Links to Wireless Solutions

Wireless Surveillance is Heating Up!

In this issue:

• Wes Simpson Article in TVTechnology on WiFi Issues for Video

• HauteWRAP Gets a Simpler User Interface

• Some Example Success Stories for Mega Pixel Wireless IP Video Surveillance

• Interoperability Testing Information

• "From the Lab" - Layer 2 Addressing and Camera Discovery/Configuration

• Updated Training and Documentation - We have been working hard to make your life easier

Wes Simpson publishes article in TVTechnology on WiFi Issues for Video

In the current edition of TVTechnology Magazine Wes Simpson details the issues that 802.11 CSMA/CA networks have in handling IP Video streaming. This well written article describes the issues very well and provides our own TDMA-like protocol (TLP) as a solution. It makes some interesting reading. See http://www.tvtechnology.com/article/83606

HauteWRAP Gets a Simpler User Interface

With the release of HauteROUTEROS v3.23 we significantly improved and simplified the web interface used by installers and non-technical users to configure HauteWRAP wireless links. With this change, a point to multipoint wireless link that is optimized for video can be set up in less than 5 minutes.

The default router configuration supports the TDMA-like protocol (TLP) which is more secure, offers better performance, has better scalability, and is now much easier to use than 802.11 or 802.11 based mesh products. The simple chart below demonstrates the minimal steps required to set up a basic HauteWRAP system.

Another advantage of the HauteWRAP configuration is that it support true, fully transparent, layer 2 connectivity. This means that MAC layer configuration utilities, unicast and multicast streaming, and similar features will work seamlessly. See From the Lab for more information on this topic.

Contact a HauteSpot distributor or manufacturers representative for more information, pricing, or to request support with your application design. We want to make you successful!

Wireless IP Surveillance Success Stories

Over the last 3 years HauteSpot Networks has sold thousands of wireless routers into all sorts of applications.We would like to just highlight a couple of the innovative applications our integrators have installed.  For security reasons we cannot disclose the locations involved, but would be happy to put customers in touch with the integrators who installed any of these projects.

Lions, Tigers and Bears...

Zoos need surveillance too. In a recent installation, one of our integrators set up a combination of 3 and 5 megapixel H.264 cameras, along with NVR at a municipal zoo. The network was completely wireless and used our HauteWRAP HR-WRAPSXB-9 systems operating on 900MHz. The system works well, transports the video reliably, and overcomes non-line-of-sight limitations in an suburban area at distances up to 1500 feet. The TDMA-like wireless protocol assures plenty of bandwidth and low jitter for high quality megapixel images at good frame rates. The customer saved trenching and construction costs. The animals are all now well protected.

Transportation Security

Over 18 months ago a system integrator installed a wireless IP surveillance system around the primary US Customs entry point rail yard for a major metropolitan area. This system included 30 H.264 cameras placed around the perimeter of the yard. All video was wirelessly networked back to a main monitoring point at the railroad police office using 5GHz where an NVR recorded all events. The integrator installed HauteWRAP HR-WRAPDXB-25 dual radio routers at each camera.

The dual radio systems allows both network connectivity back to the monitoring station and wireless access for video on truck mounted laptop computers which roam the rail yard. When an event occurs, the police officers in the vehicle can immediately view high resolution video directly from the NVR fed from any camera in the yard. The in-vehicle systems run in 2.4GHz.

This system has been fully functional for the last 18 months and was approved by DHS for use in this very sensitive infrastructure location. The network uses Ethernet over IP tunnels to control bandwidth allocation between ingest and playback, segregates internet traffic from surveillance traffic, and supports full TCP/IP connectivity to the in vehicle systems for web access and email. Advanced Encryption Standard security is fully employed on top of the TDMA-like protocol for a complete, video optimized solution.

Robotics

Unmanned vehicles of all types require wireless networks for control and for video. Many vehicles, be they Unmanned Ground Vehicles (UGV) or Unmanned Air Vehicles (UAV) are designed for intelligence gathering. Video, audio and meta data (GPS location, sensor data, etc) are critical. And real time control is essential, so latency must be minimized.

One major UGV manufacturer has been using HauteSpot wireless routers in their vehicles for two years. The manufacturer makes autonomous target vehicles for the U.S. military. These vehicles drive around on a range in the middle of the desert, 20 miles from their command center. HauteSpot HR-WRAPCX-2 wireless station routers are mounted in the vehicles and then HauteSpot HR-WRAPDXB-29 units are placed along the track of the vehicles. Video is streamed from IP cameras inside the vehicles to the command center using both 2.4GHz and 900MHz.

The cameras allow live view of the operating area of the vehicle and allow it to avoid objects or people who cross their path. While the range is on a secure military base, there are people who try to cross the range and pose safety risks.

The HauteWRAPCX-2 was chosen for it's ruggedness, durability, RF performance, flexibility, and superior video performance.

Interoperability and Testing Update

Adequate testing for interoperability between IP surveillance components is essential and HauteSpot continues to work with it's technology partners to assure that products work together seamlessly.

During this testing we have learned much about what works best over wireless IP links. A key consideration is the streaming transport mechanism. This is something that few integrators consider  when selecting IP Cameras or NVRs. Wireless networks are typically half duplex, meaning that only one end of a link can be transmitting at any time. Protocols that require bi-directional traffic such as acknowledgements (TFTP) or get requests (HTTP) in order to keep sending, are less desirable on wireless links than stateless protocols (MPEG TS or RTSP/RTP). There are HauteSpot solutions for virtually any requirement, but sometimes these solutions are complex or expensive to implement. It is always better to select the right architecture for your application from the outset.

Of course, the other main consideration is the compression algorithm that is used by the camera. Wireless networks are constrained by available bandwidth. Where ever possible use the best compression possible (H.264). Avoid using MJPEG or other less compressive technologies. 

The following products are spec compliant to operate with HauteSpot HauteWRAP and HauteROUTER product families. Where in lab testing has been conducted, note indicates. Where appropriate, notes apply:

IP Cameras

ACTi

Arecont Vision

Avigilon

Axis

HikVision

IQInvision

IOImage

Mobotix

Panasonic

Sony

Toshiba

Network Video Recorders

ACTi

Arecont Vision

Avigilon

Axis

ExacqVision

Genetec

HikVision

IOImage

Milestone

Mobotix

OnSSI

Updated Training and Documentation

In light of all of the new features and capabilities of our products, we have been diligently working to refresh all of our training and documentation. If you have not recently visited our technical support web site, you should make an effort to do so. Our technical support site is open to customers who have purchased our products, distributors, and resellers.

Directions for logging into the support web site are included in every product package and are included on the web interface of our products. We do ask that users not share access to our web site with those who have not purchased product from us.

Documentation, training, and support tools are part of the overall HauteSpot Networks value proposition. We hope you take advantage of these valuable resources.

http://www.hautespot.net/support

HauteSpot Products Announces Distribution Availability

Last month HauteSpot Networks finalized distribution capabilities with both Anixter and Graybar Electric. In both cases, customers can order HauteSpot products through these distributors under their normal terms. Customers may need to talk to HauteSpot sales reps in order to determine the proper equipment for their needs. They can then provide the list of material to either of the distributors for fulfillment. Since this is a new capability, not all distributor locations may be aware of how to order our products. Please ask them to call HauteSpot Networks directly for fulfillment details.

To learn more about investment opportunities at HauteSpot Networks contact investors@hautespot.net .

We are always looking for capable Value Added Resellers, System Integrators and Security Installers to resell our products. Please contact us if you have experience in the security, public safety, law enforcement or broadcast markets and are interested in working with us. We prefer VARs and Integrators who are already familiar with IP cameras, networking and similar technologies.

We provide an aggressive discounts, terrific support, and great products that really work.