CALABASAS, Calif.—Mesh network equipment-maker Strix Systems scored a contract with Chinese authorities to supply a public-safety Wi-Fi network in Beijing in preparation for the 2008 Olympics.
Strix said its modular multi-radio, multi-RF Access/One gear has already been launched by Beijing’s Public Security Bureau, providing both outdoor and indoor Wi-Fi coverage throughout the Xicheng district. In September 2005, Strix mesh nodes were installed along main roads, on top of buildings in mobile command vehicles in the Xicheng district. Strix said the network will be expanded to all public areas in Beijing and 2008 Olympics event venues.
Silicon Star in China assisted with the integration of the Access/One solution into Beijing’s existing secure high-speed network infrastructure and provided related voice, video, and data applications.
Kirby Russell, director of product marketing at Strix, told RCR Wireless News that video surveillance is the primary use of the network, although voice and high-speed data applications are also being utilized. Non-security applications are not being offered via the network.
Strix’ Wi-Fi gear is equipped with chips from Atheros Communications Inc. and has been used in large-scale deployments in Arizona, covering a 72-square mile area in Chandler, Ariz., where Strix won a contract with NeoReach Wireless to supply a municipal Wi-Fi network to support about 19,000 businesses and 240,000 residents. NeoReach Wireless, a subsidiary of MobilePro Corp., is also using Strix mesh technology in nearby Tempe, Ariz., where it is building a 40-square-mile municipal Wi-Fi network.
In addition, Citi WiFi Networks Inc. is using Strix equipment for its Wi-Fi network in Dunedin, Fla., a city with about 38,000 residents located 20 miles north of St. Petersburg. Strix’ equipment is expected to be used in several other Florida locations as Citi WiFi has said it has plans to create ubiquitous Wi-Fi coverage in Pinellas County, where Dunedin is located, as well as all over the Tampa Bay area and other areas of the state.
Internationally, Strix has announced contract wins in Kenya and Bangladesh.
