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  • Author Author: Instructorman
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Future proofing smart city data communication infrastrucure

Many municipalities are interested in investing in smart city infrastructure to monitor and manage resource consumption, traffic congestion, et cetera, and to add value to urban living through intelligent analysis of data gathered from sensor networks.  The technology that enables monitoring and management on urban scales is emerging.  One issue that is holding back many municipalities is the question of what infrastructure to embed in order to allow data communication for all the anticipated sensors that may be installed in the future.

 

What do you think is the best strategy that will future proof data communication infrastructure in a smart city context?

  • in reply to rscasny

    Very valid observation, Randall.  From my experience, many municipalities want to get on the Smart City bandwagon, however that may be defined, but they don't really want to rip up streets and buildings to get the functionality they seek.  Wireless communication looks appealing as a solution, but it comes with its own problems. 

     

    I expect there will be many customized solutions, some involving wireless, some wired, some hybrids.

  • This comment is just a gut reaction given what I know of Chicago's city workers or the overly expensive contractors the city hires at the taxpayer's expense.

     

    I assume that this smart city infrastructure would cover thousands of sensor nodes -- maybe even more. Given my assumption, a wired solution only would be a nightmare (at least in Chicago). It would take many, many years to get done.

  • Using and expanding existing infrastructure is wise decision, we are already in 4G era which is almost enough to implement smart city network. Providers should start to categorise their data only packages in bulk, for example automobile, home, traffic etc. Even 5G implementation would help a lot in near future...