Preparing Walsh For A Successful Future In A Connected World
Many of us have heard the term “Internet of Things (IoT),” but may be unclear as to how it will affect us and what role it plays in where we choose to live.
The Internet of Things, as defined by Annie Hsu, Director of Experience Design at NEXTEV, is allowing “people and things to be connected anytime, anyplace, with anything and anyone, ideally using any path/network and any service.” Its broad terms and implications are seemingly endless in a world where connectivity is no longer a luxury, but a requirement. So, why should the Internet of Things be considered when purchasing a home?
With the rapid advances in technology, we see more and more how homes and entire communities benefit from high-speed connectivity and greater bandwidth.
“Smart homes and communities are no longer a futuristic idea; they exist and are growing.”
Because of this, forward-thinking wireless companies are starting to build new cellular networks, which rely on sensors, to accommodate our increasing Internet of Things. They realize that our need for connectivity to other people and things will only multiply. In fact, experts predict that by 2020, the Internet of Things will service more than 50 billion connected devices, both individual and commercial.
The Internet of Things is already being used in many ways. Toll roads use toll tags to allow optimal traffic flow, especially during peak travel times. Security systems use cameras and motion detector sensors that send signals to homeowners, the security company, and the police when someone enters a protected home. Advances in technology have made it possible for homeowners to see who is ringing the doorbell from an app on their cell phone. We can check in on our kids or pets at daycare, or activate household devices such as appliances, security cameras, lighting, thermostats, and even lawnmowers with the push of a button or a simple voice command.
The Internet of Things is also making huge strides in how our children are educated. With physical textbooks becoming a thing of the past, children today use computers or iPads to watch lectures online, do research, use discussion forums, and even take tests online — with instant feedback and grading. With 3-D modeling and advanced graphics capabilities, they will soon be able to add new dimensions to learning.
As technology allows the Internet of Things to grow, many of us will choose to live in areas where we can take full advantage of the convenience it provides. We will not want to be limited by battery life and stunted internet service. Instead, we will want to incorporate the Internet of Things more seamlessly into our everyday lives by choosing smart cities (as shown in this infographic). In the article “50 Sensor Applications for a Smarter World” we see just how much of an impact smarter cities have on our changing world.
Technology For All
At Walsh, technology is viewed as a necessary utility. We believe in using technology to its fullest to create the best living environment possible. To ensure we will have a smart community for our residents, we are installing a 10 gigabit fiber optics system — the fastest service in the world. From day one, every home and school will have two-gigabit connectivity at no additional charge, provided by Frog, a company with a proven track record of success building gigabit communities. Upgrade plans for homes and businesses of up to 10 gigabits of connectivity will also be available.
In the Fusion of the Future: The Internet of Things Meets Clean Tech, Chris Buddin, Global Head of the Clean Technology and Renewables Group and Internet of Things at Goldman Sachs, sums up it up. “The IoT,” Buddin says, “is fueling innovation and creating opportunities in the development of clean technology, and helping redefine what a sustainable world will look like.” For a smart community like Walsh, the possibilities are endless.
By Diann nichols
