US Armed Forces Facility
The client, a federal agency, sought a ‘CCTV upgrade,’ for which VIRSIG's solution was to provide and install, new high-megapixel surveillance cameras combined with a high-security network. The install included providing new single mode fiber optic cable. Then, a series of Cisco Catalyst switches were installed, these are designed to deliver unified communications, wireless, IP video, and other applications. These switches utilize Cisco TrustSec technology which provides secures access to the network and resources, whether wired, wireless, or VPN, making sure those endpoint devices are authorized and the network remain healthy. The switches were paired with GBIC interfaces—high-speed, plug-and-play, hot swappable devices that linked the existing Ethernet system to the new fiber optic system.
In summary, VIRSIG delivered a custom-built surveillance system that provided the client with true crisp and clear video, a system that was meticulously designed, installed and rapidly ready for operational use
Largest Sporting Event in the USA
Major Municipal Police Department
One of the largest police departments in the United States, was looking for a strong solution to protect the perimeter of a few stand-alone large buildings, in a semi-urban environment. The solution was for Virsig to provide a series of Sony sixth generation (G6) HD network cameras that enhance image visibility in extremely challenging lighting conditions. These were paired with Optex Redwall Laser scan detectors, innovative laser sensors that utilize time-of-flight (TOF) technology to detect a moving object's size, speed, and distance from the detector and process that information with a unique algorithm. This results in high-reliability detection of people vs. objects vs. animals, with minimal false alarms. Optex scan detectors offers a wide detection area that functions like an invisible wall, and unlike cameras—Optex sensors work in total darkness, and can be set to automatically control PTZ cameras. Firetide Hotport Wireless Mesh Nodes were utilized to bridge video and data transmission from building to building. Additionally, NVT Ethernet over Coax devices were employed because they allow Ethernet and PoE power to be proficiently transmitted over very long distances.
The agency was entirely satisfied with their new security infrastructure which employed leading-edge technology to protect their facilities—a redundant system which works just as good in the dark of night, as it does in day light.
VIRSIG worked with their client, New York Road Runners, to deploy a networked electronic security push package that increased overall situational awareness at the 2014 TCS New York City Marathon. First was the installation of infrastructure cable at the starting point of the marathon at Fort Wadsworth, a former full time US military installation in the borough of Staten Island. VIRSIG installed a high-availability network with spans over 3,000’ across the open space at Fort Wadsworth. Due to limitations of signal over long cable runs, VIRSIG employed reliable transmission equipment that was provided by Network Video Technologies (NVT). The NVT TBus Ethernet Transmitters provided Ethernet over coax (EoC). Ultimately, close to four miles of communication cable was installed; from pole to pole, over structures, along fences and high up between trees, the cable was strung to provide digital information transport for surveillance cameras, voice annunciators, media broadcast, and digital signage—including the large Jumbotrons used on the day of the marathon.
Weeks prior to the race, VIRSIG conducted an advance walk-through Central Park with the police department. This was the day that locations where equipment would go was determined. The plan was simple, follow along the route, install equipment, energize it, send data signals back to the race command center. Cameras, wireless nodes, antennas and technicians went to the street, hanging the equipment in strategic pole locations. The NYC Department of Transportation (DOT) worked with VIRSIG to keep the light poles energized at all times, so the power to operate the technology would be tapped from the pole itself.
VIRSIG installed a wall of commercial grade monitors in the race command center (RCC) to be used as part of the primary camera viewing station. They utilized a Seneca viewing station in the command center to control tactical camera operations, and a redundant Seneca xVault server off-location at the marathon’s network trailer. Firetide Hotview Pro software was installed on the system to provide initial setup and monitoring of the network. One of the advantages of the Firetide wireless network is that it’s comparable in performance and reliability to fiber optics. The server was Milestone Systems Xprotect, this powerful video management software was the engine for the marathon’s Smart Wall, which VIRSIG installed, offering up to 36 simultaneous camera views available to be displayed in the RCC.
Installation of Firetide nodes, antennas and Sony cameras, continued through rain and shine. Cameras were installed both on the city streets and within Central Park. Utilizing the Firetide wireless nodes, in some locations, the video signal was able to be directed from below grade up and to the top of the utility poles on Central Park West, an ascent of approximately 140 feet (~43m). Even through leafy trees, the nodes provided a strong signal and were the perfect solution for transmitting effortlessly over the distance and elevation.
One camera would record the race finish and capture the crossing of the finish line by every participant, and another was positioned post-finish to observe the chokepoint that is a sensitive area behind the race finish. Several times during the race at various points, Milestone Systems’ mobile client was utilized to push video from smart phones to the RCC and the Virsig viewing station. Milestone’s mobile client was also used to monitor the cameras.
The race went on till after dark, and while the last runners were wrapping up the course at Central Park—the Sony IPELA cameras still demonstrated amazingly bright clear images. The VIRSIG-engineered push package which helped at the largest sporting event in the USA, was supported by some of the world’s leading technology companies: Firetide (a UNICOM Global company), Sony, Milestone Systems, Network Video Technologies, and Seneca--together, everyone worked to make the overall operation a success.