The Era of Smart Cities

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The term “smart city” refers to the use of technology and data-driven solutions to enhance residents’ quality of life, improve efficiency and address various issues (like traffic congestion, pollution, and public safety). The phenomenon is on the rise worldwide, with many local governments adopting smart technologies.

One of the most important infrastructures for a smart city is a robust and effective Wi-Fi network. One such example is Hertfordshire in the UK, which recently upgraded its Wi-Fi infrastructure in over 300 government offices and community hubs. According to Innovation News Network, having a secure network with robust AI capabilities helped Hertfordshire County Council improve connectivity and benefit the community by encouraging residents to use public spaces. Other benefits include a supported hybrid working style and the minimization of roadblocks. Furthermore, if the Hertfordshire County Council wants to integrate other smart technologies, it will already have the foundational infrastructure.

Many cities use smart traffic lights, which are designed to detect the presence of vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists at intersections using sensors and cameras, thus reducing congestion, cutting waiting times, and bolstering safety. These benefits contribute to lower fuel consumption, reduced emissions, and improved productivity.

Other cities are using sensors to detect footfall throughout the year, which enables them to monitor areas in the city that are under- and over-utilized, letting city planners optimize the space.

Another example is smart EV charging stations equipped with sensors that collect data on usage patterns, energy consumption and peak demand, helping city planners optimize charging station locations and manage energy resources.

Naomi Elia, Public Sector Lead at Juniper Networks, notes that smart solutions are city-specific since every city is different and has different needs – one city may need better traffic management while another might want to connect communities or reduce crime. She emphasizes that when thinking about smart cities one must take a tailored approach and avoid one-size-fits-all thinking, while still getting inspiration from other cities. She concludes that by understanding specific requirements, local governments can leverage technology to deliver meaningful outcomes.