Smart building technologies integrate building-wide systems such as HVAC, lighting, alarms, and security into a single IT managed network infrastructure and often uses technology such as Power over Ethernet (PoE) to accomplish this convergence.
Smart building processes use intelligence to collect actionable data from user devices, sensors, systems, and services on the premises. Applying that data using artificial intelligence and machine learning (AI/ML) makes the building both programmable and responsive to the needs of the users and the building manager.
The intelligence of the smart building network also helps secure the network. For instance, the network can identify and segment devices and learn their behaviour, to improve detection of anomalies and intrusions.
Power over Ethernet evolved from 15W to 90W of power across Ethernet cabling and the numbers and types of devices that can be powered and connected by PoE have grown dramatically. Using smart building PoE to power devices also offers greater location flexibility and lower cost to deploy and operate them than using AC power.
In a smart building, Power over Ethernet can power devices such as sensors, lighting, HVAC systems, elevators, and fire alarms, as well as USB-C laptops, TV and computer monitors, shades, refrigerators, and room air conditioners.
A connected building is a building whose operations technology is connected to and managed with the IT network. These actions often have occurred in silos, as various technologies doing various tasks around the building have evolved at different rates.
There are many benefits of smart buildings including lower operational costs, lower energy costs and greater flexibility.
To deliver lower operational costs a smart building can, for example, leverage data it collects to reduce use of electric lighting by adjusting shades to let in more natural light. Such lighting management has been proved to lower power usage dramatically. In turn, it can help buildings become more energy-efficient to meet or exceed stringent regulations for greenhouse-gas emissions. Smart-building data can also support automated scheduling, from parking-space allocation to workspace assignment to conference room reservation.
To deliver lower energy costs; connecting lighting, shades, and HVAC systems, for instance, enables building operators to automatically adjust temperature, shades, and lighting based on time of day and occupancy.
Smart buildings offer greater flexibility as smart-building data can be used, for example, to detect changes in occupancy density. The building’s HVAC systems then adjust airflow, humidity, and temperature appropriately. Or based on escalating density thresholds, lighting colour could change to indicate too many people in a conference room, workspace, or building.
Cisco offer a range of smart building solutions including: the Catalyst 9000 family and 90W UPOE+ support major changes in how buildings operate and IT services converge in a single network. Software-Defined Access to grow your network to include OT and IT and improve security, efficiency, performance, and reliability. Your building can then learn and adapt to support an always-on, trusted workplace. DNA Spaces deliver insights into the behaviour of people and things and how they interact. Turn these insights into action to make your smart building smarter and your workplace healthier. Meraki MV delivers valuable insights with motion heat maps and object detection while helping to ensure privacy. Webex devices transform collaborations in hybrid workspaces with our smart room and desk booking, touchless voice assistants, digital signage, wayfinding, and workplace analytics from built-in IoT sensors.
