Urban Transit Solutions

 

Airspan AS.NET ViaNET Mobile CCTV solution for Urban Transit

 

Metropolitan transportation departments around the world have a pressing need to bring applications familiar in fixed networks to moving vehicles, such as metros, trains and buses. One example is CCTV, which is an essential factor for today's public transit security. Traditional wireless data communications 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, metro's, subway and bus systems.

 

The Airspan ViaNET system can support multiple applications such as CCTV for security, VoIP, telemetry, automation & remote control of vehicles and data communications for 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.

 

Key Benefits

 

• Complete turn-key solution to enable mobile CCTV and/or automation of mobile vehicles
• High performance at high speeds due to dual redundant data streams
• Specialized "make before break" tunnel encapsulation software
• High reliability, IP66 rated, shock & vibration tested, designed for harsh underground or outdoor use
• Proven solution in use in metro's and mines today
• Wireless backhaul link (5GHz) solutions also available

 

Solution Components

 

• ViaNET Mobile Terminal: ruggedized dual radio unit with specialized tunnel encapsulation software for redundancy
• ViaNET Access Point: ruggedized access point and accessories for installation along vehicle route
• FlexNET Link: ruggedized 5GHz backhaul link
• CrossNET Server: Control and management server with specialized tunnel encapsulation software for redundancy

 

The solution utilizes external sector antennas designed specifically to meet the needs of mobile applications. The Mobile Terminals are installed on board the mobile vehicle, with IP camera's and other devices connected to it. Multiple live video streams are possible and typical coverage includes both inside the train and outside along the tunnel/track. Access Points are installed along the track, every 500 metres or so. The Access Points can be connected using fiber, wire or wireless 5GHz links using the FlexNET Link product to the backbone. The CrossNET Server is installed inside the control room of the urban transit operator.

 

Zero-Delay "Make Before Break" Connection Hand-Over

 

The ViaNET transparent bridging solution delivers this 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 CrossNET server facilitates "make before break" connectivity to ensure continuous communication. Redundancy is essentially built-in, ensuring no loss of connection to the network.

 

 

ViaNET is designed for use in harsh environments and is guaranteed to operate even in the toughest of conditions. IP66 rated in steel casing, shock and vibration tested & supporting temperatures from -40C to +70C ensures it can withstand harsh underground and above ground environments.

 

Currently operational in a number of underground metro's and mines, ViaNET products have proven their reliability in installations worldwide.

 

The diagram below depicts a typical ViaNET installation. Access points are installed along the route with dual antenna's pointed in opposite directions. The Mobile Terminal is installed on the metro car with dual antenna's pointed in the front of the train and similarly on the back of the train. The connection is continuous as the train moves along the track.

 

 

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