Local, wireless intelligent networks: Can we live without them?
If we want broadband access everywhere, safer highways and smart grid energy management, the solution is a local, wireless “intelligent” Internet. When I say “intelligent”, I mean the intelligence is at the edges (on the user side), not at the center (command and control at the provider’s side).
In many municipal wireless network deployments today (March 2009 Muniwireless list of cities and counties ), cities and counties are using applications that go beyond Internet access. Whether the networks are used to support utility meter reading, public safety or local information portals, the message is clear. Local wireless networks will support more Internet applications than we have ever seen, making the entire network, “intelligent”.
An article written in 2003 by David H. Williams, CEO, E911-LBS Consulting, “It’s the (location based services “LBS”) Applications Stupid”, provides some insight into how local wireless networks can create new products and location-based services. In an earlier article, I quoted the Business Development Director of SRI who predicted five years ago how the local Internet industry would dwarf the use of today’s Internet. A recent study (2009 – 2013 Pervasive Internet and Smart Services Market Forecast – Report Overview ) by Harbor Research confirms these comments and predicts a new multi-billion dollar industry for intelligent devices and services available in every major vertical market (see diagrams below).
Three key characteristics of intelligent wireless networks make them very different than today’s Internet, offering the capability of many new applications:
Local: The deregulated United States telecommunications industry created competition that built national and international network infrastructures, but it barely scratched the surface of building local communication services. This leaves the largest communication applications and service market still in its fancy, the local wireless Internet. Because these networks are local, they will create local jobs, stimulate local economies and offer applications that will make a difference in our day to day lives. In fact these applications can reduce our dependence on oil, minimize traffic congestion, lower healthcare costs, support public safety and even save lives.
Wireless: The required convenience of local wireless broadband access has proven popularity. As standards-based broadband Internet devices become more economical, the demand for these wireless broadband networks will greatly increase (see: Devicescape WiFi Survey: 85% want seamless switching between 3G and WiFi). These networks will offer the unique capabilities of “anywhere access” to intelligent devices offering new applications with economies never before obtainable. Unlike wireline networks, local wireless mesh radios can actually create on-demand networks from nothing, making them easy to install and ideal for supporting catastrophic emergencies. From wireless home entertainment to intelligent transportation systems, the last wireless mile will offer the applications only limited to the next idea.
Intelligent: Add a mini CPU and flash storage to a wireless IP radio and you have anywhere application intelligence. The capability, convenience and economy of wireless intelligent networks will open a whole new world of Internet applications. From non-invasive medical procedures using wireless nano sensors to smart homes and national security; adding intelligence to the local wireless Internet will touch our daily lives in ways we are just beginning to see.
Like today’s Internet, wireless intelligent networks will offer innovative products and services at a pace and cost never before available. (See: WSJ article, The New, Faster Face of Innovation). We don’t need to study what applications we think we need, we just need to establish core public/private network business models to sustain a basic network.
These local networks will not be just the global cyberspace content dumping grounds like today’s Internet. Their applications and services will offer day-to-day applications that will really affect the way we work and live. In fact, they may even save our lives. We no longer can deny the importance of these critical network infrastructures. We must promote the understanding of every application that can be gained or sadly lost if we do not immediately deploy these networks. Rather than wonder if we need these networks, we need understand their potential and ask the question, “Can we live without them?”
About the author
Larry Karisny is the director of the ProjectSafety Business and Technology Cluster. ProjectSafety is a technology and business non-profit focused on the deployment and future proof testing of municipal broadband wireless networks. ProjectSafety’s unique broadband wireless Community Network Integration (CNI) model addresses both technology requirements and business needs in a single network solution for both the public and private sectors.
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Great article. No, you cannot live without it. And, the rest of the World is way ahead. bv