IEN: Will wireless technologies play an increasing role in security? If so, how?
Osburn: Wireless networks and shared networks have the potential to save significant space, time, and money for buildings. Better sensing and networking will combine to bring more data together that can be analyzed and converted to information for better decision making. More information can help optimize a building''s performance. It can also be used with past performance for comparative analysis and can help to make better future decisions. This type of analysis can also be used with an eye toward the future and help with preventative maintenance and diagnostic information that will improve the building''s uptime and extend the life of equipment.
Macht: In a few years, the advantages of wireless communications over conventional communications will be so overwhelming that the majority of communications in residential and simple commercial premises will be handled using wireless systems. The innovations in wireless communications allow more and more wired communications to be replaced. Wireless communications have already become a standard element of fire safety and HVAC solutions, such as for data transfer to sensor/actuators or for energy cost reading. The next step will be wireless home and office automation systems offering a full range of comfort and safety solutions.