Telecom Solutions - Traffic, Traffic, & More Traffic

The word traffic probably inspires more dread in anyone requiring transportation from a motorized vehicle. It conjures up lateness, frustration, and anxiety. The same can be said of those network managers who are responsible for looking at the traffic on their telecom/datacom networks. More and more bits and bytes are trying to get onto an already crowded highway, causing concern in keeping up with it.

In previous blogs, I have written about the sophistication of enterprise networks as well as the "Internet of Things". I recently read an article about how municipal governments working with urban planners and developers are turning their communities into smart cities. Unlike the traditional telephone provider, these partnerships are building the network, creating content for its users, and gathering data. Of course, this is causing traffic on the networks, however, these partnerships are utilizing telecom/datacom experience to design "future tolerant" networks - certainly not future proof, for as we know, things change way too fast for that.

One recent success is the city of Barcelona, Spain. Although Spain has been battered by the recession, Barcelona and its forward thinking leadership have created an outstanding model of government/private cooperation, which has created thousands of jobs and attracted new residents and businesses. The street lighting is equipped with sensors to illuminate the area based on movement detection, saving energy while maintaining safety and security. Parking spaces and waste/recycling bins have sensors built in so that drivers can find parking quickly and disposal companies can pick up trash more efficiently - both reducing fuel consumption and emissions. Businesses are also jumping on this bandwagon by advertising themselves through these networks. Once can be in town and your favorite local shop or club can let you know about specials or events and tell you the best way to get there via public transport or personal vehicle. Government services are also made easier - get a permit or license easily and quickly. See a pothole in the street and immediately report it to the proper authority. In addition, the push for renewable energy is evident in the large number of EV charging stations and solar PV/thermal mandates for large commercial buildings adding to the "smartness factor" of the cities.

All of this information gives new meaning to "traffic" - one that personally, I don't mind. If this kind of traffic helps communities grow and come together, I'm all for it!

-Suzanne Beck
VP Business Development
Telecom Solutions - Telamon Corporation