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Solarbeam Wireless Solar-Powered Perimeter Security Company Deploys M2M Communications Network
Technology Category
- Networks & Connectivity - Wireless Local Area Network
- Sensors - Infrared Sensors
Applicable Industries
- Security & Public Safety
- Transportation
Applicable Functions
- Facility Management
- Field Services
Use Cases
- Perimeter Security & Access Control
- Predictive Maintenance
- Remote Asset Management
Services
- System Integration
- Software Design & Engineering Services
The Challenge
Following the devastation of Hurricane Andrew in South Florida in 1992, Solarbeam realized the need to upgrade from hard-wired systems, which required extensive piping and trenching, to wireless systems that could be easily integrated into existing infrastructure. The company aimed to develop a comprehensive wireless system designed for independent monitoring, diagnostics, and integrated video. The challenge was to create a reliable, versatile, and cost-effective perimeter protection solution that could operate in remote locations with harsh weather conditions. Solarbeam needed a solution that would allow for easy deployment and configuration flexibility while maintaining high dependability.
About The Customer
Solarbeam International, Inc. is a company based in Homestead, FL, specializing in solar-powered wireless perimeter intrusion detection systems (PIDS). The company is known for providing one of the most reliable, versatile, and cost-effective perimeter protection solutions available today. Solarbeam patented the technique of using solar power with wireless reporting of sensor systems formed between any two points. This technique is embodied in Solarbeam’s towers, which permit the deployment of various security applications such as Infrared beam, microwave systems, cameras, and fence sensor systems without the need for trenching, conduit, heavy equipment, wires, or permitting. The company has a history of innovation, particularly following the devastation of Hurricane Andrew in 1992, which led to a significant upgrade in their technology from hard-wired to wireless systems.
The Solution
Solarbeam moved to a comprehensive wireless system designed for independent monitoring, diagnostics, and integrated video. The company designed software to complement the new wireless M2M communications capabilities, enabling area photography of complexes as visual indicators of where perimeter alarms sounded. This wireless M2M connectivity was provided by FreeWave’s proprietary radio technology, deployed through each of Solarbeam’s systems. Solarbeam developed the Roadside Animal Detection System (RADS), which offers automatic detection of animals crossing roadways. These systems, often deployed in remote locations with harsh weather conditions, rely on FreeWave’s M2M solutions for remote monitoring capabilities, ease of deployment, and configuration flexibility. The Solarbeam perimeter system comprises multiple solar towers, solar-powered batteries, detectors (Infrared, microwave, radar, or other sensors), and FreeWave M2M communications technology. Using FreeWave, Solarbeam can monitor each solar-powered tower individually, providing diagnostics such as solar voltage, battery voltage, and general tower health. To facilitate this monitoring, Solarbeam deployed FreeWave’s FGR2-IOS solution, part of FreeWave’s wireless embedded I/O series. The FGR2-IOS is user-configurable, with both digital and analog capabilities, serving the need for Solarbeam’s M2M networking connections. A radio was installed on each tower containing the solar panels with additional perimeter security equipment, allowing real-time monitoring and quick determination of maintenance needs.
Operational Impact
Quantitative Benefit
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