05/06/2008
Portable IP command system for law enforcement
Boston, USA
The wireless system, explains Fluidmesh V.P. of sales Cosimo Malesci, is based on the FM2200 dual-radio platform and can operate on the 2.4, 4.9, and 5.1-5.9 GHz range to provide maximum flexibility in the deployment. "Fluidmesh proprietary transmission protocol guarantees a rock solid network and extremely low latency," he adds. "The system supports both omni-directional and directional antennas and a link distance up to 5 miles in line of sight. The wireless mesh network is fully controllable from the head end through a Web interface
which strongly reduces deployment time."
According to Wes Zimmerli, vice president of Unilux, Ltd., "The system consists of four IP cameras, four BlueSky tripod towers that can extend up to 18 feet in the air using guide cables for safety, and four Fluidmesh wireless network radios that act as transmitters, receivers or
repeaters automatically. All components are powered by 12-volt batteries for complete versatility." Video is transmitted wirelessly between towers and the Command station, he explains. The mesh system provides automatic connection and full-time monitoring of the network traffic to provide fast and reliable transmission. The Command Unit Master receives video from all four towers simultaneously through typical near-line-of-sight network
transmission.
The entire system is contained in four hard cases, four tripod bags and one case for the Command unit. The Command unit may be mounted in a permanent situation on a command or tactical vehicle, or may also be used in a more portable situation through the use of a fifth tripod. Alternative antennas may be purchased for longer range tactical situations. The system is versatile and enables the user to only use one or two towers, or all four at once. There is room to expand by simply purchasing additional towers that automatically connect to the existing system.
Detective Scott Sube of the Montgomery County Police Department in Maryland notes that "The Department has recently purchased a UniNet 4001 system. The system will be utilized at hostage/barricade incidents and mass demonstration events to provide on-scene intelligence
gathering. Via the remote access capabilities, video from the scene can be viewed over the Internet to any authorized user."