Highway Network Connectivity

A Major State Department of Transportation (DOT) was tasked with implementing a comprehensive network to support a variety of critical highway infrastructure services, including high-definition cameras for monitoring traffic, Wi-Fi connectivity for roadside travelers, and digital signage for real-time traffic updates. This involved connecting devices spread over long distances along the highway, requiring robust, reliable, and cost-effective network solutions.

The Challenge

The main challenges the department faced were:

1. Long Distance Extension: The network needed to be extended across several miles of highway, with devices located at various intervals. The long distance posed potential signal degradation and latency issues, making it necessary to use fiber optic cabling for high-speed, long-range connectivity.
2. Power over Ethernet (PoE) Extension: Several devices along the highway, including cameras, access points, and digital signage, required both power and data to be delivered via a single cable. Extending PoE over long distances and ensuring devices received sufficient power—especially high-power devices like PTZ cameras—was a significant challenge.
3. Extreme Environmental Conditions: The highway environment posed significant temperature extremes, dust, and potential physical exposure. Equipment needed to withstand harsh weather conditions, including heat, cold, humidity, and potential mechanical stress.

The Solution

Omnitron’s RuggedNet 4-Port Managed PoE Switch was selected as the ideal solution for the DOT’s network infrastructure. The switch offers the perfect balance of performance, reliability, and environmental toughness to meet the department’s stringent requirements.

Key Solution Features

1. 4-Port Managed PoE Switch: The RuggedNet PoE switch was chosen for its ability to deliver up to 100W of PoE per port, which is essential for powering high-demand devices such as cameras and Wi-Fi access points along the highway.
2. 10 Gigabit Uplink: The switch supports 10 Gigabit uplinks, ensuring high-bandwidth connectivity between remote switches and the central data hub, which is crucial for handling video feeds from cameras and real-time updates from digital signage.
3. Fiber Connectivity: The switch includes built-in fiber ports, allowing the department to connect various devices over long distances, utilizing fiber optics to ensure data integrity and minimal latency across the vast highway network.
4. Ruggedized Design: The switch was built with a ruggedized enclosure and operates in extended temperature ranges (-40°C to 75°C), allowing it to function flawlessly in the harsh outdoor environment of the highway.
5. Managed Capabilities: As a managed switch, the RuggedNet PoE switch offers advanced features such as VLAN support, QoS (Quality of Service), and network monitoring, providing the department with full control over the network performance and security.

The Result and Conclusion

The implementation of Omnitron’s RuggedNet PoE switches allowed the DOT to deploy a reliable, highperformance network that seamlessly connected their cameras, Wi-Fi access points, and digital signage along the highway. The solution met all technical requirements, including long-distance extension, PoE power delivery, and resilience in extreme weather conditions.

1. Improved Network Performance: The robust 10 Gigabit uplink ensured that high-definition camera feeds and digital signage data were transmitted without latency or loss of quality.
2. Cost Savings: The integration of PoE eliminated the need for separate power cables, reducing both installation and operational costs.
3. Enhanced Safety and Communication: With real-time data from cameras, digital signage, and Wi-Fi connectivity, the DOT improved its ability to monitor traffic, provide timely information to drivers, and ensure public safety along the highway.

Omnitron’s RuggedNet PoE switches proved to be the ideal solution for a Major State Department of Transportation, addressing the challenges of long-distance fiber extension, PoE power delivery, and extreme environmental conditions. The DOT was able to build a reliable, high-performance network that would provide years of uninterrupted service and meet federal compliance requirements, all while benefiting from Omnitron’s exceptional technical support and product reliability.

Why Omnitron Systems

Several factors led the DOT to choose Omnitron for this critical infrastructure project:

1. Reliability: Omnitron’s products are known for their ruggedness and ability to operate in harsh conditions. The department required a network solution that could withstand extreme temperatures and physical exposure, and Omnitron’s RuggedNet PoE switches provided that reliability with a solid track record of performance in similar applications.
2. Pre and Post Sales Support: The DOT found Omnitron’s customer support to be outstanding throughout the entire process, from pre-sales consultation to post-installation troubleshooting. Omnitron’s engineering team provided valuable insights during the design phase, ensuring that the solution was optimized for the department’s specific needs.
3. Advanced Technical Features: Omnitron’s managed PoE switch provided advanced networking features such as PoE budgeting, VLAN configurations, and robust security protocols—crucial for a highperformance network infrastructure serving both public safety and communication needs.
4. TAA, BAA, and NDAA Compliance: Omnitron is a Made in the USA company, ensuring compliance with TAA (Trade Agreements Act), BAA (Buy American Act), and NDAA (National Defense Authorization Act) regulations, which were critical to the DOT’s procurement process. This compliance assured the department that the solution met all necessary federal requirements, further strengthening their trust in Omnitron’s products.

Omnitron's Product Solutions: