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NBN Co has allowed traffic signals, automatic teller machines (ATM) and other specialist internet of things (IoT) devices access to the NBN through its Network Extensions and will be initially powered through fibre-to-the-node (FTTN) connections.
Ray Owen, NBN Co CTO, said Network Extensions was representative of how the network is meeting the needs of different users.
“This is a market segment characterised by a wide variety of specialised devices and complex services connected by a range of ageing networks and technologies,” Owen said.
“By bringing this infrastructure onto the NBN access network, operators have significant potential to simplify their operations and explore new innovation opportunities made possible by high-speed broadband and the emerging world of the IoT.”
Other devices and systems that can connect through Network Extensions include traffic cameras, roadside emergency points, rail boom gates, CCTV, weather monitoring stations, air quality monitoring sensors and fire risk area monitoring sensors.
Network Extensions will initially be available via FTTN, with plans to expand over other fixed line technologies.
A trial of Network Extensions took place with an operator of traffic management systems back in 2017 with a number of undisclosed scenarios, which were deemed to be successful.
Access to Network Extensions must be made to NBN Co, who will assess and evaluate the construction requirements of the connection.
