Dutch national railway infrastructure operator, ProRail, has rolled out a 26GHz VectaStar solution from Cambridge Broadband Networks (CBNL), to provide connectivity for a new CCTV system at major railway stations. ProRail has initially deployed VectaStar across 15 railway stations, providing a carrier-grade network to deliver the organisation’s high-definition security and surveillance system.
CBNL is a licensed point-to-multipoint (PMP) millimetre wave fixed wireless access (FWA) solutions provider. CBNL delivered the project in partnership with security system firm, VCS Observation, which provided network deployment and integration services. Using the VectaStar network, ProRail has connected over 200 CCTV cameras to date. These cameras are sited at both inside and outside locations across major railway stations in the country, including Amsterdam, Rotterdam, the Hague, Utrecht and Eindhoven.
“By using VectaStar’s highly efficient architecture, we’ve been able to leverage the significant benefits of licensed spectrum and prove the huge value millimetre wave is bringing to the surveillance and smart city sectors,” said Lionel Chmilewsky, CEO at CBNL.
“ProRail is benefiting from a VectaStar network that offers sub-millisecond latency, up to 600Mbps capacity and dedicated bandwidth for a highly secure service. The fact that these advantages can be delivered at a fraction of the cost compared to alternative technologies is causing more and more network operators to deploy the technology – a trend we expect to grow significantly over the coming years.” By using its PMP millimetre wave technology, CBNL claims ProRail has been able to deploy a carrier-grade network that delivers a highly stable and secure service at up to half the cost compared to legacy point-to-point or fibre technology.
Furthermore, as a single VectaStar access point radio can connect up to 63 CCTV cameras, it has enabled ProRail to deploy the network in reduced time compared to alternative technology and with minimal disruption to station buildings. “This project represents a landmark for the design and deployment of security networks. By utilising PMP technology and 26GHz spectrum, we’ve been able to offer an unprecedented level of efficiency and performance,” added Wim van Deijzen, owner and CEO of VCS Observation.
“It’s a great example of harnessing the latest wireless technology to solve a range of security and surveillance challenges.” VCS Observation is a leader in the Netherlands in public camera systems and video content analysis controlled by software. The organisation has a customer portfolio, including municipalities and public service providers such as Rijksmuseum, ProRail, NS and several transportation companies.
