The ability to connect digital video cameras to computer networks and the Internet has increased the flexibility and accessibility for both collection and distribution of video data. Although this enables cameras to be installed in more locations, the availability of network ports and cabling is still a limiting factor when deploying video cameras in many locations.

A wireless mesh network can eliminate most, if not all, of the issues associated with locations that are too difficult or expensive to wire. By providing a wireless network backbone, mesh networks enable cameras to be installed without pulling cable through walls, trenching for fiber between intersections and the TMC, or along sections of secondary roadways. The cost of trenching and pulling cable for cameras can be eliminated or significantly reduced. New networks can be fully operational in a fraction of the time with fewer installers and much lower installation costs.

Intersections that don’t have traffic signal cabinets such as 4-way stops are able to take advantage of a ubiquitous network in a way that allows for Intelligent Intersections to be created where previously impossible. The entire MetroTech Net can now include the most trivial of traffic elements in order to shed light on all aspects of the Integrated Corridor.

The Firetide mesh provides standard Ethernet ports on every wireless node, so virtually any enterprise grade IP camera or encoder can connect to the wireless mesh network. This capability means many more camera choices are available, and it also allows the seamless extension of networks that may already be in place. Such a robust communication method provides substantial bandwidth capable of supporting many simultaneous video streams. Network traffic prioritization ensures smooth, jitter-free images at high frame rates. This type of mesh is not an open network and thus does not have any of the security concerns associated with Wi-Fi networks.