High-Performance Wireless Mesh Networking from Firetide

Firetide, a leader in wireless mesh networking, develops networking equipment to deploy high-performance, scalable wireless mesh networks quickly, easily and affordably.

Firetide's Instant Mesh Networking solution is ideal for building backbone infrastructure for Wi-Fi networks, video networks, and temporary networks in a variety of environments, such as Internet hot zones, airports, hotels, campus environments, or other locations where wiring is too difficult or expensive to install.

See the complete line of Firetide products.

Wireless Mesh Product Overview

Reliable Connectivity for Video Streams

The best wireless network solution is a Firetide multiservice wireless mesh network. The Firetide mesh provides standard Ethernet ports on every wireless node, so virtually any enterprise-grade IP camera can connect to the wireless mesh network. This capability means many more camera choices are available, and it also allows the seamless extension of networks that may already be in place. The Firetide mesh provides substantial bandwidth capable of supporting many simultaneous video streams. Traffic prioritization ensures smooth, jitter-free images at high-frame rates, and because the Firetide mesh is not an open network, it doesn't have any of the security concerns associated with Wi-Fi networks.

In addition to IP cameras, the Ethernet ports of a HotPort mesh node enable many other network devices, such as sensors, printers, and computers to be connected to the wireless mesh for operation virtually anywhere, indoors and outdoors, without the need for backbone wiring. The entire mesh network can be managed remotely using Firetide's HotView mesh management software so a single staff member can easily monitor and manage every node from one location.

Technical Overview of HotPort

HotPort mesh nodes provide up to 70 Mbps throughput and operate at 2.4, 4.9 (U.S. public safety licensed band), or 5 GHz. Depending on the model, HotPort nodes are equipped with either single or dual radios, operating at 400 mW.

Firetide Mesh Network Applications

• Install security cameras to monitor access to buildings, storage areas, and property perimeter.
• Instantly set up temporary surveillance networks for special events, remodeling jobs, and construction sites, and quickly remove them when no longer needed.
• Extend 24/7 video surveillance to remote areas and outdoor sites that are beyond the range of network cabling.
• Choose from a wide variety of enterprise-grade IP cameras to accommodate any budget, security needs, or environmental considerations.
• Reduce security costs and improve staff efficiency by increasing remote surveillance.
• Provide surveillance and other networking services in older or historic buildings where drilling holes for cabling is prohibited or unsightly.

Featured Products

Firetide Wireless Bridge FWB-100

The new Firetide FWB-100 outdoor wireless Ethernet bridge is software-configurable for 2.4, 5 and 4.9 GHz, and achieves up to 35 Mbps of throughput in 1 to 2 mile links, with U.S. list prices of under $1,000 for 2.4 GHz band and under $1,500 for 4.9/5 GHz bands.

Firetide FWB-100 is a natural expansion of Firetide’s core wireless infrastructure technology providing low-cost, high-capacity connectivity between two locations. Firetide’s expertise in large-scale wireless mesh networks for video, data and voice applications in harsh environments ensures that its bridges are optimized to provide the highest performance, security and reliability in the industry.

Point-to-point connectivity is critical for municipalities, public safety, industrial installations and campus environments. In addition to these markets, this product serves the needs of wireless Internet Service Providers and telecom operators. FWB-100 brings in the RF management features of Firetide’s mesh products which enable intelligent response to interference and effective management of multiple clients accessing the network simultaneously. FWB-100 provides true bridging functionality supporting seamless transport of multicast and broadcast traffic over the point-to-point link, including VoIP, high-capacity data, IPTV distribution, video surveillance and video conferencing.

Deployed as a standalone solution, the FWB-100 link is managed via a browser-based management interface. Customers can also integrate the FWB-100 links into a larger Firetide mesh network managed by HotView Pro network management software.

Designed for an easy “out-of-the-box” installation experience, the unit pair is shipped preconfigured and with all accessories included. An integrated antenna alignment tool provides step-by-step guidance in achieving maximum signal quality, translating to better network performance and throughput.

Available in two outdoor configurations, the FWB-102 provides two FWB-100 nodes with built-in 2.4 GHz antennas. The FWB-105 includes two external antennas for 4.9 GHz and 5 GHz. Firetide FWB-100 products are available immediately.

Learn More: FWB-100 Firetide Wireless Bridge (PDF)

Capabilities Overview

• 2.4, 5 and 4.9 GHz.
• High power 400 MWs.
• High security with 128-BIT AES encryption.
• Integrated or external antennas.
• Up to 35 Mbps full duplex throughput.
• Includes intuitive Web-based interface.
• Supports DFS frequencies—22 channels in 5 GHz.

FWB-200 Firetide Wireless Bridge

Firetide FWB-200 outdoor wireless Ethernet bridges provide low-cost, high capacity connectivity between to locations. FWB-200 utilizes the MIMO technology to provide increased throughput and performance for a backhaul link. FWB-200 is software configurable to operate in 4.9 and 5GHz and can deliver up to 150 Mbps of UDP throughput.

FWB-200 bridge is optimized to provide high-capacity and low latency connectivity for demanding data, voice and video applications. Point-to-point connectivity is critical for municipalities, public safety, industrial installations and campus environments. In addition to these markets, this product serves the needs of wireless Internet service providers and telecom operators.

Firetide’s expertise in large-scale wireless mesh networks for video, data and voice applications in harsh environments ensures that its bridges are optimized to provide the highest performance, security and reliability in the industry.  Deployed as a standalone solution, Firetides FWB-200 provides an easy “out of the box” installation experience.

Wireless Bridging

FWB-200 provides true bridging functionality and is agnostic to the types of client or protocols on the network. FWB-200 supports transparent overlay of multiple subnet (VLANs) over the point-to-point link. It also provides seamless transport of multicast and broadcast traffic over the point to point link, including IPTV distribution, video on demand, video surveillance and video conferencing. In addition, to prevent bandwidth abuse, FWB-200 provides advanced tools such as multicast rate limits.

Privacy and Security

FWB-200 supports the industry’s highest level of security to ensure privacy for communications and reduce liability for service providers. Like all components of the Firetide wireless mesh and access infrastructure, FWB-200 offers WPA2-PSK (Wi-Fi Protected Access) encryption for an unmatched, solid, and trusted network.

Flexibility of Deployment

Deployed as a standalone solution, the FWB-200 link is managed via a browser based management interface. Customers can also integrate the FWB-200 links into a larger Firetide mesh network managed by HotView Pro™ network management software. Designed for an easy “out-of-the-box” installation experience, the unit pair is shipped preconfigured and with all accessories included. The FWB-200 is bundled with two external 3 in 1 MIMO antennas for 4.9 and 5 GHz. An integrated antenna alignment tool provides step-by-step guidance in achieving maximum signal quality, translating to better network performance and throughput.

Learn More: FWB-200 Wireless Bridge. (PDF)

HotPort 7000 Series Wireless Mesh Node

Until now, municipalities and enterprises have been constrained by the lack of bandwidth needed to support large-scale municipal, industrial and enterprise wireless networks for video, data and voice applications. Now with the HotPort 7000 infrastructure mesh, they have fiber-equivalent performance with all the benefits of Firetide's proven technology and at a fraction of the cost and time to deploy wired networks. Firetide's new MIMO-Based Infrastructure delivers best-in-class performance with throughput of up to 400 Mbps, exceeding that of current wired solutions like T1, Fast Ethernet and OC-3 fiber, and provides a viable alternative to fiber or leased lines. These new capabilities have significant implications for many customers who are looking for communication networks to support high-bandwidth applications across large areas. Fiber-equivalent performance means that they can roll out their networks without 100% reliance on fiber, and without delays or funding concerns associated with building out an extensive fiber infrastructure.

Learn More: HotPort 7000 Wireless Mesh Nodes. (PDF)

ELECTRONIC LICENSE

Firetide 7000 Series Radio License
Allows user to enable and use the second radio in the Firetide 7000 series product.

400 Milliwatt Mesh Node

40 Percent More Cost-Effective Solution from Firetide

Firetide HotPort 6000 series radios are single or dual radio mesh nodes that allow multiple applications and services to share the same mesh infrastructure, dramatically reducing capital investment for municipal Wi-Fi, public safety, and industrial networks. The HotPort 6000 mesh has more than twice the throughput of the nearest competitor. It is also 40% more cost effective on a per node basis and provides modular access and backhaul, ensuring that you pay only for what you need.

The Firetide HotPort Mesh System provides a high capacity, self-healing wireless mesh network that operates seamlessly indoors and outdoors. Designed for maximum performance, scalability, mobility and security, the HotPort mesh network operates in 2.4, 4.9, and 5 GHz spectrums. These nodes offer the tri mode radio, giving the end user the flexibility to use the physical hardware based on application needs in any of these bands. Creating a distributed Ethernet switch-like infrastructure, the HotPort system enables multiple network services to operate on the wireless backbone enabling secure and reliable wireless networks for video, voice and data.

The HotPort 6000 series mesh solutions leads the industry with advantages that are unmatched by the competition:

• Highest performance and capacity for simultaneous voice, video, and data applications.
• Superior scalability gives HotPort the best extensibility and price/performance available.
• Unmatched Mobility for video, voice, and Wi-Fi application in moving vehicles.
• Comprehensive multi-layer security for end-to-end access control, data integrity, and intrusion protection.
• Most flexible products and simplified deployment deliver lowest cost of ownership and highest ROI.

HotPort 6000 series mesh nodes are available for both indoor and outdoor applications.

Firetide HotPoint Wireless Access Points

Firetide HotPoint wireless access points deliver a modular access solution for large scale, indoor and outdoor wireless mesh networks. Modular design enables full network and software integration of the access points with a Firetide wireless mesh network while at the same time permitting independent physical placement of the hardware to provide optimal accessibility for Wi-Fi clients.

Firetide Wireless Access Point Features Include:

• Seamless Indoor and Outdoor operations: Outdoor HotPoint units have rugged aluminum enclosures and support high gain antennas; indoor HotPoint units provide wireless access within buildings and moving vehicles.
• Access on or off the mesh: Access to any indoor or outdoor location without the need for backhaul cabling
• Modularity for flexible placement: Mesh nodes and A/Ps can be physically separated to optimize RF separately for both the mesh and the backhaul as well as client access
• Single-Point Network Management for Mesh and Access: HotPoint A/Ps are fully integrated and managed with the same Firetide HotView software to manage Firetide mesh nodes.
• Advanced Security and Performance Features: HotPoint access points operate in the 2.4 GHz band and feature WPA2 and WEP encryption, up to 16 SSID's and industry-compliant QOS.
  

4500 Indoor Unit

2.4 GHz HotPoint 4500 Indoor Access Point: 802.11b/g Access Point that includes (2) 2.4 GHz omnidirectional antennas with 5 dbi gain and 110/240 VAC power supply.

4600 Outdoor Unit

2.4 GHz HotPoint 4600 Outdoor Access Point:
802.11b/g Access Point. Antennas not included.

HotClient Customer Premises Equipment

HotClient 2100 Indoor and Outdoor CPE HotClient

The Firetide HotClient 2000 customer premises equipment (CPE) provides a secure and reliable solution for extending the reach of outdoor wireless mesh networks to indoors. It enables operators deploying municipal and enterprise wireless networks to maintain optimal user experience and connectivity anywhere. Featuring a high-power 400 mW radio, the HotClient CPE connects to outdoor access points to provide redundancy of coverage and excellent signal availability.

HotPoint 2100 Indoor CPE

HotPoint 2100 Outdoor CPE

HotView Pro Mesh Management Software

HotView Pro software provides real-time monitoring, and comprehensive local and remote management of one or more Firetide HotPort High Performance Mesh Networks or HotPort Public Safety High Performance Mesh Networks. HotView Pro employs an intuitive graphical user interface (GUI) for monitoring and managing all mesh-wide and individual node configuration settings for security, traffic prioritization, radio behavior, internetworking, and more.

Download Datasheet

The MultiMesh capability enables an authorized administrator to manage multiple mesh networks from a single screen. The mesh networks can be operated independently, or integrated with MeshBridge into a single mesh environment with up to 1000 nodes. The real-time monitor depicts a graphical view of active connections in the mesh topology (normally superimposed on a customer-supplied map or drawing), along with a display of mesh/node configuration settings, performance statistics and event/fault logs.

CASE STUDY
New York Marina Goes Wireless With Infrastructure Mesh and Access Network

New York's family-owned Treadwell Bay Marina and Resort recently became a fully wireless-enabled enterprise. Using a Firetide infrastructure mesh network, deployed by IP network solution provider Wells Communications, the family operation now owns a cost-effective and easy-to-use, yet industrial-grade, wireless infrastructure...[ continue reading ]