westfield’s world first networking M ost shoppers in Westfield Sydney don’t realise it, but a free WiFi service is carried over a world first network - designed, installed and operated by OptiComm. This is the first Australian retail centre to have a totally integrated communications network (ICN), which carries building services, plus end user data and voice services using the same GPON technology being rolled out for the NBN, and previously used only in broadacre estate developments and multilevel residential and commercial projects.
The ICN carries internet, phones, electronic banking, BMS system, CCTV, people counters and digital signage for the retail centre. For Westfield, there were both future proofing and construction benefits, as only one optic fibre cable needed to be installed throughout to create the ICN, with a central control and communications room managing the whole system, which has 650 separate end points. OptiComm will continue to operate the network remotely on behalf of Westfield, from their network operations centre in Hobart. “OptiComm was heavily involved in discussions with Westfield about the feasibility of this plan from the outset, “said OptiComm General Manager, Phil Smith. “The ICN is based on input from our engineering design, and utilised our integration services. Westfield had a consultant, Dr Saul Carroll from Soliton Network Consulting, who worked with us on the network architecture to identify the end points, identify services and ensure it came 30
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together. We had the first stage operational by the Centre’s opening date in November 2010.
OptiComm gained their carrier license in 2006, evolving out of a prior entity, Optimal Cable Services, a Melbourne-based manufacturer of optic fibre cable. In 2007, they became 50% owned by Hills Holdings, and began building their ‘open access, layer 2 bitstream’ business model, including involvement in the design, installation and operation of the active components within Stage 1 of NBN in Tasmania. OptiComm’s services are used by major developers including Mirvac, Lend Lease, Stockland, Frasers and Australand to provide networks for developments across Australia. Currently they have 150,000 lots under contract, including constructing new networks at Oran Park for Landcom NSW; Parkbridge Estate at Middleton Grange and Vista Estate at Glenfield for Mirvac; and Springfield Lakes in Queensland for Lend Lease, Alamanda Estate for Villawood at Point Cook and Lightsview for CIC in Adelaide.
OptiComm G66, 63-85 Turner Street Port Melbourne VIC 3207 t. 03 9024 9500 f. 03 9645 4013 www.opticomm.net.au AUSTRALIAN NATIONAL CONSTRUCTION REVIEW