In partnership with Neath Port Talbot Council, the Global Centre of Rail Excellence (GCRE) has agreed to host one of the Long Range Wide Area Network (LoRaWAN) gateways that forms part of the wider Swansea Bay City Region Digital Innovation Network at its 700-hectare site near Onllwyn.
This technology provides wireless connectivity for a range of IoT (Internet of Things or network of connective devices) solutions.
The low-cost, battery, solar, or heat powered IoT sensors work with the gateway unit to allow remote collection and monitoring of a wide range of data, which can provide insights to better inform the research and technology development being undertaken, with the aim of developing long-term industry solutions.
Testing scenarios such as flooding, subsidence and temperature monitoring can all be monitored to ensure that rail services are working more sustainably and affordably, making them increasingly consumer and environmentally friendly.
The Digital Innovation Network was funded by the Welsh Government, Swansea Bay City Deal’s Digital Infrastructure Programme and the four Local authorities in the Swansea Bay City region. This network of 240+ gateways provide connectivity to enable the use of IoT.
LoRaWAN gateway deployment is increasing nationally to assist with the ever-growing need to use data to help improve the way we live, assisting with the future digital transformation of public services.
Current, live locations can be viewed at any time via this link: LoRaWAN Gateway Map with access readily available via The LoRaWAN Network server for scale, The Things Industries or The Things Network (for start-up businesses).
