In the race toward gigabit connectivity and 5G expansion, telecom operators are under mounting pressure to rapidly deploy infrastructure that is scalable, secure, and future-ready.
One solution that is transforming how fibre exchange buildings are designed and deployed is the SMART Modular Fibre Exchange & Data Centre (SMART FEx) from Cannon Technologies.
Purpose-built for applications such as FTTx (Fibre-to-the-x) networks, these modular solutions offer unmatched flexibility, speed, and efficiency – making them a strategic asset for modern telecom deployments.
What is a SMART Module??
Cannon Technologies’ SMART Module is a pre-engineered, factory-built module that can be deployed rapidly on-site to serve as a fully functional Data Centre or Hub.
It includes all necessary infrastructure – including power, cooling, fire suppression, physical security, and network cabling – in a compact and robust enclosure.
These modules are engineered to operate in diverse environments and can be installed in remote, urban, or suburban areas with minimal site preparation.
They are particularly valuable in FTTx applications, where coverage density and localised edge processing are critical to delivering high-speed broadband to homes, businesses, and public infrastructure. The SMART FEx, is such a fibre exchange hub .
SMART Modules are also versatile in their deployment locations and can be installed outdoors as standalone exchanges or indoors when repurposing large buildings such as warehouses or retail units.
Typically SMART modular data centres and FEx’s can be delivered as container based SMART GT (Globe Trotter) enclosed transportable and relocatable units, or the scalable SMART GMDC (Granular Modular DC), that can be employed as an external build or internal in existing spaces.
This provides operators with greater flexibility in how and where they roll out their infrastructure, especially in urban regeneration or brownfield development scenarios.

SMART GT – Globe Trotter

SMART GMDC – Granular Modular DC
Benefits for FTTx Applications in Telecoms
- Rapid Deployment and Scalability
SMART FEx modules can be deployed in weeks rather than months. This is critical in competitive markets where speed to market defines success.
Their modular design enables incremental expansion of the fibre network as demand grows, without disrupting existing services.
- Reduced CAPEX and OPEX
Compared to traditional brick-and-mortar fibre exchange buildings, SMART FEx modules offer a lower total cost of ownership.
Pre-fabrication in a controlled factory environment reduces on-site labour and construction variability. Additionally, their energy-efficient cooling and power systems lower operational expenses significantly over time.
- Space-Efficient and Location-Flexible
SMART Modules are compact yet highly functional. They can be installed in locations with limited real estate – such as roadside cabinets, rooftops, or urban micro-sites — as well as indoors within existing buildings such as disused warehouses or retail premises.
This is especially valuable for reutilising real estate assets or accelerating deployment where external planning constraints exist.
- Ruggedised for Outdoor Use
Built to withstand harsh climates and physical threats, Cannon SMART Modules are equipped with robust environmental controls and physical security features.
This makes them suitable for remote, unattended deployment in rural and suburban regions, where traditional infrastructure is impractical or cost prohibitive.
- Future-Ready Infrastructure
With the accelerating convergence of fibre and 5G, operators need infrastructure that can evolve with technology. SMART Modules are designed with edge computing in mind, enabling local data processing and reduced latency for next-gen applications like IoT, smart cities, and autonomous systems.
Key Technical Features
- Turnkey Build: Includes all essential components – racks, cooling, UPS, access control, fire detection and suppression – in a ready-to-deploy unit.
- Remote Monitoring and Management: Integrated software enables operators to monitor power usage, temperature, access control, and alarms in real-time.
- Standards-Compliant: Built to meet or exceed industry standards for telecom and data centre applications (e.g., ISO/IEC, ANSI/TIA).
- Customisable Layouts: Available in a variety of sizes and configurations to match deployment needs – from small edge exchanges to regional data centres.
- Indoor or Outdoor Installation: Suitable for installation in open outdoor areas or within repurposed buildings, offering maximum deployment flexibility.
Use Case: Supporting FTTH Rollout in Suburban Networks
In a recent UK suburban deployment, a leading telecom provider used SMART FEx modules as fibre aggregation points in a large-scale FTTH (Fibre-to-the-Home) expansion.
By placing modular hubs at strategic locations closer to end users, the provider significantly reduced latency and improved service reliability.
The modular approach also allowed them to scale capacity quickly as subscriber numbers grew – without requiring major civil works or building permits.
In urban areas, disused retail units were repurposed as indoor SMART Modular sites, saving both time and cost.
Conclusion
As the telecom industry continues to expand fibre coverage and roll out next-generation services, Cannon Technologies’ SMART Modules & Modular Data Centres offer a compelling solution for fibre exchange infrastructure.
With rapid deployment, cost efficiency, and rugged reliability, SMART FEx modules are not just an alternative to traditional buildings – they represent a smarter, more agile way forward for FTTx applications.
Whether deployed outdoors in remote areas or indoors within repurposed buildings, the modules deliver the speed, flexibility, and resilience that modern networks demand.