Government-Wide IoT Network (GWIN) (REF: C-0038)

Overview

In order to facilitate the digitalisation of Electrical and Mechanical (E&M) equipment, a Government-Wide Internet of Things (IoT) Network (GWIN) of wireless sensors was installed throughout Hong Kong to efficiently support various smart applications for the improvement of public service quality. As of November 2023, there are 339 gateways located throughout Hong Kong, including 31 on Hong Kong Island, 100 in Kowloon, 197 in the New Territories and 11 on various islands.

Problem Addressed

Traditional sensors would each require a 4G connection to connect to central servers. In the GWIN network, sensors are connected to gateways via the low power and private LoRa (Long Range) network. It reduces the cost and complexity of sensor installation with low power consumption, as well as improves the security of the system and data without the need of using a third-party network.
Innovation

GWIN uses the Long Range Transmission Sensor-to-gateway technology which supports transmission distance as long as 7 km. Data collected by the sensors all over Hong Kong are directly uploaded to EMSD headquarters server for analysis and actions. The network supports diversified applications indoor and outdoor, including environmental monitoring (such as temperature, humidity and soil moisture), activity detection (such as smoke detection, activity, emergency, people counting, presence and security), E&M monitoring (such as electricity, vibration and dry contact), gaseous monitoring (such as industrial gas, water leakage and ultrasonic distance meter), water detection (such as water level sensing for flood monitoring especially during the typhoon season) and more.

Example of Application of GWIN

  • Flood Monitoring
  • Smart Toilet
  • E&M Equipment Digitalization in Clinic
  • Smart Parking System
  • Hiker Safety
Key Benefits
  • The sensor connectivity independent of a mobile network creates a Private Common Data Sharing Platform which efficiently connects government premise gateways and on-premise network servers    
  • The low consumption battery-operated sensors are cost-effective and easy to install. A massive number of sensors can be installed in a short period of time and deployed at the same time for digitisation as well as further data analytics and applications
  • The sensor connectivity to multiple gateways can reduce the chance of data loss, hence improve information safety and security
Project Reference

Electrical and Mechanical Services Department, Water Supplies Department, Drainage Services Department, Civil Engineering and Development Department, Highways Department, Hong Kong Observatory
Other Reference
  1. For more information on GWIN, please visit the website:
    https://www.emsd.gov.hk/en/engineering_services/project_management_consultancy/highlights_of_work/gwin/index.html
  2. Video Introduction : https://youtu.be/DpYdNL33p8s

  3. GWIN Reaches Milestone with Number of Gateways Exceeding 500
    https://inno.emsd.gov.hk/en/more/highlight/index_id_76.html