123NET Expands Southfield Data Center to Support AI Deployments

123NET, a leading provider of data center and network services in Michigan, has recently completed a major expansion of its Southfield DC1 Data Center. The new colocation space and infrastructure are specifically designed to meet the high-performance demands of AI inference and other data-intensive applications.

The enhancements at the Southfield DC1 Data Center include a significant 4-megawatt power extension, making it the only facility in Michigan to offer free on-site peering along with high-density GPU power supported by liquid and air-cooled infrastructure. This unique combination allows for latency-sensitive applications and can reduce network expenses by up to 70%. Businesses can now implement massive GPU infrastructure for real-time AI applications and machine learning at scale, thanks to the optimized data center.

One of the notable features of the data center is the on-premises Detroit Internet Exchange (DET-iX) switching fabric, which provides direct peering and fewer network hops for faster data transmission. According to Dan Irvin, the founder and CEO of 123NET, having DET-iX within the data center gives clients instant access to a powerful peering ecosystem and a more direct path to end users.

The DET-iX boasts 85 members, including tech giants like Apple, Microsoft, and Google, making it one of the largest fee-free internet exchanges globally. With port capacities reaching 400 Gbps and traffic peaks exceeding 2.5 Tbps, DET-iX offers unparalleled connectivity for businesses requiring substantial power and ultra-low latency for GPU clusters.

Irvin emphasized the growing demand for GPU clusters with high power and low latency requirements, stating that the network performance and density at 123NET’s data center are ideal for real-time AI tasks. The expansion of connectivity at the facility provides the perfect environment for serious GPU deployments.