How Road and Traffic Authorities are transforming the value of non-premise assets

As population and traffic densities increase, Road and Traffic Authorities face growing challenges in managing non-premise road and traffic assets. However, newer technologies and access types are providing a way forward. And they’re being successfully demonstrated today.

Take nbn® Smart Places from Telstra. Already trialled, it provides high-capacity fibre access with low latency at scale1. It allows Road and Traffic Authorities to use advanced technologies to support a host of new use cases, unlock additional value from existing infrastructure and improve their services.

Because it uses a small form-factor pluggable (SFP) converter, nbn Smart Places from Telstra even suits non-premises assets with little space. The devices connect to Telstra’s private network, or the internet if configured that way, and can failover to a mobile network if necessary. The solution is ideal if you need high bandwidth that’s reliable and secure.

The results can be significant. For example, it enables you to enhance current road and vehicle management as well as long-term planning. Both public and workforce safety and incident response can be improved. Given nbn Smart Places from Telstra can support multiple devices on a single network connection, sharing build and ongoing costs at a non-premise location can help unlock more operational value from existing assets and may also enable practical new functions to be added.

You still need an access type to suit the use case

While nbn Smart Places from Telstra suits sites needing low latency/ high bandwidth to support capabilities like advanced video analytics, Road and Traffic Authorities have assets which require different access types. They must balance factors like access availability, high or low capacity, reliability, the need for failover, and as always, cost.

The key point is that a mix of access types is essential. And if you can get them from one provider, so much the better. You’ll have better integration and control, and one organisation for assurance.

For example, Telstra can provide economical low-bandwidth access for locations where it’s fit-for-purpose, as well as a range of medium and higher bandwidths to empower existing or future use cases. Plus, we can prioritise your critical data on our fixed and mobile networks.

As well as nbn Smart Places from Telstra, our unified, multi-access portfolio for non-premise assets includes 4G/LTE and 5G, Satellite (Starlink/ Telstra), and LP-WAN (NB-IoT/Cat-M1) for IoT. What’s more, we’re pushing the boundaries of many of these capabilities.

We’re currently fine-tuning Wi-Fi and Bluetooth scanning to monitor Wi-Fi and Bluetooth enabled vehicles. It allows traffic flows and speeds to be measured with less deployment expense than video monitoring.

5G slicing trials are also in progress. By dividing the physical 5G network into different virtual networks, services can run faster, more securely and be customised to the specific needs of the organisation.

To manage the explosion in IoT devices and data, we’re enabling Telstra exchanges across Australia to support Edge computing. By putting computing power closer to the devices, business intelligence can be delivered where it’s needed faster.

Devices and networks are just part of the equation

Even if you deploy the latest capabilities, how do you ensure all the moving parts work in unison? Especially now as more assets and sites are connected, and IoT devices proliferate?

The need to centrally monitor and manage non-premise assets is more vital than ever for both operational and cost efficiency.

Telstra can simplify network management with a central dashboard view of data usage. Or you can take advantage of a choice of managed services to ensure traffic assets and services are operating reliably and efficiently.

The upsurge in connected devices is also creating actionable data - a game changer for Road and Traffic Authorities. Telstra can provide access to advanced analytics platforms with AI and machine learning. You can gain up-to-the-minute insights to streamline workflows, transform decision making, and deliver better outcomes for authorities, governments and the public alike.

New technologies along with central control and data-driven insights are undoubtedly the way of the future. But at the core of all these powerful capabilities, is connectivity.

Get control of connectivity first

The imminent shutdown of ADSL and 3G means finding alternative network access options is a top priority. However, it’s also a great opportunity to set up non-premise sites for the future. Get the foundation right, and you not only address connectivity issues now, you lay the foundation for exploiting new capabilities into the future.

Telstra’s connectivity solutions offer you choice to help optimise the capacity of your network across all your non-Premise locations. Plus, we continually invest in the largest sovereign networks in Australia to connect you reliably in more places - now and in the future.

Security must go hand in glove with connectivity

Non-premise assets on the edge of the network create a broader attack surface. Data security can’t be an afterthought, especially for critical infrastructure like road and traffic assets.

Telstra’s access types have multiple layers of data security that can be integrated into a secure cloud-based network with a Private, Hybrid or Public internet architecture. Integrating non-premise assets with a modern cloud-based network architecture also avoids the risk of a piece-meal security approach.

We can also help with physical security for assets in the field with capabilities like intrusion detection, and geo-fencing to disable devices outside their designated location.

A launch pad for the future

The potential of smarter assets and networks is only just being tapped. Innovative capabilities are constantly being developed to deliver more accurate and timely situational awareness. It pays for Road and Traffic Authorities to stay across them to ensure services are safe, efficient, sustainable and inclusive.

Whatever your situation, Telstra can help. We offer the best networks integrated with cutting-edge security, the latest technologies, and partnerships with leading vendors. We also have the expertise to design, deliver and optimise your solution – and even manage it if necessary. Above all, we can help you manage the trade-offs for each asset or site, so you have the best solution for your needs across your entire network.

[1] nbn Smart Places is available within the nbn Ready For Service (RFS) footprint and eligible nbn New Development locations, excluding isolated and limited access areas. Build costs apply.