Digital Infrastructure: Key to Broadcasting the Paris 2024 Olympics

Sports John Brightwater September 25, 2024

Digital Infrastructure: Key to Broadcasting the Paris 2024 Olympics

The Paris 2024 Olympics highlighted the crucial role of digital infrastructure, with Digital Realty supporting Orange in managing peak data traffic of 1.87 Terabytes per second. Extensive preparation and the deployment of advanced technologies ensured seamless broadcasting to billions of viewers globally. Post-Games, the infrastructure will continue to support future demands as data consumption rises.

In a recent discussion with Fabrice Coquio, Senior Vice President and Managing Director at Digital Realty France, the critical role of digital infrastructure in broadcasting the Paris 2024 Olympics was explored. The event, watched by an estimated three billion viewers, exemplified not only the athleticism of competitors but also the significance of robust digital connectivity amidst unprecedented data demands. The 2024 Olympics faced enormous data traffic, peaking at approximately 1.87 Terabytes per second, equivalent to the transmission of 500 hours of ultra-high-definition video every second. Coquio emphasized the necessity for datacenters to be prepared for such spikes, requiring extensive planning and installation of advanced infrastructure. Digital Realty operated six datacenters strategically positioned near the Stade de France, allowing efficient handling of data traffic. The company had a dedicated team of 1,000 professionals working over a four-year period to ensure seamless connectivity and service reliability for the Olympic events. Central to the operation was the ability of these datacenters to facilitate agility and scalability by interlinking with various ISPs, carriers, and content delivery networks (CDNs). Coquio noted, “It’s not only a datacenter for Orange or Atos, you find hundreds of different partners across IT companies and service providers.” Preparation involved extensive testing of new technologies, including the deployment of a 5G network that was implemented prior to the event. Adjustments were made, such as the re-routing of dark fiber infrastructure when a swimming event’s location was unexpectedly changed. Furthermore, significantly increased cyber threats, especially DDoS attacks, required additional proactive measures to bolster security infrastructure closer to the Games’ start. Post-event, there are no plans to dismantle this critical infrastructure. The continuous rise in data consumption, which is projected to increase by 140% annually, indicates that these datacenters will continue to be of significant value for future events and services. Coquio articulated insights gained from the experience, particularly the crucial importance of lowered latency and proximity of datacenters to event locations. Looking ahead to future Olympic Games, he posited that host cities will increasingly need to demonstrate adequate digital infrastructure capabilities before being awarded the honor of hosting the prestigious event. The collaboration between Digital Realty and Orange illustrates the extensive efforts required to fulfill the daunting task of broadcasting the Olympics, highlighting that while athletic excellence captures global attention, the backbone of such an endeavor is an intricate network of cutting-edge technology and resilience.

As the world gears up for the Paris 2024 Olympics, the event represents a test not only of athletic skills but also of the digital landscape that supports its global transmission. The modern Olympic Games, viewed by billions, depend heavily on advanced digital infrastructures to handle enormous streams of data generated by live broadcasts. With developments in technology, including 5G networks, the ability to deliver seamless viewing experiences has become paramount. Companies like Digital Realty play a pivotal role in this ecosystem, providing the necessary datacenter capacities and interconnectivity that allow broadcasters like Orange to deliver high-quality content to audiences worldwide.

The successful broadcast of the Paris 2024 Olympics underscores the vital importance of digital infrastructure in managing large-scale events. Digital Realty’s preparedness and adaptability illustrate the intricate relationship between technology and global sports. As events become increasingly reliant on digital networks, future host cities will need to ensure robust datacenter capabilities to meet growing data demands.

Original Source: www.techradar.com