Hurricane Relief and Recovery Efforts Enlist UAS Tech
The imagery and reconnaissance coming in from tracking the impact of Hurricane Harvey (and now Hurricanes Irma and Jose) has been jaw dropping. In fact, these reports have helped instigate a lot of the recovery efforts underway. Various technologies are a critical factor for these efforts and numerous systems are being deployed to serve those communities affected – perhaps the most intriguing being that of unmanned aerial systems (UAS). While the implementation of UAS into the National Airspace System (NAS) has been gradual – being met with some resistance and numerous regulatory factors – disaster and recovery efforts needed at the scale of Hurricane Harvey, for example, cause the need for immediate action. To that end, UAS are being deployed daily to aid government and relief officials in the areas of Houston and Southern Texas. According to a recent Wall Street Journal article authored by Andy Pasztor, “In the first six days after the storm hit, the Federal Aviation Administration issued more than 40 separate authorizations for emergency drone activities above flood-ravaged Houston and surrounding areas. They ranged from inspecting roadways to checking railroad tracks to assessing the condition of water plants, oil refineries and power lines. That total climbed above 70 last Friday and topped 100 by Sunday, including some flights prohibited under routine circumstances, according to people familiar with the details. Industry officials said all of the operations—except for a handful flown by media outlets—were conducted in conjunction with, or on behalf of, local, state or federal agencies.” This quick response from the FAA signals a change forthcoming. As reported above and in other reports, new regulations from the FAA may soon be on the horizon to further expedite the NAS implementation. The benefits of implementing UAS technology for disaster recovery efforts, among other use cases, are far reaching. However, and as we discussed in a post earlier this year, are UAS friends or foes to emergency response teams? Clearly, the evidence around UAS deployments for Hurricane Harvey suggests that these next-generation technologies are proving critical to recovery efforts. However, there are many instances where more stringent rules and regulations of UAS in the NAS are required, especially when impeding response teams. According to the FAA’s estimates from 2016, we can expect about 7 million drones to ship to the U.S. by 2020. Which also means, our skies are likely to become much more crowded with not just private consumer devices, but many more commercial systems as well. This is where an early examination of the cost/benefit analysis of drones used in emergency response support may prove to be helpful. By several accounts already reported, numerous police departments, local and regional government agencies, fire departments, Community Emergency Response Teams (CERT) and even lifeguards are already adopting and testing drone technologies in the event of an emergency response situation. By no means do we expect that trend to discontinue. However, it is also important to get a handle of what the negative outcomes could be so that technology companies like FreeWave can help address these issues now through technical guidance, tech innovation and considerations for implementation into the NAS – particularly when it relates to the reliable command and control of these systems. The point here is we should be exercising any and all options we have as a country to help assist with the relief efforts from these natural disasters. Obviously, unmanned systems are a piece to this puzzle for many reasons, but perhaps most importantly because they help keep additional human lives out of harm’s way. We want to wish all those affected by Hurricane Harvey, Irma and Jose all the best – keep safe and be well.
Happy Independence Day!
As we prepare for fireworks, barbeques and all of the excitement that comes along with tomorrow’s holiday, we’d also like to recognize what Independence Day means to the U.S. By definition it’s the celebration of the Declaration of Independence and the birth of our incredible country as an independent nation. On this holiday, we’re also reminded that millions of people have sacrificed (and continue to sacrifice) in order for us to gain and retain our freedoms and liberties. As a company that has had the honor of working in the military and defense industry for more than two decades, we are humbled and grateful to all of the men and women in the armed forces. From the bottom of our hearts, with respect and admiration, we’d like to thank all of brave men and women who have served and sacrificed for this great country — including those who are currently serving today. FreeWave and the Military The government and defense industries have been woven into FreeWave’s story from early on. As previously noted, we have worked in the defense markets for more than two decades providing wireless communication solutions – including command and control (C2) links for unmanned systems. Our embedded communication solutions for drones and robotics have logged more than 2.5 million flight hours without a single link failure. As the number of unmanned systems for air, land and water increases, it is imperative for manufacturers and operators to use rugged, reliable and secure C2 solutions with high-speed data transmission. We are dedicated to continuing to provide robust and trusted solutions. Not only do we focus on providing a great technology, but a solution that can be trusted to operate when human lives are at stake. We hope you have a wonderful Fourth of July holiday!
International IIoT Perspectives: Smart Cities
The Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) is, at times, hard to pin down. The stronger the technology has gotten, the broader the applications have become, affecting everything from energy, to smart cities to manufacturing, and in the process, blurring the line between traditional consumer and industrial markets. Interestingly, in the United States, much of the Industrial IoT advancements have come from the private sector – oil and gas, utilities, precision agriculture, etc. International IIoT, however, has seen real advancements coming from cities – smart cities, that is. Smartest Cities in the World A 2015 article from Forbes provided a list of the top five smartest cities in the world based on a number of factors, including environmental monitoring, smart traffic management, data usage and creative tech applications. Barcelona topped the list, with New York City, London, Nice (France), and Singapore rounding out the top five. In each instance, the use of smart technology improved quality of life, efficiency, and better overall functionality. Of course, there are myriad factors to consider when evaluating a city’s “smartness,” but considering how many moving parts – literally and figuratively – that it takes to create a smart infrastructure, the breadth of application is impressive. Barcelona’s comprehensive wired network drives an infrastructure that is constantly aggregating, transmitting and analyzing data for all kinds of things: The boxes are no regular electricity meters. They are fine-tuned computer systems, capable of measuring noise, traffic, pollution, crowds, even the number of selfies posted from the street. They are the future of Barcelona, and in some sense they are the future for all of us too. The hard drives are just one piece of what is “unusual” on this street, in fact. Cast your eyes down, and you might spot the digital chips plugged into garbage containers, or the soda-can-size sensors rammed into the asphalt under the parking spaces. The paragraph above not only highlights the often hidden aspects of smart cities – sensors, hard drives, boxes – but also the sheer magnitude of the data being collected from wherever possible. The technology that powers that data collection lies in the actual communication networks, which are powered by an array of RF, cellular and WiFi connections. Today, many of the devices that are responsible for collecting the data from the source – the access layer – are capable of hosting third-party, proprietary applications that can filter and transmit data in specific packages, turning Big Data into Smart Data. Lately, London has focused on green energy and environmental progress. The city launched an initiative to become a zero-emission city by 2050 with a combination of electric vehicles and public transportation. Sounds familiar, right? The actual mechanisms driving that initiative are not necessarily ground breaking: reduce combustion engines on the road, encourage people to use public transport. However, the technology has finally started to catch up. With smart traffic monitoring capabilities, public transportation can run more efficiently, keeping to strict schedules. Additionally, driverless vehicles can perhaps help lead a transportation infrastructure devoid of human-caused accidents, opening the road systems and, again, leading to greater efficiency. Smart Cities, Smart World Of course, the two examples above come at a high level. There are significant technologies driving the actual implementation of smart city devices, but the key factor is that the leaders of the respective cities understand the need for a stronger, smarter infrastructure. Many other cities are catching up – India often pops up with smart city initiatives, which is a fascinating case study based on the economic disparity of the country. Still, the drivers of the international IIoT goals often point to the development of smart cities as an ideal outcome based on the continued growth of connected technology.
Robotics on the Battlefield
We’ve all seen those futuristic Sci-Fi movies where man and machine fight alongside each other in the throes of battle. While that might have seemed far fetched years ago, the reality is that robotics are increasingly becoming a part of our military today. In fact, the Pentagon recently requested prototypes of combined human-robot squads. As the robotics industry becomes increasingly important to military officials, technology providers are working hard to develop solutions that will support increasingly automated military efforts. A recent report estimates that robotics in the military will grow at a CAGR of 9.5 percent between now and 2023. According to the same report, robotics will be most used by the military in Europe during this time frame, followed by North America. The U.S. military continues to test out the possibilities for leveraging robots to protect soldiers, increase visibility in combat situations and generally streamline operations. Not only are these robotic applications groundbreaking — but they’re also really cool. News stories on new robotic technology boast of robotic ships, heavily armed unmanned ground vehicles, and robotic tanks – with more innovative technology coming out all the time. For example, there is a robotic insect called the “RoboBee” which was created for crop pollination and disaster relief efforts, but could also potentially lead to robotic insects used for military purposes as the true “fly on the wall” concept — equipped with audio and visual capabilities. There are also recent reports around the push for robots designed to carry wounded soldiers out of battle instead of forcing medics to enter live combat zones. These robotics may also support troops behind enemy lines in a variety of other ways to prevent risking more lives, such as dropping medical supplies to soldiers in dangerous areas. Future technologies may have the power to deliver specific medicine and even blood to wounded soldiers. While there are robotic models being tested and deployed around the world, perhaps the most uncertainty lies in the data. A Data Disaster? As recently reported in Popular Mechanics, the robotics of tomorrow may be facing a serious data problem. The article notes that for one, robots are both consumers and creators of data. Technology needs to be able to sustain the sheer amount of data required for robotic operations. The article also highlights the importance of collecting and using the right data instead of ALL the data. The good news — thanks to the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) — is that modern technology is becoming more favorable for managing data and it will further be supported by secure command and control (C2) links. Wireless data communications solutions are available that enable reliable C2 links have been trusted by the government and defense industry for decades. Not only are they proven in combat, but they are applicable for today’s complex data-centric systems, including robotics. With appropriate security measures and encryption capabilities in place, C2 links can be better protected to thwart malicious attacks on these automated systems – a critical function when the C2 links enable operations of the device. Further, when frequency-hopping techniques are used there is an additional layer of security, as these types of devices leverage coordinated, rapid changes in radio frequencies that naturally avoid interference. When FHSS technologies are combined with FIPS and AES security standards, as well as multiple user-defined cryptography keys (up to 32), they are equipped with a highly robust link that is well suited for military and combat operations. While robotics brings concerns to the data conversation, technology providers are working to keep up with modern data needs. With a secure C2 link, technology is further hardened for combat applications. It will be interesting to see the developments in robotics for the military in the next couple of years. What are some of the most interesting robotics applications you’ve seen?
Drones and Emergency Response Teams – Friend or Foe?
The drone business has been flying high for the last few years, especially as they became popular consumer devices as regulatory and technological frameworks continue to take shape for greater implementation into the National Airspace (NAS). Much has also been written though about the possibilities of drones igniting the next wave of innovation for enterprise specific applications in precision agriculture, oil and gas, construction, asset monitoring and delivery, and mining. However, it’s clear that the military sector will continue to lead all other sectors in drone spending for the foreseeable future, thanks to worldwide demand of this technology. But perhaps the most intriguing applications for drones in the coming years are those related to safety – public safety, that is. State and local governments are certainly beginning to take their SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats) analyses of implementing drone technologies for their own emergency response efforts. Why just two weeks ago, local officials around Japan were looking at drones to help “beef up” their disaster response programs, in the event of a major disaster such as an earthquake. Even last week the North Carolina Department of Transportation’s Division of Aviation collaborated with close to 50 state and local government agencies and researchers for a workshop about the use of drones in crisis situations. North Carolina is also looking at applications for drones for monitoring rockslides along Interstate 40 at the Tennessee border (a common headache for DOT officials). However, one of the critical discussion points during the workshop was looking at ways to ensure private owners of drones (with or without the best of intentions) don’t interfere with or further complicate emergency response efforts. Are Drones Friend or Foe? According to the FAA’s newest estimates, we can expect about 7 million drones to ship to the U.S. by 2020. Which also means, our skies are likely to become much more crowded with not just private consumer devices, but possibly many more commercial devices as well. This is where an early examination of the cost/benefit analysis of drones used in emergency response support may prove to be helpful. By several accounts already reported, numerous police departments, local and regional government agencies, fire departments, Community Emergency Response Teams (CERT) and even lifeguards are already adopting and testing drone technologies in the event of an emergency response situation. By no means do we expect that trend to discontinue. However, it is also important to get a handle of what the negative outcomes could be so that technology companies like FreeWave can help address these issues now through technical guidance, tech innovation and considerations for implementation into the NAS. Based on what we’ve gathered so far, by far the biggest concerns for drones being used in emergency response is when it interferes with corresponding aviation efforts. There are numerous accounts of private drone pilots causing challenges for search and rescue and firefighting efforts. Just yesterday the Texas A&M Forest Service was reported to have asked its local residents to not fly drones near the wildfires they are trying to battle near college station. Drones were said to have caused a serious safety hazard for firefighters and halted the assistance of other firefighting aircraft. Another instance was in Sharp Park in Pacifica near San Francisco when search and rescue crews were delayed in their rescue mission when a drone flew much too close to the helicopter that was trying to save someone who had fallen off of a cliff. The point here is that while many of the newly born issues from drone flights are based on human oversight or error. It shines a light on just how new this new technology really is (for consumers and enterprises) and how much there still is to learn. We expect to see much more regulation get handed down in the coming years (on a local, state and federal level) to help curb errant drone usage in our increasingly crowded airspace. Furthermore, sense and avoid tactics between disparate aircraft will become even more paramount with each new drone flight. If you would like to learn more or want to add your own take to the drone discussion, please comment below!
Top News: Unmanned Aircrafts Taking Flight
As we near the end of 2016, it’s hard to ignore the current and potential impact that Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) technology has on society. News reports from around the world continue to highlight many instances of unmanned aircrafts taking to the skies. As the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and other international airspace regulatory bodies continue opening up the airways for new technology deployments, businesses look to be in a prime position to leverage numerous unmanned flights around the globe. Despite the continued pressures on government agencies to make UAS deployable in commercial airspace, regulators and safety officials still tend to err on the side on caution. Numerous testing sites and operations have already begun in hopes of helping to define and implement the safety protocols UAS operators need to follow. However, will regulators allow UAS to fly “out of sight” missions one day? Will retailers finally get approval for the chance to deliver packages via drones? How will airport officials help coalesce flight patterns from both manned and unmanned systems? Only time will tell, but as the excitement around UAS grows, we’ll keep a keen eye on the developments and use cases. Take a moment to enjoy this week’s highlights of the top UAS coverage throughout the past week. FAA to Conduct Unique Drone Testing at DIA By @CBS4Jeff | Published on @CBSDenver “Unique drone testing is going on at Denver International Airport. The only other testing like it has been done at JFK Airport in New York and at Atlantic City Airport. Now testing is looking at how to identify and control drones near airliners in Denver.” NASA Proves Out of Sight UAS Operations By @NASAAmes | Published on @UASMagazine “During the test, two of the drones flew beyond their commanders’ lines of sight. As many as two drones were operated in the same test airspace, separated by altitude and within sight of their operators. The pilots used the NASA-developed UTM research platform to gain information about all the drones’ locations and proximity to other air traffic and hazards. UTM also informed other airspace users of potential hazards and conflicting operations that could affect their plans.” Flight at the Bay Shows UAS Role in Emergencies By GPS World Staff | Published on @GPSWorld “The test also helped Shore Regional Health explore new ways of providing access to medical care to rural areas, according to William Huffner, Shore’s chief medical officer. UAS technology has the potential to bring supplies not only to medical staff, but also directly to patients in isolated areas.” The future is here: UAS are delivering Domino’s pizzas to customers By @mcwm | Published @qz “To order a pizza with a drone, a customer has to opt into the service, and can then order online or through the Domino’s app to get the pie they desire. Right now, Domino’s told Quartz, the drones have a delivery radius of 1.5 km (about one mile) from the Whangaparaoa store, but the company is aiming to expand that to about 10 km (roughly six miles).” Disney Plans to Fly Over 300 UAS Every Night This Winter at Disney World by @aprilaser | Published on @Recode “In August, after the Federal Aviation Administration released the drone rules for commercial operators, Intel was granted a waiver to fly an unlimited number of its Shooting Star drones per pilot at night over any uncontrolled airspace in the country.” As we conclude this week’s unmanned aircraft edition, we hope to have inspired, informed and most of all entertained with all the possibilities of UAS taking flight. Reliable IoT connectivity and data communications are key to opening doors to what some deemed impossible to happen. It’s time to embrace these new technologies and discover what the future will unleash for the next-gen airspace.
Hacking: A Cybersecurity Top News Edition
Hacking became a scary reality last week as we all witnessed Twitter, Airbnb, Amazon, PayPal, CNN, Spotify and Reddit simultaneously get hit with a massive Denial of Service (DoS) attack. This attack also interrupted hundreds of other sites and internet connected devices from functioning properly. For months, we’ve been hearing about the need to protect and secure our networks and devices. As the world steps further into the digital landscape, it’s clear that new advancements around cybersecurity tactics and strategies need to be addressed. Many are calling for standardization as a means to collectively thwart attacks and identify problem areas. Due to the proliferation of IoT technology and billions of connected devices, our critical infrastructure projects are those that may deserve the most attention in the short term. Read on for this week’s top cybersecurity news highlights that shine a light on the hacking aftermath and the inherent cybersecurity risks we should all be aware of in the IoT space. Exposed to Hacking Cybersecurity Experts are calling for Internet of Things Standards in Wake of Massive Attack By @ethanbaron | Published on @mercnews “In the assault Friday that blocked access to hundreds of websites, including Twitter, Airbnb, Amazon, PayPal, CNN, Spotify and Reddit, thousands of hijacked “internet of things” devices bombarded a New Hampshire company called Dyn with traffic.” The Lessons From the East Coast CyberAttack By @josephinecwolff | Published on @Slate “This is an important lesson of online security and often an incredibly difficult one to impress upon users: Even the accounts and computers and machines that you don’t care about being.” Why Businesses Need to Secure Connected Devices to Win Consumer Trust By @jeffjohnroberts | Published on @FortuneMagazine “The issue now is whether the government should do more to regulate the Internet of things (IoT), or if we can instead trust companies and the market to solve the problem.” This Attack Was Different–Cyber Threat Draws Utility Warnings By @BlakeSobczak | Published on @EENewsUpdates “Department of Homeland Security officials, who say they are investigating the attack on Dyn with the FBI, have warned that some smart-grid devices could be inadvertently swept up into attacks on other websites or key internet infrastructure.” Top Five Biggest Threats to IoT Security By Hannah Williams | Published on @cbronline “Hackers have recently been able to obtain access to a wide variety of connected devices, which has prompted new concerns over the security threats of the Internet of Things.” Cybersecurity: The Biggest Threat to Automated Trucking By @AaronHuffCCJ | Published on @CCJnow “A single point of failure, or security breach, in a supply chain has far-reaching effects for all parties. Transportation companies must therefore think beyond their own IoT network perimeter, he advises, as the march towards automation continues.” As we conclude another round of top news highlights, we hope to have opened your eyes to modern cybersecurity considerations. As technology continues to evolve, we must continue to learn how to better protect our IoT interests upon exposure to hacking.
Securing Assets with Outdoor Wi-Fi
The video surveillance market is anticipated to grow to $42B by 2019. Many industries today are using video monitoring as part of their physical security efforts to protect assets. As the Internet of Things (IoT) is increasingly adopted by more industries, careful consideration must be made when leveraging Sensor-to-Server (S2S) solutions for video-based security applications. From a technology perspective, IoT is beneficial for video security because it enables more data collection to drive intelligent business and security decisions that will better protect assets. However, with more sensors and devices connected to an IT network comes increased exposure for cyberattacks. It was inevitable that IoT would cross over into the physical security space, but the idea of security devices connected into an IoT network is concerning to many security professionals. In 2015, HP reported that up to 70 percent of IoT devices are vulnerable to cyberattacks. Any intelligent communication that is leveraged in an IoT environment must be designed with security in mind and have the ability to protect the network against cyber-attacks. Without ample security in the environment, companies risk severe consequences such as compromised data or denial of service. Outdoor Assets Protected Some outdoor shorthaul, Wi-Fi-based S2S networks are now designed to securely monitor and transmit voice, video, data and sensor (VVDS) information for asset monitoring and control. Additionally, any industry looking for an outdoor network robust enough to provide Wi-Fi connectivity may also benefit from these outdoor Wi-Fi solutions. From emergency communications to municipalities, industrial networks to golf courses or campgrounds, and more, there are numerous use cases where Wi-Fi is beneficial for connectivity and also for high-speed shorthaul communications needed to enable VVDS data. In IoT environments there are sensors on every single asset, constantly pulling data, so they need to make sure that security features are part of the technology’s design. For the operator seeking outdoor Wi-Fi to connect physical security devices and enable video monitoring, it is important to be familiar with the technology they are selecting. The Wi-Fi networks best suited for outdoor environments will have a rugged design with proven reliability in extreme environmental conditions. When the right security measures are in place, these solutions can ensure that data is protected through a variety of means including encryption, authentication, virus and intrusion protection, and by being physically tamperproof. Although robust, outdoor Wi-Fi can provide the connectivity needed for VVDS applications, but it needs to be able to withstand and prevent cyber security attacks. When the right technology is selected and enabled, asset protection can be enhanced through video. How are you protecting your assets?
Who Needs Rugged, Outdoor Wi-Fi Networks?
When we think about Wi-Fi, we tend to lean towards the idea of connections that allow us to access our mobile devices. With a Wi-Fi connection we can stream videos, access our apps, check email, work and basically manage our digital lives. In non-traditional settings, the need for outdoor Wi-Fi connectivity is increasing, but it is accompanied by some unique challenges. Outdoor Wi-Fi Connectivity Industries that operate mostly outdoors are finding a greater need for Wi-Fi connectivity. Campgrounds are providing Wi-Fi as both an amenity and as a tracking and booking tool for managers and campers alike. Golf courses have deployed industrial-scale Wi-Fi networks to monitor irrigation, golfers and other assets throughout a course, and marinas are using Wi-Fi networks for both communication and vessel management needs. There has also been a strong uptick in the use of industrial Wi-Fi networking for security programs and disaster response. Companies can use high-speed Voice, Video, Data and Sensor (VVDS) data transport as building blocks for a security network capable of real-time monitoring. These Wi-Fi solutions are especially ideal for video monitoring, as they provide the bandwidth necessary to transport large amounts of data. Disaster response has also been an ideal application for industrial-scale Wi-Fi. Often times, cell networks can get knocked out during environmental disasters, effectively eliminating a critical component for communication. Today, organizations can deploy these Wi-Fi platforms on vehicles or other response assets that can enable communications in emergency or disaster situations. For any industry with outdoor operations, assets will be exposed to the worst natural elements – extreme heat, freezing temperatures, heavy snow, strong wind, dust storms and more. The challenge is finding a shorthaul, Wi-Fi solution that is rugged and secure enough to withstand the elements, but also advanced enough to enable new types of high-speed, high throughput application solutions. Rugged Wi-Fi Communication Solutions There are solutions designed for robust, secure transport of VVDS information for the edge devices in industrial communication networks. These rugged, shorthaul communication networks are specifically designed for outdoor Wi-Fi connectivity and have proven reliability in extreme environmental conditions. These types of solutions are ideal for oil and gas, utilities, mining, power plants, municipalities, disaster recovery or any other type of industrial applications. They also suit innovative deployments at golf courses, marinas, campgrounds and other settings that require outdoor Wi-Fi connectivity. How would you like to have Wi-Fi connectivity for your own outdoor networks? FreeWave just launched a new contest and the winner will receive their own network of rugged, outdoor Wi-Fi solutions. Enter Today! Contest Closed Enter today for a chance to win FreeWave’s award-winning WavePro WP201shorthaul and Wi-Fi solution. Contest entrants must provide a high-level account of the application of the WavePro, along with a description of the need for the platform. Winners will be announced at the close of the entry period. To enter the contest, please visit http://go.freewave.com/wavepro-network-giveaway. Submissions are due by September 30.
Behind the Scenes: Airports Across the Country
Many of us have been in airports around the country a lot lately. Summer vacations are a time when families converge at our local airports, anxious to spend time with loved ones and get to their destinations for fun, relaxation and adventure. However, we tend to take for granted all that goes into running our airports, along with the safety and security required to ensure the smooth operation each airport requires. Plus, we generally only think about what is happening inside the airports, but the truth of the matter is, there is potentially more activity happening outside of the airport at any given time. From aircraft maintenance crews and air traffic controllers to airfreight handlers and runway security personnel, there is a slew of machines and people conducting airport operations outdoors that need to be coordinated and as efficient as possible. According to a 2010 report by the Bureau of Transportation Statistics, a total of 631,939,829 passengers boarded domestic flights in the United States that year. This averages to 1.73 million passengers flying per day. It’s mind-boggling to think how this number has increased since that time as it’s clear that general aviation airports of all sizes are an integral part of our National Aviation System. Many airports have aging facilities, shifting demands to accommodate the changes in the general aviation industry, and diminishing revenue sources. These trends coupled with limited staff and budgets have made it difficult to properly maintain the facilities beyond responding to immediate needs. Automator of Airports The automation of processes and industrial communications can help. Setting up an outdoor industrial wi-fi network is one way field managers at airports can ease the burden of maintaining a safe and efficient infrastructure. For instance, establishing a hardened and ruggedized commercial-grade wi-fi network around the perimeter of an airport not only creates a safe and secure enclosed zone, but, also provides a way for maintenance crews to monitor and ensure the overall outdoor field operations of the airport facility. This can be easily achieved through resilient wireless networks because they allow for easy and relatively inexpensive modification as outdoor airport infrastructures and policies change (which can be frequent). In addition, besides obvious benefits to airport maintenance crews, there are indeed FAA requirementsthat need to be adhered to for compliance – making it even more imperative that airport facility personnel find more effective ways of ensuring proper airport operations and safety procedures are maintained at all times. Some examples of how outdoor wi-fi networks can assist in a smoother, more automated airport infrastructure include: Establishing a communications link with all airport maintenance crew through VoIP, video and data so that all personnel are able to communicate with one another and send immediate notifications if/when needed – saving time, effort and money. Adhering to FAA mandates which require personnel to provide reports on outdoor lighting, runways, vehicles and the overall airport infrastructure three times per day. Great efficiencies can be obtained through automating these various tasks reducing the amount of time and labor needed to maintain, monitor and report these things. Installing communication devices on airport maintenance vehicles connects all of them so that personnel can notify proper authorities of outages through their tablets versus manually having to inform supervisors that action needs to be taken. These are just a few of the ways an industrial outdoor wi-fi network can help airports maintain a safe, secure and well-functioning infrastructure. So what will the future airports look like and how will they operate? If the current IoT landscape has shown us anything its that any manual process or operation that can be automated through the use of machines or smart devices eventually will be (automated). As airport field operations continue to be held to higher standards and increasingly rigid regulations, the faster they can adapt to the pressures of an on-demand economy, the better.
