IoT: Making the World Safer

June 21, 2018 at 8:00 AM


We are living in exciting times. With the development of the IoT making it possible to connect devices and make smart homes, smart businesses, smart cars and smart cities, our world is evolving into an interconnected network designed to make life easier. In previous posts, we’ve explored the IoT and antennas, the Industrial IoT (IIoT) and how the IIoT is changing manufacturing. Aside from the business aspect of the IoT, is there a greater benefit to society? Here, we’ll look at how the IoT, and all of its things, can also be used to make the world safer.


Today, body cameras are offering a previously unseen view into the world of policing and social media allows for crimes to be publicly documented by anyone with a smartphone. Plus, cameras and surveillance systems are already being implemented in many cities to keep a watchful eye when law enforcement isn’t physically present. Take that a step further and there are technologies being introduced that are truly transformative. Intelligent roadway systems are being utilized to direct traffic flow and manage digital signs that provide information to drivers, all to help avoid accidents and make the roads safer. This same type of technology, along with GPS, can also allow first responders to better navigate through traffic and improve response times.


Furthermore, with the IoT, there is a huge amount of data being collected. All of this information can be used to analyze behavior and patterns and create algorithms to identify potential crimes before they occur. Everything from past criminal activity, behavior patterns, weather patterns, social media activity and gunshot sensors can be used to inform law enforcement and help prevent crimes from taking place, or lessen the effect of the event. In fact, some cities already have technology in place that uses sensors to detect a gunshot, determine the location of shots fired and deliver that information to law enforcement within one minute. Much like a fire alarm alerts of potential danger, this system alerts of a potential active shooter situation, notifies the police and provides real-time data on where shots were fired and the layout of the location.


Other technology making the world safer includes self-driving cars, which remove some element of human error and could eliminate the risk that goes along with high-speed chases. Also, drones can be used to provide aerial surveillance, assess and access areas that might be too dangerous for officers or first responders to enter blindly. GPS can be used to track where someone is in a building, making it easier to find people in the event of a fire, natural disaster or other emergency situation. Plus, health monitoring devices can provide information to first responders if a victim is unresponsive. These devices might even be able to detect a health issue before it occurs.


There are many ways that the IoT is changing the world for the better, including safety. By using IoT technology and connecting devices to allow people to navigate this world more safely, we all win.


Our Best-Selling Product of 2017

January 4, 2018 at 8:00 AM


To start off this year, we would like to take a moment to present the award for the best-selling product of 2017.  With so many high-performing, quality products in the running, the competition was fierce. But after all the votes (sales) were tallied, there was one clear winner.


And the winner is……(drumroll).…. the ECF504-SC5E coupler!


If you’re not familiar with this year’s best-selling product, here is what you’ve been missing:


The ECF504-SC5E is a Cat5e, RJ45, shielded, 8x8, panel-mount-style coupler that is ideal for telecom, LAN, voice/data and IDF/MDF applications. It is a part of L-com's ECF panel-mount RJ45 coupler line that combines an innovative design with a competitive price. With a solid, die-cast, metal mounting frame, these unique RJ45 couplers allow panel mounting with virtually any panel thickness.


This unique coupler is very versatile and was used in a wide variety of applications and purchased by a varied group of customers including OEM’s who used the ECF504-SC5E in enclosure and panel products, IT professionals and network installers who used the ECF504-SC5E in data center applications, and a host of other customers who used the ECF504-SC5E in a variety of Ethernet cable pass through applications.


On behalf of the ECF504-SC5E, we would like to thank all the customers who helped this product win the 2017 best seller award. Without your support, and purchases, none of this would be possible. (cue music).

