Port Newark Container Terminal Deploys Firetide Wireless Video Surveillance Network to Secure its New Jersey Port Operations

Wireless Infrastructure Mesh Video Network Provides Real-Time Surveillance to Protect Port Operations, Enhance Workplace Safety, and Decrease Security Response Times

NEWARK, N.J.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Firetide, Inc., the leading provider of wireless infrastructure mesh networks, today announced that Port Newark Container Terminal (PNCT), located in the Port of New York/New Jersey, which handles more than 600,000 containers annually, has completed the phase two deployment of Firetide’s wireless video surveillance network that enables security and safety officers to view live indoor and outdoor video feeds of the gigantic 180 acre port facility and its operations.

“This deployment for PNCT demonstrates the superior technology and reliability of our wireless infrastructure mesh networks, especially in rugged and remote areas where conventional wired networks are too cost prohibitive to install.”

The first phase of the Firetide wireless infrastructure mesh video network was deployed in 2008 and the second expansion phase was successfully completed in 2012 to help protect PNCT’s terminal operations and facilities, and to provide a secure environment for more than 500 daily dock workers, ship crews, passengers and visitors that pass through the terminal each year. Firetide’s wireless network provides live indoor and outdoor video feeds of workers unloading cargo from incoming ships and moving containers throughout the site. The video cameras monitor safety violations, provide accident verification, and monitor vehicle and foot access to and from the facility.

As one of the largest infrastructure projects in New Jersey, PNCT will invest $500 million into facility expansion before the year 2030. The expansion is expected to double the number of containers moving through the terminal, creating significant economic growth within the region. The Port Authority of New York/New Jersey will invest up to an additional $150 million in improvements to the PNCT facility. This also includes expansion of the wireless video network as the DHS Port Security Grant Program continues to allocate more funds each year for enhanced security.

PNCT and Firetide partnered with systems integration firm AFA Protective Systems, Inc., to design and install a best-of-breed of wireless video surveillance network. The network currently includes 54 Firetide HotPort 7020 wireless mesh nodes and 70 Bosch VG4 500i series point-tilt-zoom (PTZ) IP surveillance cameras located at multiple locations throughout the facility. The equipment enables safety and security staff to centrally capture and monitor live video feeds from a command center 24 x 7. Depending on activity, video feeds are securely stored for approximately 20 days and can be used as effective evidence in court, reducing time and expense for prosecuting cases.

“Securing the world’s ports, railways and other critical infrastructures has been a top priority for the Department of Homeland Security and other security agencies across the globe, making the installation of reliable high-performance video networks a necessity,” said Bo Larsson, chief executive officer of Firetide. "This deployment for PNCT demonstrates the superior technology and reliability of our wireless infrastructure mesh networks, especially in rugged and remote areas where conventional wired networks are too cost prohibitive to install.”

About Firetide Inc.

Firetide is the leading provider of wireless infrastructure mesh networks that enable concurrent video, voice, and data applications for municipal, public safety, government, transportation and industrial customers worldwide. Firetide is unmatched in providing reliable, high-performance wireless infrastructure mesh and access solutions for video surveillance, Internet access, public safety and temporary networks wherever rapid deployment, mobility and ease of installation are required. Headquartered in Los Gatos, Calif., Firetide is a privately held company with thousands of customers in more than 40 countries across the globe. For more information about the company check out www.firetide.com and follow us on twitter (http://twitter.com/#!/firetide).