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BICSI 2008 Spring Conference Field Report

Jun 1, 2008 12:00 PM, By Joe Knisley, Senior Editorial Consultant

In “The Total Cost of Ownership: IP Surveillance vs. Analog,” Kevin Doyle, Axis Communications, Chelmsford, Mass., presented an independent study, confirming the advantage of IP-based transmission protocols and digital capture and record equipment compared to older analog cameras and storage methods. Using a test case involving 40 cameras, 30 of which were indoor-fixed dome type, the report found the total cost of ownership for the IP system to be less than the legacy system. Other advantages include: superior scalability, greater flexibility in deployment (if Power-over-Ethernet (PoE) is used), a superior image, and a higher screen resolution using megapixel resolution. The UTP cabling is also easier to troubleshoot than coaxial cabling, and the IP-based system allows remote monitoring over the Internet. PoE refers to the injection of electric power onto the UTP network wiring, eliminating the need to create an external power supply for each security camera.

In “2008 National Electrical Code Update,” Raymond Heintel, Westlake Reed Lekosky, Cleveland, reviewed the changes in the Code that are relevant to the ITS industry, while also noting that the latest edition has better language, new definitions, and a revised numbering system, which offers unification benefits in the future. Specifically, there is a new definition of bonding and a clarification on use of screws in Sec. 250.8, Connectors. He also explained changes relating to bonding of equipment and use of conductors with green insulation for other than equipment grounding purposes, abandoned cable, surge arresters, classified locations, and protection of wiring.

In “Wireless Project Management: Building the 3^rd Generation Broadband Wireless Network,” Don Nelson, Nelson Consulting Associates, Clifton Park, N.Y., described the race to bring ultra-fast wireless Internet service to consumers across the nation. The biggest IT news story of the year is the auctioning by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) of some of the bandwidth used for analog TV broadcasting, specifically UHF channels 52 through 69. With the impending switch to digital television, this portion of the broadcast spectrum is particularly important. This 60 MHz of spectrum is the last prime real estate for mobile communications that will be available in the United States for decades to come. Lying in the 700-MHz band, substantially below the 800- to 850-MHz and 1900-MHz frequencies already used for mobile phones, it will have specific advantages — namely the ability to penetrate buildings with ease and travel great distances. This frequency package has been dubbed “ocean-front property” because of its value in the wireless industry.

Two nationwide phone companies, Verizon and AT&T, were the big bidders in a March auction of this air space. This bandwidth will allow these two companies to encroach on cable companies' turf by offering video, data, and voice service, along with wireless phone services. But cable companies are responding with their own wireless strategies. One new venture has Sprint and Clearwire, a start-up company, joining with cable TV giants Comcast and Time Warner Cable, Internet giant Google, and chipmaker Intel in this type of venture. The plan involves a national WiMax wireless voice and data network that will feature Internet download speeds of a cable connection and the reach of a cellular phone network.

In addition, over the next three years, U.S. cities and towns will pay up to nearly $700 million to build municipal WiFi networks, predicts an industry source. Nelson also described the opportunities that will present themselves for ITS professionals based on this $20 billion undertaking, according to a recent article in The Wall Street Journal written by Amol Sharma and Vishesh Kumar. Workers with skills in project management, RF engineering, network design, site acquisition, and site construction will be in high demand.

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© 2012 Penton Business Media, Inc.

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