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Secondly , capacity is critical . The different applications that make up a smart building demand that the network can handle all traffic requirements with minimal connection latency . This is not just the devices and sensors in the building but those carried into the building by guests and staff .

Third , cost control is essential , especially when there is a need to upgrade the wired infrastructure of a smart building . A network upgrade may include the addition of switch ports , access points , Wi-Fi , and advanced management systems .

On a positive note , network technologies we are seeing from partners are much more cost-effective than the networks of old – an upgrade could cost an investment in the short term but improve the ROI of your network dramatically in the long term .

When navigating the nature of the network your smart building needs , look past proprietary architecture . Adding more ports for more capacity will add to your network ’ s complexity . So , consider adding a software-defined network layer to your wired network , giving you the flexibility , agility , and scalability a smart building requires .

Another important consideration is upgrading to Wi-Fi 6 , which provides nearly four times the capacity of Wi-Fi 5 and better supports IoT and smart building applications . More modern wireless infrastructure will assist in future-proofing your Wi-Fi investment , and Wi-Fi 6E adds the 6Ghz spectrum that results in faster speeds , lower latency , and more security .

How to design smart networks for smart buildings

• A key benefit of an intelligent building is that it can be monitored and controlled remotely .

• Modern smart buildings have specific demands and requirements of a network .

• Network coverage goes beyond a single ethernet port to desks .

• Coverage needs to extend to people , machines , walls of the smart building , campuswide deployments .

• Different applications that make up a smart building demand that the network handle all traffic requirements with minimal latency .

• Cost control is essential , especially when there is a need to upgrade the wired infrastructure of a smart building .

• Network upgrade may include addition of switch ports , access points , Wi-Fi , and advanced management systems .

• Network upgrade could cost in short term but improve the ROI of the network dramatically in the long term .

• When navigating the nature of the network your smart building needs , look past proprietary architecture .

• Consider adding a software-defined network layer to your wired network , giving flexibility , agility , scalability .

• Consider upgrading to Wi-Fi 6 , which provides four times capacity of Wi-Fi 5 and better supports IoT and smart building applications .

• Wi-Fi 6E adds 6Ghz spectrum that results in faster speeds , lower latency , more security .

Starting a smart building initiative is an excellent time to explore how cloud-based networking can support mission-critical applications . An existing management system that can be moved to the cloud will deliver access anywhere , convenience , and productivity . It also provides centralised and uniform

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 . access control , automated deployment , updates , troubleshooting , APIs for extensibility , and the benefit of analytics .

And finally , do not forget the security of your network . Adding elements to your network is going to weaken it . Ensure your security extends to access control , authentication , identity management , and traffic encryption . Remember that you must add protection to your sensors and devices as their off-the-shelf security can be lacking , and do not overlook adding additional factors such as environmental monitoring .

By leveraging advanced technologies and integrating various building systems into a single network , smart buildings provide occupants with a more comfortable , efficient and sustainable environment . p

32 INTELLIGENTCIO AFRICA www . intelligentcio . com