Update on Case Western Reserve's new fiber project

Sacramento Bee

Intwine Energy, a leader in the development of Internet connected smart-grid products for both utilities and retail customers, today announced the adoption of its WiFi thermostat technology into Case Western Reserve University's Case Connection Zone pilot research project. The IECT220 and the IECT 210 Intwine WiFi Thermostat, as well as a beta version of the Intwine Energy WiFi Connected Whole-House Power Monitor, which includes the Blueline Innovations sensor, and Smart Plug, have been successfully demonstrated to researchers and will be installed into a beta community.

The Case Connection Zone will bring super high-speed gigabit fiber to approximately 100 residences adjacent to the university as the first step in an initiative to determine how utilization of gigabit Internet connectivity can be made relevant and useful in people's everyday lives. The project will include Internet-enabled services related to health care and wellness, neighborhood and public safety, education and household energy management.

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Cleveland neighborhoods testing ultra high-speed broadband in Case Western Reserve study

Government Technology

Following NBA star LeBron James' much-hyped, nationally televised disowning of his hometown in early July, the Cleveland Cavaliers commanded much of the Ohio city's attention. For months prior, local fans and sportswriters speculated on whether local hero James, who grew up in nearby Akron, would remain with the team or search for greener pastures.

Even before James left the Cavaliers for the Miami Heat, some in Cleveland half-jokingly claimed that James was the only economic driver left in the downtrodden city. Yet less than five miles from the team's home court at Quicken Loans Arena sits Cleveland's premier higher education institution, Case Western Reserve University. Researchers there have begun work on an ambitious project to build out 1 GB per second broadband connectivity to the neighborhoods surrounding the university. It's part of an experiment to see whether ultrafast Internet connections can help communities become healthier, better educated and more sustainable.

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