ILA Evo: Meta’s journey to reimagine fiber optic in-line amplifier sites

ILA Evo: Meta’s journey to reimagine fiber optic in-line amplifier sites

Meta’s ILA Evo effort seeks to reimagine how an ILA site could be deployed to improve speed and cost while making a step function improvement in power efficiency. They have been working with AECOM to organize their engineering efforts into several categories:

Building foundations

Meta is exploring low- or no-concrete foundation designs for easier deployment into both greenfield and brownfield sites, aiming for lower cost and more rapid deployment. They are considering ballistic privacy fences and other ideas to offer more flexibility for the site layout.

Cooling

The focus is on introducing more efficient cooling technologies with higher temperature set points to improve PUE. They aim to radically improve ILA site HVAC efficiency with advanced passive or liquid-based cooling tech, along with using cool surface materials to reduce solar heat load.

ISP installation method

Meta is looking at alternative ways to install ISP equipment to streamline the process and potentially reduce the need for heavy equipment like cranes. By reimagining the supply chain, they hope to complete the majority of work at a single site.

Ballistics protection

New ballistics protection measures are being explored to enhance the security of ILA sites. By modernizing security features, Meta aims to create a safer and more efficient environment for their equipment.

Backup power systems

Efforts are aimed at modernizing backup power systems to ensure reliability and efficiency. By incorporating new technologies, Meta hopes to reduce dependence on traditional lead-acid batteries and diesel generators.

Through these initiatives, Meta is on a journey to transform ILA sites into more cost-effective, energy-efficient, and secure installations, ultimately improving the overall performance and reliability of their fiber optic network infrastructure.