Cost-Effective, Flexible On-Site Communications and Surveillance

The temporary and constantly changing nature of construction sites creates special challenges not found in other networking applications. The site itself transforms daily. The workers even change from day to day as phases get completed and different subcontractors come and go. Construction sites also have a high incidence of theft and vandalism. Tools and building materials disappear, and equipment is damaged or sabotaged. These and other unique characteristics create a need for flexible information access and security monitoring.

Wired Networks
It can be impractical or impossible to use traditional wired network solutions. Where cabling has been installed, its deployment has proven to be disruptive, expensive, inflexible and prone to damage.

Traditional Wireless Networks
A large piece of heavy equipment on the move, or the rising building itself can render a fixed wireless solution useless.

A Wireless Mesh Network overcomes these dificulties. Built of peer radio devices that don't have to be cabled to a wired port like traditional WLAN access points do, these networks have the ability to self form and self heal, overcoming wireless line-of-sight limitations and even making a detailed site survey unneccesary. Mesh networking technology was originally designed by the U.S. Department of Defense for battlefield communications, Mesh networking technology, so security, rugged reliability and ease of use were major factors.

With a Firetide HotPort^® mesh network, you can easily and cost-effectively install, change, move and remove a site-wide voice, video and data communications network.

The network functions as a virtual Ethernet switch, so you can connect
 - wireless access points to improve communications and productivity
 - video security cameras to protect assets
 - field office networks
 - gateways to the Internet or other networks
all with no need for an on-site network administrator because the mesh is self-configuring and self-managing

Mesh nodes can
 - be indoors or outdoors or both
 - become mobile on a vehicle or crane
 - be taken to the next job site once the building project is complete.