As technology continues to evolve at an ever-increasing pace, more companies are turning to automation for enhanced security and efficiency within their buildings. New developments — including 5G and smart construction — mean that most buildings need an upgrade in infrastructure, which will require building automation cables. These and other building automation trends in the coming years will allow users to experience greater connectivity among all systems.
5G Capability
The emergence of 5G has been highly anticipated by all technology users since it offers enhanced speed and better connectivity for mobile devices. While many associate 5G with cell phones and other mobile devices, it will allow communication for other automated systems like IoT devices. Direct contact between machines will occur faster and more efficiently. As more users in offices, retail stores, hospitals, government buildings, and other commercial operations connect to the network, it is important to have proper Ethernet cables and other network infrastructure in place. Relying on old cable may slow communication between devices and sensors, not allowing mobile devices and other systems to run correctly.
In order to prepare for the coming wave of 5G, evaluate your infrastructure to determine where changes need to be made. While it may be cost-prohibitive to completely replace all of the existing Ethernet cable in a building, your network should be analyzed to determine the highest-priority enhancements and replacements that need to be made. A complete or partial overhaul of infrastructure with a mix of copper, fiber and other components allows you to operate your own private 5G network. This is not only more efficient but also more secure than a public 5G network.
The Rise of the Smart Building
Across industries, many buildings use technology and Internet of Things (IoT) applications to automate systems like lights, elevators, and building access. Currently, most of these systems run separately on their own networks. However, new technology allows these and other systems, including HVAC, CCTV, and Access Control to run on one network. Proponents of smart buildings tout all the ways in which these systems can improve productivity.
When reconfiguring a commercial building into a smart building, your network infrastructure should be evaluated to detect weaknesses in the system. A potential challenge associated with interconnected smart buildings is that there may be weak points in your network that are vulnerable to cyber-criminals. If one of these points is exploited, a hacker could potentially control the systems in your building. Before optimizing your entire building to make it smart and fully connected, identify these points. Replace or enhance Ethernet cable and wired tech in order to make systems more secure. Using a single IP address for all of your automated systems can make the automation process run more smoothly and efficiently. Configuring systems within a smart building the first time with a fixed IP address makes it easier for systems to communicate with one another and can make automation easier to control.
Improvements in Cyber Security
With increased building automation and a rise in the use of AI, there is a wider range of threats to systems on multiple networks. To combat these potential new problems, building automation systems are relying on better security technology. One way to improve security is to build it directly into the system using security cables for buildings. This technology allows systems to be IP-based, meaning that people monitoring the systems don’t have to be physically present to identify potential threats. Newer security cables for buildings allow safeguards to be built directly into the network infrastructure. Securing the network itself makes it less vulnerable to cyber-criminals and other threats that can disrupt the networks. In a building with multiple connected systems, having these security cables in place can help identify potential issues within the system as a whole and fix them before they impact other systems in the building.
Green Construction
An evolving trend in commercial buildings is to enact green design principles. More commonly, new buildings are designed and constructed to meet rigorous energy efficiency standards and other certification criteria. To meet these strict guidelines, a building must use energy efficiently and effectively at every step. Automated systems including HVAC, electrical, and even elevators help make new buildings run with less of an impact on the environment. This can also allow building owners to save money on standard operating costs over time. Having a system of control cables in the building to automate thermostats, lights, windows and shades is a must for maintaining compliance with green building regulations. For buildings that have been designed specifically to meet certain energy efficiency certifications, these cables should be designed to allow the system to function correctly at all times. Constructing and programming systems to be interconnected will allow for reliable automation in order to achieve energy goals.
AI-Enabled Security
Artificial intelligence may have seemed like a mere pipe dream twenty years ago, but now, most people have a virtual assistant on their phones, televisions, and even in household appliances. AI is also a new development in building automation. Currently, AI is mainly used to monitor video security and other systems. The technology monitors footage to detect breaches in security by recognizing faces and spotting anomalies. It can detect these details with more accuracy than security personnel, freeing them up for other tasks.
Take Advantage of New Building Automation Trends
All of these trends in building automation involve making a building more efficient and easier to operate. In the past, automation was relegated primarily to HVAC systems, but new technology allows more systems to be connected. Connected systems in commercial buildings now include fire control, security, lighting, internet systems, and much more. When all of these systems are able to work together with the help of high-quality cable, they help buildings run with greater energy efficiency and increase the comfort and productivity of people within the building. You can now optimize your network to take advantage of new trends in building automation and smarten your building while also keeping it secure and functional.
Remee Wire & Cable is an expert manufacturer of broad lines of security and control cables. They are able to consult with you to help determine the type of cable you need for your building automation applications.