Solar-Powered Streetlights that Deliver WiFi and WiMax Access Being Tested

By LAURA STOTLER

TMCnet IP Communications Columnist

 

Solar-powered streetlights that also deliver WiFi Internet access sound like a work of science fiction, but in fact these devices are already a reality. Researchers at a Scottish University are already testing the technology as part of the Project Starsight initiative.

 

Project Starsight is a partnership between Compliance Technology of Fife, Scotland, London-based sustainable development firm Kolam, Singapore-based networking company Next-G Systems and the Abertay Center for the Environment (ACE) at the University of Abertay in Dundee. The collaboration has yielded a solar-powered WiFi router/WiMax router/surveillance camera that may be situated on top of a solar-powered streetlight.

 

The StarSight access point uses a high gain omni antenna and a high gain parabolic antenna to offer access and security a variety of economic regions. It is in use in Cameroon and there are plans for deployment in India, China and Morocco. The technology could also offer a power outlet at its base for plugging in VoIP phones, for example.

 

"The new photovoltaic technology, which will be showcased in Dundee, will mean that no local community needs to be without reliable, economic street lighting with the added benefit of WiFi technology outside their front doors," said Calum McRae, head of Compliance Technology Scotland.

 

"The pilot scheme will involve not only ACE but students from the University of Abertay who will be able to play a hands-on role in shaping the technology of tomorrow," said Mary Cowie, ACE director.

 

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