Posted by Brian Brown on Fri, Aug 06, 2010 @ 10:12 AM
Posted with permission from Fluidmesh Press Release:
Fluidmesh Networks, a leader in wireless IP backbone systems, announces the release of the MITO Product Line, a new series of wireless products based on MIMO technology and specifically designed for IP Backhauling applications. The MITO series is composed of the FM1100 MITO and the FM3100 MITO.Both products are capable of creating point-to-point, point-to-multipoint, mesh, and mixed architectures and can be used for applications such as video surveillance, enterprise backhauling, VOIP backhauling, SCADA, and smargrids
The Fluidmesh 1100 MITO mounts a 2x2 MIMO patch antenna and can be used to create point to point, point to multipoint, and mesh networks providing unparalleled performances and a compact form factor. The Fluidmesh 3100 MITO mounts a 2x2 MIMO sector antenna and is designed for medium and large point to multipoint deployments with up to 150 clients.
With the MITO product line, Fluidmesh has developed a revolutionary wireless backhaul solution capable of offering extreme performances with a small form factor. MITO is a unique 2x2 MIMO solution with integrated directional antennas which has allowed Fluidmesh to break the mold and create a product line that is a game changer in the wireless backhauling arena. You won’t need to install external antennas. You won’t need to deal with coaxial cables, lighting suppressor, and antenna grounding. The Fluidmesh MITO series has integrated them all in an outdoor rated enclosure that’s slightly bigger than two decks of cards.
The Fluidmesh MITO Series features one tri-band radio and can operate at 4.9 GHz, and 5.1-5.8 GHz and modulate up to 300 Mbps. Each product of the MITO series will include FMQuadro and Fluidthrottle as well as FluidMax for multi-topology capabilities. Like all Fluidmesh products, the MITO employs PRODIGY, Fluidmesh's proprietary high performance ‘intelligent’ transmission protocol, built to overcome the limits of standard license-free protocols and to deliver a wireless infrastructure with a higher level of reliability. The MITO Series is expected to be available in late Q3 2010.
“We are very proud to introduce the MITO Series to the market. Once again thinking outside of the box has allowed us to release a revolutionary product that we expect to be a game changer in the wireless IP backhauling world,” says Umberto Malesci, CEO of Fluidmesh. “The unparalleled performances, the small form factor, and simplicity of installation bring the design and deployment of wireless backhauling systems to a whole new level of simplicity leading to large savings in terms of time and money. The wireless revolution continues!”
For more information, please visit www.fluidmesh.com.
Posted by Will Roles on Mon, Jun 07, 2010 @ 08:11 AM
Guy Low of Bosch -- Press contact(click for more info)
New version increases design flexibility and leads to more optimal and cost-effective solutions.
Orlando, Florida: New Praesideo hardware has been introduced in conjunction with the release of Bosch Praesideo SW Version 3.1, including four- and eight-channel Basic Amplifiers, a call stacker, a numeric keypad, and a PC Call Station. These new devices will further enhance Praesideo's position in the competitive PA market by giving customers more flexibility in design and a more optimal and cost-effective solution. Praesideo is ideal for medium and large applications such as shopping centers, schools, tunnels, multi-purpose sports stadia, and airports.
Call Stacker
This stand-alone device is connected to the Praesideo system bus via two network connections only. The unit is used to record calls to occupied zones and automatically playback the recorded calls when the zones are free. The unit also offers the possibility of time-shifted broadcast of calls to eliminate acoustic feedback. Call stacking and time shifting are typically used at airports, in industrial plants and in offshore applications.
Numeric Keypad
The new numeric keypad is used to password protect call stations and for easy zone selection. The unit connects to standard Praesideo call stations and contains a numeric keypad and LCD with backlight. User access is via a user number and PIN. An access lock is activated after a predefined time or by a hot key when the user leaves the call station. Further zone selection functionality enables the user to make calls in predefined zones or zone groups.
PC Call Station
The new PC Call Station is a powerful tool to control medium and large-sized Praesideo systems via an open interface. The official Bosch-supported software tool can control single and multiple Praesideo systems over TCP/IP.
A unique feature of the new call station is a user interface that can be customized by the customer. A single server can handle multiple dedicated operator control panels. Functions such as predefined calls per user, status information per zone for running calls, activated Background Music
(BGM) sources, and settings are provided as standard.
Basic Amplifiers
The new Basic Amplifiers are rated 4 x 125W and 8 x 60W. They are high-efficiency, Class-D amplifiers with built-in output transformers to drive 100V and 70V loudspeakers. Standard Basic Amplifiers are connected to the Multi-Channel Interface; an analog line input is also available for low-priority local audio.
The amplifiers provide overload protected connections for separate group A and group B redundant loudspeakers in a zone and can be configured for class-A loudspeaker loop wiring. Basic Amplifiers feature a switch mode power supply with low inrush current and operate both on mains and 48 V battery power. Power supply and amplifiers are fully supervised.
Stand-alone operation is possible. Last year Bosch introduced the 1 x 500W and 2 x 250W versions of the Basic Amplifier.
Praesideo Standard Amplifiers remain in the product range for applications which demand Digital Signal Processing functionality such as delay, equalizing or automatic volume control.
Audio over Internet Protocol
The demand for real-time audio transmission over long distances continues to grow. The new Bosch IP Audio unit is a unique solution for digital audio transmission between PA systems and remote locations. The IP Audio module is a full EVAC compliant solution for audio over local area networks and the Internet. It offers an analog audio microphone/line input and line output, and built-in supervised control inputs and outputs. The units are easy to install and are configured via a standard Web browser.
TÜV tested and certified
Praesideo Version 3.1 has been independently TÜV tested to EN/IEC60849 certification for "Sound Systems for Emergency Purposes." Not only does this certification enable Bosch to ensure installers but it also guarantees fire departments, consultants/specifiers, and end-users that their EVAC systems comply with the strictest requirements for public buildings. This includes new standards for mass notification and voice evacuation outlined by the NFPA.
Posted by Brian Brown on Mon, May 03, 2010 @ 10:20 AM
The following is a case study provided by BlueWave Security which details its solution for America's largest department store chain: Macy's. Macy's had three major needs for its 840 retail stores nationwide. Read how BlueWave Security, and their unique product offerings, met these needs and provided consistency across this vast network.
BlueWave Security provides America's largest department store chain with flexibility, scalability, and cost savings in a national, unified access control solution.
THE CHALLENGE
Macy's had multiple, disparate access control solutions for their 840 retail stores nationwide, each managed separately by regional managers and their staff. There was no consistency across regions or corporate-level access control policy. Nor was there insight into regional access practices. Additionally, thousands of labor hours were expended annually to add, change, delete and maintain user credentials and systems costing Macy's many tens of thousands of dollars annually. Macy's needed a unified, corporate-level access control solution that would 1) eliminate labor costs associated with regional management of various access control systems, 2) integrate seamlessly with the company's enterprise information systems, and 3) manage existing third-party access control hardware and software systems in order to reduce one-time conversion costs.
THE SOLUTION
The BlueWave solution is ideally suited to address Macy's needs. BlueView Enterprise is an enterprise-class network application that runs on a Windows server using standard Microsoft databases. To reduce Macy's labor costs, BlueWave integrated BlueView Enterprise with Macy's corporate HR database system, PeopleSoft. On a daily basis, BlueView automatically receives from PeopleSoft a list of additions/changes/deletes of employee information. BlueView then automatically updates the access control permissions on a national basis, thus providing 1) a higher level of security, 2) a significant reduction in database errors associated with status changes in a large workforce, and 3) cost savings measured in the tens of thousands of dollars annually. Additionally, Macy's required their new access control solution to support third party access control software and hardware, both panels and locking hardware at the door. The BlueWave hardware and software architecture made it possible to seamlessly integrate support for Macy's legacy systems. Not only does the BlueWave architecture support central management of networked third-party access control systems, the BlueWave solution enabled Macy's to centrally manage and secure stand-alone doors as well, without the need for traditional access control panels. The flexibility and scalability BlueWave provides by eliminating the need for traditional panels by managing individual doors directly over Ethernet or Wi-Fi networks is unique in the industry. Finally, Macy's required a massively scalable, centralized access control solution that could be managed from a single server. BlueView is specifically designed to be such a solution. The BlueWave solution for Macy's currently supports over 300,000 users/credentials and hundreds of stores, all managed from a single server, requiring a fraction of one person's time to maintain. "The key to developing our business relationship with BlueWave is their can-do attitude and approach to solving our access control challenges with flexibility and adaptability," states Stephen Competello, Macy's Director of Operations/Technology for Central Loss Prevention. Additionally, Competello notes, "BlueWave is a customer centric partner. They have a 'we will win' attitude and we are pleased with our selection of BlueWave as our access control provider." BlueWave Security provides Macy's with unparalleled flexibility in an enterprise-class, access control solution that integrates existing third-party access control systems and enterprise information systems, at a price point that is significantly lower than any other competitive solution on the market. For more information, visit www.bluewavesecurity.com |
For more information on BlueWave Security and their solutions, contact an Accu-Tech Regional Security Specialist today!
Posted by Brian Brown on Thu, Apr 22, 2010 @ 11:54 AM
Rick Stuart presents CCTV and Access Control 101 course for dealers and integrators in Schaumburg, IL. Course includes training on the latest technology for IP video, access control, and wireless applications. This free training was offered by Accu-Tech to customers looking for continuing education on the latest trends in physical security.
Request Security Training
Contact Accu-Tech Chicago at 630-226-0133 or Jason House, Regional Security Specialist for Chicago at 773-220-0136 to schedule a demo of these products.
Article and photo credit to Jason House.
Posted by Brian Brown on Mon, Apr 12, 2010 @ 12:12 PM
Backed by two years of R &D, Fluidmesh announces Prodigy; a high performance 'intelligent' transmission protocol which can transmit any IP-compatible traffic including data, video , and VOIP.
Direct from Fluidmesh Press Release:
|
FLUIDMESH
RELEASES NEW "INTELLIGENT" TRANSMISSION PROTOCOL AND EXPANDS INTO NEW MARKETS
Boston,
MA - March, 2010 - Fluidmesh Networks, a leader in wireless IP backhaul systems, announces the release of Prodigy, a high performance ‘intelligent' transmission protocol which will now be integrated into all Fluidmesh products starting from Firmware version 5.1.2. Prodigy is the result of two years of R&D development and can transmit any IP-compatible traffic including data, video, and VOIP. The goal of Prodigy is to overcome the limits of the standard license-free wireless solutions and provide a higher level of reliability at the infrastructure level.
Alessandro Erta, R&D Director of Fluidmesh, adds: "We were able to improve the performances of the existing video-optimized Fluidmesh protocol and extend its advantages to any type of IP traffic. At the base of the new protocol there is a traffic optimization algorithm that allows every Fluidmesh device to assign a specific level of priority and reliability to every packet transmitted in the network. This process allows the wireless network to automatically adjust its parameters based on the type of traffic sent across with a much higher accuracy compared to a standard QoS. The overall result is a better, more reliable, multi-service wireless infrastructure."
Prodigy also offers a higher resiliency to interferences compared to traditional license-free wireless solutions. This new Fluidmesh protocol is able to maintain a solid transmission in high-interference areas by using an ‘intelligent' control on packet retransmission. The uniqueness of Prodigy is in its ‘intelligence'. The network controls packet re-transmissions based on the packet type and on the link error rate and modifies the transmission parameters in order to achieve maximum reliability.
With the release of Prodigy, Fluidmesh also announces a market expansion in the wireless infrastructure space by making its innovative products available to the following verticals: Cellular Backhauling, Wi-Max Backhauling, WISP Backhauling, VOIP Backhauling, Smartgrids, SCADA, and Public Transportation. Umberto Malesci, CEO of Fluidmesh, adds:"Prodigy allows us to offer a carrier-grade wireless backhaul solution. We're very excited to expand the reach of our technology and make our unique product offering available to customers outside of the security space. It's called the Wireless Revolution for a reason, right?!"
By offering a carrier-grade license-free wireless infrastructure, Fluidmesh provides a valid alternative to microwave bridges and fiber backbones. Many companies are turning to license-free wireless systems due to their ease of deployment and affordability leading to an overall higher ROI on the deployment.
Fluidmesh marked its official launch into the wireless infrastructure space by exhibiting at CTIA International on March 23-25, 2010 in Las Vegas, NV. For more information, please visit www.fluidmesh.com.
|
Let us know what you think of this announcement. Leave a comment below.
Posted by Brian Brown on Tue, Mar 09, 2010 @ 10:35 AM
Article written by Accu-Tech Regional Security Specialist Rick Stuart.
If you are looking to install a security surveillance system at your location, one of the decisions you have to make is whether to go with an IP or analog camera. Deciding on IP versus analog cameras is not necessarily a simple decision as there are advantages and disadvantages to each style of camera. We will explore some of these differences more in-depth so you can determine which option is right for you.
The main difference between the two camera types is the way in which the video signal is delivered. Analog cameras turn the images into a composite video signal that can be received by a television/monitor or recorded on a VCR or DVR (Digital Video Recorder). An IP-based camera, also known as an IP network camera, digitizes the video signal using a specialized encoder that contains an onboard web server. This allows the IP camera to act as a network device, thus allowing captured video images to be viewed not only through an existing network but also through a web browser that can be accessed through the Internet. IP cameras are recorded on a NVR (Network Video Recorder) which is attached to the network.
Both analog and IP-based video cameras can transmit signals either wirelessly or through wired connections such as Cat-5 cables. IP-based cameras have the added benefit of being able to use switches, hubs, routers, or even the internet to allow the network to be expanded to far-reaching locations. In order to determine which style camera system is best suited to your needs, let's take a closer look at some of the pros and cons of each style.
Pros of analog cameras
•Lower cost -- Analog cameras generally cost less to purchase than IP cameras.
•Greater flexibility of design -- Analog cameras often come in a larger variety of designs such as mini covert cameras to large PTZ models. If you have unique surveillance needs you may find it easier to find the style of camera you need in an analog model.
•Superior compatibility -- It is much easier to mix and match cameras and brands if you use analog versions. This can make it easier if you already have existing camera equipment that you wish to incorporate into your surveillance system.
Cons of analog cameras
•Lack certain features -- Many of the basic analog cameras often lack some of the more advance features such as digital zoom.
•Potential interference problems -- If you are installing a wireless surveillance system, analog systems can have interference problems. More importantly, the resulting signals cannot be encrypted. This can potentially mean that someone else can view the signal.
•Long distance applications are more difficult -- If your surveillance needs encompass a wide area, analog cameras may not be your best choice. Analog cameras generally do not accommodate big distances, and getting them to work over broad ranges can be difficult.
•Video signal conversion and transmission -- Analog cameras take the digital image that is captured and convert it to an analog signal in order to transmit it to the viewing/recording equipment where it is often then converted back to a digital format to be recorded. There is a reduction in quality due to this conversion process and the loss incurred in the transmission.
Pros of IP cameras
•Greater Resolution -- This is one of the most important advantages to IP cameras. Most have an image resolution that is a minimum of four times greater than that offered by analog cameras. HD images are possible with cameras that are able to deliver resolutions of 3, 5, 8 megapixel and beyond. This often allows one IP camera to take the place of several analog cameras and can have the effect of delivering a far superior product at a reduced cost.
•Better wireless reception -- IP cameras have encryption built right into them providing for a more secure network. Many options exist for transmission including point-to-point, point-to-multipoint, and mesh. Interference can be minimized with some IP-based radios.
•Can utilize existing wiring -- Because IP-based cameras act as their own network device, you can often take advantage of existing network wiring within your location. This can make the installation task much easier.
•Remote access can be easier -- IP cameras are better suited for some remote surveillance needs. There can be greater flexibility in how the video is accessed.
•Pure digital transmission -- Because the IP camera solution utilizes a digital format from capture to recording, there is no loss of quality in conversion or transmission as with an analog camera.
Cons of IP cameras
•Higher cost -- Because of the additional technology that is built into each camera, the cost of individual IP cameras is generally higher than analog versions. This gap is narrowing, however.
•Higher bandwidth required -- IP cameras will require bandwidth on your network that is not required with analog cameras. This can be reduced by taking advantage of some of the newer compression formats and technology that is available in the cameras.
Given the pros and cons of each camera type, the decision really comes down to your specific surveillance needs. The good news is, with products such as video encoders and hybrid recorders, analog and IP cameras can be combined within the same system to allow you to take advantage of both technologies. With an accurate assessment of your needs, the decision of which camera type to go with will become much easier