Secure A-Box^TM Networks Solution Overview

The wireless communications device, known as the A-Box^TM, is a communications server designed to be deployed on the edge of a static network or be the heart of a dynamic one.  The core of the A-Box^TM is a wireless mesh network device housing a server running the Linux operating system. It is designed to be deployed indoors or outdoors, allowing flexibility in the deployment of network devices.  The box is powered by 110VAC and incorporates 4 Ethernet ports that can be used to connect to the wired network and/or to other network devices hanging off the mesh network. An Intelligent video analytics card connected to the server allows up to 4 cameras to be directly connected to the box. The video features will allow streaming video to the central servers and DVRs in normal mode.  The seamless integration capabilities of the A-Box^TM make it a key component in securing our nations critical infrastructure. 

The A-Box^TM incorporates up to three different wireless radio systems which include; a wireless mesh node for Ethernet backhaul connections to other A-Boxes and allows the user to select between varying radio frequencies i.e. 2.4GHz, 4.9GHz, or 5.8GHz; an 802.11b/g access point for two-way communications with laptops, PDAs, or any other 802.11 b/g compliant devices; and an IEEE 802.15.4 interrogator for two-way communication with the Bio-RFID badges worn by security personnel. A benefit of using the interrogator is its ability to track the badges using RFID positioning and interfaces with existing access control systems to open access controlled doors.

A-Box^TM Capabilities

        Perimeter Deployment

• The flexibility of the A-Box^TM allows it to operate in a variety of scenarios. In an outdoor environment it can be deployed, with other sensors, as part of a mesh network to monitor the perimeter of a facility. In this scenario A-Boxes can be mounted along and on facility buildings. Each A-Box^TM will have an antenna with radio line of sight to at least one other A-Box^TM antenna. The A-Boxes will communicate at the frequencies of 4.9GHz or 5.8GHz. A-Boxes on the buildings will also connect to the internal wired network. The perimeter A-Boxes will typically have 3 fixed cameras to cover 180º and a PTZ camera to zoom in on objects detected. In some configurations the fixed cameras can be PTZ that would track targets.

• To increase physical security and secure the critical infrastructure perimeter, the A-Box^TM solution can be applied at a critical infrastructure site in the following manner:  An intruder crosses the perimeter into a restricted zone. The camera picks up the movement, the intelligent video card detects that it is a human in a restricted zone and transmits a video clip of the intrusion with a date/time stamp encoded in the video stream back to the central server on the wired network via the Ethernet backhaul provided by the mesh network. The Intelligent Sensor Switch intercepts the video clip, transmits warning messages to communications devices, and sends the video to the GIS common operational picture. The GIS interface takes control of the PTZ camera mounted on the A-Box^TM to follow the intruder. Meanwhile, a roving security guard is sent a warning message from the Intelligent Sensor Switch on their laptop that is connected to the A-Box^TM via the A-Box^TM WiFi capability. He pulls up a video clip of the intruder with a map of the area showing the path the intruder is taking and the security guard intercepts the intruder. The entire time, the security guard’s badge is being tracked by the A-Box^TM by utilizing the 802.15.4 RFID capability.

• A-Boxes are installed in the ceiling above selected secure doors and other locations communicating over a mesh network through ceiling mounted antennas. Cameras focused on each side of the doorway are connected to the intelligent video card in the A-Box^TM. The 802.15.4 radio in the A-Box^TM maintains two-way communication with Bio-RFID badge and the internal server. The A-Box^TM communicates with the door access control system and main network servers.

• An individual with an activated badge approaches a secure doorway. The 802.15.4 radios on local A-Boxes pick up the card, communicate the position of the individual, and checks if the individual is authorized to enter the doorway they are approaching. The individual then places a finger on the biometric keypad which sends a message to the A-Box^TM that they would like to enter the door. If the person is authorized to enter the door at that time of day, a message is sent to the access control system to notify it that the door will be opened for the person. The A-Box^TM then sends an electrical impulse to an electronic door strike, allowing the door to open. As the individual is going through the door the cameras are watching the event. The intelligent video card is analyzing the video to insure only one person enters or exits for each opening of the door. If it detects more than one person, the video clip of the person with encoded date/time stamp is sent with a warning to the server and Intelligent Sensor Switch. The Intelligent Sensor Switch sends out alert messages and information as programmed. Some messages come back to the A-Boxes to be delivered via WiFi to guards in the area with PDAs, delivering a picture of the intruder and information on the doorway they entered. A local alarm can also be triggered by the A-Box^TM closest to the door.

The benefits realized from integrating the A-Box^TM into a true critical infrastructure protection solution include:

• The ability to deploy cameras and other ethernet compliant devices to locations that would be cost prohibitive to run cable.
• The ability to perform video analytics at the camera site.
• The ability to deploy WiFi for security personnel notification.
• The ability to locate/track and authenticate personnel using Bio-RFID tags.
• Completely modular system reduces expenses by only including systems which are relevant to a particular site.
• Decentralized video analytics model increases scalability and decreases the expense involved in high end server equipment.
• Self forming/self healing wireless mesh network backhauls all data.