CONNECTIVITY
in the system. This approach also reduces the need for large
mains distribution boards within confined riser cupboards.
Optimisation of business operations
PaE systems and digital lighting create business value
beyond pure lighting by utilising built-in sensors and
harnessing big data analytics to drive better business
outcomes. Companies can improve building use with in-
depth analytics gaining visibility into the use of spaces to
better manage, plan and optimise. There are also improved
physical security advantages as lighting powered by the
network can use sensor-activated CCTV and access controls
to secure sensitive areas, or in a retail environment to reduce
theft.
With the current ability of standard Ethernet solutions,
PaE systems allow scalable lighting systems to many tens
of thousands of devices, making them uniquely positioned
compared to RF-based solutions, which are limited to
hundreds of devices at most and offer significant cost
savings (up to 65%) compared to PoE based solutions.
Smart and Li-Fi
While practical rollouts are still in the early stages, it has
proven to be useful in deployments both large and small.
For example, in the UK, trials have taken place in primary
schools such as Kyle Academy in Ayrshire and the Paris
Metro is currently running a trail on 60 metro stations where
traditional Wi-Fi has proven difficult to implement.
The solution could also prove to be particularly
advantageous in locations where radio waves are more
subject to interference or are unable to be used for safety
reasons. In the future, there are also suggestions the likes
of Apple and Google will invest in Li-Fi, which could help
it really reach the mainstream. This is likely to be a couple
of years away, but when versions of iOS and Android
are equipped to support the technology, adoption will
skyrocket.
Making the switch
Through a Power and Ethernet (PaE) lighting solution, the
structured cabling industry has a significant opportunity
to deploy largescale intelligent lighting solutions using
category 6A cabling and LED light fixtures at a project
pricing level substantially less than traditional high voltage
electrical works.
PaE solutions can utilise exactly the same infrastructure
as traditional PoE solutions, but they improve maintenance
aspects while offering clients a future-proofed building
infrastructure fit for the next 25 years. It’s anticipated that
the number of additional cabling points required for lighting
and related sensors will create a renaissance over the next
decade for the cabling industry.
Leading the way
The opportunities that are presented by smart Intelligent
LED lighting and intelligent building concepts are huge for
the network cabling contractors who engage at an early
stage. While the intelligent building concept is not exactly
new, we now live in an IP world and the advances in smart
devices and the apps used on these devices has changed
the way we engage with technology. This will have a direct
impact on how we design buildings in the future, and these
concepts will become the norm.
The early adopters of these concepts will get the
maximum benefit from the opportunities they present. It’s
important to be aware of the challenges and also the best
practices in terms of design and installation to be able to
offer the very best solutions to your customers. n
Discover the Edge.
Smart Solutions. Real Business.
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