municipal wi fi networks

Muni Wi-Fi Networks Help Shape Cities Into High-Tech Destinations Municipal wireless or ‘muni Wi-Fi’ networks have generated both enthusiasm and controversy since the concept first came into through software, rather than hardware and provide greater flexibility than hardware-based solutions. They enable network managers to use existence. Although the networks can be expensive to install, cities can reap the benefits of providing residents with Internet access, a single Wi-Fi network for multiple simultaneous applications, keeping those applications separate from each other and helping to avoid improving the productivity, operations and safety of the city and positioning the city as a technology leader. By creating an effective interference and possible security breaches. business model, some cities are pursuing a muni Wi-Fi strategy that promises both immediate and long-term benefits for the city and its people. Why Muni Wi-Fi? Municipal Wi-Fi projects can be both complex and costly, yet the potential benefits are significant. Cities engage in these projects with several goals in mind: What is Muni Wi-Fi? In essence, municipal Wi-Fi projects are aimed at making wireless Internet access available across neighborhoods or even an entire city. The Muni Wi-Fi Network Muni Wi-Fi access is designed to deliver communications and information services much like the hot spots in coffee bars, airport lounges and public libraries. Video Monitoring Station Hot spots might send and receive data from users’ wireless computers, PDAs and Wi-Fi phones through a single Wi-Fi router or access point. That router is usually connected to the Internet through either DSL or cable. In contrast, municipal networks are far more complex. Though Fire Department Surveillance Camera they use the same IEEE 802.11 standard and 2.4 GHz radio spectrum, citywide networks require hundreds or thousands of routers, also known as access points or nodes, placed on traffic signals, light poles and structures. These nodes communicate with both end users and with each other, forming a homogeneous “mesh” network. Because they create multiple signal sources, mesh networks can provide uniform coverage over a wide area. If one node fails, traffic is automatically routed VLAN 1 VLAN 2 VLAN 3 Mobile User Video Surveillance Public Safety around that point. Special backhaul nodes collect the data from many transmitters and send it to the Internet through a wired connection. Signals for various applications (such as public safety, video surveillance and mobile public users) use the same networked To enhance security and increase the Wi-Fi network’s usefulness, communications traveling over the network can be partitioned into separate virtual local area networks (VLANs). VLANs are configured access devices. Traffic is separated onto virtual local area networks (VLANs), providing communications for multiple applications. Digital Inclusion Financial Issues The Internet can provide valuable access to information, educational opportunities, e-commerce and communication. Many cities believe a Someone, either the city or a private company, must own the network and pay for installing and maintaining it. Private companies are low-cost (or free) network available to all can help span the “digital divide” and serve as an equalizer for low-income citizens who looking for a return on their investment. If the municipality covers the cost, it too must recover its investment through taxes, advertising or previously lacked Internet access. By combining Wi-Fi network access with programs to provide free or low cost computers, cities seek to user subscription fees. make Internet access available and affordable to these residents. In 2005, research firm JupiterResearch estimated the average cost of building and maintaining a municipal wireless network at $150,000 Economic Development per square mile over five years.2 Separately, the estimated cost of a 640-square-mile network contemplated in Houston was $40 million Some cities believe that installing a muni Wi-Fi network will position them as technically advanced and friendly to technology-oriented to $50 million.3 Recovering such major investments can become a real problem if subscribers fail to sign up, and some cities have encountered companies. This in turn may help attract high tech firms and workers, helping to increase employment and grow tax revenues. significant shortfalls. In some cases, potential users of broadband Internet access already have it under a contract. Non-users may not Enhancing City Productivity and Public Safety see the need. The same network infrastructure used to transmit Wi-Fi signals (over the 2.4 GHz unlicensed spectrum) can be used for public safety Public Policy Issues communications, using the licensed 4.9 GHz spectrum reserved for such purposes. For instance, cities can use wireless systems to In addition to technical and financial challenges, muni Wi-Fi advocates have met resistance from incumbent carriers. These private firms sell transmit images and data to police and fire vehicles far faster than with legacy technology. They can use wireless meter-reading Internet access and may view competition from a public entity as interference in the marketplace. Some states have passed legislation technologies, wireless surveillance cameras and wireless control for lights for recreational facilities. When such municipal applications lead restricting muni Wi-Fi. According to Business Week (Aug 15, 2007), although 415 U.S. cities and counties are building or planning muni the way in cost-justifying and financing network construction, the public Wi-Fi service can be added at relatively little incremental cost. Wi-Fi networks, deployments are slowing and some firms are considering leaving the business. While some mega-projects have stalled, however, others in smaller cities like St. Cloud, Fla. and Kutstown, Pa. are succeeding.4 Clearly cities and providers both need to learn When a major interstate bridge collapsed in Minneapolis in 2007, the municipal Wi-Fi network then under construction was opened for free from experience and pursue models for muni Wi-Fi that are proven to be effective. public access. The network proved valuable in transferring large mapping files to the emergency command center and connecting webcams later focused on the disaster area.1 Finding an Effective Business Model For long term viability, muni Wi-Fi projects must serve all participants: Facing Challenges Although they may provide many benefits to cities and users, muni Wi-Fi projects must overcome significant technical and financial challenges. • Cities must achieve the goals they set, including digital inclusion, economic development and improved city operations Filled with concrete and steel structures and congestion on the 2.4 GHz band, cities can be difficult places to implement Wi-Fi. Finding • The private firms involved need to earn a reasonable profit from their investment in building and operating the network secure sites for wireless nodes can be a challenge. And even after surmounting those challenges, the project must make financial sense. • Private companies must not be put at a competitive disadvantage in competing with a public entity Technical Issues. • Users must find real value in the services provided The unlicensed 2.4 GHz spectrum serves not only Wi-Fi applications but many others: microwave ovens, some cordless phones and The world of muni Wi-Fi is new and quickly changing, and cities and their technology partners are adjusting their business models to find Bluetooth short-range communicators, such as cordless headsets. These and existing Wi-Fi systems in offices, coffee shops and home networks can interfere with muni Wi-Fi transmission. the design that makes for success. Today many projects follow one of these models: Finding a secure location equipped with 24x7 electric power to mount the wireless network nodes can pose a challenge. Cities often 1. The city owns the network, which is for city use only. Although simple, this model does not address the goals of digital inclusion and contribute spots on municipal buildings, traffic signals and streetlight poles, but, in at least one instance, planners discovered that the power economic development. they had counted on for round-the-clock service vanished when the streetlights went off. 2. The city owns the network, which is for city and public use. This approach can achieve all three goals (inclusion, development and improved city operations), but may raise issues of public competition with private business. This model embroils the city in the challenge In addition, Wi-Fi transmissions are relatively low in power, so muni Wi-Fi signals may have difficulty penetrating obstacles and building and cost of network operations, maintenance and customer service. Support in the City of Riverside 3. The city owns the network and Internet service providers (ISPs) lease access to it, passing that access on to the public. This model Once known as the citrus capital of California, Riverside is a fast-growing town of 300,000 located east of Los Angeles, achieves all three muni Wi-Fi goals and gives private business a stake in the program’s success. Again, the city must deal with operations CA. City leaders believe the future of their economy lies in capitalizing on the city’s strong base of higher education – and maintenance. the city hosts 40,000 post-secondary students in five major colleges and universities. It also is building its reputation 4. A service provider owns and operates the network, selling access to the city, the public and even other service providers. Using the network as a community that welcomes high-tech companies. To fulfill these goals, the Mayor of the City of Riverside formed SmartRiverside, a nonprofit entity, with the following objectives: for city operations, with the city taking a role as “anchor tenant,” makes this model attractive for public-private use. This model puts a •Attract and retain high technology companies in the City of Riverside firm market-based financial foundation under the muni Wi-Fi project and frees the city from operational issues. Free access, advertising and subscription-based services may be part of the public offer. •Build a smarter Riverside through citywide free wireless Internet access •Increase the technology literacy of Riverside through The movement for muni Wi-Fi is gaining a much firmer footing because cities are recognizing the realities of the marketplace. Digital Inclusion •Identify new programs to foster technology innovation Challenges can be overcome by developing implementation projects based on strong and sustainable economic models. Many cities are and use in Riverside recognizing the potential safety, productivity, educational and management benefits that muni WiFi can provide to its users. A muni Wi-Fi network is being built in Riverside to serve both city operations and the public. Once completed, the network will provide broadband Internet access across 55 square miles, using 1300 wireless access points. References 1. “New Wi-Fi network proves critical in Minneapolis bridge disaster,” by Patrick Thibodeau, Computerworld, Aug. 3, 2007 Public services include free wireless Internet access at 512 Kbps, supported by advertising. In addition, will offer a faster fee-based service with fewer ads, available with a daily, weekly or longer-term subscription. The network 2 "Municipal Wireless: Partner to Spread Risks and Costs While Maximizing Benefit Opportunities," © 2005 also will transmit city public safety communications using the 4.9 GHz spectrum. City applications, an important factor of success 3 “Earthlink’s Woes Put Free Muni Wi-Fi in Peril,” By Marguerite Reardon, New.com, published on ZDNet News, Aug 31, 2007 Signing the city as the “anchor tenant” provides financial stability for the network, flexibility for policymakers and helps enhance the quality of life of the community. In Riverside, applications will include: 4 “Municipal Wi-Fi thrives – on a small scale,” by Chris Gaylord, The Christian Science Monitor, Sept. 13, 2007 •Approximately 350 mobile data computers in police and fire vehicles will use the 4.9 GHz network. Riverside will be one of the first communities to download in-car video clips from the police car back to city hall for permanent storage For more information contact an Representative or visit www.business. •Between 200 and 300 wireless video security cameras will be used for traffic management, graffiti abatement, controlling illegal dumping and protecting critical city assets such as power and water facilities •Services such as traffic signals, parking meters and ball field light controls, which today are on legacy technology, will be operated over the public Wi-Fi network. Supervisory control and data acquisition systems that run sanitation facilities will also operate on Wi-Fi •Building inspectors and code enforcement officials will use Wi-Fi devices to update information in real time Muni Wi-Fi is an important part of Riverside’s digital inclusion effort, a multi-pronged drive to erase the digital divide in a city with many lower income residents. In addition to free Internet access, Smart Riverside benefits lower income families by sponsoring a community computer program in which donated computers are refurbished, equipped for Wi-Fi access and distributed to qualifying households that complete a free computer training program. A discount purchase program for new computers, low-interest loans and other offers is also available through SmartRiverside.
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