Ship to Shore Communications
Enabling communications with ships coming into port has traditionally been addressed by pierside cable connections. These wired solutions, however, incurred high cost and recurring maintenance while presenting logistical challenges and interrupting communications at potentially critical times. High-performance broadband wireless technology can provide a cost-effective, high bandwidth, and seamless alternative to traditional pierside cabling.
Following successful demonstrations, network testing, design, purchase, set up and National Security Agency (NSA) testing, BelAir Networks products are being integrated into the Navy underway communications and pierside connectivity application known as Wireless Pierside Connection System (WPCS). Using a patented mobility architecture and standards-based COTS equipment with integrated FIPS modules, BelAir Networks gear addresses the need for increased bandwidth, seamless transition from underway to pierside communications, integration of IP technologies (such as Voice over IP) and enables the communications transition to be initiated while ships are entering the harbor. Integration of BelAir Networks is in accordance with Department of Defense (DoD) security practices and the DoD Information Technology Security Certification & Accreditation Process (DITSCAP) process and polices for wireless data technologies.
Video surveillance cameras can also be co-located with the wireless mesh nodes to provide video security for port facilities and perimeter. The high-quality real-time video can be transmitted over separate and secure wireless links (on the same network as the ship to shore applications)and or remotely monitored.