On the Wings of Wireless

Airport uses wireless solution that combines video, data in one network

A regional Midwest airport needed a way to automate gate security and deliver wireless video surveillance traffic from remote locations back to its monitoring stations.

It had an inefficient and outdated system to protect the gates that consisted of access points that would require hands-on updates at each location every time there were personnel changes.

The security system also included analog cameras at the gates and airport management wished to upgrade its video surveillance capabilities to IP wireless video cameras. The airport needed a high performing wireless solution that was cost effective to deploy and scalable enough to allow for future modifications and expansion.

Azalea Networks created a wireless solution that combined data and video in one network to allow security personnel to easily update employee accessibility to the facilities.

They could allow individual employees access to certain gates at specific timeframes and make changes to the permissions at will. Azalea’s solution also allowed for upgrades of the video surveillance cameras to perform wirelessly over the same network.

Operating over the 4.9 GHz public safety band, the network consisted of Azalea MSR4000 quad-radio and MSR2000 dual-radio routers specifically designed for outdoor use as well as its MSR1000 router for indoor use. The entire network was deployed quickly and easily to allow for future scalability including Wi-Fi access for airport personnel and travelers.

Wireless Advantages
Public safety agencies have been utilizing wireless, radio frequency (RF) communications for over a half-century, originally for voice communications and later for narrowband data applications.

Advances in technology now make wireless ideal for more advanced broadband multimedia applications, and the Federal Communications Commission in the U.S. has recently licensed the 4.9 GHz spectrum for exclusive use in public safety applications, with support for both narrowband and broadband communications. Wireless broadband communications makes it possible for public safety agencies to perform their duties in ways that were unimaginable just a few short years ago.

Live video feeds can give first responders better situational awareness while en route to an incident and command and control personnel can utilize multi-agency collaboration and whiteboarding tools to coordinate response plans. And mobile command centers can bring these and other capabilities right to the scene.

Cost-Saving Technology
Azalea’s wireless solution can save more than 90 percent on installation costs when compared with traditional wired networks. In urban areas, it can be very expensive to trench fiber and obtain the necessary permits to install the network.

Azalea’s solution also is simple and quick to configure. Azalea’s routing protocol allows different subnets for security purposes, providing for greater isolation and more control. Since wireless traffic does not have to come back through a common gateway, setting up the network is greatly simplified.

About the Author

Paul Gassett is director of worldwide marketing communications for Azalea Networks.

Featured

  • New Gas Monkey Garage Venue Uses AI-Enhanced Video Technology

    Gas Monkey Garage, the automotive custom shop and entertainment brand founded by Richard Rawlings of Fast N’ Loud TV fame, has opened a vibrant new restaurant and bar in South Dakota, equipped with advanced, AI-enhanced video tech from IDIS Americas. Read Now

  • Data Driven, Proactive Response

    As cities face rising demands for smarter policing and faster emergency response, Real Time Crime Centers (RTCCs) are emerging as essential hubs for data-driven public safety. In this interview, two experts with deep field experience — Ross Bourgeois of New Orleans and Dean Cunningham of Axis Communications — draw on decades of operational, leadership and technology expertise to share how RTCCs are transforming public safety through innovation, interagency collaboration and a relentless focus on community impact. Read Now

  • Integration Imagination: The Future of Connected Operations

    Security teams that collaborate cross-functionally and apply imagination and creativity to envision and design their ideal integrated ecosystem will have the biggest upside to corporate security and operational benefits. Read Now

  • Smarter Access Starts with Flexibility

    Today’s workplaces are undergoing a rapid evolution, driven by hybrid work models, emerging smart technologies, and flexible work schedules. To keep pace with growing workplace demands, buildings are becoming more dynamic – capable of adapting to how people move, work, and interact in real-time. Read Now

  • Trends Keeping an Eye on Business Decisions

    Today, AI continues to transform the way data is used to make important business decisions. AI and the cloud together are redefining how video surveillance systems are being used to simulate human intelligence by combining data analysis, prediction, and process automation with minimal human intervention. Many organizations are upgrading their surveillance systems to reap the benefits of technologies like AI and cloud applications. Read Now

New Products

  • Connect ONE’s powerful cloud-hosted management platform provides the means to tailor lockdowns and emergency mass notifications throughout a facility – while simultaneously alerting occupants to hazards or next steps, like evacuation.

    Connect ONE®

    Connect ONE’s powerful cloud-hosted management platform provides the means to tailor lockdowns and emergency mass notifications throughout a facility – while simultaneously alerting occupants to hazards or next steps, like evacuation.

  • Mobile Safe Shield

    Mobile Safe Shield

    SafeWood Designs, Inc., a manufacturer of patented bullet resistant products, is excited to announce the launch of the Mobile Safe Shield. The Mobile Safe Shield is a moveable bullet resistant shield that provides protection in the event of an assailant and supplies cover in the event of an active shooter. With a heavy-duty steel frame, quality castor wheels, and bullet resistant core, the Mobile Safe Shield is a perfect addition to any guard station, security desks, courthouses, police stations, schools, office spaces and more. The Mobile Safe Shield is incredibly customizable. Bullet resistant materials are available in UL 752 Levels 1 through 8 and include glass, white board, tack board, veneer, and plastic laminate. Flexibility in bullet resistant materials allows for the Mobile Safe Shield to blend more with current interior décor for a seamless design aesthetic. Optional custom paint colors are also available for the steel frame.

  • EasyGate SPT and SPD

    EasyGate SPT SPD

    Security solutions do not have to be ordinary, let alone unattractive. Having renewed their best-selling speed gates, Cominfo has once again demonstrated their Art of Security philosophy in practice — and confirmed their position as an industry-leading manufacturers of premium speed gates and turnstiles.