancers to be deployed virtually at network endpoints, allowing traffic steering, dynamic failover, and policy enforcement without physical appliances. Combining redundant Fabric connections across cloud regions with Network Edge-based failover functions helps ensure business continuity if a link or region goes down. Visibility is another key component. Continuous monitoring and flow analytics help identify congestion, predict scaling needs, and verify policy compliance. Integrating private interconnection, virtualized network services, and comprehensive monitoring creates a network foundation that maintains performance, controls costs, and keeps AI workloads resilient across a distributed, multicloud architecture. Q: What are my options for connecting edge locations to cloud for real-time AI? A. Real-time AI applications, such as autonomous vehicles, industrial IoT, or retail analytics, depend on low-latency, reliable connections between edge sites and cloud services. Even millisecond delays can affect inference accuracy and responsiveness. The challenge lies in connecting distributed edge locations efficiently while maintaining predictable performance and security. Traditional approaches like internet-based VPNs are easy to deploy but suffer from variable latency and limited reliability. Dedicated leased lines or MPLS circuits offer consistent performance but are costly and slow to scale across many sites. A more flexible option is to use software-defined interconnection and virtualized network functions. Equinix Fabric enables direct, private, high-throughput connections from edge locations to multiple clouds, bypassing the public internet to ensure predictable latency and reliability. Equinix Network Edge extends this model by hosting VNFs, such as SD-WAN, firewalls, and traffic accelerators, close to edge nodes. These functions provide localized control, dynamic routing, and consistent security enforcement across distributed environments. Organizations can also adopt a hybrid connectivity model, using private Fabric links for critical real-time traffic and internet-based tunnels for non-critical or backup flows. Combined with intelligent traffic orchestration and monitoring, this approach balances performance, resilience, and cost. The result is an edge-to-cloud architecture capable of supporting real-time AI workloads with consistency, flexibility, and scale.Autonomous Vehicles and The Future of Mobility
Autonomous technology is no longer a futuristic dream; it's rapidly becoming our reality. From robotaxis navigating city streets to drones delivering packages, machines are taking the wheel – and the skies – to move people and goods with unprecedented efficiency. But what truly powers every safe and reliable autonomous journey? It's the invisible digital systems working tirelessly behind the scenes. In the latest episode of Interconnected, join hosts Glenn Dekhayser and Simon Lockington as they delve into this crucial topic with MIT Research Scientist Bryan Reimer and Equinix VP of Market Development Petrina Steele. Discover how global infrastructure is evolving to support the next generation of autonomy. Key Highlights Edge computing enables vehicles to process and share data locally for faster, safer decisions. Low-latency connectivity determines how efficiently mission-critical computation moves between the car and the cloud. Multi-layer sensing and redundancy improve safety both inside and outside autonomous systems. Mining leads current automation efforts due to its regulated, closed environments and strong ROI. AI continues to enhance decision-making, learning and coordination across connected systems. Future autonomy will rely on open data marketplaces, adaptive energy grids and edge zones that blanket cities.
SHRED Now Live in 41 More IBXs Across AMER & EMEA!
We’re excited to announce that SHRED has officially launched in an additional 41 IBXs across the AMER and EMEA regions as of 21 July 2025! 🎉 This milestone brings our total SHRED coverage to 130 IBXs globally, significantly expanding our secure equipment disposal capabilities. 🔍 What’s New? Expanded coverage includes new IBXs in Canada, Finland, Ireland, Italy, Netherlands, Spain, Sweden, and the United States. All newly added sites are now fully operational and ready to support SHRED requests. What's SHRED? SHRED (Smart Hands for Responsible Electronic Disposal) - the innovative new Smart Hands capability designed to standardize e-waste disposal through a self-service online form on the Equinix Customer Portal (ECP). Login to ECP and use the self-service form to submit a Smart Hands ticket to recycle old storage media, hard disks, and more.Climate NYC Recap: Powering Progress: Grid Innovation, AI, and the Next U.S. Energy Transition
You're adopting AI at a breathtaking pace, and for good reason—it’s changing everything from personalized customer experiences to operational efficiency. But as you scale those exciting new workloads, have you stopped to think about the energy they consume? That was a central theme at Climate Week NYC, where our Equinix VP of Sustainability, Christopher Wellise, joined other industry leaders to discuss a critical, emerging truth: The rapid growth of AI and data centers is fundamentally reshaping the U.S. energy landscape, and the solutions are a lot smarter than you might think. “AI and data center growth are reshaping the energy landscape," said Christopher Wellise. "At Equinix, we’re committed to powering progress responsibly—through innovation, collaboration, and a future-first mindset.” Here’s a breakdown of the key takeaways from a customer perspective, focusing on what this means for your business continuity, sustainability goals, and future infrastructure planning. AI is driving exponential energy demand: Workload growth for AI is doubling every six months, with data centers projected to consume up to 12% of U.S. electricity in the near future. Data centers as grid assets: CW emphasized the shift from viewing data centers as “energy hogs” to recognizing their potential as contributors to grid stability. He spotlighted Equinix’s Silicon Valley site powered by solid oxide fuel cells, which generate electricity without combustion—reducing emissions and water use. Responsible AI in action: Equinix is using AI to create digital twins that optimize energy efficiency across facilities, showcasing how technology can drive sustainability. Collaboration is key: CW called for deeper partnerships across government, utilities, and tech providers to scale clean energy solutions and modernize infrastructure. Future First strategy: Equinix’s sustainability program continues to lead with a 100% clean and renewable energy target (currently at 96% globally), and active exploration of next-gen energy technologies like small modular reactors (SMRs). Check out the full video from Climate NYCExploring Private AI Trends with AI Factories for the Enterprise
How can enterprises innovate faster with AI while protecting their most sensitive data? The answer lies in Private AI and dedicated AI Factories. In this Tech Talk, you'll learn: How to move beyond AI "experimentation" to practical business application The difference between Retrieval Augmented Generation (RAG) and model fine-tuning Why infrastructure modernization (power, cooling, and connectivity) is the critical constraint in today's AI race
Equinix Engage Toronto
Equinix Engage is coming to Toronto! As AI reshapes the enterprise landscape, visionary leaders are turning disruption into opportunity. These innovators are reimagining IT infrastructure by leveraging Distributed AI to drive innovation, agility, and new revenue streams. RSVP to attend here Join us at Equinix Engage in Toronto to uncover the strategies behind their success, the technologies they embraced, and the measurable impact of pioneering Distributed AI. Featured Speaker Shane Schick, Contributing Editor, IDC+CIONetworkChuck: This is where Internet Lives
Imagine billions of dollars of tech, AI GPUs & LPUs, and the literal backbone of the internet, all humming along in one of the most secure buildings on Earth. We're talking about the secret sauce that makes the digital world go 'round, and NetworkChuck's taking us on an exclusive tour of Equinix DA11 & The Infomart! Be sure to share the LinkedIn post from Equinix!
AI-Ready Infrastructure: How NVIDIA Empowers Enterprise Innovation
Check out this interview with Stefan Baudy - GSI Client Director at NVIDIA, as we explore the transformative potential of Agentic AI—moving beyond chatbots to digital coworkers and autonomous agents. Learn how NVIDIA's AI Enterprise platform enables businesses to train, customize, and deploy AI models securely and efficiently. Key benefits include leveraging pre-trained models, customizing them with your corporate data and deploying them in secure, transportable containers. This ensures your intellectual property and data remain yours while maximizing AI's potential. Learn how AI-ready data centers can help your business
Equinix Engage Manchester
Manchester, the birthplace of the Industrial Revolution, continues to lead the way in innovation. With significant investment, visionary leadership, and a strong talent pipeline from local universities, Manchester has become a thriving tech hub with a strong digital economy and is the UK’s most AI-ready city. RSVP to attend Equinix Engage Manchester Join Equinix Engage to connect with leaders and doers from the public and private sectors. Network, learn, and tour our MA3 data centre, just a short walk from The Lowry. Register now to secure your spot. Featured Speakers James Tyler, Managing Director UK, Equinix Rob Sims, Chief Technologist (Hybrid Platforms), CDW Brenden Rawle, Senior Director Business Development EMEA, EquinixOracle AI World 2025
At Oracle AI World 2025, you’ll discover the latest product and technology innovations, see how AI is being applied across industries, and connect with Oracle experts, partners, and your peers. Gain practical tips and insights to drive immediate impact within your organization and explore how Oracle is helping customers unlock the full potential of artificial intelligence. Join Equinix at Oracle AI World this October! Register to attend Oracle AI World Join Equinix at Oracle AI World by attending Data Center Insights: Strategies from Leading Equinix Customers Discover how AI, hybrid cloud-adjacent databases, multicloud, and resilient connectivity can power your data center success. Hear firsthand from an expert panel of Equinix customers as they share lessons learned and best practices. We’ll explore Hybrid Multicloud Architecture to build a complete lifecycle data platform—collect, store, transform, analyze, and govern data from customers, suppliers, and partners—seamlessly across enterprise networks, infrastructure, and clouds.
