Fiber Optic Network

2010 NACo Achievement Award Winner

Broward County, Fla., FL

About the Program

Category: Information Technology (Best in Category)

Year: 2010

Three years ago, Broward County began to design and implement a fiber optic network to transmit voice, video, and data applications for the County. The network was intended to provide a faster, scalable, low cost alternative to a carrier based solution. The fiber network was also planned with excess capacity to serve as a potential backbone for wireless communication. The network can interconnect wireless radios and access points that could be installed along the fiber pathway, creating an extensive County wide wireless network. The additional capacity can also be used to join other non-county agencies that may have a need to connect to each other such as the Broward School Board, hospitals, nonprofit organizations, and elected official agencies. The fiber network provides an infrastructure that continues to offer cost savings and interconnectivity opportunities for Broward County as well as other agencies. Its infrastructure can be scaled to accommodate additional applications that enhance the capability of the County to provide expanded and improved services to the residents of Broward County.