Lesson 9: Fiber Makes It Smart
Objectives:
From this lesson you should learn:
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How fiber optics is used to make applications “smart”
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How cities, utilities and others use fiber
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Why fiber optics is considered future proof
The term “smart” is getting worn out from overuse.
Smart cities, smart cars, smart grids, smart buildings, and many more
similar terms have probably been overused, confusing and diminished the
meaning of smart. In most cases, what it really means is bringing
whatever it modifies up to modern standards of technology.
The terms smart city, smart grid, smart buildings, etc. all refer to
the use of communications. For example, a smart city has
communications between its offices, public services, utilities, schools,
libraries and any/all other city organizations. It has citywide WiFi,
usually several systems for general city use, public safety and open
access for its citizens. It has an intelligent traffic system with
traffic lights connected to a central computer controller, video at
intersections and important street locations, In the future it may have
wireless networks for vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) and
vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2I) communications for not only traffic
control but also to accommodate autonomous vehicles.
All these systems require communications, and all those communications
depend on broadband mostly over optical fiber, but also wireless.
Student Assignment:
Read either of the references and take the
quiz.
Online FOA Reference:
Fiber Makes It Smart
Book Chapter:
The Fiber Optic Association Guide To Broadband, Chapter 9
(Print Version)
Optional - Extra Credit (and future reference)
Smart Cities
Electrical Utilities
Test Your Knowledge:
- Next:
Lesson 10: Building Fiber Broadband Networks
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