The application scope of network cables in AI

The application scope of network cables in AI
Network cables (and the broader category of high-speed cables) have a very extensive application range in the field of artificial intelligence (AI). Although network cables are not an absolute necessity for the operation of AI (in some scenarios, wireless networks can be used), they are indispensable infrastructure for AI applications that require processing massive amounts of data, high stability, and low latency.
Specifically, the application scope of network cables in AI is mainly reflected in the following core dimensions:

1. "High-speed blood vessels" for AI data centers and computing clusters
During the training and inference processes of large AI models, massive GPUs need to continuously synchronize parameters and conduct distributed computing coordination, which generates a huge demand for data interaction.
City-wide computing power scheduling: The latest AI architectures (such as PrfaaS) have proven that through algorithm and engineering collaboration, only with ordinary 100G network cables, trillion-scale large model computing power can be scheduled between two cities, promoting the "East-West computing power allocation" in the field of large models.
Short-distance high-speed interconnection: Within the cabinets of AI data centers, between servers and switches, high-speed copper cables (DAC) with low latency, low power consumption, and low cost have become the "king" for short-distance transmission within 10 meters, being the core component supporting the efficient collaboration of AI computing power centers.
Structured cabling: AI data centers generally adopt structured cabling (such as Cat 6A or higher copper cables, high-speed optical fibers) to support 400G, 800G, or even higher-speed Ethernet, ensuring the flexible expansion and stable operation of AI hardware.
2. Data transmission for AI visual surveillance and terminal devices
In various AI terminal devices, network cables are not only used for data transmission but also have an electrical supply function.
PoE power supply and data transmission: Many city-level and industry-level AI visual surveillance cameras (such as security surveillance, traffic surveillance) adopt the PoE (Ethernet power supply) mode. This technology allows devices to simultaneously achieve data transmission and charging through a single network cable, eliminating the need for additional power cables, and greatly improving the deployment flexibility in complex scenarios such as construction sites, forests, and farmlands.
3. Enabling AI quality inspection in the cable manufacturing industry
AI not only uses network cables but is also applied in the production process of network cables, promoting the intelligent transformation of traditional cable manufacturing industries.
Machine vision intelligent inspection: Traditional cable quality inspection relies on manual labor, which is prone to missed inspections. Now, AI is deployed in the production lines of cables, using high-resolution industrial cameras and deep learning algorithms to capture and accurately identify tiny defects (such as creases, gaps, etc.) on the surface of cables at millisecond speeds, increasing the defect detection rate to over 99%, significantly improving production efficiency and product quality.
In conclusion, the application of network cables in AI is bidirectional: on the one hand, high-speed network cables are the physical foundation supporting AI computing power networks, data transmission, and the operation of terminal devices; on the other hand, AI technology is also reverse-empowering the cable industry, improving the manufacturing process level of cables.