New Case Studies Archives | Actelis Networks https://actelis.com Global Supplier of Managed Ethernet Switches For Hybrid Networks of Fiber and Copper Wed, 02 Oct 2024 15:36:54 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=5.9.10 Instant Broadband for Affordable Housing – Residents go from 28 Mbps to 1 Gig with cost-effective GL900 solution https://actelis.com/instant-broadband-for-affordable-housing/ Tue, 01 Oct 2024 18:42:10 +0000 https://actelis.com/?p=41139 The Wrong Side of the Digital Divide Residents in an affordable housing high rise in an urban area of Ohio were relying on slow internet (28 Mbps) which they were getting for free, but it was not meeting their bandwidth needs. A local non-profit group was awarded $20 million to deliver a low-cost internet program throughout the city delivering a minimum of 100 Mbps per customer for a price of $18/month. As part of the award, the group promised to connect a specific number of homes in a very short time frame, so time was of the essence. On their list of properties needing to be upgraded was a specific […]

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The Wrong Side of the Digital Divide

Residents in an affordable housing high rise in an urban area of Ohio were relying on slow internet (28 Mbps) which they were getting for free, but it was not meeting their bandwidth needs.

A local non-profit group was awarded $20 million to deliver a low-cost internet program throughout the city delivering a minimum of 100 Mbps per customer for a price of $18/month. As part of the award, the group promised to connect a specific number of homes in a very short time frame, so time was of the essence. On their list of properties needing to be upgraded was a specific high rise that provides eligible low-income individuals and families with quality, safe, affordable housing.

Residents in affordable housing units are, in many cases, on the wrong side of the “Digital Divide” because they cannot afford to pay a high monthly fee for high-speed broadband services. Programs are being developed across the United States to address this issue, but it takes time, resources, and the right technology to close the current gap. The high rise was built in 1955 and refurbished in 1990 so the telecommunications wiring in the building is made up of twisted pair phone lines.

The Challenge

The local non-profit group, acting as the ISP, needed to find a solution that would deliver the high-speed broadband services they promised but needed to find a cost-effective way to enable those services utilizing the existing wiring in the building. Installing fiber in a 60-year-old building was not an option because it would have been very expensive and disruptive to the residents. Cable was also not an option because the building was not wired for coax.

The ideal solution would not only be cost-effective but would also meet the grant requirements specified for affordable housing units.

The local non-profit group, acting as the ISP, needed to find a solution that would deliver the high-speed broadband services they promised but needed to find a cost-effective way to enable those services utilizing the existing wiring in the building.

Installing fiber in a 60-year-old building was not an option because it would have been very expensive and disruptive to the residents. Cable was also not an option because the building was not wired for coax.

The ideal solution would not only be cost-effective but would also meet the grant requirements specified for affordable housing units.

The Solution

ESS Networks, a highly experienced telecommunications integrator, was selected to provide the right solution for this critical project. ESS specializes in high-density private housing, government programs, as well as business and residential connections. The ESS team chose to partner with Actelis Networks and deploy the company’s GigaLine 900 solution within the high rise.

ESS Networks, a highly experienced telecommunications integrator, was selected to provide the right solution for this critical project. ESS specializes in high-density private housing, government programs, as well as business and residential connections. The ESS team chose to partner with Actelis Networks and deploy the company’s GigaLine 900 solution within the high rise.

The GigaLine 900 dynamically allocates Gigabit, fiber-grade services to each apartment unit utilizing the existing phone lines or coax within the walls of the building or via Ethernet. It is quick to deploy and a very cost-effective way for ISPs to bring broadband services to residents that need more bandwidth. The solution is environmentally friendly as well, with a power consumption of only 5 watts.

The GigaLine 900 solution is made up of the GL916, a 16-port G.hn PON extender that is typically deployed in the telecom room or basement of the building, and the GL91, a very compact G.hn Ethernet bridge that is placed in each apartment and connected to the customer’s WiFi gateway. Each GL916 can bring services to up to 16 apartments. Multiple GL916’s can be stacked to reach more apartments. The GL91 is able to interface with any WiFi gateway.

In the case of the high rise, service was being delivered into the building by a fixed wireless access point (Siklu mmWave) on the roof. The signal was converted to Ethernet and connected to the GL916 device in the telecom room. Each GL91 was connected to a MikroTik hAP WiFi router in each apartment unit.

The GigaLine 900 dynamically allocates Gigabit, fiber-grade services to each apartment unit utilizing the existing phone lines or coax within the walls of the building or via Ethernet. It is quick to deploy and a very cost-effective way for ISPs to bring broadband services to residents that need more bandwidth. The solution is environmentally friendly as well, with a power consumption of only 5 watts.

The GigaLine 900 solution is made up of the GL916, a 16-port G.hn PON extender that is typically deployed in the telecom room or basement of the building, and the GL91, a very compact G.hn Ethernet bridge that is placed in each apartment and connected to the customer’s WiFi gateway. Each GL916 can bring services to up to 16 apartments. Multiple GL916’s can be stacked to reach more apartments. The GL91 is able to interface with any WiFi gateway.

In the case of the high rise, service was being delivered into the building by a fixed wireless access point (Siklu mmWave) on the roof. The signal was converted to Ethernet and connected to the GL916 device in the telecom room. Each GL91 was connected to a MikroTik hAP WiFi router in each apartment unit.

Before deployment, ESS staff tested the viability of the phone lines. In most instances, ESS was able to utilize the existing twisted pair phone lines to connect each apartment. When that was not possible, their team connected the GigaLine 900 solution with Ethernet cabling.

Before deployment, ESS staff tested the viability of the phone lines. In most instances, ESS was able to utilize the existing twisted pair phone lines to connect each apartment. When that was not possible, their team connected the GigaLine 900 solution with Ethernet cabling.

The Outcome

In a short amount of time, the ESS team was able to deliver broadband services to residents within the high rise, providing much needed bandwidth (with the option for up to 1 Gig symmetrical) for internet access and streaming. Even though residents are paying a very low price for their internet services, the ISP’s return on investment on the Actelis solution is less than 1 year. Additionally, connecting the high rise so quickly means that the non-profit group can move on to connecting other buildings in the city, helping them to keep their stated goals of deploying affordable internet services throughout the city.

Even more importantly, residents in the high rise now have access to services that many people take for granted. They can use the tremendous increase in bandwidth for work, school, and leisure, providing much needed improvement in their way of life.

 

In a short amount of time, the ESS team was able to deliver broadband services to residents within the high rise, providing much needed bandwidth (with the option for up to 1 Gig symmetrical) for internet access and streaming. Even though residents are paying a very low price for their internet services, the ISP’s return on investment on the Actelis solution is less than 1 year. Additionally, connecting the high rise so quickly means that the non-profit group can move on to connecting other buildings in the city, helping them to keep their stated goals of deploying affordable internet services throughout the city.

Even more importantly, residents in the high rise now have access to services that many people take for granted. They can use the tremendous increase in bandwidth for work, school, and leisure, providing much needed improvement in their way of life.

Learn how we enable instant broadband connectivity within MDUs.
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Modernize. Digitize. Protect.

Actelis helps ISPs modernize their networks in a fast, cost-effective way, while helping to close the digital divide with instant and secure Gigabit services.

Related products

GigaLine 900

  • Intelligent XG-PON/Gigabit fiber extender/splitter
  • 2.5 Gbps/1 Gbps uplink to support sixteen 1 Gbps customers with symmetrical services over existing copper or coax
  • Green solution – Power consumption is less than 5W
  • Immediate service turn-up in just a few hours
  • High Quality of Experience (QoE)
  • Crosstalk free
  • Intelligent XG-PON/Gigabit fiber extender/splitter
  • 2.5 Gbps/1 Gbps uplink to support up to 16 1 Gbps customers with symmetrical services over existing copper or coax
  • Green solution – Power consumption is less than 5W
  • Immediate service turn-up in just a few hours
  • High Quality of Experience (QoE)
  • Crosstalk free
Learn More

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]]> Enabling Instant & Reliable Broadband Services For Multi-Dwelling Units   https://actelis.com/enabling-instant-reliable-broadband-services-for-multi-dwelling-units/ Mon, 29 Apr 2024 12:21:53 +0000 https://actelis.com/?p=39981 Eliminating the Need for Rewiring & Tenant Disruption Millions of MDUs Remain Unconnected to Broadband Services Tens of millions of multi-dwelling units (MDUs) around the world remain unserved or underserved with broadband services. Deployment of broadband services for multi-dwelling units (especially older MDUs) has been a challenge for providers for a number of reasons but when those challenges are overcome, there is great revenue potential because of the number of subscribers living within one building. 67% of US multi-family housing buildings were built before 19801 and are not likely to be wired for fiber. 46% of the European population lives in a flat2 providing a very large addressable market. $500 […]

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Eliminating the Need for Rewiring & Tenant Disruption

Millions of MDUs Remain Unconnected to Broadband Services

Tens of millions of multi-dwelling units (MDUs) around the world remain unserved or underserved with broadband services. Deployment of broadband services for multi-dwelling units (especially older MDUs) has been a challenge for providers for a number of reasons but when those challenges are overcome, there is great revenue potential because of the number of subscribers living within one building.

67%

of US multi-family housing buildings were built before 19801 and are not likely to be wired for fiber.

46%

of the European population lives in a flat2 providing a very large addressable market.

$500 to
$1,000

cost per door to rewire a building for fiber3 (varies by region)

$700 to
$900

average monthly lost revenue by not serving a 16 unit building4 (varies by region)

Current Challenges

1. There are many existing and potential customers living within MDUs that providers cannot serve today with Gigabit services

A provider may have successfully deployed fiber to a building or installed a fixed wireless antenna on the roof but that is only half the battle. The majority of multi-family buildings do not have available fiber within the walls of the building, which may be limiting potential revenue opportunities because Gigabit services cannot be deployed.

2. Rewiring a building with fiber

  • High Cost: Wiring a building for fiber can cost up to $1,000 per door depending on where the building is located. This is a large amount of money that needs to be invested upfront with no guaranteed ROI timeline.
  • Time: Building rewiring takes time away from deploying other projects. There is pre-planning with the landlord and IT staff, design work, and installation, all of which takes the focus away from other revenue generating opportunities.
  • Landlord: The landlord may not want to incur the cost of rewiring the building or may not approve because it could disrupt the lifestyle of the tenants.

1. There are many existing and potential customers living within MDUs that providers cannot serve today with Gigabit services

A provider may have successfully deployed fiber to a building or installed a fixed wireless antenna on the roof but that is only half the battle. The majority of multi-family buildings do not have available fiber within the walls of the building, which may be limiting potential revenue opportunities because Gigabit services cannot be deployed.

2. Rewiring a building with fiber

  • High Cost: Wiring a building for fiber can cost up to $1,000 per door depending on where the building is located. This is a large amount of money that needs to be invested upfront with no guaranteed ROI timeline.
  • Time: Building rewiring takes time away from deploying other projects. There is pre-planning with the landlord and IT staff, design work, and installation, all of which takes the focus away from other revenue generating opportunities.
  • Landlord: The landlord may not want to incur the cost of rewiring the building or may not approve because it could disrupt the lifestyle of the tenants.

The Solution

Instant Fiber-Grade Gigabit MDU Connectivity
Utilizing Existing Coax or Telephone Wires

Instant Fiber-Grade Gigabit MDU Connectivity
Utilizing Existing Coax or Telephone Wires

It doesn’t matter how you get to the building.

Actelis distributes Gigabit services throughout the building.

A Hybrid Approach To Networking

Actelis’ hybrid-fiber technology takes in the fiber or Ethernet connection running to the building. It extends that connectivity over the wiring already available in the building, either copper or coax, to give customers the most cost-effective time-to-market solution to deliver broadband services.

Fiber-Grade Performance Over Existing Wiring

The Actelis solution boosts the performance of the existing copper or coax to give it the speed and quality of fiber. With our patented technology, Gigabit speeds can be achieved and interference is removed.

A Hybrid Approach To Networking

Actelis’ hybrid-fiber technology takes in the fiber or Ethernet connection running to the building. It extends that connectivity over the wiring already available in the building, either copper or coax, to give customers the most cost-effective time-to-market solution to deliver broadband services.

Fiber-Grade Performance Over Existing Wiring

Actelis’ hybrid-fiber technology takes in the fiber or Ethernet connection running to the building. It extends that connectivity over the wiring already available in the building, either copper or coax, to give customers the most cost-effective time-to-market solution to deliver broadband services.

GL900 Multiplexer

  • Intelligent XG-PON/Gigabit fiber extender/splitter over copper or coax
  • Green solution – Power consumption is less than 5W
  • Immediate service turn-up in less than 1 hour
  • 10X less costly than a pure fiber installation
  • 2.5 Gbps/1 Gbps uplink to support up to 16 1 Gbps customers with symmetrical services
  • Utilizes G.hn technology
  • High Quality of Experience (QoE)
  • Provides an easily replicable solution for additional MDUs

In-Building Gigabit Solution for MDUs

GigaLine 900

  • Intelligent XG-PON/Gigabit fiber extender/splitter over copper or coax
  • Green solution – Power consumption is less than 5W
  • Immediate service turn-up in less than 1 hour
  • 10X less costly than a pure fiber installation
  • 2.5 Gbps/1 Gbps uplink to support up to 16      1 Gbps customers with symmetrical services
  • Utilizes G.hn technology
  • High Quality of Experience (QoE)
  • Provides an easily replicable solution for additional MDUs

Example MDU Deployments with GigaLine 900

Use Case #1

Fiber to the Building

  • GigaLine 900 (GL900) installed in basement.
  • The GL900 unit can be reversed powered, eliminating the need for a dedicated power source.
  • Each GL900 connects up to 16 units utilizing existing copper or coax. Scale the solution for smaller or larger buildings.
  • Gigabit broadband services are dynamically allocated.
  • Downstream and Upstream ratio are automatically responsive for each customer.
  • GigaLine 900 (GL900) installed in basement.
  • The GL900 unit can be reversed powered, eliminating the need for a dedicated power source.
  • Each GL900 connects up to 16 units utilizing existing copper or coax. Scale the solution for smaller or larger buildings.
  • Gigabit broadband services are dynamically allocated.
  • Downstream and Upstream ratio are automatically responsive for each customer.
Broadband connectivity for multi-dwelling units

Use Case #2

Fixed Wireless to the Building

  • Wireless antenna on roof or side of building.
  • Ethernet cable installed indoor or outdoor connects to GL900 installed within building.
  • GL900 unit can be reverse powered, eliminating need for a power source.
  • Each GL900 connects up to 16 units utilizing existing copper or coax. Scale the solution for smaller or larger buildings.
  • Gigabit broadband services are dynamically allocated.
  • Downstream and Upstream ratio are automatically responsive for each customer.
  • Wireless antenna on roof or side of building.
  • Ethernet cable installed indoor or outdoor connects to GL900 installed within building.
  • The GL900 unit can be reversed powered, eliminating the need for a dedicated power source.
  • Each GL900 connects up to 16 units utilizing existing copper or coax. Scale the solution for smaller or larger buildings.
  • Dynamically allocated Gigabit broadband services.
  • Downstream and Upstream ratio are automatically responsive for each customer.

Key Benefits

of Actelis' Broadband Solutions for
Multi- Dwelling Units

of Actelis' Broadband Solutions for Multi- Dwelling Units

Broadband services enabled in just one hour

Expand your reach and coverage where fiber deployment is cost prohibitive

See a return on your investment in just a few months

Environmentally friendly solution

Benefit
How?
Instant new revenue and fast ROI
No waiting for fiber to be deployed through the building. Get broadband connectivity in less than 1 hour in MDUs that are unserved or underserved with a solution that pays for itself in just a few months. Also reduces customer churn by offering a superior solution.
Saves up to 10X the cost of building rewiring
Rewiring a building for fiber can cost up to $1,000 per door. Save that money by deploying the GigaLine 900 for a significantly lower cost.
Repeatability and no construction
Installation of the GL900 requires no construction. Just put it in the basement and connect it with the existing wiring. This can be done in any building that has existing copper or coax so deployment is easy to replicate for additional buildings.
Very satisfied landlords
Installation of the GL900 solution causes no disruption to the lifestyle of the tenants. No noises, no need to enter their apartments. You will make landlords very happy.
Decreased carbon footprint
The GigaLine 900 utilizes only 5W of power which is 95% less than comparable solutions. Go green with Actelis!
Connect with Actelis!
Want to learn more about how to enable instant and reliable broadband services for multi-dwelling units?

Request a presentation from one of our experienced broadband representatives.
Request a Presentation

References

  1. GITNUX MARKETDATA REPORT 2024: Must-Know Multifamily Housing Statistics
  2. European Union eurostat: House or flat: where do you live?
  3. Progressive Office Cabling
  4. The Cost of Global Connectivity 2020: Source NewAmerica (based on average cost worldwide)

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]]> Fulfilling The Need for Immediate and Secure Fiber-Grade Network Connectivity Along Highways https://actelis.com/case-study-immediate-and-secure-network-connectivity-along-highways/ Tue, 16 Apr 2024 20:46:42 +0000 https://actelis.com/?p=39804 Safer Roads & More Prosperity Too many people die on roadways, the cost of traffic congestion is in the billions, and the transportation industry is one of the largest contributors to greenhouse emissions. Technologies exists to fix these issues but the lack of secure high-speed network connectivity along highways to connect these devices together is holding transportation agencies back from making the progress necessary to see real change. Current Challenges 1. There is a lack of fiber-grade network connectivity and power sources along highways to properly support: Driver, passenger, and pedestrian safety Improved traffic flow & reduced congestion Faster response time for emergency vehicles Real-time information about traffic conditions and […]

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Safer Roads & More Prosperity

Too many people die on roadways, the cost of traffic congestion is in the billions, and the transportation industry is one of the largest contributors to greenhouse emissions. Technologies exists to fix these issues but the lack of secure high-speed network connectivity along highways to connect these devices together is holding transportation agencies back from making the progress necessary to see real change.

Current Challenges

1. There is a lack of fiber-grade network connectivity and power sources along highways to properly support:

  • Driver, passenger, and pedestrian safety
  • Improved traffic flow & reduced congestion
  • Faster response time for emergency vehicles
  • Real-time information about traffic conditions and traffic behavior
  • Mainstream roll-out of autonomous vehicles
  • Reduction in greenhouse gas emissions

2. High cost to install fiber along roadways

The cost of new fiber infrastructure to cover 100% of a highway system is enormous and the time it takes to deploy such a network can take years. The longer and more remote the highway system is, the more cost and time must be built into a project.

3. Road monitoring regulations are becoming stricter

Countries are now mandating more road cameras per mile, 24/7 monitoring, enforcement of using new High-quality IP cameras and the implementation of emergency VoIP phone points every 1-2 miles. Upgrading the network to comply with these regulations without fiber connectivity or power is a major challenge.

4. Cyber attacks are a constant threat to the transportation network

The transportation industry is becoming more and more dependent on interconnected digital systems which means that the risk of cyberattacks is rising. With autonomous vehicles becoming more mainstream, this threat is a true safety related issue that cannot be ignored.

An Overnight Solution to A Long Term Problem

Secure, fiber-grade connectivity is the literal conduit for expanding the utilization of traffic management devices. Networking these devices together to monitor traffic flow, detect vehicles at various points in their journey, and deliver real-time information to traffic operators and to drivers is critical for safety and congestion reduction. The Actelis solution is unique because it enables this connectivity in just hours (and powers devices over ethernet), with no construction or engineering costs and is cyber-hardened to help protect the network at the edge.

A Hybrid Approach To Networking

The wiring in most networks consists of a mix of fiber and twisted pair copper. The existing wiring in a traffic network is ultra-valuable and can be reused to bring more traffic management devices online. Actelis works with traffic departments to help them take full advantage of their existing wiring and allows them to manage one integrated hybrid-fiber network.

Extending Your Fiber Reach

Actelis’ hardened fiber-optic and hybrid-fiber switches provide a wide range of features to maximize your fiber deployment. Transportation departments can extend their networks for miles and miles, instantly connecting more and more devices.

Fiber-Grade Over Copper Performance

The Actelis solution boosts the performance of copper to give it the speed and quality of fiber. With our patented technology, Gigabit speeds can be achieved and the transmission is synchronized to remove interference.

Fiber-grade connectivity & power over Ethernet deployed in just hours

Connect locations where fiber installation is cost prohibitive

Securing the network’s edge with end-to-end encryption protocols

Saves up to 80% compared to a new fiber deployment

Example Topology of a Hybrid-Fiber Network

Key Benefits of the Actelis Solution for Highways

Benefit
How?
Up to 80% cost savings
Installing new fiber to all locations along a highway costs hundreds of thousands of dollars. By utilizing available copper in the network, these costs are eliminated.
Faster project completion
Many projects get slowed down by waiting for budget approval, permitting, engineering and installation. The wiring in your network will be used by Actelis to help you avoid these long delays.
Increased Safety
The faster you deploy network connectivity, the faster you can install cameras, sensors, messaging signs and more to collect data, and communicate better with drivers.
Lower Pollution
Improved network connectivity at more highway locations enables traffic departments to put the technology in place to ease traffic congestion and monitor pollution levels.
Prevention from Cyber Attacks
End-to-end protection through Actelis’ triple shield solution, providing high-end encryption protocols, data fragmentation and scrambling.

Ready for V2X?

The utilization of autonomous vehicles is promising, especially because of the expected safety and environmental benefits. However, for autonomous vehicles to become mainstream, reliable V2X (Vehicle-to-Everything) network connectivity along highways needs to be deployed.

Vehicles need to be able to “talk” with each other, as well with devices such as cameras, sensors, and messaging signs, to ensure the safety and efficiency of the system.

The Actelis hybrid-fiber solution is the perfect choice to expedite a V2X network because it can deliver the needed bandwidth and reliability immediately over any wireline medium.

Want to Learn More About How To Get Instant and Secure Fiber-Grade Network Connectivity Along Highways?
Request a presentation from one of our experienced Intelligent Transportation solutions experts.
Click Here

References

  1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention – Road Traffic Injuries and Deaths—A Global Problem: Global Road Safety | Features | Injury Center | CDC
  2. American Transportation Research Institute: Trucking’s Annual Congestion Costs Top $94.6 Billion (truckingresearch.org)
  3. United States Environmental Protection Agency – Sources of Greenhouse Gas Emissions: Sources of Greenhouse Gas Emissions | US EPA

Modernize. Digitize. Protect.

Actelis enables secure and resilient broadband connectivity solutions for Smart Cities- ITS, IoT, Industrial IoT and municipal broadband networks.

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MetaLIGHT 684Dx

  • Enables Gigabit speeds over copper or fiber
  • Managed hybrid fiber-copper switch with pass through relay
  • Temperature hardened
  • 8 ports
  • Serial to IP converter
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  • Optional 256-bit MACsec encryption
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GigaLine 5030x

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  • Supports four 10 Gigabit interfaces
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  • Optional PoE++
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GigaLine 5060x

  • 20 Port managed DIN Rail Ethernet switch
  • Up to four 10 Gigabit interfaces
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Ethernet Aggregation Switch

MetaLIGHT 230

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]]> Actelis Enables The Rapid Modernization Of San Jose’s ITS Eco-System https://actelis.com/case-study-actelis-enables-rapid-modernization-of-san-jose-its/ Wed, 09 Nov 2022 22:31:05 +0000 https://actelis.com/?p=30319 Providing high speed connectivity to IoT devices at intersections in San Jose, CA with hybrid fiber-copper networking.

The post Actelis Enables The Rapid Modernization Of San Jose’s ITS Eco-System appeared first on Actelis Networks.

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Modernize. Digitize. Protect.

The fast deployment of hybrid fiber-copper network connectivity is key for safety, the environment, and better overall traffic management.

The Challenge

Providing High Speed Connectivity to IoT devices at Intersections Where Fiber Is Not Yet Installed

Recognized as the cultural, financial, and political center of Silicon Valley, San Jose is the largest city in Northern California in both population and area. The city has 650 intersections spanning 179.97 sq mi (466.1 km), and high levels of traffic congestion (33% pre-pandemic congestion level, comparable to San Francisco, and higher than cities like Chicago and Washington, DC)1.

The population of San Jose is expected to grow by roughly 50% by 20402 which will bring about even higher levels of traffic congestion unless significant changes are made.  The city has put together a bold new approach for transportation and decision making, a plan it calls “Move San Jose3” to be ready for future challenges.

One of the key strategies connected to “Move San Jose” is to make signals work better for people walking or biking, which entails identifying locations where operation of traffic signals should prioritize pedestrian and bicycle mobility, comfort, and safety.

To successfully implement plans such as “Move San Jose,” the continuous modernization of the city’s traffic management technologies is necessary. The wave of exponential technology innovation that is anticipated requires a tremendous infusion of bandwidth and a way to effectively transport troves of IoT data from various connected devices to enable analysis and decision making.

Supported by Bay Area’s Metropolitan Transportation Commission4, San Jose has the resources to invest in high bandwidth connectivity throughout the city to continuously modernize traffic management operations. However, the challenge of deployment costs and duration of civil works and obtaining construction permits remains. How can fiber-grade connectivity be delivered to the city’s intersections in reasonable time and budget when only 15% of those intersections are fiber ready?

The San Jose IT team looked to Actelis and its longtime network integration partner, Western Pacific Signal5 for the solution.

“Actelis Networks serves us well. The long-term quality, along with the continual technology upgrades, are greatly appreciated by the WP Signal team, and the City of San Jose Transportation staff. This new multi-year contract will provide San Jose with 10GB technology upgrades while giving San Jose’s ITS operators the flexibility to adapt at speed.”  – Donald Shupp, WP Signal Founder & CEO

Safer Streets and Cleaner Air In San Jose 

The City of San Jose’s ITS engineers have had great success in the past by working with Actelis and WP Signal, to deploy Actelis ethernet hybrid-copper-fiber switches to manage a portion of the city’s intersections. Utilizing the Actelis solution, San Jose has already been able to update some of its legacy systems to an all-IP-based Ethernet-over-copper network to support intelligent traffic monitoring and optimized traffic flow. Combined with education and law enforcement efforts, San Jose’s ITS has helped the city become one of the safest in the nation relative to traffic6.  

Having safer streets is the number one strategy in the “Move San Jose” plan. A key way to achieve this goal is to optimize the operation of traffic signals to prioritize pedestrian and bicycle mobility, comfort, and safety, which is where the Actelis solution comes into play.

Improved traffic safety is perhaps one of the most compelling arguments to quickly deploy connected devices at intersections. The World Health Organization reports that up to 1.3 million people are killed and up to 50 million injured in traffic accidents each year.7 There is a huge economic impact as well. In the US alone, the DOT puts the annual economic cost of traffic accidents at $242 billion.8

In addition to safety, tangible ITS success metrics include reduced greenhouse gas emissions, which can be achieved with better data collection, analysis, and proactive use of IoT devices to change traffic patterns. According to the MTC, transportation causes 40% of greenhouse gas emissions in the Bay Area9 with cars being the primary culprit. An improved driver experience is an additional benefit of better traffic management, as one study shows that 111 hours are wasted per driver per year in traffic congestion.10

Going Above and Beyond the City’s Requirements

Following extensive testing, Actelis was chosen to participate in the city’s vendor trials to decide which solution would be deployed throughout the city.

An intersection is typically controlled using multiple ethernet interfaces to connect to local devices such as a controller, camera, ethernet radio extender, video detection, and radar detection.

The winning solution would:

  • Support numerous IoT sensor and camera devices in a variety of topologies
  • Deliver flexible network management, enabling traffic monitoring and real time adjustment
  • Be environmentally hardened and NEMA-level compliant
  • Deliver resilient "always-on" connectivity
  • Provide a network that is cyber-hardened
  • Provide an option for powering IoT devices over data lines

The Actelis solution was chosen over other vendor systems because of its high performance over long distances as well as its unique hybrid fiber-copper networking capabilities and inherent cyber hardening.

The Actelis Solution – A Hybrid Fiber-Copper Solution for Rapid Deployment

San Jose is a large city in both population and geography with a varied network infrastructure based on fiber, copper and wireless. Actelis’ solutions and advanced software are the perfect fit for the city because the hybrid fiber-copper technology creates a seamless, hardened, fiber-grade digital ecosystem for city-wide ITS coverage.

Actelis’ unique solution utilizes patented algorithms to boost the rate, reach and reliability of copper.  By seamlessly extending fiber-grade communication over hybrid fiber-copper, fiber only, or copper only networks, the Actelis solution enables real-time high-speed connectivity and aggregated traffic management, enabling higher safety and surveillance across the city.

Actelis helps cities like San Jose get the most out of their existing network infrastructure by:

  • Enabling rapid deployment utilizing existing copper and fiber lines
  • Extending connectivity to hard to reach areas without trenching
  • Saving, on average, 80% of the cost of networking vs new fiber installation
  • Delivering fiber-grade uptime, lower latency, and faster speeds compared to wireless, at lower costs
  • Providing a cyber-hardened, managed solution that is built to protect ITS networks from cyber-attacks
  • Equipping clients with automated, intelligent EMS software featuring full remote management

The Actelis system gathers and transports data from large numbers of IoT, video and traffic elements to enable fast, intelligent decision making in real time, and to facilitate long-term planning for the City of San Jose.

Rapid deployment of the system does not in any way compromise the security of the system. Actelis ensures critical network security for San Jose through its cyber-hardened solution.

“San Jose has deployed and tested Actelis products for with great success and while we still tested other solutions for this ITS upgrade, they literally fell short when it came to performance over distance. Actelis does it all and provides a flexible foundation for future growth with solutions for copper, hybrid, and full fiber networks.” – Ho Nguyen, ITS Manager for the City of San Jose

Modernize. Digitize. Protect.

Actelis enables fast deployment of secure, fiber grade services over hybrid fiber-copper networks

The End Result

Speed and cost control are key when undergoing technology modernization.

By deploying the Actelis solution, the City of San Jose is able to achieve its goal of having high performance connectivity at its intersections much faster and in a more cost-effective manner than with alternative solutions.

The flexibility that the Actelis solution brings allows the city to quickly connect traffic controllers, cameras, sensors, LED streetlights, parking garages and more. Actelis has removed all project delivery obstacles with its simple to deploy, yet advanced hybrid fiber-copper solution. 

Actelis has helped put the City of San Jose in an excellent position to implement the safety, environmental, and traffic management strategies needed to meet the long term needs of its growing population.

“The Actelis hybrid fiber-copper network model gives San Jose ITS operators the adaptive advantage in a fast-changing technology landscape. Actelis provides a cost-efficient path to secure, scalable and changeable ITS networks now, ensuring operators can assess and maximize investments in new technology assets, some with century-long design implications.” – Tuvia Barlev, Chairman and CEO, Actelis Networks

References

  1. TomTom Traffic Index Ranking 2021: https://www.tomtom.com/traffic-index/ranking/
  2. San Jose Downtown Transportation Plan: https://www.sanjoseca.gov/your-government/departments-offices/transportation/planning-policies/downtown-transportation-plan
  3. Move San Jose: https://www.sanjoseca.gov/your-government/departments-offices/transportation/projects-planning/move-san-jose
  4. Bay Area’s Metropolitan Transportation Commission: https://mtc.ca.gov/
  5. Western Pacific Signal (WP Signal): https://www.wpsignal.com/
  6. San Jose Traffic Safety: https://www.sanjoseca.gov/your-government/departments/transportation/safety
  7. World Health Organization 10 Facts About Road Safety: https://www.who.int/news-room/facts-in-pictures/detail/road-safety
  8. United States Department of Transportation Automation Whitepaper: https://www.its.dot.gov/research_areas/WhitePaper_automation.htm#_edn2
  9. Metropolitan Transportation Commission, To Fight Greenhouse Gas Emissions: https://mtc.ca.gov/planning/transportation/driving-congestion-environment/sb-743-los-vmt-transition
  10. Inrix Americans Will Waste $2.8 Million On Traffic: https://inrix.com/press-releases/americans-will-waste-2-8-trillion-on-traffic-by-2030-if-gridlock-persists/

  

Modernize. Digitize. Protect.

Actelis provides secure and resilient broadband communications networks for Smart Cities- ITS, IoT, Industrial IoT and muni Wi-Fi.

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]]> Montgomery County Becomes a Model for Intelligent Traffic Systems with Actelis https://actelis.com/montgomery-county-becomes-a-model-for-intelligent-traffic-systems-with-actelis/ Tue, 26 Jul 2022 15:12:54 +0000 https://actelis.com/?p=29351 Montgomery County and over 350 cities worldwide have selected Actelis to provide secure Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) while minimizing delays and costs

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Modernize. Digitize. Protect.

With Actelis, Montgomery County Becomes a National Model for Intelligent Traffic Systems

Background

Major Washington DC Suburb Keeps the Traffic Moving with Actelis Intelligent Traffic System (ITS) 

Montgomery County, Maryland, covers an area of approximately 500 square miles and has a population of over one million people, including many dignitaries who work on Capitol Hill. The county is also home to some of the leading biotechnology companies, corporations, and federal agencies in the USA. The Actelis intelligent traffic system has become a national model for transportation management along the 4,500 center lane miles, 1,000+ miles of emergency roads, 50 miles of interstate, and 4,000 neighborhood roads.  

The Montgomery County Department of Transportation (MCDOT) is responsible for traffic flowing smoothly along all these roadways. To achieve this, the MCDOT must ensure that 800 traffic signals, sensors and surveillance cameras function in harmony, all managed from the county’s centralized Traffic Operation Center (TOC).

The Challenge

The ITS Search Begins When an Outage Makes National News 

“We’ve been using a real-time centralized traffic management system for decades,” said Michael Kinney, the senior engineer at MCDOT. “However, the network was nearing the end of its useful life and the old system lacked the required resiliency. If a single component failed, for example, some or all traffic signals lost coordination, disrupting the flow of traffic.”  

Things came to a head, when a system-wide outage lasted two days and made national news headlines.  

“The rush hour commute was severely impacted and gridlock lasted all day,” Kinney said. “In addition to the inconvenience to commuters, ensuing traffic jams wasted gas and resulted in added CO2 emissions. It was time to replace the county’s traffic management system.”  

Of course, upgrading to an intelligent transportation system had to be doable within the available budget. 

Customer’s Requirements

Leverage Existing Hybrid Fiber-Copper Infrastructure and Simplify Management

  • Must eliminate single points of failure 
  • High speed connectivity with state-of-the-art network security
  • Temperature hardened for fire zones and extreme climate
  • Leverage copper with easy migration to fiber when available
  • Quick, easy deployment with no roadway disruption 
  • Managed Ethernet Switches
  • Flexible typologies and Power over Ethernet (PoE)
  • Optimized for video
  • Must not require additional staff or resources
  • Must be standards compliant

Fortunately, the county already had a communications infrastructure of twisted pair-copper covering hundreds of miles. The MCDOT had also made an ongoing investment in building a fiber ring, so any upgrade to the system had to make use of available resources and re-use this existing copper and fiber. 

Montgomery County’s traffic cameras, intersection controls and other elements of the traffic management system are operated by just 17 employees. Since 1980, the MCDOT has doubled the number of intersections and added 200 cameras. The number of personnel, however, remained constant. A key specification for the new system was to reduce  employee trips to manually adjust signal controller timings.     

Solution

Montgomery County Selects Actelis Intelligent Traffic System with Built-in Redundancy    

The MCDOT undertook a thorough analysis of the current traffic management system and available solutions. It developed a two-year, and a six-year plan, and set a deadline for retiring the old system.  

After the test and evaluation of several systems from a variety of vendors, the MCDOT selected Silicon Valley-based Actelis to build a network for the county’s new intelligent traffic system.

Environmentally Hardened EADs 

The Actelis system met MCDOT’s specific technical and operational requirements, including the ability to maintain integrity in extreme cold and hot weather, rain and snow, and after lightning strikes. Montgomery County selected environmentally hardened ML624i and ML688 Ethernet Access Devices (EADs).  

Guaranteed Redundancy to Eliminate Single Points of Failure 

The EADs had to bond multiple pairs of copper to deliver the necessary bandwidth to communicate with the controller and provide the required redundancy. Because Actelis provides built-in redundancy with no single point of failure, it was an important differentiator for MCDOT. If one pair failed, the network connectivity would not be lost using the Actelis solution.  

Compatible with Existing Equipment and IGMP Protocols   

The equipment is also compatible with Internet Group Management Protocol (IGMP) snooping, meaning it can logically segregate network traffic between the units and the controller, enabling more efficient bandwidth management.  

Actelis Intelligent Traffic System

Modernize. Digitize. Protect.

Actelis enables fast deployment of secure, fiber grade services over hybrid fiber-copper networks

Hybrid Fiber-Copper Network Interface 

The EADs and aggregation switches support both GigE fiber and high-speed Ethernet-based copper interfaces, meaning that Montgomery County’s fiber ring is connected to Actelis equipment on one unit, while copper is used to connect the equipment to the signal cabinets.  

State-of-the-Art Data Management and Network Security 

The new equipment supports VLAN tagging, which allows separation of different streams of traffic. This ensures that traffic from signal controllers follows a different virtual path than a stream of traffic for WiFi access. MAC address filtering and IP access control allow Montgomery County to prevent unauthorized access to the network. In addition, support for Secure Shell (SSH) enables strong authentication and prevents malicious attacks such as IP spoofing, IP source routing and DNS spoofing.  

Simplified Provisioning, Monitoring and Management   

The MetaASSIST EMS is a Carrier-class distributed element management system (EMS), which enables the Actelis product family to integrate smoothly into existing network management systems via standard interfaces. It also enables centralized real-time planning, provisioning, monitoring and management of networks of multiple systems. The MCDOT uses the combination of these systems to collect data, report on SLA performance and troubleshoot hundreds of network elements across a large geographical area.  

Real Time Signal Adjustments Keep Traffic Flowing 

The final topology of the network leveraged a hybrid communication network using fiber to create a ring and running laterals to the traffic controllers. The centralized command and control system enable the county to build timing plans that can be used well into the future. They also enable technicians to make signal timing adjustments – up to 60 times a day – to fine-tune the signal timing to account for accidents or roadworks.  

“A practical application of this capability is if a traffic incident takes place on I-495, I-370 and I-270 (three major highways running through the county) as well as on any of the surface streets, TOC operators can quickly divert drivers to side roads and enable traffic to continue flowing smoothly,” says Kinney.  

With 850 network elements installed, Montgomery County has not encountered any significant issues with the equipment and the solution has proven to be very reliable.  

Even though the DOT’s 17 traffic technicians are still very busy managing traffic across a large county, the new network has not required additional staff. In fact, the MCDOT reports that the resiliency of the new equipment and its ability to automatically recover from outages has reduced the burden placed on technicians.  

Actelis Benefits

  • Fiber-grade performance
  • Highly secure transport
  • Cost efficient, scaleable
  • Quick, easy deployment 
  • Easy upgrade path to fiber networks
  • Utilize existing copper facilities

Modernize. Digitize. Protect.

Actelis provides secure and resilient broadband communications networks for Smart Cities- ITS, IoT, Industrial IoT and muni Wi-Fi.

Actelis Networks Smart Cities and ITS

Modernize. Digitize. Protect.

With Actelis, Montgomery County becomes a model for overall ITS efficiency.

Conclusion

With Actelis Montgomery County Becomes a Model for Intelligent Transportation Systems  

Montgomery County’s ITS has become a model for traffic management solutions. It regularly hosts tours for various cities, counties and DOT representatives to demonstrate how it has successfully upgraded legacy systems while making optimal use of the existing network infrastructure and human resources.  

The success of this first phase has led to plans to increase safety and reduce public transportation journey times by instituting transit signal priority to give buses extra green light time. Since the upgraded network can carry much higher volumes of data, the DOT may replace school flashes currently operating with time-clocked devices that need manual adjustments every time the schedule changes, with devices that can be managed over the network. It is also looking to install sampling devices to detect traffic volume and speed.  

“The ability to install and auto-manage the network allows the traffic engineers to focus on their core competency: improving the overall efficiency and effectiveness of the county’s traffic system,” says Kinney.  

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The post Montgomery County Becomes a Model for Intelligent Traffic Systems with Actelis appeared first on Actelis Networks.

]]> Washington DC Chooses Actelis for Secure Intelligent Transportation System https://actelis.com/washington-dc-chooses-actelis-for-secure-intelligent-transportation-system/ Mon, 25 Jul 2022 15:31:23 +0000 https://actelis.com/?p=29139 Washington DC and over 350 cities worldwide have selected Actelis to provide secure Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) while minimizing delays and costs

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Modernize. Digitize. Protect.

Hundreds of cities including Washington DC choose Actelis for Secure Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS).

Background

The United States Capital Looks to Actelis for Secure Intelligent Transportation System 

Washington DC faces massive challenges in traffic and traffic management and needed a secure Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) to help bring sanity and safety to city streets. The 70 square mile (180 Km) area includes 1,500 miles (2,400 Km) of public roads, more than 7,000 intersections, 1,600 traffic signals and hundreds of Closed-Circuit TV (CCTV) cameras. The DC Department of Transportation (DC DOT) is charged with managing and maintaining the transportation infrastructure to ensure that people, goods and information move efficiently and safely with minimal adverse impact on residents and the environment. 

The Challenge

Washington D.C. Needed a Secure, Easy to Manage Intelligent Transportation System with Hybrid Fiber-Copper Flexibility    

The DC DOT was looking for a solution that would allow it to support the bandwidth required for new applications and devices such as new controllers and smart sensors with a specific emphasis on video. The challenge was to gradually advance the current twisted copper pair network, but with minimal impact on everyday traffic. The team needed to ensure scalability and enable immediate migration to fiber. The platform selected was also expected to significantly cut management costs by minimizing the number of service call outs via remote management from the DC DOT Traffic Operation Center (TOC). 

Customer’s Requirements

Actelis Chosen for ITS in Washington DC 

  • High speed connectivity with state-of-the-art network security
  • Temperature hardened for fire zones and  extreme climate
  • Economical alternative to fiber with easy migration to fiber when available
  • Quick, easy deployment and management
  • Managed Ethernet Switches
  • Flexible typologies and Power over Ethernet (PoE)
  • Optimized for video

Because of the visible and sensitive nature of the project, Washington DC’s test and selection criteria was rigorous and Actelis met the challenge. Actelis products provide fiber-grade performance and are temperature hardened for extreme conditions. Actelis products are also cyber-hardened against threats and challenges across multiple domains.  

Solution

Actelis Provides Immediate Connectivity Delivering 10-20x More Bandwidth with Fiber-Grade Reliability 

After an evaluation of multiple solutions the DC DOT selected Actelis Networks for its Intelligent Traffic System. Actelis delivers an advanced and robust ITS platform for a faster, secure communications network. The devices assimilate information from multiple video streams and smart sensors to enable spontaneous adjustments and alignment of the city’s traffic flow. 

“Our continuous partnership with Actelis during the last few years has enabled us to significantly and gradually enhance the DC ITS network with minimal impact on traffic—all while keeping within budget,” said Harvey Alexander, division signals and ITS maintenance manager for DC DOT. “The Actelis solution is future proof. It allows growth and scalability with bonded copper as well as integrated migration to fiber when required.” 

Actelis Benefits

  • Fiber-grade performance
  • Cost efficient, scaleable 
  • Easy upgrade path to fiber networks
  • Quick, easy deployment
  • Utilize existing copper facilities
  • Highly secure transport

High Bandwidth Across the City for Video and Advanced IoT Applications

Actelis smartly uses the existing copper infrastructure offering more than 10Mbps and up to 100Mbps with eight bonded pairs, even at very long distances of up to 30,000 feet (9,100 Km). This supports backhaul of multiple streams of high-quality video. The advanced bonding mechanism provides capacity to support the city’s growing number of CCTV and signalized intersections. The ability to bond copper pairs offers high reliability and redundancy ensuring that a network connection is extremely resilient and can sustain even multi-failure scenarios.  

Flexible Network Typologies for Intelligent Traffic Management

The Actelis portfolio which includes ML600/D, ML500/D hybrid access devices and ML 2300/ML230 high density aggregators can flexibly accommodate various network typologies. The portfolio offers the scalability to support more intersections as well as increased bandwidth per intersection. All devices are hybrid, offering a mix of bonded copper and Gigabit Ethernet interfaces over fiber.   

Advanced Network Management Capabilities   

At the DC DOT centralized traffic operation center, real time information from video cameras and sensors is constantly analyzed to ensure all traffic signals across all intersections are synchronized. The MetaASSIST EMS management system, installed in the TOC, plays a crucial role. MetaASSIST allows full remote control along with easy troubleshooting and network-wide monitoring. The increase in TOC centric activities improves efficiency and considerably decreases the time required for typical day-to-day activities including service callouts. Add to that, improved flexibility enabling the TOC to quickly and efficiently respond and adjust the network according to events in the DC area. 

Easy Installation 

Actelis platforms are temperature hardened and designed to maintain integrity in cold and hot weather, rain, snow and lightning storms. Compact form factors enable flexible installation options in a wide variety of deployment scenarios. Actelis’ Zero Touch Provisioning means faster ‘time to service with pre-defined profiles for software automated configuration and upgrades. 

Secure and Resilient  

Just as importantly, Actelis systems are cyber hardened and ensure a high level of security by employing data scrambling, fragmentation and advanced 256-bit encryption on select models. All management traffic is protected as well using SSHv2 and SNMPv3

Modernize. Digitize. Protect.

Actelis provides secure and resilient broadband communications networks for Smart Cities- ITS, IoT, Industrial IoT and muni Wi-Fi.

Actelis Networks Smart Cities and ITS

Modernize. Digitize. Protect.

Actelis ITS Brings Safety, Security, and Sanity to the Streets of the United States Capital

Conclusion

Actelis Delivers a High-Reliability ITS Optimized for Video

Over 350 cities worldwide have selected Actelis to provide secure Intelligent Traffic Systems while minimizing delays and costs. The Actelis system gathers an unparalleled level of information from large numbers of IoT, surveillance, video and traffic elements to enable fast, intelligent decision making and long-term planning.  With Actelis, Washington DC increases the safety, security and sanity of its city streets for improved quality of life in the nation’s capital. 

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]]> Placer County Water Agency Selects Actelis for Migration to Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) https://actelis.com/pcwa-selects-actelis-for-migration-to-industrial-internet-of-things/ Tue, 19 Jul 2022 19:29:59 +0000 https://actelis.com/?p=28593 PCWA, a Top California Water Agency Selects Actelis Networks to Support IIoT Initiative

The post Placer County Water Agency Selects Actelis for Migration to Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) appeared first on Actelis Networks.

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Modernize. Digitize. Protect.

Actelis helps utilities like PCWA modernize, digitize and protect networks to realize the full promise of emergent IIoT infrastructures.

Background

Top California Water Agency Selects Actelis Networks to Support Migration to Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) Initiative

Placer County Water Agency (PCWA) ranks among the best in the United States. And like many utility services across the country, technology modernization and migration to Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) is high on the list of strategic priorities for (PCWA). Water districts and wastewater treatment plants are working to upgrade their networks to Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) for improved security, monitoring and management. 

As the primary water agency for Placer County California, PCWA is responsible for water resource planning and management. This includes treatment and supply of drinking water, irrigation water, and the production of hydroelectric energy. A recent independent water review found the PCWA regional water source to be among the best in the nation. Drinking water treated by PCWA consistently exceeds California’s rigorous standards for compliant systems.  

Like other municipalities, PCWA used a Human Machine Interface/Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (HMI/SCADA) system to manage water distribution for decades. These systems provide only a fraction of the data required to support IIoT current needs. Traditionally, data has been limited to back-office systems mainly to control water distribution. As technology continues to evolve and IIoT emerges for both control and monitoring devices, other departments require this information to manage initiatives such as leak detection, asset maintenance, and equipment efficiency.  

The Challenge

Consolidate disparate networks to support Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) migration  

Part of the problem with integrating legacy and emergent networks is the sheer volume of data required for IIoT type applications. IIoT solutions in a municipal water system can yield vital information about production data—turbidity and chlorine levels, spills, metering and flow, leak detection, energy management, public dashboards, regulatory compliance, river level analysis, weather and temperature sensors and on and on—all while saving untold human hours.  

The pressure on municipalities to deliver IIoT data with low-cost, highly secure solutions will continue to increase. The improved visibility, operational efficiency and pure time savings is far too great. But IIoT migration can’t happen without bandwidth and fundamental data security. That’s where Actelis comes in.  

Customer’s Requirements

Network modernization to support migration to Industrial Internet of Things with a focus on cost containment but not at the price of network reliability and security 

  • High speed connectivity with state-of-the-art network security
  • Using existing copper infrastructure
  • Economical alternative to fiber with easy migration to fiber when available
  • Quick, easy deployment and management

PCWA required a highly available, reliable, and secure Infrastructure in place to backhaul the control and monitoring of data from remote pump stations. Pumps can span thousands of miles of pipes. With IIoT, PCWA could aggregate and combine data from remote sensors and other equipment into one integrated system. This would not only improve visibility and management—it would save vast man hours. However, like all municipalities, cost containment was paramount requirement, second only to the reliability and security of the network.   

Actelis Benefits

  • High performance, low cost
  • Quick, easy to deploy
  • Utilize existing copper facilities
  • Highly secure transport
  • Fiber-like qualities
  • Easy upgrade path to fiber networks

Modernize. Digitize. Protect.

Actelis increases usability, manageability and security of critical utility infrastructures.

Actelis Industrial IoT

Solution

Actelis Uses Existing Copper Lines to Deliver Bandwidth with Fiber-Grade Reliability and Innate Network Security  

With Actelis Networks’ cyber hardened, Hybrid fiber-copper Ethernet switches and extenders , PCWA used its existing infrastructure asset (twisted copper pairs) to deliver 20 Mbps over 2 copper pairs with fiber rate reliability and innate network security. This was a 10 to 20x bandwidth upgrade allowing the convergence of both networks —SCADA and IIOT data.  The dramatic boost in bandwidth supports critical safety upgrades like installed Closed-Circuit TV (CCTV) cameras for improved security at remote pump stations.  

Conclusion

Actelis Supports Efficient Migration to IIoT with State-of-the-Art Security and the Flexibility of Hybrid Fiber/Copper Networking 

Actelis supports cost efficient, data collection for IIoT migration with state-of-the-art security innate to the Actelis systems. PCWA leveraged its existing copper networks to keep municipal costs down while improving operational efficiency and vital utility security. What’s more, the Actelis hybrid fiber/copper network model provides a clear upgrade path for utilities and municipalities as use cases for fiber become warranted.  Actelis helps utilities like PCWA modernize, digitize and protect networks to realize the full promise of emergent IIoT infrastructures. 

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The post Placer County Water Agency Selects Actelis for Migration to Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) appeared first on Actelis Networks.

]]> Actelis Networks Selected for Traffic System Modernization in Marin County, California https://actelis.com/actelis-networks-selected-for-traffic-system-modernization-in-marin-county-california/ Tue, 10 May 2022 10:28:00 +0000 https://actelis.com/?p=27826 Background  Transforming Traffic Gridlock into an Intelligent Traffic System The city of San Rafael, California chose Actelis Networks, the market leader in high performance hybrid fiber/copper networking, to modernize its traffic system by bringing Ethernet extension to its traffic signals. The project was made possible by the ‘Innovative Deployment of Enhanced Arterials’(IDEA) Grant.  Funded by the Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC), the IDEA grant provided resources to transform San Rafael’s gridlocked traffic network into an Automated Traffic Signal Performance Measures (ATSPM) system. The IDEA grant program is being used to fund: Traffic signal system improvements Bicycle and pedestrian improvements Transit improvements Other projects The project scope included advanced traffic signals with […]

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Background

 Transforming Traffic Gridlock into an Intelligent Traffic System

The city of San Rafael, California chose Actelis Networks, the market leader in high performance hybrid fiber/copper networking, to modernize its traffic system by bringing Ethernet extension to its traffic signals. The project was made possible by the ‘Innovative Deployment of Enhanced Arterials’(IDEA) Grant. 

Funded by the Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC), the IDEA grant provided resources to transform San Rafael’s gridlocked traffic network into an Automated Traffic Signal Performance Measures (ATSPM) system.

The IDEA grant program is being used to fund:

  • Traffic signal system improvements
  • Bicycle and pedestrian improvements
  • Transit improvements
  • Other projects

The project scope included advanced traffic signals with upgraded cabinets and controllers incorporating video surveillance and high-speed communications. Enhanced signal performance and Improved traffic monitoring with real-time control would provide essential information and tools to the traffic engineering division to address city traffic management and facilitate long-term planning.

The city of San Rafael, California is north of San Francisco in Marin County, one of the most affluent regions in the United States. As of the 2010 U.S. Census, the city’s population was 57,713.

The Challenge

How to build a 21st Century Network with a 20th Century Infrastructure?

Like many cities around the country, San Rafael needed to provide an Intelligent Traffic Monitoring System (ITMS) including cameras and next generation sensors to its busy central business district where fiber connectivity is nonexistent. 

Nearly half of the city’s 90 traffic signals are in central San Rafael, where major arterials meet freeway on and off ramps, the central business district, and several ‘Sonoma Marin Area Rail Transit’ (SMART) crossings. The dense proximity of traffic signals meant sometimes stifling delays for vehicles, pedestrians, and bicyclists especially during peak hours when the SMART train is most active. 

Customer’s Requirements

A Fiber Performance Network Sans the High Costs and Construction

Installing fiber was an option, but due to construction timelines and high costs, the city needed a solid, secure alternative that would deploy rapidly without adverse impact to businesses and residences. Prolonged construction to trench fiber would result in further costs and traffic congestion. San Rafael needed hardened products that would deploy rapidly in a variety of locations. The new equipment also needed to be compatible with San Rafael’s existing systems. 

The city’s imperative was a greener footprint with enhanced safety and quality of life for businesses and residents through Intelligent traffic signal timing. Add to that, the need for minimal implementation delays and optimized cost. 

The project needed to:

  • Speed travel times and improve travel-time reliability on major arterials
  • Improve safety for drivers, transit riders, bicyclists and pedestrians
  • Reduce vehicle emissions and fuel consumption
  • Advance public agencies proficiency in the use of advanced technologies for arterial operations

Solution

Actelis Delivered Immediate Connectivity with 10-20x More Bandwidth over Copper

Actelis Ethernet switches and extenders were used to provide high speed Ethernet and IP connectivity to hard-to-reach intersections. Actelis provided 10 to 20 times more, immediate bandwidth—up to 30 Mbps over the same existing two (2) twisted pairs already used between the intersections and the Traffic Operations Center (TOC).

The ML684D 8 port Layer-2 managed switch with two 1G SFPs and six Ethernet RJ-45 ports, with optional Power over Ethernet (PoE) allows San Rafael to cost effectively aggregate data from up to eight smart devices, using a single Actelis Ethernet switch per location. The new smart sensors and cameras allow for real-time traffic volume metrics including approach delay per vehicle, arrivals on red and pedestrian delay. This means, more efficient traffic signal coordination between intersections, minimizing congestion and travel time for a greener, safer city.

Phase II – Actelis Networks Aggregated Hybrid Fiber/Copper Network

For a second phase of the project, San Rafael later selected the Actelis ML680DF – Fiber only unit to further extend its ITMS network. The combined Actelis hybrid fiber-copper network provides innate security with advanced encryption and Zero-Touch management with centralized control and automated resiliency and failover. Actelis products are NEMA TS-2 compliant, and street hardened to be deployed in a wide variety of installations.

Application

 

Conclusion

Modernization and Digitization of City Traffic Management over Hybrid Fiber-Copper Network. 

After installing the Actelis ITMS, San Rafael’s traffic engineering team continued to implemented suggestions made by the Police Traffic Unit. Together, they watched via video detection in real time as the changes improved signal timing and traffic flow. The police were happy and that made San Rafael’s traffic engineering team happy. 

Actelis Networks hybrid fiber-copper Intelligent Traffic Platform enhances traffic flow, safety, and quality of life for motorists, bikers and pedestrians alike. Synchronized traffic with reduced idling times means San Rafael is now a greener, safer city.

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The post Actelis Networks Selected for Traffic System Modernization in Marin County, California appeared first on Actelis Networks.

]]> The City of Napa Boosts Bandwidth for up to 100 Mbps over Copper with Actelis Networks https://actelis.com/the-city-of-napa-boosts-bandwidth-for-up-to-100-mbps-over-copper-with-actelis-networks/ Tue, 26 Apr 2022 18:30:52 +0000 https://actelis.com/?p=27661 Background Napa Chooses Actelis to Modernize Communications Network in California’s World-Famous Wine Region. The City of Napa, located in northern California’s world-famous wine region, requires secure, high-availability bandwidth for voice and data applications including emergency response, law enforcement, traffic management, and other public services. The number of broadband links required, as well as the bandwidth delivered over those links is ever increasing as automation, telemetering and surveillance use continues to grow. For Napa, it had become painfully clear, the city’s bandwidth needs far outpaced its legacy telecom infrastructure. City administrators looked to Actelis for help.  The Challenge Maximize Bandwidth. Minimize CapEx The bandwidth constraints for the city of Napa had reached the […]

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Background

Napa Chooses Actelis to Modernize Communications Network in California’s World-Famous Wine Region.

The City of Napa, located in northern California’s world-famous wine region, requires secure, high-availability bandwidth for voice and data applications including emergency response, law enforcement, traffic management, and other public services. The number of broadband links required, as well as the bandwidth delivered over those links is ever increasing as automation, telemetering and surveillance use continues to grow. For Napa, it had become painfully clear, the city’s bandwidth needs far outpaced its legacy telecom infrastructure. City administrators looked to Actelis for help. 

The Challenge

Maximize Bandwidth. Minimize CapEx

The bandwidth constraints for the city of Napa had reached the breaking point. The city needed a much faster reliable connection with Napa County than the existing legacy circuits could provide. “We had a long list of must haves including a scalable solution with faultless reliability and vault solid security,” said the systems administrator for the city of Napa. “But we had a short list of line items in the city budget so initially we used slow T1 connection devices.”

The legacy T1 solution maxed out at a transmission rate of only 1.5 Mbps over two copper pairs. The city of Napa needed much faster data communications, but the T1s would not scale to deliver adequate bandwidth. Napa not only needed more bandwidth, it also needed to minimize its capex investment and operational expenses. This led to a search for a reliable Carrier Ethernet solution that could leverage the existing copper cable plant as a simpler, quicker, and less costly alternative to investing in fiber. 

Customer’s Requirements

Customer Requirements – Scalable Bandwidth with Faultless Reliability and Vault Solid Security

  • High speed, secure connections
  • Using existing copper infrastructure
  • Economical alternative to fiber with easy migration to fiber when available
  • Quick, easy deployment and management

After considering several options, the City of Napa chose Actelis Networks hybrid fiber-copper solution. Actelis provides high speed broadband by logically bonding multiple copper pairs into secure, fiber-performance links.

Solution

Immediate Connectivity Delivering 10-20x More Bandwidth

“There was a long list of deciding factors behind choosing Actelis that lined up ideally with our wish list,” said the Napa systems administrator. These came down to the unmatched combination of speed, security, and high availability the Actelis solution delivers, along with seamless integration with the City’s existing Ethernet LAN. Add to that, Actelis long reach, simplicity of installation, and ease of maintenance.

“We saw the Actelis solution as ideal to increase speed, bandwidth and reach, so we moved quickly to deploy Actelis’ ML600 EADs” said Napa’s system administer “We found that we had more than one copper pair connecting us with the Napa County offices, so we utilized  all available eight pairs for up to 100 Mbps service.”

Actelis Benefits

  • High Performance, Low Cost
  • Quick, easy to deploy
  • Utilize existing copper facilities
  • Highly secure transport
  • Fiber-like qualities
  • Easy upgrade path to fiber networks

The Actelis solution also provides the County of Napa with high-speed access into the City of Napa’s computer-aided vehicle dispatch system. The allows the County Sheriff’s Office to communicate with police cars patrolling the community. Because of California Department of Justice regulations, access to vehicle dispatch and control must be restricted to authorized personnel within the county on an as needed basis.  This is just one of the reasons private and secure connections are essential.

Conclusion

Actelis helps System Administrators Modernize, Digitize and Protect Napa’s Communications Network

Actelis Networks delivered on the city of Napa’s long wish list, boosting bandwidth transmission by a whopping 20x using its existing twisted pair copper. The Actelis hybrid fiber-copper network model provides a clear upgrade path if or when the city chooses to deploy fiber in the future.

“We can now exchange data with the County at lightning speeds,” Napa’s system administrator said. “Mission accomplished.”

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