How Does Networking Equipment Help in Road Traffic Control?
Networking and electronics have far and wide applications, much beyond their designated scope. The equipment we use in industries for their private network can actually be installed at all main traffic junctions and intersection points to enhance road safety. Based on real-time data, these devices offer inputs to signal controlling authorities regarding the frequency of vehicles at a particular junction. Based on these inputs, the signal timers can be adjusted. The typical one-minute timers are quite outdated now as they can’t track the current levels of traffic in their area. Hence, even if there is minimal traffic, vehicles have to wait at the signal for the designated time, until the signal turns green. On the other hand, in case of traffic jams, the waiting time needs to be extended. This cannot be done with the pre-programmed timers. This is where industrial networking equipment comes into picture. The next section introduces you to some important networking equipment employed for traffic control.
Role of Industrial Ethernet Switches, PoE Devices, and Fiber Optics
Today, most traffic posts utilize CCTV cameras and managed industrial Ethernet switches connected to fiber optic cables for traffic monitoring. The Ethernet switches come handy in information centralization and allows traffic control rooms to work efficiently. The fiber optics enables seamless data transfer at high speeds. High speed internet is crucial for any real time application and managing road traffic is one of them. You need to have a monitor, camera, sensors, and so on at every traffic control post. To get adequate power without extra supplies at the posts, PoE devices like various types of industrial PoE switches come handy. They help in power supply as well as data transfer over a single cable on the network. Also, even if the existing network has a UTP or any other copper cable, this network can still function with the help of an extended fiber optic cable and a media converter to interpret signals. These two devices help extend the geographical reach of the network.
Why Use Fiber Optic Devices for Traffic Monitoring Applications?
Apart from high speed data transfer and seamless connectivity, there are several advantages of using fiber optics in such real time outdoor systems. Here are some of them:
- They offer increased bandwidth and hence fast and clear video and audio outputs.
- They are immune to electromagnetic interference, harsh weather, lightning strikes, moisture, and so on.
- The transmission distance is much larger compared to the cost and fiber optics becomes cost effective in the long run.
- There are fiber optic video converter kits available, which comprise video transmitter and receiver devices, a 100m fiber optic cable, 10/100 Ethernet, and power supplies.
- These can be connected to an analog camera and are compatible with most camera systems such as support NTSC, PAL, and SECAM camera systems,
- They support bidirectional data transfer and have a simple plug and play design which is easy to install and use.
- There are LED indicators which monitor the system operating status and offer instant alerts.
- A transmitter unit at the camera end of the link is used to connect a single fiber optic cable, to the receiver unit at the monitoring end of the link.
- Such products are currently in use for traffic monitoring in some states across the US.
If you are looking for PoE devices, switches, camera systems and so on for controlling road traffic, ensure you source them from reliable suppliers. VERSITRON is a well-known manufacturer and supplier of a variety of networking equipment and fiber optic devices including industrial Ethernet switches, copper to fiber media converters, and so on.
