Viacam Security are rapidly becoming the go to company for CCTV video surveillance and access control systems within Clark Freeport Zone. With local installation team, technical support and offices located within the Freeport Zone itself. Locaters can take advantage of the tax free cost savings made when purchasing within Clark Freeport Zone rather than from external companies.

For more information on how Viacam Security can secure your business, contact us on sales@viacam-security.com

Juniper Software recently moved to a new office facility within Clark Freeport Zone. As part of their office security system provided by Viacam Security they required an access control solution for their two main office doors. The ViaDoor unit together with ViaCab, configured for door access, was deployed. 2x Digital USB cameras connected with the DCU were also installed to monitor the door access events. Juniper Software particularly liked the feature of being able to synchronise access events together with video through a central management software.

As part of the installation Viacam Security implemented a customised solution that allowed the unlocking of both doors from a single key switch override. Juniper required for there to be a manual key switch override on the exterior of the building  that opened both the main entrance and reception door, and also a key switch on the inside that opened the reception and main entrance.

Two automotive relays were installed in a series circuit with the key lock override switches. A 12VDC 400mAmp power supply is applied to this circuit. As the relays are normally open type contacts, when both key lock switches are closed the circuit has power and the relay contacts close powering the EM locks with the 12VDC power supplied by the base unit. If either of the key lock override switches is opened it breaks the circuit. This causes the relays to open and both EM door locks have their power cut. With this customised installation the door status in central management software shows the doors as being forced open, allowing Juniper to then review video footage from the event and determine if the key switch override opening was a legitimate case or not. Recall of video is easy wight he central management software, you simply select a specific door event or status and video from that event will automatically synch and replay.

For more information on the Viacam access control solution visit the Viacam website.

When keyswitch overrides are closed the EM locks function as normal

When either keyswitch is opened, the EM locks have power cut

The ViaDoor base unit together with ViaCab units were deployed on 6 key access doors in the building. Managed with a central software that generates reports on employee movements and access logs, as well as giving real time overview of the door security situation. Alarms are triggered when doors are held door forced open drawing the security guards attention tot he cameras in that location.

Powerful PTZ cameras were located around the exterior of the building for perimeter protection, as well as three internal PTZ cameras for the canteen and production floor areas. Loading bays and other vital zones in the factory are monitored by a combination of dome and bullet cameras that deliver HD quality 700 TVL video.

Viacam Security Systems provided a turnkey solution for Venzon Manufacturing providing everything from the CCTV floor plan layout, camera, recording equipment, monitoring screens and installation.

Do you know how much fuel your telecom tower site uses per month? How can you verify this usage against actual genet power on time?

With FuelGenius we can not only monitor the fuel level in these remote sites, but also the generator. Through a power monitoring sensor (PMS), or  the genset mod bus / canbus interface FuelGenius can collect data on the generator status as well as the current tank fuel level. If fuel is being consumed when the generator is not switched on then we can alert to potential fuel theft situation.

FuelGenius can also detect abnormal fuel usage, such as sudden drops in level that could be associate with a serious leak or spillage, or could signal fuel theft. Alerts can be sent to the telecom tower operator by either e-mail, SMS, SNMP trap. FuelGenius ca also be connected with a central monitoring server that gives a graphical view through maps of sites, and shows visual alerts as to sites with low critical or low warning fuel levels.

For more details on FuelGenius visit the website on www.remote-fuel.com

Viacam Security provides a range of solutions for remote site monitoring, especially the telecoms industry and cellular network tower sites. More information on our telecom tower site solutions can be found here

Viacam Security will be installing the access control and CCTV video surveillance system for this new 5 million USD facility. 90 analog CCTV cameras backed up by 6 door access control points, PTZ cameras and DVR recording will be installed last quarter of 2013 as part of an 85,000 USD high end security and CCTV video surveillance system.

Viacam were chosen for their competitive pricing, quality of service and on site support, as well as a unique modular solution that allows for easy additions to the system as the project progresses and the needs of the business transpire.

Advantages of using a DAS are that the same coverage of an area can be achieved with multiple distributed antennas than a single one, but operate at a lower power output. In built up environments for example it means less power is wasted in penetrating walls and shadowing effects, providing a line of site coverage for devices connected to the network. As each antenna operates at a lower power output than a single large antenna would it also ensures that radiation levels are within required parameters so as not to have an impact on the human body. DAS systems also reduce the capital costs of traditional cell tower sites that require rectifiers, HVAC systems, land rental and higher level of security for expensive equipment. As DAS also requires much less power it results in a more energy efficient network, with lower operational costs and less carbon footprint.

DAS systems are becoming more and more prevalent for wireless carriers. Verizon and AT&T have already begun as early as 2009 to implement DAS systems in their networks (AT&T installed a DAS network at Dallas Cowboys Stadium). It is projected that the market for DAS infrastructure will grow at a rate of 11% over the next five years, and account for almost $4billion USD in revenues (forecast by SNS Research).

With this growth it is important that there is sufficient support for monitoring DAS infrastructure. Many DAS systems are currently not monitored effectively, with issues and network connectivity downtime only being discovered when customers complain. By implementing an effective DAS monitoring solution system downtime can be minimised, on site visits cut down and system security ensured. This results in higher consumer confidence and lower operational costs.

Viacam provides a complete monitoring solution for distributed antenna systems. Intelligent Base units such as the viaSecure Pro, viaSense and ViaDoor, collect sensor data from the DAS and can alert the network operator should systems be unreachable, power levels are inadequate or security has been breached. Alarm data can then be used to determine if an on site technician is required. The system can not only therefore alert you to the abnormal situation but also work as a diagnostic tool, cutting costs dispatching technicians unnecessarily on site.

Many wireless communication infrastructure sites are provided by a third party too telecom and cellular data network providers as part of a service level agreement (SLA). These agreements generally contain strict usage and uptime details. This makes it vital for the tower operators to ensure they are online and operational in accordance with the SLA. Failure of the tower through loss of power caused by lack of fuel for the generator could be extremely costly.

Fuel theft is a major issue at many remote sites. The remote and isolated nature of the towers makes them easy targets for thieves and difficult to secure effectively. AT&T and Verizon towers in the US state of Maryland were recently subject to such thefts. Another case in Jamaica saw the company Digicel loose over 9,000 gallons of fuel per month, costing the company $3 million USD per month. Much of the theft at sites was internal and small quantities, enough for several vehicles. This can add up however over the course of the year, and over hundreds of sites.

There is also sometimes a large gap in refueling volume reports and the actual quantity of fuel delivered and the amount of fuel consumed at each site. One cell tower operator in Africa is noted as stating they were routinely picking up invoices that were 10% over what was actually delivered. On a site in Tanzania they had a diesel tank with capacity of 430 liters, yet were billed for 1,000 liters a month in two deliveries. After installing a remote monitoring solution it was discovered the site could operate a whole year on 1,000 liters of fuel as the grid power was reliable in that region. This means on a single site they saved 12,000 liters of fuel per year. This more than pays back the cost of the system installation.

Monitoring system for wireless communications infrastructure

Viacam provides a solution for remote cell tower monitoring and wireless communication infrastructure. A specialist in environmental, security, video surveillance and access control for wireless communications infrastructures we can ensure the security of your telecom tower sites. Our uniquely integrated solution has provision for fuel level monitoring. Using our ultrasonic fuel level sensor mounted on the generator fuel tanks connected with our base monitoring units you can monitor the tank level, receive alerts of lower levels, graph fuel usage, check usage against generator output and alarm should a sudden drop in level be detected. With no moving parts the ultrasonic fuel level sensor is long lasting and reliable addition to your remote site monitoring system.

Geostruct carbon fiber tower

 Environmental Impact
The manufacturing of Geostrut carbon fibre towers makes use of recyclable materials. Steel fabrication is a high energy process, where as the production process for carbon fibre is relatively energy efficient. No harmful solvents or chemicals are used in the process either making these towers very environmentally friendly.

Longer Lasting
Carbon fibre does not rust and corrode like a steel structure does. This makes the towers lower maintenance and longer lasting. Not only is this helpful to the environment but saves tower operators in maintenance costs too. Geostrut are claiming a 50 year lifespan for the carbon fibre towers compared to 20 years for a steel structure, especially nearby marine environments.

Faster Installation
As carbon fibre is around 90% lighter than steel it requires lighter installation equipment, less heavy lifting cranes, less foundations to support the tower which all leads to lower installation costs, and faster time for construction. It is estimated that carbon fibre tower structures can be 20% – 30% faster to construct compared to traditional steel structured towers. Delivery costs are also substantially less. Delivery costs from the US to Africa are around $250 – $300 USD per tower with the ability to fit 18 monopole towers in a single 40ft container.

Material Technology
Geostrut was founded eight years ago and this is the third generation of their carbon fibre towers. The design and technology has been refined over the past 4 years and according to their CEO Craig Barker, they are now ready to take on the market and compete head to head with steel towers on price.

Carbon fiber has great tensile and compressive strength inherent in it’s material properties, as well as being very light giving it an excellent strength to weight ratio. It is used in all manner of industries, most notably automotive and recently in aviation, with the Boeing 787 Dreamliner making great use of composite materials and carbon fiber. The problem with implementing carbon fiber materials for towers was that it does not have good strength against bending and has a low impact resistance. Geostrut developed a lattice fiber inner structure with a carbon fiber skin. This required less raw material, reducing costs and also gives the structure the necessary bending strength to satisfy the wind loads subjected to telecom tower structures.

Weight
Other advantages that can be found from the use of carbon fibre towers would be specific for emerging markets such as Africa and India. Often building standards are not as high in emerging markets meaning heavy steel towers placed on a buildings rooftop is not always possible. The additional loads from the tower structure can be hazardous. Carbon Fibre towers by being lighter enables them to be erected in such locations.

You can find out more about Geostrut towers on their website.

Wireless Communications Infrastructure Monitoring

With the heavy investment being made to put up tower sites it is important that the tower infrastructure is maintained, secure and has maximal uptime. By implementing Viacam’s monitoring solution for telecom towers you can control access to sites, shelters and cabinets, integrate access control together with video surveillance and ensure that all systems are operating efficiently with power monitoring. Fuel for backup generators can be monitored for usage, theft and compared against fuel delivery billings. Environmental conditions with the shelter can be monitored and controlled. Temperature sensitive equipment is protected by Viacam temperature and humidity sensors, linked to sensor controlled relays to control HVAC systems.

With securServe, the innovative central monitoring software from Viacam all remote tower sites, wireless communications infrastructure systems, security, video surveillance and access control can be administered from centralized location for multiple sites on a regional, national or even international basis.

More information on Viacam’s remote site monitoring solution can be found here.

One of the most important things to consider when selecting a cabinet is how it effects the method of cooling you employ. Ensuring airflow and sufficient cooling around rack mounted equipment is critical for reliability. The amount of heat generated in a rack will depend on the density of the equipment installed and can range anything from 4-12kW per hour heat output. This is set to increase as rack density and future equipment is installed. Estimates put the potential at 30-50 kW heat output per rack.

Perforated racks

There are two types of rack structure you can purchase. A perforated server rack has perforated holes in its structure. This allows maximum airflow through and around the rack. These racks are ideal in a situation where your primary method of cooling is through air conditioning in the computer room, fans and blowers (ambient air cooling).

Sealed racks

Alternatively a fully sealed rack type can be used. This has the opposite theory of operation to the perforated rack. It’s aim is to keep the air inside, and use internal rack cooling system such as a rack air-conditioned or liquid cooling system. The aim here is to keep the cool air inside, and exhaust the heat to the outside of the rack.

Rack cooling

Rack air conditioners are not generally used in an integrated data center environment as they already have sufficient centralized air conditioning designed into the building. However in a warehouse, office or small wiring closet environment a rack air conditioner is often the ideal choice for cooling. However it should be ensured that the hot air removed from the cabinet is sufficiently exhausted from the room, especially in confined spaces. The cooling efficiency is improved if the ambient external temperatures are not too high, and this also prevents the rack AC from overheating.

Airflow

Airflow around the equipment within the rack is also important, as this ensures that heat is removed away from the equipment. Many racks are designed with built in channels for cable management and channels also for improved airflow. In addition to this utilizing 3phase power to the rack increases the available amperage, which reduces the number of heat producing PDU’s needed to power the equipment, and increasing the space available for airflow. Removing unnecessary equipment and creating space for air to move will increase airflow.

Size

Ensure that the rack you purchase has sufficient space for all your equipment, including any future expansion or upgrades. The size of rack equipment is measured in “Unit” sizes, or U’s. A 1U server for example is equal to 1.75” in height, 2U would be double this, 3.5”. The racks internal height is measured from the tallest point of a side rail to the bottom chassis. The depth is measured from the inside of the front and rear doors. Also consider that in addition to the servers you will need to mount backup UPS, LCD screens, network switch/patch panels. Therefore to mount 20 2U servers of 2U each, you would require a minimum of 40U rack height. Add in a 1U patch panel and 2U UPS battery backup and you would ideally want a 44U rack capacity. Oversizing your rack is better than under sizing so that you have less density, room for future expansion and increased capacity for airflow around the rack.

Security

Your rack is an investment, not just financial but also an operational investment. Important information stored on the servers, and systems that it runs can make them critical to your business infrastructure and processes. Physical security threats from sabotage, or damage, needs to be considered. Most racks have a locking mechanism that uses either a key or a smart card (RFID) access card. Viacam’s  cabinet controller provides security in this regard, with access control and a camera to monitor and administer who has access to your racks. Together with our Computer Room Management Software, ViaServe it’s easy monitor your racks and recall access logs synchronized with video surveillance.

Rack Monitoring

It is critical to monitor the performance of your rack, especially the temperature, humidity, power and airflow. As discussed previously temperature and airflow are important considerations when selecting your rack. Equally important is the right monitoring solution to ensure that the rack is performing as expected, and as efficiently as possible. Viacam provides a range of environmental and power monitoring sensors together with Intelligent Base Units. Fully SNMP compliant they can be used with a range of NMS software (whatsup gold, HP Open View, IBM Tivoli etc) or with our own Computer Room Management Software, ViaServe that integrates environmental monitoring, video surveillance and access control into a single solution. Protect your investment, and ensure maximum up time of your system with alerts such as SNMP traps, E-mail, SMS and MMS that warn of pending disaster. For more information on computer room environmental monitoring solutions visit the Viacam solutions page.