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Multimedia Platforms: Top Picks for Converged Networking
9/23/2005
What should we be thinking of, when we think of a truly converged network? Answers.com defines the term converge as: “To tend toward or achieve union...” However, in the context of this article, we will define converged networking as:
The use of an IP network to transport non-text information (most often voice and/or video traffic) for purposes other than conventional data processing. Example: “She slapped the vendor sharply, shouting ‘NO, we won’t build another proprietary network! We’ll put that on our converged network!’”
Clearly, there is a lot more to converged networking than simple (or not so simple) definitions. Herewith, we three consultants have collaborated (and competed) to inform you and state our views on emerging technologies that can share your IP network infrastructure and enhance operational effectiveness on your campus. These unknown (or at least vastly underappreciated) converged network technologies can provide a more efficient means of accomplishing day-to-day chores or, in some cases, offer completely new capabilities.
Wendy’s Picks
As far as I’m concerned, it’s now all about IP-enabled informatics, building automation systems (BAS), and speakers.
Informatics. In this case, we’ll limit the definition of informatics to systems designed to help monitor and alert you to possible concerns in rooms that require specific environmental conditions and perhaps some additional security. In years past, this may have been possible via your environmental control system using attached sensors for humidity, temperature, and the like. Today, there are appliances specifically designed for this purpose. These often come with both temperature and humidity sensors built in, with options for remote, wet-floor sensors and for video cameras, with or without motion sensing. The cameras can be set up to trigger when a door is opened. You can place these items wherever you need them (as long as you can get Ethernet and power to the location), allowing your network, security, and/or building engineering staff to routinely monitor conditions and be alerted when pre-set thresholds are reached. The systems can send alerts to a network management application, or page to designated phone numbers (though, in this case, you’d miss out on the video feed if you selected that option). One example is NetBotz (www.netbotz.com; see the case studies under the Industry Solutions/Education tab), which offers many options. Costs start at $900 for a single camera-less device, or you can reach tens of thousands of individuals if you select a centralized system with hundreds of NetBotz devices.
Building automation systems. Next on my list are IP-enabled building automation systems (BAS), aka building control systems. While many proprietary systems are available based on two previous ad hoc standards, this industry is moving (albeit rather cautiously) toward using IP as its base transport. OASIS (Organization for the Advancement of Structured Information Standards;
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