Sep 29, 2014

After Superstorm Sandy forced the cancelation of the New York City Marathon – the largest organized marathon in the world – the city looked forward to the success of 2013′s event. A record number of runners signed up to participate that year, and a rising amount of spectators were expected to attend as well. This brought a number of security challenges to light, and city officials sought a way to improve surveillance and public safety at the marathon.

Digital Security Magazine reported that event organizers were anticipating more than 50,000 participants, as well as more than 2 million onlookers. As the race spanned 42 kilometers across New York’s five boroughs, security was a top focus. However, as many areas of the city lacked the infrastructure to support a wired surveillance system, officials needed an alternative that would allow them to monitor the race as well as those watching the event.

In their search for a viable security solution, the city came across security integrator EIA and wireless mesh technology provider Firetide. Working in collaboration, EIA and Firetide were able to build a wireless surveillance system featuring Sony IP cameras and a wireless mesh network.

Using Firetide and EIA technology, the system was able to be temporarily installed specifically to monitor the race, its runners and event spectators. According to GSN, EIA and Firetide were able to utilize utility poles established by the NYPD’s Counterterrorism Bureau to install the IP cameras and wireless mesh nodes and antennas to provide a bird’s eye view of the finish line in Central Park. The deployment resulted in a robust, secure wireless video network that wouldn’t permanently shift the city’s existing infrastructure.

In addition to the view of Central Park, the wireless surveillance system was also installed in the surrounding streets back to the operating center set up for the marathon, providing a constant, high-quality video feed throughout the race.