FreeWave Enables Smart Cities Applications
Customer Company Size
Large Corporate
Region
- America
Country
- United States
Product
- FreeWave FGR2-PE
Tech Stack
- Machine-to-Machine (M2M) Communication
- Ethernet
- Serial Communication
Implementation Scale
- Enterprise-wide Deployment
Impact Metrics
- Cost Savings
- Productivity Improvements
- Customer Satisfaction
Technology Category
- Networks & Connectivity - Ethernet
- Networks & Connectivity - Wireless Local Area Network
- Networks & Connectivity - Network Management & Analysis Software
Applicable Industries
- Cities & Municipalities
Applicable Functions
- Facility Management
- Business Operation
Use Cases
- Smart City Operations
- Remote Asset Management
- Building Automation & Control
Services
- System Integration
- Training
About The Customer
The City of Boulder, Colorado, is a vibrant and economically prosperous city known for its beauty, college town atmosphere, and tourist attractions. Located less than 30 miles from Denver, Boulder experiences significant traffic volumes, with over 250,000 vehicles entering and exiting the city daily. The city's Public Works Department, particularly the Transportation Division, is responsible for managing and monitoring the traffic system to ensure smooth traffic flow. The department sought to implement a smart cities application to enhance traffic management, reduce congestion, and improve overall efficiency.
The Challenge
In 2011, the City of Boulder’s Public Works Department (Transportation Division) aimed to enhance its traffic management system to ensure a smooth flow of traffic into, around, and out of the city. Boulder, located less than 30 miles from Denver, experiences traffic volumes exceeding 250,000 vehicles per day due to its attractiveness as a destination spot for its beauty, college town atmosphere, economic prosperity, and tourist attractions. The need for a smart cities application, particularly in traffic management, was critical to maintaining Boulder’s growth and prosperity.
The Solution
The City of Boulder implemented FreeWave’s FGR2-PE wireless Machine-to-Machine (M2M) communication solution to replace traditional phone lines in its traffic control systems. A total of 145 FreeWave M2M communication devices were installed throughout the city to monitor traffic signals and ensure continuous and efficient traffic flow. The FGR2-PE devices offer industrial serial and Ethernet wireless connectivity using license-free spread spectrum technology, allowing direct access to traffic signal data. The solution also enables communication back to 16 gateways without needing additional radios at each gateway location. The FGR2-PE’s flexibility, with two serial ports and two switched Ethernet ports, allows for seamless transition from serial to Ethernet data communication, reducing the need for additional hardware and making it a cost-effective solution for long-term applications.
Operational Impact
Quantitative Benefit
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