eCommunity Fiber taps Ciena to advance its Morrow, Ga. Smart City Initiative – lightwaveonline.com

Report on Morrow City’s Advanced Network Initiative Aligned with Sustainable Development Goals

Introduction

The City of Morrow has embarked on a multi-phased initiative to develop a high-performance, scalable network infrastructure that integrates fiber platforms with diverse wireless technologies. This initiative supports comprehensive Internet of Things (IoT) testing and innovation within the city’s smart district, contributing significantly to the achievement of several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Network Infrastructure and Technology Deployment

1. High-Performing and Scalable Network Backbone

   Morrow partnered with Ciena to build a network backbone designed to be reliable and scalable, capable of meeting future technological demands. This backbone leverages Ciena’s routing and multi-layer network control technologies to extend advanced digital capabilities throughout the city.

2. Integrated 4-Tier Private Network

   The deployment includes Ciena’s 5164 Routers and Navigator Network Control Suite to support a fully integrated network featuring:

   • Fiber-to-the-Premises (FTTP)
   • Wi-Fi
   • LoRaWAN
   • LTE 4G/5G technologies
3. Focus on Internet of Things (IoT)

   The network facilitates comprehensive IoT testing and innovation, enabling smart city applications that improve public services and economic growth.

Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

• SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure

  The initiative enhances resilient infrastructure and promotes sustainable industrialization by deploying advanced fiber and wireless networks.

• SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

  By enabling smart city applications and seamless connectivity, the project contributes to making cities inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable.

• SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth

  The network infrastructure supports economic growth by fostering innovation and enabling new digital services for residents and businesses.

• SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals

  The collaboration between the City of Morrow, eCommunity™ Fiber, and Ciena exemplifies effective partnerships to achieve sustainable development through technology.

City of Morrow’s Vision and Strategic Approach

Jerrald Rector, COO of eCommunity™ Fiber, emphasizes the city’s understanding of the critical difference between internet access and true connectivity, highlighting Morrow’s proactive preparation for future technological advancements. The network infrastructure serves as a blueprint for other municipalities aiming to leverage advanced connectivity to enhance public services and drive economic growth.

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1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
   • The article discusses building advanced digital infrastructure with fiber platforms and integrated wireless networks, which aligns with SDG 9’s focus on resilient infrastructure and fostering innovation.
2. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
   • The deployment of smart city applications and comprehensive connectivity supports sustainable urban development and improved public services, key aspects of SDG 11.
3. SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
   • The initiative aims to drive economic growth by enabling new services and capabilities for the city, which relates to promoting sustained economic growth under SDG 8.
4. SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals
   • The collaboration between the City of Morrow, eCommunity Fiber, and Ciena exemplifies partnerships to build infrastructure and innovation capacity.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs Identified

1. SDG 9 Targets:
   • Target 9.1: Develop quality, reliable, sustainable and resilient infrastructure, including regional and transborder infrastructure, to support economic development and human well-being.
   • Target 9.c: Significantly increase access to information and communications technology and strive to provide universal and affordable access to the Internet in least developed countries.
2. SDG 11 Targets:
   • Target 11.3: Enhance inclusive and sustainable urbanization and capacity for participatory, integrated and sustainable human settlement planning and management.
   • Target 11.b: Increase the number of cities adopting and implementing integrated policies and plans towards inclusion, resource efficiency, mitigation and adaptation to climate change.
3. SDG 8 Targets:
   • Target 8.2: Achieve higher levels of economic productivity through diversification, technological upgrading and innovation.
4. SDG 17 Targets:
   • Target 17.16: Enhance the Global Partnership for Sustainable Development, complemented by multi-stakeholder partnerships that mobilize and share knowledge, expertise, technology and financial resources.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

1. Indicators related to SDG 9:
   • Proportion of the population covered by a mobile network, implied through the deployment of FTTP, Wi-Fi, LoRaWAN, and LTE 4G/5G technologies.
   • Fixed Internet broadband subscriptions per 100 inhabitants, suggested by the fiber-to-the-premises (FTTP) infrastructure.
2. Indicators related to SDG 11:
   • Proportion of urban population living in slums, informal settlements or inadequate housing (implied improvement through smart city applications).
   • Number of cities with integrated policies and plans for sustainable urban development.
3. Indicators related to SDG 8:
   • Annual growth rate of real GDP per employed person, implied through economic growth driven by enhanced connectivity and new services.
4. Indicators related to SDG 17:
   • Number of multi-stakeholder partnerships for sustainable development, exemplified by the collaboration between city authorities and technology providers.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets and Indicators

Source: lightwaveonline.com