by Elvira Madrigrano
We are used to thinking of fiber exclusively as a means to surf the internet faster, but in reality, the use of this technology goes much further. The fiber can act as a sensor to detect what happens along the link, with a very high resolution in frequency, space and time, not reachable by conventional sensors. Thanks to advanced algorithms and software it is possible to capture and monitor the various events that occur in the surrounding environment, and it is not just earthquakes, but also everything that comes from vehicle traffic, from excavation works, losses in pipelines. water or defects on railway transport lines. An example is the Skyline of Cosenza: built in recent years, it is one of the tallest buildings in the South,a 22-story skyscraper that houses offices and private homes.
A spin-off company from the University of Calabria took part in the design of this building: SismLab, specialized in seismic monitoring thanks to the optical fiber. Today the building has been wired by Open Fiber, an operator that does not sell fiber optic services directly to the end user but is active exclusively in the wholesale market.
"Fiber - explains Antonello Porco, university lecturer and head of Sismlab - allows the verification and control of buildings and the Skyline is an example. Fiber is not a deformation meter, but it is a vehicle that solves atavistic problems, because it is possible to control the property from any distance and in real time. Today no one yet - adds Porco - has thought of using in a recognized form the control and structural monitoring of public infrastructural works which is based precisely on optical fiber.
We could foresee the wear of a 'work, the collapse, and therefore save lives by intervening in time on the maintenance of the work itself ".
The construction of the skyscraper was far-sighted, which from the beginning - now ten years ago - envisaged the use of the fiber passed through the pillars of the building. "We have created a structure - underlines Marella Burza, manager of the company that created the Skyline - at the forefront from the point of view of home automation, but also safe and that we are able to monitor over time".
The Skyline is just the beginning. Open Fiber has invested ninety million euros, of which 60 million of a private nature to wire the cities of Cosenza, Rende, Reggio Calabria and Catanzaro, the remaining part is the public plan foreseen in the so-called market failure areas, i.e. less densely populated areas. and therefore of reduced economic interest. One hundred thirty three thousand real estate units to be reached (101,700 those currently covered) and 85 thousand kilometers of fiber already laid. The aim of the infrastructure, built by Open Fiber, is to reduce the digital divide by providing ultra-broadband connectivity services in Calabria. "This is a project - says Gianfranco Guerrera, regional manager of Open Fiber Calabria - of great interest for the company, because it will allow us to navigate at a speed never reached before,that is, with the optical fiber that will enter directly into homes, schools, companies and public offices. An infrastructural work that subverts the traditional concept of fiber and allows for a true digital revolution ".
Meanwhile, in the city of Cosenza, by the end of the year, the real estate units reached will be 36 thousand.
"Open Fiber - says Marco Vigliatore, field manager Cosenza and Rende Open Fiber - has invested over 12 million euros in Cosenza for cabling and 29 thousand kilometers of network have already been laid. In Rende, on the other hand, where the investment will be over 5 million euros, the works began in September and over 4 thousand real estate units have already been wired. This will improve the connection throughout the urban area with considerable advantages for agile work, distance learning and telemedicine ".
In collaboration with:
OPEN FIBER
