Supporting Connected 5G Communities

Overview

Tilson Infrastructure has partnered with Purdue Research Foundation (PRF) to design, build, own, and operate a neutral host fiber network located in Discovery Park District adjacent to Purdue University. The network spans across the district’s 400-acre development comprised of residential units, businesses, and research facilities.

PRF is dedicated to developing the Discovery Park District into one of the most connected communities in the world to foster innovation and harness the full potential of 5G capabilities. This network is the first step towards realizing the promise of advanced manufacturing, Internet of Things (IoT), private networks, artificial intelligence, big data, and other emerging technologies.

Challenge

The fiber network at Discovery Park District must support multiple retail service providers including at least three ISPs, private network operators, IoT developers, and future fiber-fed technologies. These diverse use cases demand a robust, flexible, and dense fiber architecture that all parties approve of for their respective deployments.

Solution

To facilitate a level playing field and foster participation, Tilson Infrastructure leveraged its in-house expertise in fiber contract negotiations to create a universal rate card which will ensure non-discriminatory pricing across a variety of customers.

In partnership with our construction affiliate company, Tilson, we designed and built 15 miles of fiber to connect all current and future buildings through an edge data center in Discovery Park District. This creates the foundation for wired and wireless services such as 5G carrier service, district Wi-Fi, and private networks. The access model we used allows for the deployment of 5G capabilities from multiple providers and creates a competitive landscape for the continued advancement of technology by enabling customers to test and evaluate innovations.

“The connected solutions of the future require a different technology architecture than we use today. The development of a neutral host platform at Discovery Park District will enhance the opportunities to advance and apply technology to our research, business, and homes. Tilson’s infrastructure investment will provide our researchers and innovators with access to a suite of technology in a live, work, play community they can’t find anywhere else.” – David Broecker, Chief Innovation and Collaboration Officer at Purdue Research Foundation.