Applications
Wireless Networks » Applications
In these challenging economic times, NetLogix designs municipal networks with open architecture in mind. Government agencies now must leverage multiple budgets across a variety of departments and agencies to build a backbone that functions as a municipal utility in order to allow multiple applications to incorporate its use. Each of these applications is designed to improve operations, performance, and costs.
NetLogix delivers value-driven, applications-rich broadband network solutions to state and local government agencies. Prior to implementation, each application is researched, tested and benchmarked through NetLogix’s own independent test lab (NetLogix Labs)
It is our goal to provide our expertise to develop an open architecture system design and implementation with future proof planning in mind.
Sensor Networks
NetLogix provides advanced sensor and RFID-based solutions that allow for improved catastrophe aversion capabilities. Many of these systems can be integrated into a wireless broadband network, thereby improving the management of city infrastructures and better protecting citizens.
Gunshot Detection/Location Systems
NetLogix is partnered with industry-leading gunshot detection and location systems. By strategically locating sensors within a geographic boundary, NetLogix is able to instantaneously identify a gunshot and pinpoint its location. Each “gunshot” is digitally categorized into an audio profile associated with different types of firearms, auto backfires, firecrackers, etc.
NetLogix is able to provide data with a forensic audio record detailing the timing and sequence of gunfire, thereby giving our clients (and their citizens) added safety and security within their community. Each event is automatically recorded and mapped for Emergency 911 center dispatch.
According to public safety experts, only about 1/3rd of all gunshots are reported. NetLogix works with its municipal clients to make sure that number is much higher – and does not require a phone call to trigger police action.
Additional solutions are available that integrate GIS mapping, video surveillance shift and capture (video camera shifts towards gunshot source direction), and other system enhancements.
Through NetLogix Managed Services, we can work with communities to implement a fully managed solution complete with advisory and dispatch capabilities.
Parking Meters/Sensors
NetLogix collaborates with a variety of parking meter and parking sensor applications vendors. These include a variety of solution types such as:
- Underground parking sensors
- Solar-powered metering solutions
- On-street and off-street parking meter automation systems
- PDA access systems
NetLogix provides municipal metering systems that leverage an open architecture network to deliver additional value and use of the network. An intelligent parking sensor network enables excellent efficiencies and cost savings, in addition to the benefits of the network infrastructure. Some of these efficiencies and cost savings include:
- No more “tire chalking”
- Know WHAT areas are being used
- Know WHEN those areas are being used – in real-time
- Know when vaults are full or jammed
- Reports audit validation and performance by space
- Receive alerts on meters with low/dead batteries
Infrastructure Sensors
Complete preparation for natural disasters, such as earthquakes, or even engineering catastrophes, such as the Minneapolis bridge collapse, is fundamentally difficult. While these events are rare occurrences, new developments in technologies will help manage municipal infrastructures by leveraging advanced wireless broadband sensor technologies.
NetLogix works with emerging vendors with cutting edge sensor technologies that enable state and local government managers to receive alerts and reports on civil infrastructures. By installing sensors, municipal engineers will be able to better monitor vibrations, changes in structure integrity, and other metrics as they relate to critical infrastructures.
Biochemical Sensors
NetLogix provides sensor technologies that enable the detection of potentially hazardous chemicals such as toxic or hazardous waste materials.
Automated Meter Reading/Advanced Metering Infrastructure
Many municipal utilities have identified the need to upgrade their water, gas, and electric metering systems from traditionally manual systems, into completely automated and highly accurate networks. These can be Automated Meter Reading (AMR) or Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) networks.
Historically, utilities pursue sole source vendor solutions designed to provide a comprehensive automated metering system. From the NetLogix perspective, this approach places municipal utilities at risk, and may leave them subject to proprietary, closed system architectures.
Some of the most important benefits of AMI include:
- Reduction in data collection costs
- Improvement in meter reading accuracy
- Faster, more efficient reading times and billing process
- Increase in operational efficiency by providing real time pricing and time-of-use metering
- Improvement in customer service
- Conservation of resources
- Allowance for estimated usage on daily/hourly basis
- Advance purchase of supply at wholesale rates
- Electric utilities in the better management of “green” initiatives
Metering
NetLogix provides IP-enabled metering solutions to municipal utilities seeking to develop efficiencies in the remote gathering of gas, water and electric data. We provide expertise in wirelessly networking client location data and centralized management systems.
AMI Network Elements
An AMI network consists of four key elements:
- 1. Centralized Management Network – includes the network core systems, servers, software, subscriber management systems, etc.
- 2. Data Distribution/Backhaul – consists of the network backbone that delivers data from the central core out to the Data Collection Points. Data can be transmitted over Cellular Data (EVDO, UMTS, etc.), Dial-up, Fiber, WiMAX, WiFi, etc.
- 3. Data Collection Points – consists of the central “collectors” which gather data from individual meters within a geographic area. Data can be transmitted over Cellular Data (EVDO, UMTS, etc.), Broadband over power line, Dial-up, Fiber, WiMAX, WiFi, etc.
- 4. Meters – the actual meters that connect into the water, gas, or electric access systems located on the customer premise. They often have a conversion interface for automation, with battery life lasting upwards of 30 years.
Many AMI vendors provide only a couple of the network elements which can create future problems – as well as create current system limitations – if the right decisions are not made early in the upgrade process. NetLogix provides solutions that leverage these network elements as well as other applications, thereby maximizing network use and return on investment.
Asset Tracking
NetLogix provides a variety of solutions that enable the remote tracking of assets across a geographic area. Our solutions include:
- Real Time Location Systems (RTLS) for assets – indoor and outdoor
- Software-based asset identification systems
- Highly accurate GPS and WiFi-based solutions
- PC/Laptop locations systems (theft recovery systems)
- Security tracking solutions
Traffic Controls & Management
NetLogix is experienced in the design and implementation of traffic controls and traffic management systems for the Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) marketplace. We provide everything from the initial systems design efforts, EF&I turnkey implementation, and ongoing network and systems management. Our solutions include:
- Digital signage (for emergency traffic management)
- Data networks systems management
- Vehicle / traffic measurement systems
- Customized solutions
Street Light Management
NetLogix provides street light performance management systems. These systems help regulate power and voltage to each street light under management. By installing a street light management system, municipal engineers will be able to receive benefits such as:
- Service/maintenance cost reduction
- Improved monitoring and controls
- Asset management and improvements
- Carbon dioxide emissions detection as well as toxic chemical emission detection
- Compliance with “dark skies” initiatives
- Decreased energy consumption
- WiFi equipment power management
- Real-time performance management
Fleet Management
NetLogix provides solutions that allow state and municipal stakeholders to manage the location of vehicles in real time.
Fleet Tracking
NetLogix provides solutions that allow for security, locations, reporting, and messaging capabilities for fleet managers who need to effectively manage their vehicles. Features and benefits include:
- Real time vehicle and asset tracking
- Remote ability to control vehicle systems such as arm/disarm, cameras, sirens, security related accessory controls, and vehicle immobilization
- Public safety “bait vehicle” solutions
- Real time status reports (real time safety status indicators)
- Fleet efficiency (vehicle re-routing)
- Driver productivity management by gathering reports on speed, stops, mapping, messaging, hours-of-use compliance, etc.
- Cost reduction capabilities through reporting on use/overuse, as well as identification of potentially “reckless” drivers
- Two-way communications and messaging
- Vehicle and cargo accountability
- Reporting on a vehicle-by-vehicle basis
Knowing where each public safety vehicle is located at any given moment in time can be the difference in catching criminals or saving lives.
Handhelds
NetLogix works with leading wireless communications device manufacturers. We provide a variety of application-specific solutions that better assist municipal stakeholders with the ability to perform tasks.
Community & Municipal Applications
NetLogix designs, builds and manages multi-use wireless broadband networks for state and local government agencies. By utilizing a smart network design our clients are able to appease internal municipal requirements while providing mobile and portable high speed Internet access to the community.
Workforce Automation
The ability for remote workforce to always remain connected reaps a variety of operational efficiencies. NetLogix works with its partners to provide solutions that allow state, county, and local government agencies to connect to central databases, the worldwide web, video cameras, or document archives.
Telemedicine
High speed broadband access can enable health care professionals to provide remote communications with patients. Communications in emergency vehicles are now possible with a properly architected solution plan. NetLogix provides a variety of options specific to client needs.
Economic Development
NetLogix approaches the architecting and deployment of municipal wireless networks with public benefit in mind. We’ve helped to build public benefit projects that have a positive return on the city’s bottom line. These returns come in the form of:
- Greater consumer spending
- Increased higher income traveler (typically more business workers seeking broadband connectivity)
- Improved profile as a progressive community
- Stimulated local service provider competition (reduced rates/improved perks)
- Increased city revenues via new business fees
- More jobs
Public Access
Community use of wireless broadband (most commonly WiFi) networks is a challenging service to effectively deliver. Without a well planned and documented strategy this can be financially and emotionally unsatisfying to both city stakeholders and the community at large. NetLogix has proven pilot programs and solutions that effectively deliver value to our clients.