Date of Award

Summer 9-15-2019

Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department

Computer Science

First Advisor

Margaret McCoey

Abstract

Franklin Township is a municipality in Somerset County, New Jersey covering an area of approximately 46.15 square miles and a population of 62,300 as of the 2010 Census. The town relies on a cellular provider to provide data connections for computers in municipal vehicles such as police cars, public works vehicles, fire inspection trucks, building inspectors and other departments. Additionally, the municipality pays for connections for security cameras at remote facilities and for smart garbage can monitoring throughout the town. These services are costly for the municipality and create a dependency on service providers for access to information needed by municipal employees.

This paper explores the current solution in place for data connections and a proposed solution of implementing a municipal broadband network. It lists disadvantages and advantages of each solution. It also explores the failures and successes of similar projects. The paper covers the implementation process that would need to be followed. Finally, it examines two potential wireless technologies which could be implemented for the wireless connection. The goal is to show the potential benefits of Franklin Township implementing its own network and the potential benefits through long term cost savings and gathering or access to data.

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