Wifi Revolution

Seeking to improve public safety through a sensor network, a new municipal wireless network is reportedly bringing advanced technologies to citizens and visitors of the Gangneung City and Gyeongpo Beach areas, the second largest tourist beach in Korea.

 

The “Gangneung U-Blue City” (Ubiquitous Blue City) project uses technology from Firetide (News - Alert) Inc., a developer of wireless mesh and access networks, company officials say.

 

The wireless network zone in and around Gangneung City includes 21 Firetide HotPort mesh nodes and 8 HotPoint access points, according to the company. The network uses large Ubiquitous Sensor Network using IPv6 that provides city residents and visitors with quick and reliable access to online sports, weather, disaster prevention and other information and was completed in five months, company officials say. The KT (News - Alert) Corporation had a clear view of its needs from the start. This was helpful for Firetide as planning is critical to ensure the success of wireless mesh projects of any size.

 

Apart from providing stability and performance, the network, company officials say, needed to provide features such as reliable connectivity in diverse geographical areas, from city to beach; intuitive management interface; support for IPv6; and hassle-free installation.

 

With a population of more than 225,000 over an area of approximately 400 square miles, Gangneung is the economic center of Korea’s Yeongdong region, officials say. Gangneung is known for being the only location with easy access both to the Sea of Japan and Gangneung’s lake.

 

“Bringing the beach online provides an added incentive for city visitors who can use the network to learn about the city and its many attractions. Having access to the data gathered from video cameras and weather sensors also helps Gangneung be more proactive in ensuring the safety of its citizens,” said Hyung-Kuen Ryu, project manager of KT Future Technology Laboratory’s Next Generation Internet Research Division. “Introducing Firetide wireless mesh along the coastline was the most feasible solution, especially considering the time and money involved in deploying an equivalent wired network.”

 

 

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