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| Fluidmesh wireless technology was used to extend the reach of the existing fiber backbone |
The Delaware River Joint Toll Bridge Commission (DRJTBC) retained Siemens Industry/Building Technology Division as part of a Design Team to install cameras on 18 bridges between New Jersey and Delaware as well as along a five mile stretch of I-78. (The DRJTBC is a bi-state organisation that maintains seven toll bridges and 13 toll-supported bridges across a 200 mile stretch of the Pennsylvania/New Jersey border.) Installing surveillance cameras at the 18 locations involved in this project presented some specific challenges. Each of the locations is situated in roadway and river way areas, which made direct cabling a problem. Had it not been for this wireless solution, miles of roadway would've needed to be dug up and expensive fiber optic runs installed to accomplish the video transmission.
Solution:
Fluidmesh wireless technology was used to extend the reach of the existing fiber backbone. Approximately fifty Fluidmesh 2200 units were installed and DVTel cameras are now monitoring the traffic on the bridges and along the highway. Remote and solar power equipment from SunWize are also on the job at the camera locations where power is not available.
Project description at at glance:
This extensive, $20 million project got underway in late 2007 and engaged Mass. Electric Construction Company and Siemens Building Technology. The compressed 18 month timeline for completion made extensive roadway construction prohibitive, explains Bill Werkiser, Project Manager for Siemens. Wireless mesh, he says was the way to go as it lowered construction costs and meant less infrastructure cable and equipment to install. Siemens had worked with Fluidmesh wireless technology before and had complete confidence in the technology.
The system configuration is such that the network connects 18 bridge sites through an MPLS network provided by Verizon. |
The system configuration is such that the network connects 18 bridge sites through an MPLS network provided by Verizon. In addition, each site has its own separate network consisting of a video management server, access control panels (when applicable), and video encoders. Wireless transmission through the FM2200's is being utilised to extend the reach of the existing fiber backbone across the bridges where the DVtel cameras are installed. The Fluidmesh head-end units are connected via fiber to the main Local Area Network to bring the data back to the main control station.
DVTel's intelligent Security Operations Center was selected for the central command and control function because of its successful track record in safeguarding critical infrastructure, and for the open-platform attributes of the DVTel solution, which is easily and effectively integrated with Siemens SiPass access control system, MATE's advanced video content analysis and run over Fluidmesh's wireless network solution.
"SunWize solar and utility-connected power systems are also perfectly compatible with Fluidmesh low voltage products," states Bruce Wilson, SunWize Sales Manager. "This project is an excellent example of how our power supplies can be co-located with cameras and Fluidmesh radios in any location. As we say, put the power where you need it."
"Wireless infrastructure is required more and more in IP physical security solutions." adds Eli Gorovici, President and CEO of DVTel "We're pleased to have formed a technology partnership with Fluidmesh to provide an integrated solution to customers like DRJTBC for their video surveillance and networking needs."
The various components of the network will provide the public with added security and enhance the Commission's ability to respond to accidents and other incidents at its bridges, approach roadways, buildings and support facilities. It will promote public safety, improve response times and ultimately help save lives. The video equipment will also help the Commission to develop an Intelligent Transportation System to manage traffic and congestion on the agency's bridges and roadways.
"This remarkable system is the result of excellent teamwork done by Siemens, DVTel, Sunwize and Fluidmesh to deliver a solution that could match the expectations of the customer" notes Cosimo Malesci, co-founder and VP of Marketing at Fluidmesh Networks. "A tremendous amount of time was spent in the design and engineering phase of the project to make sure no detail was left out. The result is simply mind-blowing. The system along I-78 is a work of art by itself. It stretches over more than five miles in a linear fashion over nine hops supporting six cameras at high resolution running on solar panels. We are not aware of any other wireless installation in the world that goes this far in terms of integration and complexity. We are grateful to Siemens for following all our recommendations and to DVTel and Sunwize for being so helpful and responsive."
Werkiser reports that DRJTBC is very pleased with the overall system. "The performance of the wireless equipment has been rock solid," he says. "Fluidmesh provided great support and was very helpful, both in advance of the installation as well as post-installation."
