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The challenge

The airport required both fixed and mobile communications systems. The fixed system was required as a back-up communications system for the main fibre optic communications network. The mobile system was required for security operations based on mobile vehicles. Wireless broadband was recognized as the best solution, particularly because it eliminates problems with wired infrastructures (which can be damaged during on-going construction activities) and also works freely as a mobile solution.

About Talcom

Talcom specializes in the integration of wireless systems, including the planning, implementation and maintenance of wireless communications solutions. Representing leading international wireless companies, the company's customised and comprehensive solutions have been used in a range of projects around the world, including wireless data and video communications solutions at several airports around the world, from the USA and Israel to Thailand, Italy, Cambodia and Eastern Europe. Talcom is an Alvarion Expert Partner.

Wireless Communications system used for mobile connectivity

The Solution

Once the first phase of establishing the initial security infrastructure (such as fences and wired communications) was completed, a second phase focusing on the mobile solution began in 2005. Following extensive field trials with a number of vendors, Alvarion was selected as the only vendor capable of providing continuous full video streaming for moving vehicles, and after a short implementation period, the project went live at the end of 2006. Today, the solution consists of 70 outdoor cameras, some of which are thermal for night vision, 5 patrol vehicles equipped with custom-made suitcases offering full mobility and seamless roaming capabilities, and 5 base stations. Offering more than 10 Mbps throughput per vehicle and over 20 Mbps for clusters of video cameras, the solution covers the whole range of the airport (4 x 8 km).

This deployment is a complete, mobile integrated security solution that connects buildings and provides 24/7 video surveillance and voice connectivity. The data services are both a back-up for fibre-based building connectivity, as well as part of the mobile solution application which also offers video and voice services. Consequently, security personnel on patrol have full flexibility, even when having to step out of their vehicles, since they are permanently connected to the network, from their PCs in their vehicles to their PDAs and Wi-Fi phones, enabling them to control cameras from their vehicles or PDAs. Since the solution went operational, there has been no down-time and it has not been necessary to replace any wireless device.