 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
||||||
|
|
|
|
|
||
 |
||||||
During the last three quarters, we have completed several design projects. These include wireless broadband system, several point-to-point microwave systems and the development of a detailed procurement specification for a major expansion to a P25 two-way radio system. This is intended to provide an indication of what we have been working on lately. If you have similar needs, please contact us to discuss them or obtain a quotation.
BROADBAND OUTDOOR DATA NETWORK FOR ITS SYSTEM If you are interested in knowing more about these projects, or have similar needs, please contact us. BROADBAND OUTDOOR DATA NETWORK FOR ITS SYSTEM Last year, we designed a city-wide broadband data system for for a medium-sized city in Texas. The system included a point-to-multipoint area coverage network, and point-to-point links connecting the multipoint hubs to each other and the Traffic Management Center (TMC) and Public Safety Center (PSC). The project also included engineering high capacity links to extend existing fiber facilities to the PSC, and to interconnect the PSC and TMC so that each location has access to the same information. The objective was to provide a wireless alternative to installing fiber to over 80 locations throughout the 30 sq-mi city. Most of the locations are intersections, and the system design provides connectivity between the TMC and the traffic signal controllers at the intersections. The initial design consisted of 27 CCTV locations for traffic surveillance, 44 traffic signal controller locations, 8 traffic DMS locations and 18 AVI reader locations. The system design also included 7 CCTV locations for surveillance in city parks and 6 DMS locations also in city parks. The prime contractor for the project provided the initial requirements for the project. This included locations, connectivity and the type equipment being deployed at each location. Preliminary system designs were developed for a point-to-multipoint area coverage system providing network access for the cameras, signal controllers, DMS and AVI readers. High capacity point-to-point links were engineered to interconnect the three multipoint hubs to the PSC and TMC, connect two existing fiber routes to the PSC and interconnect the PSC and TMC. The preliminary design was field verified to collect precise data on each site and potential obstructions along the radio paths, and to assure that all radio paths were viable. The results of the field verification were used to produce the final design and develop equipment lists and installation costs. The costs were used for budgeting and the design report was used to prepare the RFP for the project. The field verification activities also included spectrum analyses at each site, the results of which were used develop frequency plans for both the point-to-multipoint and point-to-point systems. MW LINK DESIGNS FOR TRAFFIC VIDEO Late last year we also began design work on three MW radio systems that will be used by TxDOT to provide communications for CCTV cameras used for highway traffic surveillance. Sixteen camera locations were provided along two sections of Interstate 45 and one section of US-75. The preliminary design activities included developing path profiles, link budgets and capacity analyses. The initial path analyses were based on typical structure heights for the camera poles, and high-resolution USGS aerial photography was used to estimate obstruction heights along the radio paths. The preliminary designs were field verified by locating the radio path centerlines in the field and collecting height and location data on potential obstructions identified during the preliminary design activities. Data was also take on additional obstructions discovered in the field during the verification process. This data was used in the office to adjust site locations and antenna heights where necessary, and to develop the final design. Since the system is being deployed using license-exempt equipment, the field verification activities also included spectrum analysis at each radio site, the results of the results of which were used to develop a frequency plan for deploying the system. P25 PROCUREMENT SPECIFICATION FOR LIGHT RAIL SYSTEM The most significant project during the last several months has been the development of a procurement specification for a P25 radio system expansion for a light rail system in a major US city. This project had three components: Existing System Analysis, Needs Assessment and Specification Development. During the analysis of the existing analog trunked system, current operations were evaluated and used to develop and formally document a baseline system configuration. This baseline included system capability, operational utilization, numbers of users, and traffic loading. Next, the expansion plans for extending the light rail system were evaluated and the staff was interviewed. The future plans for staffing were recorded, and information was collected on future needs and capabilities. This information was formally documented in a Needs Assessment report. The Existing System Analysis and Needs Assessment were used to develop a procurement specification for a P25 replacement system. The replacement system used the base stations of an existing county-wide P25 system, and added IP consoles, IP networking equipment, IP VLR equipment and P25 mobile radios. This specification addressed all aspects of the procurement, including: equipment specifications, installation details, workmanship standards, quality assurance and performance verification, and project administration and management processes. It referenced the appropriate standards for light rail systems, electronic systems, electrical materials and installation techniques. During the last three quarters, we provided expert support in a legal case involving a dispute between an installation contractor and system operator. In it, we provided support to the plaintiff's legal team on the normal and customary system implementation processes, and what typically happens when these processes are not followed. The outcome was that the case was settled before going to trial. Version 1.2 Revised 4/22/2010 |
||||||
 |
||||||