nbn to connect traffic signals, cameras and other devices

Traffic signals, automatic teller machines, some types of CCTV and a range of other specialised devices can now connect to select services via the nbn.

Network Extensions — launched yesterday by NBN Co — is designed to help meet connectivity requirements of government and commercial systems, including traffic cameras, roadside emergency points, rail boom gates, streetlight controllers, environmental sensors and public transport infrastructure, and replace patchwork systems created to combat limited network availability and geographical constraints.

NBN Co Chief Technology Officer Ray Owen said: “This is a market segment characterised by a wide variety of specialised devices and complex services connected by a range of ageing networks and technologies. By bringing this infrastructure onto the nbn access network, operators have significant potential to simplify their operations and explore new innovation opportunities made possible by high-speed broadband and the emerging world of the IoT.”

NBN Co has already completed a successful trial building Network Extensions with a traffic management systems operator, helping to determine the technical requirements, processes and delivery capabilities required to support non-premises infrastructure systems.

Network Extensions will initially be offered through the Fibre to the Node footprint; however, there are plans for expansion across other fixed-line technology areas, NBN Co said.

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