OVERVIEW

Internet of Things (IoT) represents a powerful integration of UIT infrastructure and networked devices. At its core, IoT is a blend of personal devices such as smartphones and laptops, and networked appliances like card readers, cameras, duress alarms and wearables. The UIT network is the enabling platform for IoT, providing seamless communication and data exchange with the cloud and between the IoT devices themselves.

The UIT network infrastructure enhances the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of IoT implementations by eliminating or reducing proprietary communication cabling and control systems. The shared platform enables the use of common monitoring and maintenance personnel with specialized expertise, ensuring the reliability and performance of this integrated system. Two examples of UH units where we support significant IoT initiatives are Campus Safety and Athletics.

CURRENT STATE

• Replacing obsolete analog cameras with IP models. This will remove the need for specialized infrastructure in favor of the university’s standard network.
• Installing Power over Ethernet (PoE) duress alarms that directly connect to and are powered by the network. This reduces the need for system-specific alarm control panels, cabling, power supplies, programming and specialized support personnel.
• Replacing traditional, landline emergency phones with digital network models.
• Migrated security camera servers from a distributed architecture to a centralized, enterprise architecture at the UH Computing Center.
• For Athletics, the Wi-Fi network connects wearables to applications like Catapult Vector Pro, which tracks the location of football athletes, their heart rate, velocity and proper techniques, and assists with real-time rehabilitation of injuries.
• On game days, Wi-Fi access points are used in Athletics venues for ticket scanners. Data is uploaded into Paciolian databases to track entry and total attendance numbers in real time
• ShotTracker sensors are installed in basketballs, allowing for live tracking of the ball’s location on the court, shot and shot results, and real-time calculation of statistics. The Big 12 Conference and its TV broadcasting partners use this technology for every team during games.

PATH TO SUCCESS

• Continue to transition from equipment that relies on proprietary communications systems to networked devices that are part of the greater IoT. Sharing infrastructure will consume less power, reduce our cabling footprint and drive down operating costs.
• Maintain and grow our partnerships with units like UHPD, Emergency Management, Athletics, Parking and Transportation, and Student Housing to support their goals by deploying IoT systems that are proven, innovative and integrated.

FY2025 INITIATIVES

• Continue expanding the security camera network to cover bike racks and capital projects such as the Agnes Arnold renovation, Cullen Boulevard lighting, parking lot repaving and McElhinney renovation.
• Replace the remaining traditional emergency phones with digital, network phones.
• Replace wireless duress alarms with PoE hardwired buttons and remove the power-hungry back-end system in favor of the UIT network infrastructure already in place.
• Migrate to a Physical Security Information Management platform to create intelligent systems capable of providing useful real-time alerts.
• Continue supporting Athletics initiatives that need innovative use of technologies to remain competitive.