A large metropolitan parking garage operator needed to modernize its parking management system by deploying License Plate Recognition (LPR) cameras, pay stations, IP surveillance cameras, emergency intercoms, and wireless access points throughout a multi-level parking structure. The network had to provide reliable connectivity, centralized management, and continuous operation despite the challenging environment found in parking garages.

The solution required powering multiple edge devices while extending high-speed fiber connectivity between equipment rooms located throughout the garage. Omnitron's industrial and commercial PoE Ethernet Switches provided a reliable, cost-effective network infrastructure that supports both data and power over a single Ethernet cable while utilizing fiber optics for long-distance backbone connectivity.

The Challenge

The parking operator faced several networking challenges:

• Multiple parking levels exceeded standard copper Ethernet distance limitations.
• LPR cameras required continuous Gigabit connectivity for real-time license plate processing.
• Outdoor entrances exposed equipment to temperature extremes, moisture, and vehicle exhaust.
• Pay stations required secure, reliable network connectivity for payment processing.
• Existing network closets were limited in available AC power.
• Future expansion required additional IP cameras and parking management equipment.
• Network downtime directly impacted parking revenue collection.

The Solution

The parking garage deployed Omnitron Ethernet switches using a fiber backbone connecting communication rooms on each parking level.

Network Components

Garage Entrance

• LPR Cameras
• Barrier Gates
• Intercom
• RuggedNet Industrial Managed PoE Switch

Parking Levels

• IP Surveillance Cameras
• Pay Stations
• Emergency Call Stations
• Wireless Access Points
• OmniConverter or RuggedNet PoE Switches

Fiber Backbone

• Singlemode or Multimode Fiber
• Gigabit or 10 Gigabit uplinks between switches

Control Room

• Parking Management Servers
• Video Management System
• Payment Processing Server
• Core Network Switch

Network Operation

At each garage entrance, high-resolution LPR cameras capture vehicle license plates as vehicles enter and exit. Images are transmitted over Gigabit Ethernet to the parking management server for vehicle identification and billing.

Throughout the garage, PoE switches provide network connectivity to:

• Parking pay stations
• IP surveillance cameras
• Emergency help stations
• Digital signage
• Wireless access points
• Occupancy sensors

Fiber uplinks interconnect each floor, eliminating copper distance limitations while providing high bandwidth for video traffic.

OmniConverter Managed PoE Switch Features

Omnitron PoE switches simplify installation by delivering both power and Ethernet connectivity over a single CAT6 cable.

Key Benefits

• IEEE 802.3af/at/bt PoE support
• Up to 100W PoE for high-power devices
• Gigabit and 10 Gigabit fiber uplinks
• Fiber distances from hundreds of meters to over 100 km depending on optics
• Industrial temperature operation for entrance equipment
• Compact DIN-rail or wall-mount installation
• Managed and unmanaged models available
• High reliability for 24/7 parking operations

The Benefits

Improved Revenue Collection

Reliable connectivity ensures uninterrupted communication between pay stations, LPR systems, and parking management software.

Simplified Installation

PoE eliminates separate electrical circuits for cameras, pay stations, and wireless devices.

Long-Distance Networking

Fiber backbone supports multi-level parking structures without Ethernet distance limitations.

High Reliability

Industrial RuggedNet switches withstand harsh parking garage environments including:

• Temperature extremes
• Moisture
• Dust
• Vehicle vibration
• Electrical noise

Centralized Management

Managed Omnitron switches allow IT personnel to monitor:

• Port utilization
• Device status
• PoE power consumption
• Fiber link health
• Alarm conditions
• Remote diagnostics

Typical Connected Devices

• License Plate Recognition Cameras
• Fixed IP Security Cameras
• PTZ Cameras
• Parking Pay Stations
• Ticket Dispensers
• Gate Controllers
• Emergency Intercom Stations
• Digital Signage
• Wireless Access Points
• Parking Occupancy Sensors
• Environmental Sensors

The Results

Following deployment, the parking operator achieved:

• Continuous operation of LPR cameras for automated vehicle identification
• Reliable payment processing through networked pay stations
• High-quality video transport over a fiber backbone
• Reduced installation costs using PoE technology
• Simplified network management with centralized monitoring
• Scalable infrastructure supporting future parking expansion
• Increased system uptime, improving customer experience and maximizing parking revenue

Omnitron Products Featured

Depending on deployment requirements, the solution can incorporate:

• RuggedNet® Industrial Managed PoE Ethernet Switches for parking entrances, ramps, and other harsh-environment locations
• OmniConverter® Managed and Unmanaged PoE Ethernet Switches for communication closets and indoor equipment rooms
• OmniConverter® Fiber Media Converters for extending Ethernet over fiber where standalone device connectivity is required

Together, these Omnitron solutions provide a secure, high-performance fiber and PoE infrastructure for modern parking facilities, supporting LPR systems, surveillance, payment processing, and future smart parking applications.

Omnitron's Product Solutions: