When students returned to the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, this Fall, they had better wireless service and were more secure thanks in part to CommScope.
The @UTKnoxville campus now has Powered Fiber Cable System connecting security cameras, #WiFi
The university’s Office of Information Technology is utilizing CommScope’s Powered Fiber Cable System to deploy more outdoor wireless access points and security cameras across the campus. The unique capabilities of the Powered Fiber Cable System are making the deployment quicker and more cost-effective, eliminating the need to run additional power lines.
“We completed a joint trial of the Powered Fiber Cable System with CommScope to validate its ability to deliver data and power over Ethernet across long distances,” said Ben Rayfield, IT technology specialist, University of Tennessee, Knoxville. “After the trial, we felt comfortable in using CommScope’s cabling solution to upgrade our outdoor network for the needs of our students today and in the future.”
IT professionals at major universities are challenged to keep pace with the network connectivity needs of students while addressing security concerns. According to recent CommScope research, more than three quarters (77%) of Millennials – people born between 1980 and 2000 – agreed or strongly agreed that they expect to be able to stream video wherever they are. Heightened security concerns on college campuses among other locations are driving growth in the surveillance camera industry, with 66 million network cameras expected to ship in 2016.
The Powered Fiber Cable System helps add connectivity and security with its unique ability to deliver power over Ethernet (PoE) at distances of 30 times traditional PoE systems. That powering capability makes it possible for the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, to discretely install access points and cameras across campus without having to run new power lines. The IT department can deploy the network without electricians, using a centralized architecture that is concealable in lampposts and existing street works. The result is better Wi-Fi access outdoors and better security capabilities, at less cost and in a quicker timeframe.
The Powered Fiber Cable System is comprised of two main components—hybrid copper/fiber cable and the PoE Extender, an environmentally sealed closure with one PoE+ output. It also includes cable/fiber management, power transmission management, safety and overload protection as well as a universal power supply (PSU). Customers can use the PoE Distance and Voltage Calculator to determine the maximum distance and correct input voltages.
“Delivering power and backhaul are two of the major roadblocks for any technology deployment outdoors, and can add significant time and costs to projects,” said David Redfern, senior vice president, CommScope Connectivity Solutions. “Our Powered Fiber Cable System is ideally suited to solve these problems on campus environments using technology that is very familiar to IT professionals.”
