Category: Technology

Imagine this: You have just spent the morning setting up your home network. You have used all the latest Wi-Fi hardware and you have a 100Mbps connection. Pleased with yourself, you decide to go to your bedroom to relax and stream a movie—then the buffering begins. You call your ISP provider and confirm that everything checks out.

So, what’s the deal?

Chances are you need a mesh Wi-Fi system.

What is mesh Wi-Fi?

A mesh Wi-Fi (also called Whole Home Wi-Fi) system consists of a main router that connects directly to a modem, together with one or more satellite modules (nodes) that are placed strategically around a house (or an office) to blanket it with Wi-Fi. These are all part of a single wireless network and share the same Service Set IDentifier (SSID) and password.

In short, a mesh Wi-Fi system extends a wireless router signal to anywhere within a home or office to ensure internet access.

Who needs mesh Wi-Fi?

Mesh Wi-Fi is handy for those who work or live in surroundings that:

• Are larger than 3,000 square feet
• Have unusually shaped floor plans (like Ls)
• Have thick, brick, or metal internal walls
• Have rooms or areas that do not have electrical service

All of the situations listed above (and others) can lead to faulty internet connectivity that interferes with reliable service to computers, tablets, and smartphones.

How does mesh Wi-Fi work?

This technology is pretty straightforward.

A mesh router is different from a traditional Wi-Fi router in that it uses two or more “satellite” routers to deliver wireless coverage. These routers all work together to provide coverage and, as mentioned above, share the same network and SSID.

A mesh router system contains two or more components that act as nodes (the more nodes, the better the coverage). Depending on which router brand is used, one node is assigned the role of the primary router, with all the other nodes acting as satellites—OR—all the routers might be completely interchangeable.

One unit must be plugged into the internet modem or router with either type, while all remaining satellites are placed around the house or office to enable good coverage. The positioning of the satellite routers is essential. They must be put close enough together to communicate but far enough apart to be able to spread the total coverage.

Why should I consider mesh Wi-Fi?

Here are the main advantages of using mesh Wi-Fi:

1. Reliability

Homes and offices are often vulnerable to dead zones where there is not enough (or even no) wireless service for internet-connected devices to work correctly.

Should this condition exist, you can lose your Wi-Fi signal at any time—perhaps in the middle of a download or an app update. Mesh Wi-Fi puts an end to this problem by taking your router’s original wireless signal and rebroadcasting it at its original strength.

Your router’s signal will have a range of about 100 feet. However, the mesh Wi-Fi satellites that you place throughout the space will reproduce the wireless signal to cover the whole area.

It needs to be emphasized that mesh Wi-Fi satellites are not separate networks—they rebroadcast the original Wi-Fi signal, which means they connect to only one network and provide coverage throughout the entire building. And it gets even better because, with mesh Wi-Fi, there is coverage outside the building too.

Image Source: linksys.com

2. Speed Consistency

With a traditional Wi-Fi router, the Wi-Fi signal weakens as it travels further from the router, and you also lose speed as the signal weakens. If you live in a small house—say, 1,200 square feet—you may not notice anything. However, if your home is larger—like 3,000 square feet—the speed difference between your living room and bedroom could be significant. For example, you may be able to stream Netflix just fine in your living room, but it will not even load in your bedroom. This type of speed variation is frustrating!

This is where mesh Wi-Fi shines. With mesh Wi-Fi satellites strategically positioned throughout the entire house, you will have a solid wireless signal with consistent speed. If you choose, you can put a satellite in every room in your home, but only one or two satellites are necessary for most people.

When it comes to businesses, you will probably want more satellites—maybe even up to a dozen—as you will want a satellite in conference rooms, IT hotspots, and any remote offices in the building.

3. Network Management

Network management consists of things like fixing, improving and maintaining a network. This process usually requires specialized knowledge of and on-demand access to the wireless network. However, many mesh routers have built-in management tools, such as app integration that allows control of all aspects of the network without having to log into a web-based console. You can even use this app to control the network remotely.

Image Source: asus.com

4. Security

One of the biggest concerns that users have is: If I boost up my internet service, will strangers be able to use it without my permission?

Because of the networking features mentioned above, along with the manual control you have over your hardware, this almost never happens. In the unlikely event that it does happen, you can change your network settings, kick off every device from your Wi-Fi, change the password, and start again. Because of these types of capabilities, mesh Wi-Fi is one of the most secure wireless networking techniques on the market.

Are there some disadvantages when it comes to mesh Wi-Fi systems?

With every popular technology comes a few disadvantages; this is also true of mesh Wi-Fi. Here are a couple of things to consider:

• Mesh routers are more expensive than traditional single-unit routers. However, into this equation goes the fact that this is a one-time purchase which will last for years.
• You will have to deal with extra hardware. Each satellite will need a place to “live” (e.g., a table or shelf). These devices are not easily hidden from sight.

Conclusion

Mesh Wi-Fi is reliable, fast, secure, and can be managed and maintained easily. While most traditional routers are large, awkward, and have cables to contend with, mesh Wi-Fi satellites have been designed to have a much smaller footprint. They can be left out to blend with your home or office decor. If you are having problems with your wireless coverage, a mesh Wi-Fi system just might be a good solution.

When you hear the name Elon Musk, what things come to mind?

Perhaps you think of things like:

• His electric car company Tesla
• His foray into space exploration via SpaceX
• His habit of stirring up controversy on social media
• The fact that he smoked weed on a filmed podcast with comedian Joe Rogan (he was in California at the time and it was legal)
• That he gave one of his children the curious name of X AE A-12
• That he makes quirky comments like, “I would like to die on Mars. Just not on impact.”
• That as of January, he had a net worth of $185 billion and was briefly declared the richest person in the world

Or perhaps something else might come to mind: a venture called Starlink.

What is Starlink?

Technically a division of SpaceX, Starlink is the company’s growing network of orbital satellites launched into low Earth orbit (LEO) to provide high-speed, low-latency, and cost-effective internet access to anyone anywhere on the planet.

The development of Starlink began in 2015, with the first satellites launched in 2018. In January 2021, SpaceX launched 60 satellites into orbit from Kennedy Space Center. Another four were launched in February, bringing the total number to nearly 1300, which is about one-fourth of all active satellites in space at this time.

The plan is to ultimately have 12,000 satellites, 8,000 of which will orbit at 500km (approximately 311 miles) above Earth, with the remaining 4,000 orbiting at 1200km (around 746 miles).

Source: https://www.starlink.com/

How does Starlink work?

According to Techradar:

All you would need to use Starlink is a $200 pizza box-sized receiver. Each satellite will talk to four others using lasers as they constantly orbit Earth, together creating a web of Ku-band and Ka-band broadband connectivity as fast as the speed of light that surrounds the planet at all times and for all locations.

In order to beam connectivity to the surface, a massive network of ground-based stations will also be necessary. So although 12,000 satellites sound like a lot, it’s only a fraction of the infrastructure that SpaceX will have to construct.¹

This “space internet” is particularly beneficial for consumers who live in rural areas and other places in the world that do not have high-speed broadband. The Starlink website states:
Starlink is ideally suited for areas of the globe where connectivity has typically been a challenge. Unbounded by traditional ground infrastructures, Starlink can deliver high-speed broadband internet to locations where access has been unreliable or completely unavailable.²

The only hardware needed for a Starlink connection is a satellite dish and a router. The satellite dish receives the signal from the satellite and passes it onto the router. Starlink offers an app for IOS and Android that helps customers choose the best location to place the satellite dish.

Source: https://www.starlink.com/

Presently, Starlink is being beta tested in the United States and Canada (between 44 and 53 degrees North latitude) and has approximately 10,000 customers. It is not designed for densely populated areas but rather for rural areas, including Tribal lands in the U.S.

Why does Starlink matter?

GSMA Connected Society³ estimates that 3.8 billion people use the internet today, which leaves 4.2 billion people who do not use the internet for one reason or another. Seven percent of that figure (approximately 600 million people) cannot use the internet because they live in rural and remote areas that either have no internet access or are grossly underserved. In the future, Starlink may become one of the keys to giving these isolated populations access to the world through the internet.

How fast is Starlink’s internet service?

Currently, Starlink users experience data speeds from 50 to 150Mbps with latency speeds between 20 and 40 ms. However, Musk has a goal to double this download speed to 300Mbps by the close of 2021. And there are long-term goals to reach speeds of 1Gbps and then 10Gbps as more satellites launch into orbit.

But is fiber faster?

Internet-delivered by ground-laid fiber-optic cable indeed offers speeds that are much faster than those supplied by satellite at present. However, installing the infrastructure necessary for ground-based internet to people’s homes is a long and labor-intensive process. Of course, we are not saying that shooting satellites 300-plus miles above the earth’s surface is not labor-intensive, but it just could be the internet solution for underserved communities. And we are talking about Elon Musk, the founder, CEO, CTO, and chief designer of SpaceX, the only company on the planet that has a landable, reusable rocket capable of delivering satellite after satellite into orbit.

Some Frequently Asked Questions About Starlink

What does Starlink cost?

An initial one-time payment of $499.00 is required to cover the cost of the satellite dish and Wi-Fi router; from there, you pay a monthly service fee of $99.00.

Where are Starlink services available?

At this juncture, Starlink services are only available in select areas: Northwest U.S. and adjacent parts of Canada (between 44 and 53 degrees North latitude), parts of the United Kingdom, and parts of Texas (available in 2021). Musk has stated he expects to have worldwide access to Starlink by 2022.

All potential customers are handled on a first-come, first-served basis, and some preorders can take up to six months.

Can I use Starlink if I live in a city or a suburb?

Probably not. SpaceX is firmly committed to bringing internet access to areas of the world with slow or no internet access. There is no reason for Starlink to try to compete with major ground-based internet service providers with monthly service fees as low as $50.00 a month.

Can bad weather affect my Starlink internet service?

Unfortunately, rain, snow, and wind can affect satellite services. Although Starlink’s satellite dish is equipped with a heater to melt snow, it can do little about snow build-up. Rain and winds can also bring about slower speed or even service interruptions.

Can I game on Starlink?

Yes. There may be some lag as your connection hops from one satellite to another, but as a whole, users report a satisfying gaming experience with Starlink.

Will I own my Starlink satellite dish?

Yes. However, if returned within 30 days, you will receive a full refund.

Is the Starlink satellite dish easy to install?

Users report that set up takes about five minutes and requires no technical help. Please note: it is important to mount the dish with a clear view of the sky and at the highest and safest level possible.

Last Words

Starlink is cutting-edge and ambitious, but it is not the only “space internet” in town. This arena is getting increased attention in 2021. London-based OneWeb—supported by Intelsat, Virgin, Qualcomm, SoftBank, and Hughes Network Systems—is poised to launch 640 satellites, the first of which were launched this February. Also joining the scene is Amazon’s “Project Kulper,” which positions itself for sometime after 2021.

SpaceX’s Starlink is progressing quickly but is by no means alone.

 

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Resources
¹ Techradar: Everything You Need to Know About SpaceX’s Starlink and “Space Internet”
² starlink.com
³ GSMA Connected Society: The State of Mobile Internet Connectivity 2020

Ethernet is a Local Area Network (LAN) technology that connects network devices (such as computers, printers, etc.) via Ethernet switches and routers. Industrial Ethernet is a further development of Ethernet and is a bit more complicated. This technology applies Ethernet abilities to automation and control systems used in industrial manufacturing. It has recently surpassed traditional Fieldbus architectures to become the foremost connection protocol in factories around the world.

Industrial communication happens on three levels—the routing level, the control level, and the sensor level. Each level requires different amounts and types of information transfer, collision detection, and determinism (determining in advance the route between any two nodes). Industrial Ethernet has approximately 20 protocols that are oriented to IEEE 802.3 standards. In this article, we will discuss the four most important protocols.

The Four Major Protocols in Industrial Ethernet

1) Modbus TCP/IP

Modbus TCP/IP (Transmission Control/Protocol and Internet Protocol) was the first industrial Ethernet protocol to be launched and is a variation of the Modbus family of communication protocols that were developed for the supervision and control of automated equipment. This protocol transfers discrete data between control devices using a simple master-slave communication. With this type of transmission, the “slave” node cannot transfer data until it has been commanded to do so by the “master” node. This protocol is not considered to be real-time.

Source: modbus.org

2) EtherCAT

Ethernet for Control Automation Technology (EtherCAT) is a protocol that provides power and flexibility to industrial automation, motion control, real-time control systems, and data acquisition systems. Introduced in 2003, EtherCAT offers real-time communication using the master/slave configuration mentioned above. This protocol increases speed in two ways:

1. There is only one device sending data
2. By using a technique called “processing on the fly,” which is when a “slave” node extracts only the information it needs from a data packet and sends the data downstream simultaneously

Source: ethercat.org

3) EtherNet/IP

EtherNet/IP (Ethernet Industrial Protocol) was introduced in 2000 and has become one of the most commonly used application-layer industrial Ethernet protocols and is supported by the Open Device Vendors Association (ODVA). This protocol defines devices on a network as a series of objects. It is the only industrial Ethernet protocol based entirely on Ethernet standards. Because EtherNet/IP uses standard Ethernet physical, data, link, network, and transport layers and uses standard managed Ethernet switches, it can support an unlimited amount of nodes. However, to support real-time communication and avoid latency, a limited range is required.

4) PROFINET

PROFINET (Process Field Net) is a protocol used to exchange data between controllers and devices. Examples of controllers are Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs), Distributed Control Systems (DCSs), and Programmable Automation Systems (DDCSs). Examples of devices are Input and Output (I/O) blocks, vision systems, Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) readers, drives, process instruments, and even other controllers. PROFINET is deterministic and exchanges data in a predefined arrangement. With this protocol, devices can be changed from one vendor to another without user interaction.

Source: us.profinet.com

Industrial Ethernet Networks Compared to Commercial Ethernet LANs

Industrial Ethernet networks, when compared to commercial Ethernet LANs, have a few key differences.

Speed

Industrial Ethernet’s need for speed is much lower than the gigabit (and higher) bandwidth required by a LAN. Industrial Ethernet speeds range from 10 Mbps to one gigabit; however, the most popular rate is 100 Mbps. This is because the amount of bandwidth needed to send control and automation data in an industrial setting is a fraction of what is required to download a video on a LAN, for instance.

Specific Operation Performance

Industrial Ethernet networks have protocols that ensure specific manufacturing data is sent and received at the exact time the information is needed to perform a particular task. It could spell disaster if an automated process difficulty had to wait for an employee to notice the problem and then push a button to correct it. This type of protocol is not as crucial in an office network setting. For example, if a user loses a website, they just need to push the refresh button to restore it. There just are not the types of automation functions in an office that, if comprised, could lead to injury or death as they can on the factory floor.

Harsh Environments

Commercial Ethernet is designed for a basic level of use, while industrial Ethernet is multi-leveled and suited for heavy-duty factory processes including noise, dirt, extreme temperatures, etc. Connectors used in industrial settings have heavier lock mechanisms and are sealed. Higher quality jacketing is required for all cabling.

Determinism

Commercial Ethernet is not deterministic on its own. However, determinism is crucial on the factory floor. In a production process, data packets must be sent and received at specific times—and there must be a guarantee that the data is delivered each time. The loss or delay of data between industrial equipment can lead to disaster. This real-time information transfer is one of the primary considerations for choosing a manufacturer’s Ethernet solution.

Industrial Ethernet and Fieldbuses

Although Industrial Ethernet has a high quantity of users, there is still significant use of fieldbuses. Fieldbuses are well suited for production processes where cyclic I/O data transfer is crucial. In contrast, Industrial Ethernet is used where performance and clock synchronicity matter. Here are some of the advantages of Industrial Ethernet over fieldbuses:

• The transfer of IT and real-time data takes place simultaneously
• The network can be expanded by the cascading of switches
• Transfers a large amount of data
• All users can access buses at the same time
• It has an extensive address range which allows the number of users to be almost limitless
• Different transfer media (e.g., cable, radio, light conductors) can be combined

Conclusion

The future for Industrial Ethernet is bright. Research is making steady advances and is currently focusing on improving overall performance and clock synchronicity. Industrial Ethernet is an invaluable technology that gives users:

• Better integration of plant and corporate networks
• Real-time visibility of production processes
• The ability to run multiple control regimens on a single network (e.g., process, motion, safety)
• Reduction of security risks on the industrial network
• Easily employed management capabilities.

Versa Technology offers a wide range of high performing and heavy duty Industrial PoE switches that are perfect for large-scale enterprise projects such as transportation facilities, public outdoor spaces, large structures and/or government type facilities.

In case you haven’t heard, we are in the midst of a global semiconductor shortage.

The first monolithic integrated circuit (IC) chip was invented sixty-two years ago by Robert Noyle at Fairchild Semiconductor. This small electrical “gadget” has since become a critical component for everything from smartphones and computers to vehicles and appliances.

What Is a Chip?

Techopedia defines a “chip” as follows:

In electronics, a chip is comprised of semiconductor material cut from a larger wafer of material that is only a few millimeters on one side. On this chip, a transistor or integrated circuit may be etched but only occupy one-thousandth of an inch of the chip’s surface.

The terms chip, microchip, integrated circuit (IC) and silicon chip are synonymous.¹

A single chip that measures a mere 1/16 square inch (with a thickness of 1/30 square inch) can contain anywhere from a few to thousands of transistors. Larger chips that are about the size of a postage stamp can contain millions of transistors.

How can anything so tiny be causing such a big stir?

The Extent of the Problem

Lead times for chips have been extended significantly. This means that the amount of time between when a chip is ordered and the order is filled has increased. According to Bloomberg, lead times for Broadcom, Inc.—a leading barometer for the semiconductor industry—have skyrocketed from 12.2 weeks in February 2020 to 22.2 weeks in February 2021. The company’s Chief Executive Officer, Hock Tan, released a statement saying his company is sold out for the rest of the year.²

When categorized by functionality, there are four types of chips: standard chip, memory chips, microprocessors, and complex systems-on-a-chip (SoCs). Because of the smartphone and computing power boom over the last ten years, demand for all types of chips has grown steadily. In addition, numerous machines that have been traditionally mechanical have become smarter and use many more chips than ever before. A good example of this is the automotive industry. Deloitte states that in the year 2000, automotive electronics comprised 18 percent of the total cost of car; in 2020 that percentage increased to 40 percent. And they project by 2030 that 45 percent of the cost of a car will be due to its electronics.³

Industry experts report that there is a particular shortage of 200 millimeter wafers which are used to make lower-end chips. This shortage then affects the supply of power management chips and display ICs that are required in the automatic and consumer electronics industries. As an end result, big name vehicles such as the Ford F-150, the Jeep Grand Cherokee, and the Mercedes-Benz C-class production lines have been either slowed down or temporarily paused. And that is why popular devices such as Playstation and Xbox are becoming scarce in stores.

So, Why Don’t They Just Make More Chips?

As semiconductors can be damaged by things like temperature spikes, static electricity, and even specks of dust, they must be built in highly controlled fabrication plants (called “fabs”). Big name U.S. companies like Qualcomm, Nvidia, and Apple design semiconductors but they do not manufacture them.

So, where are they made?

It is estimated that as much as 91 percent of chip manufacturing happens in Asia. In fact, there are only four semiconductor companies that make the vast majority of the world’s electronic chips: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (Taiwan), Samsung Electronics Company (South Korea), Globalfoundries, Inc. (United Arab Emirates), and United Microelectronics Corporation (Taiwan).

It is not as simple as building another semiconductor fab and hiring workers. Chip fabs cost billions of dollars and at least two to five years to construct. It is important to note that the U.S. is trying to gain more chip independence. To this end, Intel Corporation just recently unveiled plans for a new $20 billion fab of its own.

Intel Fab in Hillsboro, Oregon (Credit: Intel Corporation)

Bottlenecks exist in other parts of the chip supply chain too. Bloomberg states:

The Netherlands-based ASML Holding NV has a virtual monopoly on advanced photolithography equipment required to print patterns of cutting-edge chips onto the wafer. Companies from Japan, such as Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., dominate the market for chemicals used in semiconductor manufacturing. And manufacturing cannot start in the first place without access to electronic design automation software, a segment led by the U.S.’s Cadence Design Systems, Inc. and Synopsys, Inc.⁴’

Here’s How the Pandemic Fits into the Semiconductor Shortage

At the beginning of the pandemic, most economists predicted that consumer spending would drop off because people were losing their jobs. As a result, auto companies showed down production, which means they ordered fewer chips. However, instead of curtailing all non essential spending as predicted, consumers who were stuck at home with a bunch of free time on their hands, poured the money they would have spent on movie tickets, dining out, vacations, etc. into TVs, computers, and video game systems. With this increased demand for their goods, electronics companies purchased extra chips and beefed up their production to meet this increased demand. Then, auto companies realized that in spite of the pandemic, people still wanted to buy cars—but it was too late! The chips were gone and lead time for many were at a year or more.

The Perfect Storm

There are many other factors that have played into this perfect storm of events. According to The Washington Post:

New 5G phones use a lot more computer chips than previous generations of handsets. About a quarter of all phones sold in 2020 were 5G-ready, so the industry suddenly put a massive new strain on chip production, said Matt Bryson, a semiconductor company analyst with Wedbush Securities. President Donald Trump’s trade war with China also had an impact. About 10 percent of the world’s chip production comes from SMIC, a semiconductor company that’s partially owned by the Chinese government. In 2020, the U.S. government restricted American companies from selling to SMIC, citing its ties to the Chinese military. Even the demand for cryptocurrencies such as bitcoin is a factor. Warehouses full of computers used to run the extremely complicated calculations that made cryptocurrencies possible are chewing up more and more computer chips each year.

Last Words

This chip shortage has made it extremely clear that it is essential to be alert, flexible, and resilient in the face of something as complex and consequential as supply chains.

There is hope. President Biden has signed an executive order calling for the review of supply chains for critical products.

And there is help from Taiwan, too. According to Reuters:

Andrew Hou, Acer’s president for Pan-Asian Pacific Operations, told reporters in Taipei that since the problem first became apparent in the fourth quarter of last year, the supply chain has “jumped into action” as suppliers worked to address the situation.

Hou said he expected better supplies in the second quarter compared with the first quarter of this year, and the situation in the second half will be better than the second quarter.
“That’s what we are seeing at the moment,” he added.⁶

The bottom line is this: Supplies of semiconductor chips will be scarce at least through the end of the year. Our advice to you is to anticipate your needs and order supplies as early as possible to lessen the shortages’ impact on you.

 

Resources

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1 Techopedia: Chip
2 Bloomberg; How a Chip Shortage Snarled Everything From Phones to Cars
3 Deloitte: Semiconductors—The Next Wave (April 2019)
4 Bloomberg: How a Chip Shortage Snarled Everything From Phones to Cars
5 The Washington Post: What you need to know about the global chip shortage
6 Reuters: Taiwan’s Acer sees global chip shortage gradually easing

As city populations increase every year, they get crowded, and resources are stretched to their limits. Today’s cities must evolve to meet the needs of their residents. Here are some interesting statistics:

• In 2020, 56 percent of the global population lived in cities.¹
• In the same year, 83.6 percent of North American countries’ populations lived in cities.¹
• The United Nations predicts that 68 percent of the world’s population will live in urban areas by 2050.²

Cities must deal with the often overwhelming problems of social and economic imbalance among their citizens. One of the most viable ways to increase a city’s effectiveness and efficiency is through technology.

What is a smart city?

Let’s start with the digi.city definition:

Smart Cities use connected technology and data to (1) improve the efficiency of city service delivery, (2) enhance quality of life for all, (3) increase equity and prosperity for residents and businesses.³

City management is complex. The goal needs to be the improvement of the quality of life for its citizens. Each individual must be offered adequate resources to be self-sufficient in their environment in a way that consumes the least amount of resources. This is a tall order.

A smart city uses Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) to create, install, and promote practices that address these urban challenges. Citizens are encouraged to engage with smart city ecosystems that improve things like energy distribution, trash collection, traffic congestion, and even air quality using the Internet of Things (IoT). Here are some examples:

• Connected traffic lights: Sensors send data to the traffic lights that inform them of real-time traffic conditions.
• Connected cars: Communication with parking meters and electrical vehicle (EV) charging docks that advise drivers on available spots.
• Smart garbage cans: Can automatically send data to waste management companies to pick-up refuse as needed.
• Smartphones: Can become a mobile driver’s license or ID card (digital credentials) to simplify city/government services access.

What are the benefits of a smart city?

There are many benefits when cities use smart technology, and many are vigorously engaging in these upgrades as we speak. According to Statista, technology spending on smart city initiatives worldwide will increase from 81 billion U.S. dollars in 2018 to 189.5 billion in 2023.⁴

Following are ten of the most significant benefits of the use of smart technology by cities:

1) Decision-Making Based on Data

Big data and connected devices enable cities to access more information than ever before. With this plethora of data, city planners can glean invaluable, real-time metrics that give them insights to make the best decisions possible.

This type of technology provides data to help identify and staff police in high-risk areas, forecast and plan for population growth and citywide expansion, identify citizen interests, concerns, needs, etc.

2) Increased Citizen/Government Interaction

Things like collaboration tools, intuitive websites, mobile apps, self-service portals, and online accounts enable residents to engage with their city government and its services in a quick, user-friendly way.

The ability for citizen access to government data, interactive maps, government performance dashboards, city budget transparency, live-streamed city hall meetings, and a healthy city media presence all make a city attractive to live in and help its citizens to trust city officials.

3) Community Safety

Simply put: A smart city is a safer place to live. Technology such as plate recognition, gunshot detectors, connected crime centers, next-generation 911, and police body cameras give law enforcement an advantage.

Here is another example: In 2016, the city of San Diego invested in smart streetlight technology. In addition to informing the town of things like traffic flow and pedestrian crossings, they found that the LED lighting helped them maintain public safety. According to LT. Jeffrey Jordan, Chief’s Office/Special Projects of the San Diego Police Department:

We use technology as a means of enhancing investigations, preventing crime, and interacting with community members to ensure their safety. We have only 1800 officers for a city of 1.3 million people spread out over 300 square miles. We can’t be everywhere all the time. But we can use the data being collected by smart streetlights to help provide evidence for violent crime investigations and fatal or near-fatal car collisions.⁵

4) Lessens Environmental Impact

Cities need to deal with environmental issues such as greenhouse gasses, ocean and water debris, and trash on highways and streets. Smart cities encourage the construction of energy-efficient buildings, the employment of air quality sensors and renewable energy sources to decrease their ecological footprint.

For instance, medical problems that stem from pollution kill millions of people every year. Deploying air quality sensors around a city can help track peak times of low air quality, identify the causes of pollution, and provide information to make sound action plans.

5) Transportation Improvement

Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) have the potential to enhance travel through a city significantly. ITS includes:

• Public Transportation Management: Provides automation and planning that encourages travel throughout a city and offers quick responses to schedule deviations or emergencies, ensuring the safety of the travelers.
• Route Information: Provides easy route scheduling, real-time information about traffic conditions, travel time, alternative routes, toll fares, and parking availability.
• Safety Control: Provides assessment of driving capabilities, road conditions, and vehicle performance. Advanced sensors assist drivers during poor visibility due to weather conditions or night driving.
• Electronic Payment System: One single electronic payment can buy tickets for different transportation modes: buses, metros, trains, etc.

6) Digital Equity

To ensure each citizen has access to a smart city’s technology, they must take steps toward providing digital equity. Adopting citywide public Wi-Fi hotspots needs to be strategically placed throughout a city to ensure internet services are available to everyone. Cities such as Portland, OR, Philadelphia, Austin, TX, Chattanooga, and San Jose, CA have all adopted smart technologies with built-in digital equity considerations.

7) Opportunities for Economic Growth

According to a white paper authored by ABI Research:

The impact of smart city technologies on economic development and gross domestic product (GDP) growth, in particular, will materialize according to three dimensions or phases:

1. Open Data Policies: Incremental GDP of close to US$1 trillion over the next decade
2. Public Investments Multiplier Effect: Incremental GDP of US$10 trillion over the next decade
3. Structural Smart Urban Economy Growth: Recurring, sustainable growth by 2.8% by 2026; (US$) 10 trillion GDP generated in the next 10 years.⁶

These statistics indicate that when cities innovate and engage in smart technologies, the result is significant GDP growth expansion. Large private enterprises are teaming up with city governments and investing millions of dollars in smart city infrastructure and initiatives—and intelligent cities attract new residents and businesses.

8) Efficient Public Utilities

Smart water sensors and intelligent electric grids reduce water and electricity waste, as well as damages. An example comes from Virginia Beach, which has deployed 40 smart water sensors that can predict floods from rain or storm surges for up to 36 hours in advance.

9) Infrastructure Improvement

Smart technology provides cities with analytics that predict and identify infrastructure areas that require repair or replacement before a complete failure occurs. Intelligent sensors send data that identifies structural changes in buildings and bridges and send messages that prompt city personnel of inspection or maintenance needs. This not only saves tax dollars but prevents injury or death.

10) Positive Employee Engagement

When cities use smart technologies such as those discussed above, they can free employees from many forms of day-to-day manual labor. With the ability to streamline these tedious processes, smart city employees can reach their full potential while providing excellent, upgraded services.

Wondering about how smart cities are powered? Check out this blog.

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1 World Economic Forum: How has the world’s urban population changed from 1950 to today?
2 United Nations, Department of Economic and Social Affairs: 68% of the world’s population projected to live in urban areas by 2050, says UN
3 digi.city: Definitions: What is a smart city?
4 Statista: Technology spending on smart city initiatives worldwide from 2018 to 2023
5 Security Infowatch.com: Public Safety is at the Heart of the Smart City Movement
6 ABI Research: Role of Smart Cities for Economic Development

One of the most common questions regarding Ethernet cabling is: What type of cabling should I choose? There is much confusion on this topic. When choosing the right cabling solution for your particular network infrastructure, you need to know the difference between the different cable categories. The purpose of this article is to help you determine which type of Ethernet cabling suits your needs.

All three cable types use an RJ45 end, similar to a telephone jack, only slightly wider. This means that the cables simply plug into the same Ethernet jack on your computers, routers, and switches. However, each cable category option has quite different specifications. More about that later. First, let’s compare the costs of these three cable types.

What about cost?

Probably the most significant difference between Cat5e, Cat6, and Cat6A cabling is the price, and price is often the biggest consideration when deciding which Ethernet cabling to purchase. Cat5e is the least expensive of the three. Cat6 is approximately 30 percent more costly than Cat5e, while Cat6A is in the range of 30 percent more expensive than Cat6. This means, if your Cat5e cabling job costs $10,000, then Cat6 cabling for the same job will cost $13,000, and Cat6A will cost $16,900.

There are a couple of other cost considerations when purchasing Ethernet cabling:

1. Plenum costs about 30 percent more than non-plenum.
2. Shielded cable (STP) is roughly 30 to 40 percent more expensive than unshielded cabling (UTP).

Of course, price is not the only factor to consider when choosing what category of Ethernet cabling to buy. Let’s break down each type of cabling to help you determine which is the best option for your network, for now, and for the future.

Cat5e

Category 5e is a high-speed enhanced version of legacy Cat5 cables and has been in use for 20 years. Cat5e cables were the first to deliver one Gigabit of network speed, which in most expert’s opinion is the least amount of speed that should be considered. If most of your network is cloud-based, Cat5e cabling may be sufficient—for the present. Cat 5e cables are typically:

• Made up of 24-gauge twisted pair wires
• Produces one Gigabit of network speed
• Offers Ethernet up to 328 feet
• Is rated and measured at 100MHz (which means the CPU can process up to 100 million commands a second)

Cat5e tends to have a slightly higher delay and skew than either Cat6 and Cat6A cabling. This means that Cat5e can give the appearance of being slower.

Cat6

Category 6 cables are the current cabling standard for high-speed Ethernet networks. Cat6 cables provide the following:

• 23-gauge twisted pair wires
• 10 Gigabits of network speed
• Offers this high speed up to 164 feet—for distances over 164 feet, delivers speeds at the same rate as Cat5e cabling
• Is rated and measured at a bandwidth of 250MHz

Additionally, Cat6 offers enhanced performance levels compared to Cat5e: e.g., a tighter twist in the cables that allow for two-way communication, signal loss reduction, and less cross-talk.

Cat6A

The “a” in category 6A cabling stands for augmented. These cables deliver warp speeds and are used for 10G networks or when high bandwidth speeds are needed. Further, Cat6A cables are thicker than Cat6 cables as they have a thick plastic around the wires and because the pairs have a tighter twist. This provides more copper per inch, which results in less cross-talk and less signal loss.

Cat6A Ethernet cables offer the following:

• 23-gauge twisted pair wires
• 10 Gigabits of network speed
• Provides Ethernet up to 330 feet
• Is rated and measured at a bandwidth of 500MHz

Cat6A offers double the speed and distance of Cat6, which makes it an ideal cabling choice for businesses.

A Quick Word About Cat7 and Cat8

Cat7

Cat7, although somewhat comparable to Cat6A, is not considered to be a good cabling choice. According to Massachusetts-based cabling company Cable Matters:

“. . . Cat7 specification is a proprietary standard developed by a group of companies. It is not an IEEE standard and is not approved by TIA/EIA. Cat7 cables don’t use the traditional RJ-45 Ethernet header (technically known as an 8P8C connector). The GG45 connector that is used instead is proprietary. Despite its backward compatibility with RJ45, these connectors are hard to come by. Cat7 cables are also compatible with the TERA connector, although that has also seen very little use in the industry.”₁

Cat8

Cat8 is the fastest Ethernet cable to date. It has the following features:

• 23-gauge twisted pair wires
• 40 Gigabits of network speed
• Provides Ethernet up to 98 feet
• Is rated and measured at a bandwidth of 2000MHz

Cat 8 is designed for high-speed switch to switch communication in data centers or server rooms with 25GBase-T or 40GBase-T networks.

To Sum Up

First, it is important to note that each cabling category’s transmission speeds are hypothetical and depend on all components to perform at the maximum speeds. For instance, you will never get an optimum speed using a legacy device that is not capable of attaining Gigabit speeds.

Cat 5e is the least expensive cabling option; however, it is also the slowest. It is certain that Cat5e can perform well for most of today’s applications, especially if your network is cloud-based—but leaves less opportunity to upgrade in the future.

If you need speed, Cat6 and Cat6A is your best choice of cabling. Cat6 does not provide the distance that Cat6A does; however, it is the less expensive choice. Also, choosing either Cat6 or Cat6A will help future-proof your network for at least a few years. Unless you have a 25G or 45G network, Cat 6 or Cat6A cables will be plenty fast enough for most situations.

Find out more about Versa’s Power over Ethernet technology.

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1: Cable Matters: What is Cat7—and why you don’t need it.

Power over Ethernet (PoE) delivers both power and data concurrently via twisted pair Ethernet cabling. This technology improves network agility and scalability in efficient and cost-effective ways. There are several types of PoE devices, for example, the PoE switch, PoE splitter, PoE injector, etc. This article focuses on the PoE injector: What is it? What does it work? Are there different types? How is it installed?

What is a Power over Ethernet (PoE) injector?

Let’s start with a definition. PC Magazine defines the PoE injector as follows:

“A device that adds power to an Ethernet cable for Power over Ethernet (PoE) equipment. Although Ethernet switches are available with PoE capability, millions of regular “non-PoE” switches are in use and continue to be installed. . .”₁

As stated above, these (also called midspan or PoE adapter) are used to make a non-PoE LAN switch port work with PoE devices. A PoE injector is ideal for low-power devices that need to be installed in hard-to-reach places where there are no power outlets available. This affords power with no impact on existing building structures at a minimal cost.

How does a PoE injector work?

These devices connect a wireless access point (WAP), PoE lighting, IP camera, or any IEEE 802.3af, IEEE 802.3at, and IEEE 802.3bt-powered device (PD) to a network switch. Power is then “injected” into an Ethernet cable. Typically, a PoE injector converts AC to DC to power these low-voltage PoE devices.

A PoE injector usually has two RJ45 ports, one labeled Data In and one labeled PoE/Data Out. Following is an overview of what each of these ports does.

Data In port

Let’s use the example of an IP security camera. The Data In port connects the security camera to the local network, the NVR camera port, or a network switch. If this port is not connected to the security camera, the local network is unreachable.

PoE/Data Out port

This port has two functions: 1) It delivers power to the IP security camera, and 2) it completes the network, so data is transmitted successfully. If this port is not connected to the security camera, it will not power up and will not connect to the NVR/network.

Setting this up usually requires three devices: 1) a connection to the network (E.g., a router or a switch), 2) the PD, and 3) the PoE injector itself.

 

Are there different types?

Active PoE Injector

Conforms to the PoE standard of IEEE 802.3af, IEEE 802.3at, or IEEE 802.3bt is considered to use active PoE. During the initial handshake, if the PoE injector does not receive the proper acknowledgment, it will not power up, ensuring the device’s safety. The typical 802.3at/af/bt PoE voltage is 44 to 57 volts (V) DC.

Passive PoE Injector

Adopts PoE technology that does not conform to the 802.3at/af/bt standard is considered to use passive PoE. Generally, passive PoE devices run on 18 to 48 volts. It is important to note that it may likely cause permanent electrical damage to the device if the wrong voltage is connected.

12 Volt, 24 Volt, and 48 Volt PoE Injectors

Depending upon the output power voltage a PoE injector supplies, it is put into one of three types: 12V, 24V, or 48V. The voltage of a PoE injector must be taken into account as its voltage and the voltage standard of the PoE device must be compatible.

In addition, they can also be typed by the number of ports they have (e.g., one-port PoE injectors, eight-port PoE injectors, etc.)

How do you install a PoE injector?

Let’s continue to use the example of an IP security camera. There are six steps to follow:

1. You will need the following equipment: an IP camera, a PoE injector, a standard network switch, and Cat5e, Cat6, or Cat6a Ethernet cabling.
2. Test to make sure the IP camera, PoE injector, and the IP camera’s management work properly.
3. Make sure all video and network configurations are made before mounting the IP camera.
4. Plug the Ethernet cable into the PoE injector’s PoE/Data Out port, then connect the other end of the cable to the IP camera’s PoE port.
5. Mount the IP camera where there is adequate light to ensure it can capture a clear image on the screen.
6. Plug another Ethernet cable into the PoE injector’s Data In port, then connect the other end of the cable to the Ethernet switch.
7. Plug the PoE injector’s power cord into a local AC outlet.

How does a PoE injector benefit you?

There are three major benefits:

1. Easy installation: A simple play-and-plug solution to your PoE needs.
2. Flexible network expansion: PoE injectors add PoE capability to non-PoE switches, thus extending the network distance. Also, the use of Ethernet cabling allows for better end device connections.
3. Saves time and money: With a PoE injector, there is no need to perform the labor-intensive task of running both data and power cable from the network switch to the PD. PoE is fast and cheap—saving both time and money.

What things should I consider when purchasing a PoE injector?

When you are ready to purchase, make sure you have thought about the following three things:

1. The number of PDs: If there is only one PD, a PoE injector with a single port will do. However, if there are several PDs, make sure you have a sufficient number of ports.
2. PoE port power supply: The PoE injector’s PoE standard must conform with the PD. There are three primary PoE standards—802.3af (PoE) supplies power up to 15.4 watts (W); 802.3at (PoE+) supplies power up to 30 W; and 802.3bt (PoE++) supplies power up to 100 W.
3. Power supply voltage: Just as with the PoE power supply, the PoE injector’s voltage must be compliant with the PDs. This compliance will prevent overloads or operating issues.

A Last Word

Versa Technology has a line of high-quality PoE injectors that will enable you to couple non-PoE power sourcing equipment (PSE) with PoE PDs.

Contact us Contact us. We will be happy to advise you as to which PoE injector is best for your project.

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1: PC Magazine Encyclopedia

The Leading Educational Technology Trends for 2021 and Beyond

The digital revolution has significantly impacted the way we learn. In fact, one of the fastest-growing markets for new technology is education. Grand View Research₁ reports that the education market was valued at $76.4 billion in 2019 and will grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 18.1 percent from 2020 to 2027.

Education is embracing the digital revolution in a big way. Today’s learning environments strive to be dynamic and creative. To accomplish this, schools and universities rely heavily on digital infrastructure and tools.

Ed Tech incorporates many of the most popular digital devices available on the IoT. Let us take a look at some of the current trends in education technology.

Connected Learning

The traditional teaching model goes like this: the teacher enters the classroom, lectures for about 30 minutes, then the students leave when the bell rings. However, technology has made it possible for teachers and students to stay connected. Devices such as smartphones, laptops, notebooks, and tablets enable teachers and students to interact more often. Pupils can team up, discuss classwork, and solve problems because of this increased connectivity.

Instructors are much more available to answer questions and mentor their pupils. And not only is the class subject taught, but this type of collaborative learning builds the student’s interpersonal skills as well.

Student-Centric Learning

More than ever before, education focuses on the welfare and continual improvement of each student’s learning experience. Some of the primary goals in the education sector are to use digital transformation to help accomplish the following:

• Decrease student dropout rate
• Increase student retention
• Improve student performance
• Reach a broader sector of students

Greater Access to STEM

Schools are particularly emphasizing science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) curricula. Digital technologies are increasingly being used to tackle subjects like robotics, coding, and programming.

Student Security

Because the coronavirus pandemic has closed schools, K-12 remote learning is the norm in many places worldwide. Vendors are providing schools with free or discounted access to remote learning resources.

With the increased use of Ed Tech, cyber-security and digital privacy for students have become of utmost concern, specifically SaaS architecture and engineering and OAuth risks. There is a strong push to improve existing products’ effectiveness and create new ones to help manage student data and protect their privacy.

Flipped Learning

A new teaching trend is called “flipped learning.” This approach does just as the name suggests by turning traditional teaching methods upside down. In a flipped classroom, pupils use videos and other digital educational technologies at home and then go to their physical classroom to complete their “homework” under a teacher’s supervision.

Augmented Reality

Augmented reality (AR) is one of the hottest technology trends right now. 5G devices and smartphones are on the way and will bring AR to the classroom. AR enhances learning and even provides a student with the opportunity to create their own content.

There are various AR tools and apps on almost any subject, making the academic content immersive and enjoyable. Educational AR technology aims to promote such 21st-century skills as creativity, problem-solving, critical thinking, analysis, coding, and iterative testing.

Virtual Reality

Another immersive technology trend for the classroom is virtual reality (VR). Gone are the days of students sitting passively at desks trying to learn. With VR, students can travel and explore the world. And recent improvements to this technology has made it seem less gimmicky.

Terry Heick, founder, and director of Teach Thought states:

“Through the use of digital technology, virtual realities can be designed precisely for human interaction for very specific reasons to create experiences not otherwise possible.”

Artificial Intelligence

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has gathered quite a lot of momentum and will continue to do so in the future. In a lead-up to a deep-dive on the AI market in the US Education Sector, Research and Markets states forecast for growth at “47.77% during the period 2018-2022.”

Educators use this technology as virtual mentors and teaching assistants to personalize students’ learning processes and improve grading systems.

Big Data

Internet users generate about 205 quintillion bytes of data each day.₂ Organizations use big data systems to collect, store, and analyze vast amounts of information to gain valuable insights into their operations. Likewise, educators can use this type of data to discover further just how children learn. The big data technology trend in education is being used to create new teaching models, such as digital learning and customized curricula.

Massive Online Open Courses

Because of the increase of mobile computing devices, along with affordable and reliable bandwidth, the e-learning market and particularly massive online open courses (MOOCS) are positioned to become a multi-million dollar market in coming years. The success of MOOCS has been so dramatic that universities are forging tie-ups and partnerships that make their mainstream program available online.

SCORM and xAPI

Sharable Content Object Reference Model (SCORM) and xAPI (also known as Tin Can). are “communication protocols for tracking learning-related activity. They provide a framework and structure to pass data and information between learning content and technologies.” ₃

Both Scorm and xAPI have become dominant standards in the e-learning industry and will continue to have broad adoption.

Digital Classrooms

The Internet of Things (IoT) is replacing items like chalk and chalkboards, and even pencils in the modern classroom. There are interactive whiteboards, and an ordinary smartphone with an internet connection supplies students with tons of educational information and e-books.

Last Words

The Internet of Things has been a godsend for education. IoT enables cutting edge concepts such as flipped classrooms, online courses, integrated mobile technology, and immersive, creative, and efficient teaching methods. IoT-enabled connectivity replaces pencils, paper, chalkboards, and hard-copy textbooks.

Equally important, IoT is vital to a secure and comfortable school campus environment. It provides necessities like security via smart cameras, climate control through smart HVAC systems, smart lighting systems, and much more.

To read further about Power over Ethernet (PoE) for smart academic institutions, click here.

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1 Grandview Research: Education Technology Market Size Report, 2020-2027

2 Techjury: 25+ Impressive Big Data Statistics for 2020

3 SCORM vs Tin Can (xAPI)