The public and private video surveillance markets are increasingly adopting Internet Protocol (IP)-based digital network surveillance systems. "Worldwide digital network camera shipments are forecasted to reach 6.2 million by 2011, with a 62.8 percent compound annual growth rate," said Christopher Chute, IDC research manager, in a research report titled Worldwide Network Camera 2007 - 2011 Forecast. "Internet Protocol-based video delivers enhanced video capabilities, significant cost savings and enables more efficient and robust deployments and use-case scenarios."
IP-based digital network cameras require efficient wireless communications platforms. Traditional wireless networks suffer from throughput and range limitations that cause performance degradation, and in certain scenarios, system failure. Version 3.0 utilizes PacketHop's DynaMesh? technology, which delivers three times the performance of multicast video compared to standard 802.11 wireless networks, to support more robust wireless video surveillance deployments. This patented technology is a standard feature in all of PacketHop's products. It leverages Quality of Service technology optimized for wireless multicast video and proactive routing and multicast algorithms to significantly reduce IP traffic and deliver superior video quality.
Version 3.0 enables public agencies and private enterprises to quickly and cost effectively deploy wireless video surveillance systems in areas that were previously too difficult or expensive to cover. The secure, peer-to-peer nature of the technology enables mobile nodes to see a network-wide view of the available cameras when they arrive at a scene -- increasing the availability of video information to mobile users and providing "drive-up surveillance" capabilities.
Derived directly from customer requests, version 3.0 introduces two new system components that complement PacketHop's mobile-mesh networking communications platform and Aware Application Suite -- a fully-integrated suite of server-less multimedia communications applications.
The PacketHop Mobile Router is a ruggedized device designed to be placed in vehicles, enable the creation of secure, flexible wireless networks and provide real-time access to video cameras. It can be configured to include up to three radios (802.11 a/b/g, 4.9GHz, and/or cellular data) and easily connects to cameras and computers. The PacketHop Mobile Router provides users with video surveillance, multimedia communications and wireless connectivity to the Internet.
The PacketHop Mesh Exchange is an outdoor mesh node that can be affixed to a light pole or to the wall of a building to create a video surveillance "hot zone." When connected to a camera, it delivers real-time, secure video to users. It can be configured to include two radios (802.11 a/b/g and 4.9GHz,) and easily connects to cameras and computers. The PacketHop Mesh Exchange enables users to view real-time video surveillance from more than 3,000 feet away.
The PacketHop Mobile Router, Mesh Exchange and Aware components securely interoperate to form a complete system that can be integrated to satisfy various user needs.
"Version 3.0 enables PacketHop to leverage its expertise in Internet Protocol-based video, wireless networking and mobile-mesh communications to power new video surveillance solutions for public and private security agencies, as well as business and government," said Michael Howse, president and chief executive officer of PacketHop. "The same attributes that are making the PacketHop Communication System successful for first responders -- like quick and easy installation and the industries highest performance video -- will drive adoption in the rapidly growing video surveillance and security markets."
PacketHop will support future radio platforms and standards, like 802.11n, 802.11s and WiMAX. The PacketHop Communication System 3.0 is currently in trials with select customers and will be generally available in the third quarter of this year.
