Boston – October 12, 2026 -- Fortress will present a full-scale prototype of its NextGen SMART ILA modular optical infrastructure platform, designed for a 600 kW day-one load that scales to 1.2 MW, at an invitation-only event in Denver, Colorado, on October 20–22, 2026.
Platform targets 400 to 800 kW of ICT capacity across low-, high-density and mixed configurations
Fortress positions the NextGen SMART ILA as a standardized, modular alternative to traditional precast infrastructure. The platform supports low-density, high-density and mixed configurations, allowing consistent deployment across multiple sites as network requirements change.
Fortress says the design addresses rising density requirements, power and cooling constraints, and the difficulty of planning future capacity without overbuilding from day one. It cites AI, cloud computing and growing network traffic as the drivers of those demands on infrastructure connecting data centers, communities and markets.
Integrated SMART technology consolidates site data into one platform
Every unit ships with Fortress SMART technology. It brings engineering information, site access, field activity, facility systems and asset lifecycle information together in a single platform.
Listed capabilities include:
- real-time capacity calculations and growth planning
- secure site access
- vendor and work tracking
- living as-built records
- facility control
- lifecycle and digital twin functionality
Fortress courts hyperscalers and carriers on lead times
Tristan Cornell, Head of Client Solutions at Fortress, said hyperscalers and carriers want infrastructure that scales efficiently as demand evolves, delivered without the lengthy lead times often associated with such projects. Fortress describes its design and manufacturing approach as streamlined, intended to simplify deployment, operations and maintenance.
Experience Week sessions cover capacity requirements and production timelines
A select group of clients and industry partners will walk through the prototype with the Fortress Engineering Solutions team. Sessions will cover the modular architecture, integrated systems and SMART technology. Attendees can also discuss upcoming projects, capacity requirements and potential production timelines with Fortress engineering and leadership.
Attendance is by invitation, and clients must register to schedule a dedicated session. Fortress is also accepting media requests from outlets covering telecommunications, AI infrastructure, data centers and emerging technologies.