IoT Infrastructure: Smarter Students, Significant Savings

Key points:

Modern classrooms are evolving, and technology is at the forefront of this transformation. Imagine a classroom where lights automatically adjust to the optimal brightness for learning, where air quality is constantly monitored to ensure student concentration, and where energy usage is minimized to save valuable school funds.

This isn’t science fiction. When schools embrace the Internet of Things (IoT) to create a “smart” environment, the benefits go far beyond energy savings. Research consistently shows that students thrive in optimized learning spaces and that schools can allocate valuable funds more efficiently.

Imagine classrooms with advanced security systems, air quality sensors that ensure a healthy environment, and even smart trash cans that optimize waste collection. At the university level, “smart buildings” have become a powerful recruiting tool. The question then becomes: why aren’t more schools adopting this transformative technology?

The challenge of upgrading legacy systems

The global IoT market in education was valued at $8.7 billion in 2022 and is It is projected to reach $46.4 billion by 2032However, many schools face significant obstacles when it comes to updating their IT infrastructure to meet the growing demands of modern technology.

• While copper cables may have sufficed in the past, these older networks struggle to provide the speed and bandwidth needed for data-intensive applications such as high-definition video streaming, cloud-based applications, and large file transfers.
• The growing number of Power over Ethernet (PoE) devices is putting a strain on existing power systems. The average PoE device consumes between 30 and 90 watts, and as classrooms are increasingly equipped with interactive displays, security cameras, and other technology devices, this overload can quickly overwhelm traditional networks.
• Upgrading wiring and switches can be expensive, and funding for these upgrades is often limited. Many technology upgrades, such as lighting, cameras, vape detection, or access control, are not eligible for E-rate funding, a federal program that offers discounts of up to 90 percent to help eligible schools obtain affordable telecommunications and internet access.

But the savings that schools can experience are clear. By implementing smart lighting, one Texas school district achieved a remarkable 41.4 percent reduction in energy consumption, saving $33,665 annually. This translated into a significant reduction in their annual carbon footprint, equivalent to the air-cleaning power of 177 mature trees. Additionally, the smart lighting system doubled the lifespan of light bulbs, reduced maintenance costs, and improved the learning environment by allowing for adjustable lighting shades, providing a better learning environment for students.

Debbie Karcher, K-12 edtech Advisor, highlights the benefits: “Integrating ai into school curriculum and technology systems is a game-changer for student outcomes. Transforming traditional systems, like lighting, into intelligent platforms that gather and act on environmental information is incredibly exciting for educators. Merging ai with advanced networking technology enables school districts to improve instruction, personalize learning, and streamline operations, ultimately driving student success.”

Distributed Edge Architecture: The Smart Solution

To overcome the challenges and begin achieving results, there is a clear solution: a distributed edge architecture (DEA), a secure and efficient way to move large amounts of power and data to today’s connected classrooms. By combining centralized floor-mounted racks with ceiling-mounted intermediate distribution frames (IDFs), schools can create a unified backbone that seamlessly integrates IT and operational technology (OT) systems. This hub-and-spoke architecture not only simplifies network management, but also enables substantial cost savings by allowing OT systems such as lighting, security cameras, and HVAC to leverage the same infrastructure.

Only DEA guarantees the possibility of installing these cutting-edge systems in schools. The advantages of DEA go beyond energy savings and improved learning environments. It also allows schools to:

• Prepare your networks for the future: DEA's flexible design makes it easy to adapt to changing technological needs.
• Improve connectivity: Fiber-based networks provide high-speed Internet access for all students.
• Facilitating innovation: The unified infrastructure supports the integration of new technologies such as smart boards, virtual reality systems and more.
• Improve safety and security: IoT sensors can monitor air quality, detect e-cigarette use, and improve overall safety measures.

The transition to AED may seem overwhelming at first, but the long-term benefits are undeniable. By eliminating silos between IT and OT systems, schools can maximize efficiency, reduce costs, and create a more engaging and effective learning environment for their students. Imagine using a smart bus tracking system to improve safety and efficiency, wearable devices to monitor student health and activity levels, or augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) devices for immersive learning experiences. We encourage schools across the country to explore the resources and learn more about implementing this solution.

In today's fast-paced digital world, adopting smart technology is not just a luxury: it is a necessity to prepare students for the future.