Airspan - Wireless CCTV for Public Transport

Airspan has been a worldwide leader in broadband wireless since 1992. Our products have been deployed by more than 300 customers, in over 100 countries. We provide superior service to our customers.

Today our products are used in a great number of diverse applications ranging from delivering wireless CCTV in metros and subways, and remote control of trucks and vehicles in underground mines, to wireless DSL for homes, businesses and schools in urban and rural settings. Our portfolio includes both Point-to-Point (PtP), Point-to-MultiPoint (PtMP), Hotzone and industrial products providing cost effective solutions to wide variety of applications with WiMAX, Wi-Fi (802.11) and BWA technologies.

AS.NET VIANET: WIRELESS CCTV AND SURVEILLANCE IN MOVING TRAINS

Most metropolitan transportation departments around the world have a pressing need to bring applications familiar in fixed networks to moving vehicles, like metros, trains and buses. One such example is CCTV, which is an essential factor for today's public transport security.

Traditional wireless data communication systems do not provide the reliability and performance to support applications such as full motion video in moving vehicles. The importance of these applications is growing rapidly, and the Airspan solutions are vital ingredients for today's ground transportation, urban rapid transit, metros, subways and bus systems.

The Airspan AS.NET ViaNET system can support multiple applications such as CCTV for security, VoIP, telemetry, automation and remote control of vehicles and data communications for the monitoring and updating of information throughout the transport network. For example, full transmission of live CCTV video and security surveillance information from the moving train to a central server can be easily accomplished via the ViaNET system.

VIANET WIRELESS SYSTEM: PROVEN, HIGHLY RUGGED, WITH ZERO-DELAY CONNECTION HANDOVERS

The ViaNET solution delivers high performance mobility via a number of key innovations, not available in traditional 802.11 or Wi-Fi or other such wireless systems. ViaNET is based on 802.11, however it provides enhanced mobility with zero-delay 'fault tolerant' connection handovers.

The system proactively scans for available network connections, allowing uninterrupted network connection even in moving vehicles. Secondly, the solution features two redundant radio units, each operating at 54Mbps, so that if one connection fails, the system will not lose its connection to the network. An associated AS.NET CrossNET server facilitates 'make before break' connectivity to ensure continuous communication. Redundancy is essentially built-in, ensuring no loss of connection to the network.

AS.NET is designed for use in harsh environments and ViaNET is guaranteed to operate in even the toughest of conditions. IP66 rated in steel casing, shock and vibration tested and supporting temperatures from -40ºC to +75ºC, it can withstand harsh underground and above ground environments. Currently operational in a number of underground metros and mines, ViaNET products have proven their reliability in installations worldwide.

MOBILE TERMINALS, ACCESS POINTS AND MOBILE TERMINAL SERVER

The AS.NET ViaNET solution is composed of three components: the mobile terminal, the wireless access point, and the mobile terminal server to control the whole solution. The solution utilises external sector antennas designed specifically to meet the needs of mobile applications.

The mobile terminals are installed inside the metro car, with IP cameras and other devices connected to them. Multiple live video streams are possible and typical coverage includes both inside the train and outside along the tunnel or track.

Access points are installed along the track, approximately every 500m. The access points can be connected with either wired or wireless links to the mobile terminal server. The mobile terminal server is installed inside the control room of the metro operator.

See also Mobile Communications Technology - Airspan - Outdoor Point-to-Point and Hotzone Solutions