THE FIRETIDE BLOG

How can mesh networking impact mass transit?

Oct 26, 2015

Train Tracks.jpgWhen it comes to making sure public transit is as safe as possible, it helps to invest in the best wireless networking solutions possible in order to keep riders safe from the moment they board to when they exit. One way to ensure customer safety and maintain communication aboard mass transit systems is to install mesh networking solutions.

What is mesh?

Traditional ring-based architectures consist of one pathway throughout the network that transmits data along a line from point to point in succession. According to TechTarget, the ring topology may be the best option when network requirements aren't high, and if workstations are at scattered points.

However, what happens when one point along that line experiences an outage? In a ring structure, since data has to travel through each point, if it comes across a downed node, transmission can be disrupted. This creates an unreliable network, and data speed can be severely hampered. If more than one outage occurs, data travel may be stopped altogether.

In addition, traditional ring architectures aren't fit for mass transit systems in general, because they can't move along with the train or bus.

This is where kinetic mesh comes in. TechTarget noted that in networks where redundancy is necessary, mesh could be the way to go. Mesh networking sets access nodes in more of a spider web-like structure, so that each point in the network is connected to the next. What this means is that if one point in the network goes down, the data can be rerouted through a different node until the original point is repaired. It is this self-healing nature that makes mesh a better option for industries that depend on the transmission of high volumes of data to ensure worker and customer safety – like mass transit.

How does mesh strengthen mass transit communications?

Mesh networks can be utilized to augment the transmission of data along important structures and operations like those used by mass transit systems.

According to Mass Transit Magazine contributor Robert Schena, kinetic mesh networks help strengthen communication strategiesof mass transit systems, because they allow the easy, quick transmission of data on moving vehicles. This in turn can give a boost to security due to the fact that buses and trains can now be viewed from a central command center via video surveillance cameras – and the transmission of that data doesn't require a wired connection.

"Vehicles in a mass transit system outfitted with kinetic mesh can maintain a nearly steady stream of communication with operations centers, aiding in applications such as arrival time tracking," Schena wrote. "The transit authority can monitor each vehicle's location, and vehicles can communicate their locations to tracking apps."

In this way, transit authorities can keep track of their assets while at the same time maintaining a high level of alertness if an incident were to occur.

Mesh makes transit safer

In addition, prevention of violence is another key benefit of implementing mesh networks. Government Video contributor Frank Klimko reported that video surveillance systems can improve safety by deterring violence and providing local authorities with the capability to track down offenders. Mesh technology gives these surveillance systems the support they need to transmit high quantities of video data back to a central command point.

The bottom line is that mass transit needs the redundancy that mesh networks can provide in order to strengthen security efforts and keep consumers and operators out of harm's way. Contact Firetide today for more information about how our wireless mesh networking solutions can make mass transit safer and better connected.


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Category: Transportation

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