Firetide's mesh technology allows security and network professionals to install and operate Axis network cameras, video servers, and video management software virtually anywhere. The system does not require any modification or additional configuration of the video equipment.
"Wireless connectivity provides tremendous installation freedom for anyone needing to deploy network cameras in remote or difficult locations or for temporary installations," said Fredrik Nilsson, general manager of Axis Communications. "Network video systems are quickly gaining ground on traditional analog systems, because of their improved image quality, scalability and flexibility to use IP-based infrastructure such as mesh networks."
Mesh networks are being used by a number of cities to provide wireless video surveillance. In Massachusetts, the Haverhill Police Department working with iAffari Inc., a local integrator, selected Firetide and Axis for its own video surveillance system. Initially installed in a small, high-crime area downtown, the solution consists of Firetide HotPort outdoor and indoor wireless mesh nodes and AXIS 214 PTZ (pan-tilt-zoom) and AXIS 211 fixed cameras.
The cameras, connected directly to the HotPort nodes, offer remote viewing and enable 10 days of recorded digital video. Designed for rapid deployment, the entire system was up and running in about an hour. The area of coverage will continue to grow and develop. One police cruiser has a mesh node, and plans call for the installation of additional nodes into other cruisers as well.
"We are really pleased with how quickly and easily the whole system went up," said Police Chief Alan R. DeNaro. "We're already seeing results and with this system we can also record evidence for the police department. With budget cuts and reduced manpower, it's another set of eyes, and anytime you have more eyes out there it helps."
Once installed, Firetide's mesh nodes automatically connect to each other to form multiple wireless links to each node. These redundant paths increase the network's coverage and reliability even around tall buildings or large vehicles.
The Firetide mesh is designed to support multiple concurrent applications. "Cities and enterprises alike are now looking for wireless networks that can support video surveillance, voice over IP, Wi-Fi access, and first responder communications," said Bo Larsson, CEO of Firetide. "In terms of wireless network speed and capacity, video is the most demanding of these applications. Knowing this, we are very pleased to work with Axis to provide a complete multi-service mesh solution to the market."
In addition to network cameras, Axis also provides video servers that convert analog camera and recorder signals to digital information for distribution over IP networks, including Firetide wireless mesh networks. This enables security professionals to modernize existing CCTV systems rather than making them obsolete.
