Cosentini to design fiber optic network for Woodbridge, N.J. (Technology: Update).

Cosentini Information Technologies (CIT), a division of international consulting engineering firm Cosentini Associates, is in the preliminary stages of designing a private fiber optic network system for Woodbridge Township, N.J., which will entail a 45-mile fiber optic network cable connecting 56 municipal buildings, including schools, firehouses, police stations and emergency services centers, announces Douglas C. Mass, P.E., president of Cosentini Associates.

The system, which comprises a cabling and networking infrastructure, will virtually eliminate the need for third party carrier companies for local phone service or costly data carrier transport circuits within the township. In addition, the network infrastructure is capable of paying for itself within four years.

As a direct result of the Cosentini developed project, Woodbridge Township will benefit from savings through these "shared services" of approximately $700,000 annually.

The project was borne out of a REDI Grant (Regional Efficiency Development Incentive) study implemented by the Freehold, NJ office of Cosentini Associates.

The project was then awarded to Cosentini's Information Technologies division by Woodbridge Township through the State of New Jersey's REDI Grant program. Heading the project is Mark R. Kretchmer, director of the CIT division for the firm's Freehold office, which has previously completed several fiber optic networks in the state.

"What started out as a REDI Grant study to share the township's existing voice switch with the school district, has lead to the design of a 45-mile private fiber optic network interconnecting 56 buildings," says Kretchmer. "This will enable the township and school district to share services and save substantial money, while at the same time having unlimited technology potential."