Smart City IoT Project for New York City DoT Begins

Transition Networks to Connect and Power over 10,000 Traffic Intersections in New York City

Transition Networks, Inc., a leading provider of IoT and edge connectivity solutions announced the start of a significant intelligent transportation project with New York City’s transportation agency to connect, power and manage traffic data via its hardened TAA-compliant, Power-over-Ethernet (PoE+) switches. This application brings intelligent transportation infrastructure citywide and reinforces the relevance and timeliness of Transition Networks’ strategy of developing smart city Internet of Things (IoT) solutions. Transition Networks is working with a major North American telecommunication services company on the deployment of the solution.

An example of Transition Networks’ switch technology powering a traffic camera at an intersection.

The size of the agreement and other investor relations impacts were announced by Transition Networks’ parent company Communications Systems, Inc. (NASDAQ: JCS) on July 29, 2019 when the selection was announced.

Today, intersections have more than traffic signals. As more transportation agencies look to use actionable intelligence to monitor trends and improve service, they are deploying technology to assess traffic congestion, safety and pedestrian counts. Transition Networks’ PoE solution will connect and power cameras and sensors at over 10,000 traffic intersections that collect this vital information. In addition, key features on the Transition Networks’ switches will save the agency time and costs associated with maintenance.

Currently, if a device stops working at an intersection, the agency must take multiple actions prior to deploying a repair technician. This includes scheduling a technician to evaluate the issue and deploying a bucket truck to reach the device. Once the technician is at the site, the lane closures cause significant stress and traffic delays for motorists. Many times the fix only requires a reboot of the device. Transition Networks’ Auto Power Reset (APR) feature provides the ability to remotely reboot or manage Transition Networks’ equipment fixing the issue within minutes and eliminating all of the lane closure requirements. This feature alone will save the agency significant costs and lessen traffic disruptions by reducing the need to send a technician to inspect equipment.

Another key feature is Transition Networks’ Device Management System (DMS) software, which creates an interactive map to see all connected devices, enabling the agency to pinpoint issues and quickly take action. DMS has been an important function for several smart city projects including an installation at New York City’s Brooklyn Bridge.

“Transition Networks’ products are essential technology investments towards our transformation to a smart city where data collection and analytics will be used to improve safety, traffic management and transportation citywide,” said an administrator of the transportation agency. “The selection of Transition Networks as a key supplier is a testament to the quality of its products, attentiveness to our needs, and its ability to deliver products and services in a timely manner, making it an invaluable partner for this major smart city initiative.”

“Installing smart devices across cities allows transit agencies to enact changes that improve safety and traffic flow; our solution provides the power and connection to make it all possible,” said Anita Kumar, Director, Product Management and Software Engineering, Transition Networks. “Smart device installation will grow in importance as transit agencies look to improve service, create efficiencies and increase quality of life for growing cities and we are excited to be an integral part of this project.”

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