Telecom Lead America: Firetide, a provider of wireless
infrastructure mesh networks, has tied up with Lenel Systems International and
Axis Communications to set up wireless video surveillance network to ensure
safety of players and 400,000 expected spectators at the annual Little League
Baseball World Series (LLBWS).
The 10-day annual Little League Baseball World Series is
the largest international gathering of youth sports in the world.
Jim Ferguson, director of security for Little League
Baseball and Softball, said the organization has an obligation to provide a
secure environment over the two week competition.
The technology solutions from Firetide, Lenel, and Axis
enable them to provide joint security forces with the high-performance wireless
video network they need to ensure a safe, fun, experience for all the players
and fans.
Though challenging, the cooperation of the technology
partners, the FBI, Pennsylvania State Police, Local South Williamsport Police
and Little League Baseball World Series security forces, enabled the organizers
to provide a safe and secure, yet family-friendly atmosphere.
For the past two years, the LLBWS has improved its
security technology with Lenel access control and a mix of Axis IP-based
digital surveillance cameras, and this year Firetide will contribute 13 outdoor
HotPort 7020 mesh nodes to connect a real-time network of multiple IP cameras
covering the vast majority of the 79 acre baseball complex and surrounding
areas.
With Firetide’s wireless infrastructure mesh technology,
LLBWS has increased the video surveillance coverage area significantly over
previous years. The Firetide wireless video network coupled with a new mix of
Axis Communications network cameras will provide security forces with live
video feeds of areas directly surrounding the baseball stadiums, public parking
lots, and the dormitory complex known as the International Grove that houses
all players and coaches during their two week stay.
Robert Muehlbauer, business development programs manager
of Axis Communications, said the flexibility and performance of Firetide’s
wireless infrastructure mesh network opens up new opportunities and enables
them to easily deploy any of network cameras.
Bo Larsson, chief executive officer of Firetide, said
because the short duration of the Little League Baseball World Series event
restricts any trenching to lay permanent fiber, its ability to quickly install
a flexible high-performance wireless video network with partners without any
physical alterations to the facility is a perfect match for this annual event.
