GLASGOW is paving the way for the next wave of internet technology, the Internet of Things (IoT), with a city-centre wireless network allowing web access to a host of different devices, which could give a major lift to the city’s economy.
Working with Glasgow University, Strathclyde University and Glasgow Caledonian University, a new consortium has installed a wireless IoT network covering 12sq km, including the commercial centre, Merchant City and the West End.
The network will enable the development and use of devices such as building and indoor environmental monitors, pollution sensors, tags for tracking valuable assets and social care devices designed to support independent living.
It could potentially be a big boost for businesses and industry in the area, attracting new firms to the city, and is being used as a test-bed for similar networks in other cities.
The project involves Stream Technologies, Semtech Inc, Boston Networks and Censis, and the consortium concluded an agreement at the Mobile World Congress in Shanghai to roll out the next phase of the scheme’s evolution.
Semtech’s LoRa geo-location system is helping deliver the next phase of the technology, with capabilities not previously available. The network can now identify the location of devices without requiring more battery power, opening up a host of new applications. The system provides a much lower-powered and cheaper way of connecting previously isolated devices, giving the public, developers and businesses the ability to create their own IoT infrastructure to develop new business solutions.
The low-power, wide-area network technology, known as LoRaWAN, can be used in circumstances as diverse as healthcare providers tracking the behaviour of patients living with dementia, or by waste operators to monitor the location of their skips across a city. The combination of a three-kilometre urban range, five-year battery life potential and location determination without power drain will be transformative in enabling IoT connectivity with new types of devices and applications.
Nigel Chadwick, CEO of Stream Technologies, said: “The model will allow businesses to start up their own IoT networks with just one or two devices, and scale up to the point where they have hundreds, or even thousands, of connected things. That might sound like it is purely focused on technology companies, but the network could be used by practically any organisation – or even individuals. Its potential is awe-inspiring and it’s happening right here in Glasgow city centre.”
Glasgow was chosen as the test case because of its similarities to many major metropolitan areas worldwide. The city includes a grid system like major US conurbations, older historic spaces and a mix of urban and extra-urban environments – all of which are ideal for testing low-power radio networks.
Stuart Patrick, chief executive of Glasgow Chamber of Commerce, said: “Glasgow is once again leading the way in the technological development of its city centre. Making our urban zones smarter is important for future management and its fantastic to see a collaboration of this scale. An advanced IoT network will bring many benefits, not only to the people living and working in the city, but the region’s overall economy as businesses specialising in the sector are attracted to our offering.”
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