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No. 34/2017 (Oct. 23, 2017)
Google's balloons will provide the Internet to Puerto Rico.
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC), regulating the use of radio frequencies for communications purposes, has granted a license to implement a communications solution based on the Loon project to provide cellular connectivity in Puerto Rico, devastated by hurricane Maria. After the destructive element attacked the island, 83% of the technical infrastructure is not suitable for use.Loon is a research and development project developed by X (formerly Google X) to provide internet access in rural and non-urban areas. The project uses balloons located in the stratosphere at an altitude of about 18 km to create a wireless 4G-LTE network.
The balloons are designed and manufactured in such a way as to survive even extreme weather conditions. They are located in the stratosphere, where temperatures are as low as -90°C and winds can reach speeds of over 100 km/h. The balloons of the size of a tennis court are expected to float for about 100 days and then return to ground for technical inspection.
The idea of Loon project
After identifying layers with the desired wind speed and direction based on data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the balloons are maneuvered by adjusting their altitudes in the stratosphere so that they float within the suitable layers. Project Loon needs to collaborate with local telecom providers in Puerto Rico, which could install small base stations on lampposts, buildings and other locations where there is a clear line of sight with the sky. Cell phones would communicate with the micro-cells relaying the data to the network of balloons and then to the Internet.
The balloons, in addition to communication between themselves and the ground stations, could even communicate directly with mobile phones. Some smartphones with Google SIM cards might use the "balloon network" web services. The balloon platform uses LTE which is a common protocol around the world.
TERRA multiswitch system based on Wide Band technology.
Along with standard ("legacy") multiswitches requiring four input satellite signals (VL - HL - VH - HH) from Quatro LNBs, now TERRA offers new type of multiswitch using dSCR/Unicable technology - SRM-522 R80522.
SRM522 R80522 cascadable single-cable multiswitch supports Wide Band (GT-WB1 A98222) LNBs. With single local oscillator operating at 10.41 GHz, such LNB provides much wider intermediate frequency band (290...2340 MHz) than a conventional LNB. Unlike standard Quatro LNBs, the LNB has two outputs (H and V polarizations). It means that the distribution of signals from one satellite requires only two coaxial cables between the LNB and a multiswitch (and only four for two satellites), reducing by half the number of cables compared with legacy multiswitch systems.
The programmable SRM-522 multiswitch has 5 inputs. Two pairs of SAT IF inputs (V1, H1, V2, H2, 290...2340 MHz) should be connected to two Wide Band LNBs A98222, the fifth input is intended for terrestrial signals (DVB-T, DAB(+) and FM radio). One of two outputs, dSCR OUT, allows for independent operation of up to 32 SAT dSCR receivers/STBs fed via one coaxial cable, and the second, dSCR / Legacy output can be used as typical SAT output (like in Universal LNBs or standard (legacy) multiswitches) for connecting a legacy SAT TV receiver).
Transmission of power and data through one cable.
Power supplying for IP devices becomes frequent task for installers of various systems. With the use of PoE technology (Power over Ethernet), the installation work can be easier. The best PoE solution seems to be the integration of switching and powering functions, i.e. the application of switches with PoE functionality.In the application shown below, the function is performed by the ULTIPOWER 0098af N29982 PoE switch. The switch is connected to an NVR used for monitoring and recording images from security cameras. Thanks to the PoE functionality, each camera is connected with the switch only by one UTP cable transmitting both the power and data, which simplifies the cabling and lowers the installation costs.
Example application of the ULTIPOWER 0098af N29982 PoE switch
Fiber optic subscriber lines - installation of a distribution frame/box.
Due to an increased use of RACK cabinets in multi-dwelling units, the distribution frames often have the form of 19" RACK boxes/panels. The example of such an optical distribution frame is ULTIMODE MT-524 L5124. The presented implementation involves the application of L7102 cables and the popular single-mode pigtails PG-52S2 L35522.
The splicing operations have been performed with the use of Signal Fire AI-7 L5880 fusion splicer. Worthy of note is the fact that the L35522 pigtails have loose tube construction. Signal Fire AI-7 has universal holders compatible with any kind of fibers and pigtails. It eliminates the need for changing the holders depending on the type of fiber, which is typical in the case of many cheaper splicers.
Why should you update software of your CCTV devices and how to protect them from cyber attacks?
Most computer users are aware of the risks they may be exposed to and regularly update the software. Similar risks concern video monitoring systems. Having the latest software version is a must for systems that are available via the Internet. The number of cyber crime incidents has increased dramatically, and updating the software of all systems is an effective way to prevent cyber attacks. The latest software versions for products offered by DIPOL can be downloaded from their pages or directly from manufacturers' sites (e.g. Hikvision).
One should keep in mind that fully secure systems are only those which are not accessible from the Internet. If this connection is required, then in addition to installing the latest versions of the software, it is necessary to:
- Set strong passwords that should contain a minimum of 8 characters and be a combination of letters (large and small), numbers and special characters. In the case of other users logging on to the system, the privileges of their accounts must be limited.
- Change the default communication ports. Devices typically connect to the Internet through a router that has a firewall blocking inbound communications. It is important to configure the router with port forwarding.
- Use encrypted connections. Communication via HTTPS protocol using SSL/TLS encryption protects against man-in-the-middle attacks.
- Switch off UPnP, SNMP, multicast, SSH services.
- Restrict access to a device to a specific IP and MAC address.
- Periodically check the device logs for remote login attempts.
- Construct the network so that it can be accessed only by designated devices. Such a network can be created using a Virtual LAN (VLAN).
In addition to secure connections, it is also important to protect the system against physical access to the key devices. They should be locked in a rack cabinet in a separate room.
Saving a view in iVMS-4200 app.
The iVMS-4200 application is a client software for the management and control of video functions of Hikvision DVRs, NVRs, IP cameras, encoders, decoders, VCA solutions etc. The features of the software include live viewing and recording, remote browsing/searching of recordings, playback, backup, processing of alarm signals.A very convenient feature of the application for the system operator is the possibility to create a required view - the layout of images from the most important cameras. This way, immediately after launching the application, the operator can quickly view images from the selected cameras. This option is especially useful for people who monitor the cameras with this application, but are not experts in using it.
For automatic resume of the latest layout of images after each start of the app, the user should enter the Tools -> System Configuration -> Live View and Playback -> Resume Latest Live View Status after Restart item. From now on, the iVMS-4200 app will automatically resume the camera view that has been used the last time.
Activation of the automatic resume of the latest layout of images
after each restart of the iVMS-4200 application
after each restart of the iVMS-4200 application
 | Compact IP Camera: DS-2CD1641FWD-I K17685 is dedicated for professional IP CCTV systems. The compact (bullet) camera has been equipped with high quality 4 MP 1/2.8" CMOS sensor providing perfect video coverage even in low-light conditions. Along with IR illuminator with range up to 30 m, the camera can also operate in complete darkness. The built-in 2.8-12 mm varifocal lens allows for adjustment of the viewing angle within 108° to 31° range. Hardware WDR with 120 dB dynamic range guarantees very good visibility of details both in light and dark regions of the scene. The IP67-rated housing of the camera protects the electronics against adverse weather conditions. The camera can be powered conventionally with a 12 VDC source or with the use of PoE option (802.3af). | |
 | Wireless Access Point TP-Link CAP300-outdoor N2559 provides a flexible, easy-to-install, manageable and secure business-class wireless network solution. It can be easily mounted outdoor on a mast/pole. WLAN configuration and management are simplified through centralized management software run in wireless CAP system controller AC50 N2551. With captive portal and automatic RF management, wireless networks based on CAP300 APs provide ideal solutions for high-density, demanding business environments, such as campuses, hotels, shopping malls, parking lots, offices. | |
Worth reading
Four-system security cameras. n-cam and v-cam cameras are universal devices for applications in modern CCTV systems based on various types of DVRs. The video system is selected with the stick placed in the small box on the camera cable during the initial 5-second period, just by long pressing (5 s) the thumb stick to the right (HD-TVI), left (CVBS), up (AHD), or down (HD-CVI)... >>>more
View of the control box on the connection cables of n-cam and v-cam cameras.
With the thumb stick the user can select the required video system.
With the thumb stick the user can select the required video system.
Faster with LTE antenna!
