CCTV and ANPR (automatic number plate recognition), users must transfer data securely and efficiently. That can include the need for static IP to the device, the creation of secure connects and interconnects, and overall management and control of numerous deployed units connected, in the main, across cellular networks.
Users turn to Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) and Managed Services Providers. The UK’s second largest police force, West Midlands Police were operating an estate of ANPR cameras – in-vehicle and fixed sites. Having adopted an ‘off the shelf’ MNO as part of a voice-focused framework agreement, the structure set in place was far from efficient; individual VPN tunnels to each device that required complex management to achieve the links in, plus the termination of data directly into their internal network – something that from a data security perspective was unsatisfactory. In essence, the force was utilising an adapted mobile solution with high latency levels.
Having audited the platform, West Midlands turned to Wireless Logic, a M2M managed services provider with over 1.7m SIM subscriptions, to deliver a consultancy-led review. As a ‘network agnostic’ provider, they would bring choice by enabling the force to select multiple MNOs within their chosen platform instead of being tied to only one network.
To counter the complex management of VPN tunnels and associated costs, the first recommendation was to employ a single VPN terminating at a demilitarised zone outside of the authority’s internal network. To achieve this, Wireless Logic introduced ‘NetPro’, a single encrypted and resilient platform with dual-failover, sitting across all of the major MNOs within the UK. CAPEX costs for the setting-up of such infrastructures are often prohibitive to organisations that don’t typically factor in expense for secure connectivity. With NetPro, CAPEX was factored as OPEX when combined with monthly SIM subscriptions.
As for control, Wireless Logic’s SIM provisioning and control platform ‘SIMPro’ was integrated into the overall system. When linked with a SIM’s fixed IP and the NetPro VPN, SIMPro can monitor and control data usage in real-time, setting up alerts and instructions when thresholds are reached. As for procurement, Wireless Logic provided pre-configured CISCO routers and other associated hardware. This, with the connectivity and platforms enabled West Midlands Police to acquire the entire solution through a single source.
Provided as a proof of concept model, the trial initially connected 70 mobile camera sites. The force could test the infrastructure with confidence prior to a rollout featuring multiple fixed and mobile units. And with the flexibility of using several mobile networks across the one platform, West Midlands can now implement connected solutions based on optimal coverage.
Jon-Paul Clarke, Business Development Director at Wireless Logic says: “This project demonstrates how organisations like Wireless Logic can overlay a suite of services across standard cellular connectivity to add significant value and benefits. Working with the ANPR team at West Midlands, we were able to provide a complete end-to-end solution without the need for them to enlist a number of specialist companies as part of the supply chain. With security, resilience and cost management all high on the agenda within public sector applications, this project illustrates how, with consideration, authorities can implement fit-for-purpose camera connectivity solutions, consolidated across a tailored, safe and cost-effective platform.”
About Wireless Logic
A Machine to Machine (M2M) platform solutions provider, Wireless Logic works with over 800 application providers, system integrators and enterprises, delivering a range of managed services including management and monitoring software platforms, a cloud-based private network infrastructure as well as specialist cellular and satellite connectivity. Wireless Logic provides a range of value-added services which include specialist mapping solutions from Google and Here, device management platforms and end-to-end security encryption services. Wireless Logic works with hundreds of vertical applications – these include asset and vehicle tracking, telematics, metering, security, electronic payment, m-healthcare and a range of enterprise solutions. Connected devices through Wireless Logic exceed 1.7m subscriptions across 26 European mobile and satellite networks. Wireless Logic is based in Beaconsfield, with country offices in France, Germany and Spain. Visit www.wirelesslogic.com.
