New San Diego Central Library Connects With Tellabs Optical LAN

NAPERVILLE, Ill., Nov. 20, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- The new San Diego Central Library @ the Joan Λ Irwin Jacobs Common brings the library of the future to life. The 9-story building is full of inviting spaces where patrons can explore, read and learn through books, music, art, computers and mobile devices.

"We want a library of the future that is flexible, built for now and built for the future," said Deborah Barrow, San Diego library director. "One of the early technology decisions we made was Optical LAN, a future-proof backbone to allow the library to expand as future changes occur. In a public building, the flexibility, the cost and the energy savings all need to be considered, and that's what we've done here."

Videos:

The Library of the Future Deploys Optical LAN: Deborah Barrow, Library Director
How Optical LAN Connects the San Diego Central Library: Frank Camacho, IT Manager
Why Enterprises Are Switching to Optical LAN: Debi Preece, GM, Vector Resources
A VAR Viewpoint on Optical LAN: Debi Preece, GM, Vector Resources

In the library, Tellabs Optical LAN connects users' mobile devices and library systems. Optical LAN's high-bandwidth fiber optics deliver speeds of more than 1Gbps per port to connect:

• Fast Internet service connects library users on more than 300 library PCs – much faster than Internet connections at home or work.
• To meet demand for "bring your own device" (BYOD) patrons, fast Internet service connects mobile devices to Wi-Fi via 36 Maraki wireless access points. Wi-Fi also connects patrons with hundreds of its own wireless devices, including iPads, iPad Minis, Chromebooks, and Kindle and Sony eReaders.
• An automated material-handling system speeds check-in, sorting and distribution of more than 1 million RFID-tagged books.
• 3-D printers enable patrons to learn to use the new technology.
• Self-check-out kiosks enable patrons to check out books and materials quickly. Security systems ensure that only checked-out books can leave the building.
• iPad kiosks enable patrons to leaf through digitized rare books and records that have never been available to the public before.
• Technology-enabled group workspaces encourage collaboration.
• Google indoor maps help patrons navigate through the library and its collections.
• Digital signage directs patrons and promotes library events.
• Conventional printers provide hard copies for library patrons.
• Back-office computers and phones connect hundreds of library staff and volunteers.

"It's almost like seven library branches in one spot," said Frank L. Camacho, information technology (IT) manager for the San Diego Public Library. "With over 300 desktop PCs here in the library, and Wi-Fi to connect even more devices, our patrons are able to work on resumes, do job or school research, and use email."

Tellabs Optical LAN can serve not only the Central Library, but also other libraries within an 18-mile, 30-kilometer radius.

"This library of the future needs fast Internet connections, capable of gigabit speeds – and Tellabs Optical LAN can far exceed the speeds most people get at home and work," said Tom Ruvarac, Tellabs director-product management. "Optical LAN can scale up easily to handle the library's traffic needs for decades to come, not only in this building but in other library branches within an 18-mile range."

Purpose-built for high-capacity, high-performance LANs, Tellabs Optical LAN replaces conventional copper-based LANs. It simplifies network infrastructure and operations, getting the job done with fewer network elements by using passive optical networking technology. Tellabs Optical LAN can save up to 70% in the cost of ownership, lower energy consumption by up to 80% and reduce space needs by up to 90%.

Tellabs Optical LAN converges all of a building's wired and wireless communications networks into one  ̶  handling Wi-Fi, data, voice, CATV, security, building automation networks and more. Optical LAN eliminates the need for future re-cabling and tightens security.

Vector Resources Orchestrates Optical LAN Deployment

To ensure smooth deployment for the San Diego Central Library, Tellabs partner Vector Resources handled Optical LAN installation, logistics and support.

"Compared with copper LAN, Tellabs Optical LAN has a much smaller footprint for electronics and a much smaller pathway for cable," said Debbie Preece, general manager of Vector Resources - San Diego. "When you start looking at what's behind the walls and what kind of planning has to go into building these networks, Optical LAN changes a project dramatically.  Architects and building owners love freeing up that space for other uses."

About Tellabs

– Tellabs innovations advance smart networks to help our customers succeed. That's why 40 of the Fortune 100 companies and 80% of the top global communications service providers choose our solutions and applications. We help them get ahead by adding revenue, reducing expenses and optimizing networks.

Tellabs TLAB is part of the Ocean Tomo 300^® Patent Index and several corporate responsibility indexes including the Maplecroft Climate Innovation Index, FTSE4Good and eight FTSE KLD indexes. www.tellabs.com

About Vector Resources – Vector Resources is expert in the design and implementation of efficient and manageable voice, video and data networks. Its Unified Communications solutions help organizations of all sizes and across all industries.

Clients come to Vector when they need a trusted partner who understands their business process and has the technical know-how to design, build and maintain a network solution to drive that process. And Vector has a track record of doing just that, all while maintaining the highest customer service satisfaction levels in the industry.  

About the San Diego Central Library @ the Joan Λ Irwin Jacobs Common

The new Central Library, which opened on September 30, 2013, is San Diego's new civic icon that embodies the city's commitment to the future. It is the heart of San Diego's 35-branch library system and serves as a new regional center for learning and literacy. It is already a major destination and gathering place for the community with its small and large meeting spaces, innovative technology, public art throughout the facility, and integration of an onsite charter high school.

SOURCE Tellabs