Traffic intersections allow drivers to navigate through cross-traffic safely and efficiently. Without them, dangerous traffic jams, which can increase the risk of accidents and threaten the safety of drivers, would occur far more frequently.

However, such systems face many challenges that threaten the efficient operation of intersection monitoring systems—and, as a result, the safety of drivers. Fortunately, many of the leading problems faced by intersection motioning can be resolved using industrial networking equipment.

Industrial networking has made significant improvements in the monitoring and control of the traffic equipment used in intersections throughout the years. As a result, not only are higher volumes of traffic able to pass through intersections, but they can do so more safely and efficiently. To better understand how industrial networking equipment improves traffic safety, continue reading.

Gathers information from edge level devices

When traffic intersections rely on outdated timer systems to direct traffic, they can’t adjust to changes in traffic patterns. As a result, the safety and efficiency of intersections are significantly reduced as traffic jams become much more frequent.

To reduce the frequency of traffic jams, real-time data collection is essential. By monitoring intersections in real time, traffic centers can collect data regarding the number of vehicles and pedestrians waiting at a traffic intersection. Based on the information provided, the centers can then make adjustments, such as lengthening green lights or skipping turn signal phases accordingly to facilitate a smoother flow of traffic.

Industrial networking equipment makes this real-time information transfer possible because of its ability to gather information from edge-level devices. For example, industrial Ethernet switches can expand the number of connection points on Ethernet-based field equipment.

Facilitates efficient transportation to traffic management centers

Information from traffic intersections must be efficiently transported to traffic management centers (TMC) so that they can use such data to further manage and control intersections accordingly.

To facilitate such transportation, managed Ethernet switches with fiber optic connections in each field traffic cabinet are necessary. These industrial Ethernet switches provide long-distance communication at high speeds to help transport the information in a timely manner across the far distances between traffic intersections and TMCs. In addition, such switches also have the infrastructure redundancy required to ensure that the important data arrives at the TMC without issue.

Provides power to traffic devices

To gather information at traffic intersections, which can be sent to TMCs to improve their safety and efficiency, a variety of devices such as cameras, sensors, and wireless access points are necessary—all of which require a fair amount of power. Fortunately, industrial networking equipment such as Power over Ethernet (PoE) switches can provide the necessary power to such devices.

Antaira Technologies is a leading manufacturer of industrial networking communication and technology equipment. Our innovative industrial solutions are designed to keep data moving in all environments and are capable of performing efficiently in even the most rugged surroundings. To find the industrial networking solution your application requires, shop Antaira Technologies today.