What is StreetNet?
Cityspace has developed a wireless network, StreetNet, which delivers true high-speed internet services across wide areas, so instantly offering a broad range of uses and applications.
With StreetNet's wide area high bandwidth internet access, users can access files, applications and services as if they were connected to a wired network.
StreetNet is currently based on the IEEE 802.11 standard, more commonly known as Wi-Fi. Designed to be fully upgradeable as the technology evolves, this Cityspace solution is future-proof. It naturally complements the emerging 3G networks and can be integrated to offer specific applications.
This high-speed service is delivered from a range of street installations using small low-powered transmitters to create 'hotspots'. Each hotspot delivers coverage of between 250-300 metres.
Hotspots can then be linked together to create 'hotzones', which in turn can be used to deliver coverage solutions to suit specific requirements, for example, along the high street or in a particular housing estate.
StreetNet creates, in effect, a 'cloud' of access that's 'always on'. This means infrastructure can be added to suit specific requirements without incurring the cost of installing new telecom cables and paying on-going usage charges.
What StreetNet can do for Cities
StreetNet helps towns and cities deliver a new standard of service that will assist businesses and improve the quality of life for residents.
The key benefits are:
Creates a more efficient City
A state-of-the-art wireless network is like a good transport infrastructure - it's vital to the efficiency of the City or town.
Attracts the right kind of business
Providing the right technology for businesses is vital for the local economy. With an advanced and adaptable infrastructure, businesses are more prepared to invest or expand in the City/town.
Giving residents easy access to online service
StreetNet hotzones can be created in areas where residents have been unable to access broadband technology. Already some councils have turned housing estates into hotzones offering their residents greater social inclusion.
Improves the image of the City
By providing the latest technology towns and cities will be seen as forward-thinking and dynamic by their residents, local businesses and tourists.
All towns and cities can benefit generally from such a network infrastructure. But StreetNet's applications can go much further and specifically help local authorities too.
What StreetNet can do for local authorities
By creating a highly flexible network infrastructure StreetNet can be used to mobilise workforces as well as deliver the telecom needs for a range of fixed and temporary street installations.
The key benefits are:
Makes a mobile workforce more efficient
With vast numbers of local authority employees working off-site, StreetNet can help them be more efficient by remaining connected to the office network. For example, social workers and parking attendants can remain in contact with their office while on the move - saving them valuable time and improving their efficiency.
Reduced infrastructure cost
StreetNet can be used to connect a wide range of remote infrastructure and provides unrivalled flexibility and cost-effectiveness. As an 'always-on' and ubiquitous medium, the ability to connect multiple devices such as real-time information screens and monitoring equipment can be supported through StreetNet rather than individual fixed line connections to each device, so offering great cost savings.
It's highly suitable for delivering broadband services to temporary structures such as CCTV cameras, so events such as a carnival or demonstration could be monitored conveniently and at minimal cost.
Provides control over an emerging urban amenity
By investing in StreetNet, local authorities can take a leading role in promoting their town/City's official wireless network. This network can be used by multiple organisations, so local authorities could share the benefits with other public organisations such as the police or NHS.
Extra revenue could also be realised from StreetNet being accessed by national or local partners and other wireless solution providers.
A Complete Solution
StreetNet is more than just a hardware solution. It extends to give a comprehensive package - from installation to implementation of an on-going programme of support and maintenance - in order to provide a robust and evolving service.
The key elements of the complete solution are:
Installation Services
Cityspace ensures that StreetNet is deployed with maximum effectiveness with the least amount of disruption.
Services include:
- radio planning - determines the best way of covering the required area
- site acquisition - from planning consent to obtaining landlord approval
- installation - from installing the hardware to providing the required power and telecommunications connections
- network commissioning - launching the network
Hardware
StreetNet has been developed to offer flexibility, both from a technological and physical perspective, so as to adapt to the differing urban needs of local authorities. Different hardware solutions have been developed that offer a variety of technology and deployment options.
Applications
The value of a StreetNet solution is dependant on the quality of applications and solutions deployed through this network. Ensuring that a StreetNet network delivers a useful and valuable service is a key part of the Cityspace offering. Applications will become numerous over time and these can be easily integrated one by one as they are developed. StreetNet uses open standards so that developments can be sourced from Cityspace, local authorities or a wide range of other third parties.
As part of the standard service, StreetNet includes:
- a comprehensive software support package to manage and secure the network, and allow for the integration of applications
- a dynamic designed portal or landing page that can deliver bespoke services
- a range of customers support services - from the development of applications to hosting wireless content
Managed Solution
StreetNet is constantly checked to ensure the service is fully functional at all times. The Cityspace maintenance service offers:
- regular preventative maintenance and reactive on-site repairs
- constant monitoring of all installations to check they're always online
- network upgrades when the latest developments arise to ensure StreetNet remains state-of-the-art
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