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As the social conscience of the modern world shifts towards more sustainable , environmentally friendly , and efficient business models , the microscope is being placed on buildings , offices , and the construction and revamp of these . The smart building is not a new concept , but it is more than just four walls built sustainably . It is , in fact , a network that interconnects people , processes , data , and things . Lots and lots of things .
According to a recent study by Honeywell , over 90 % of facilities managers see remote building management as a primary driver of smarter buildings – driving efficiency or sustainability , including data aggregation , machine learning , and artificial intelligence . The business needs for smart buildings are numerous , extending beyond sustainability and efficiency needs to the use of IoT and AI as a way for these buildings to support performance optimisation and a seamless occupant experience .
And a part of this is the network , which is no longer just a layer in a building but is the very nervous system of the smart building itself . any network can support the needs of a smart building which comes with layers of new requirements and connections both on-premises and in the cloud .
One of the key benefits of an intelligent building is that it can be monitored and controlled remotely , giving a building manager the power to identify and resolve issues from anywhere . Conversely , the smart technologies within , such as sensors , collect and collate data that needs to be transported across the network , where it is then prepared for analytics to deliver insights and recommendations to help improve operational efficiencies .
Michelle Vollet , Channel Manager Extreme Networks , Westcon-Comstor Sub-Saharan Africa
A smart building has a hive of connected systems , including various building systems , such as HVAC , lighting , security , and communication . They also house sensors , analytics , and automation to monitor and control these systems , delivering real-time data and insights that a building manager can use to optimise performance , reduce energy costs , improve employee efficiency , and assist with future planning .
While the infrastructure of intelligent buildings comprises a complex array of systems and devices , it simply would not be able to function without a network . But not just
This data could assist a business with improving energy efficiency , optimising heating , ventilation air conditioning , HVAC systems , adjusting the consumption of lighting and other energy-consuming devices , reducing energy waste , and lowering costs . IoT devices can also monitor and control access and improve physical security .
Quintessentially , modern smart buildings have specific demands and requirements of a network . Firstly , network coverage goes beyond a single ethernet port to desks . Instead , coverage needs to extend to the
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