How to solve compatibility problems between a TP-LINK 3G router and some 3G modems?

For a wide compatibility, TP-LINK company tests its routers with all popular 3G modems and continually updates the firmware and the list of compatible modems. Despite these efforts, there may be some items that present compatibility problems.

To solve such a problem, the user can perform the following actions:

• Way 1. Due to the mentioned constant firmware updating, the user should first try to find the 3G modem on the current list of compatible devices. If the modem is on the list but the status window of the router shows information about an unrecognized device (Unknown Modem), the user should update the router firmware. The latest firmware is available at tp-link.com. After downloading, it can be installed by selecting System tools->Firmware Upgrade.

• Way 2. If a 3G modem has not yet been included into the latest firmware update, there is a chance that the suitable software can be found in 3G Modem Bin File Center. The suitable binary file should be downloaded onto a computer's hard drive and then loaded to the 3G router.
   

3G UMTS/HSPA TP-LINK router TL-MR3420 802.11n 300Mb/s N2957	3G UMTS/HSPA TP-LINK router TL-MR3220 802.11n N2958
3G UMTS/HSPA TP-LINK router TL-MR3020 802.11n N2959	Mobile 3G TP-LINK router TP-LINK TL-MR3040 N2960

Multimode or single-mode fiber?

In recent years, due to the wide use of fiber optic technology for data transmission, the market has experienced large declines in prices of optical cables and devices, so they have become accessible to many users. They often consider which kind of the cables and equipment will be optimal for their applications, multimode or single-mode?

The best solution is to compare the total prices of the materials and devices for a particular application. Let's think of a 100 Mbps fiber-optic link. This task can be carried out with the use of a pair of media converters. In the case of using multimode fibers, it can be L10021, with range up to 2 km (requires two fibers). Similar pair of media converters for a link with two single-mode fibers is L11041.

Chart showing comparison of costs of fiber optic links based on multimode and single-mode fibers,
taking into account the prices of the mentioned active devices

The pair of media converters for multimode cables costs ca. 20% less than that of the single-mode equivalent. However, due to lower prices of single-mode cables, the difference in total costs is compensated even in the case of comparatively short links (50 meters). The comparison is based on the prices of universal cables with 4 fibers, L7644 and L7354.

The conclusion is that installations based on multimode fibers are cheaper only in the case of very short links, but generally the difference is no so large. Due to larger potential of single-mode fibers, the choice of single-mode solutions is more prospective. Multimode fibers should only be used for very short links, in server rooms etc. Single-mode fibers are basically the only reasonable solution for data transmission over greater distances.

"Gigabit Wi-Fi" for everyone now

D-Link Corporation, one of the world's largest network equipment manufacturers, has introduced Wireless AC1200 Dual Band USB Adapter supporting 802.11ac draft standard. Although first 802.11ac devices were offered on the market six months ago and the first company in the world that presented a prototype of 802.11ac router was Buffalo at January's Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, the product of D-Link really opens up the market for this kind of equipment. The adapter enables the user to transfer data wirelessly at speeds about 1 Gbps, which is ideal e.g. for flawless HD video streaming.

D-LINK AC 1200 adapter supporting 802.11ac draft.
Although at present the price is rather high (about $90, several times more than the cost of popular 802.11n devices), everyone can expect that D-Link will be followed by other manufactures, including TP-Link,
and the cost of such solutions in 2013 will not be a barrier for most potential users. [dlink.com]

The "Gigabit Wi-Fi" is based both on solutions used in the IEEE 802.11n standard and new ones, which together allow for the unprecedented throughput. The devices compliant with the future 802.11ac standard (the approval of its final specification is expected in late 2013, the current devices are based on draft 4.0) will operate in the 5 GHz band, at data transfer rates at the level of 1 Gbps (multi-station WLAN throughput). However, there are plans for 2015 to launch first chipsets enabling wireless transmission transfer rates up to 7 Mbps, previously unimaginable for this medium.

Such data rates will be possible with the use of high-density 256 QAM modulation, extra-wide 160 MHz channels, and up to 8 MIMO spatial streams. Additionally, Multi-user MIMO (MU-MIMO) technology will allow multiple clients (each with one or more antennas) to transmit or receive independent data streams simultaneously. In the case of using several antennas, the Space Division Multiple Access (SDMA) well known from MIMO applications in n standard can provide higher throughput as well. The 802.11ac chipsets supporting MU-MIMO are expected in 2014.

Comparison of data transfer rates provided by 802.11ac and 802.11n solutions
[dailywireless.com]

 

 

Other leading manufacturers, such as Netgear, Cisco/ Linksys, also expand their offerings with 802.11ac devices. It is expected that in 2013 - along with the official approval of the standard - the market will also offer laptops with wireless cards in this this technology. The response of smartphone industry can be even quicker - in late 2013 probably 70% of smartphones will be equipped with the appropriate chipsets. The next two years will show how quickly the 802.11ac standard penetrates the WLAN market. The 802.11n standard, approved in 2009, and winning real popularity in 2012, would have to go to early retirement. So, it seems that wireless standard developers and equipment manufacturers are slightly ahead of the current needs of the users.

The beginning of a revolution in medical care

Isonas, a British company, announced that in collaboration with Fujitsu and Tolven companies it had developed the world's first wireless medical monitoring system based on cloud computing, compliant with the guidelines of the European Medical Device Directive (MDD).

The system consists of network procedures for recording and analysis of medical data and certified sensor LifeTouch HRV011 continuously measuring five vital parameters and providing them wirelessly in real-time: Heart Rate (HR), Respiration Rate (RR), Blood Pressure (BP), Pulse Oximetry (SpO2), and Temperature (T). Other sensors can be easily added to the network.

The system can be used both for large groups, for example, all residents of a city, and in some hospitals. Currently, practical tests are conducted on a group of hospital patients in the Netherlands, the system will soon be testes in the UK and India.

The LifeTouch HRV011 sensor is one of the elements of the certified wireless medical care system based on cloud computing

source: www.isonas.com

 

 

New developments associated with remote medical care are also visible in the U.S.A. In May, the FCC (Federal Communications Commission, agency that regulates the rules for the use of radio frequencies in communication), approved the technical studies on the assignment of radio spectrum for wireless monitoring of patients. The spectrum for MBAN (Medical Body Area Network) will be allocated between 2.360-2.400 MHz. The final approval of the standard is planned for 2013.

The new technologies have to incorporate two principles: to provide the patient with basic medical supervision at the appropriate level and reduce the costs, compared to conventional systems. Additionally, through online monitoring and analysis of the data doctors can immediately react to potential threats to the patients.

How to set up video streams of IP cameras?

All Sunell IP cameras enable the user to define two independent H.264 video channels. This feature allows for creating high quality stream for video recording and lower quality stream for monitoring over the Internet, e.g. on mobile devices.

Depending on the purpose, the menu of the cameras provides several levels of video compression (Video Encode Type):

• Base Profile - for low-cost applications that require additional data loss robustness like in mobile environments.
• Main Profile - used for standard-definition imaging, e.g. on tablets, netbooks etc.
• High Profile - dedicated for monitoring in local networks and for high-definition video recording. The compression is more effective than in the case of Main Profile (file size ca. 10% smaller for the same quality), but it requires the highest processing power.

Depending on the number of cameras and link/network capacity, the user should select:

• required image Resolution (1920x1080/1280x720/640x360);
• Frame Rate (1...25 fps);
• I Frame Interval (the interval between reference pictures that represent fixed images independent of other picture types). If a camera monitors an area with low traffic, higher values will save the band without noticeable deterioration in image quality;
• Bit Rate type and value (VBR - variable bit rate which cannot exceed the maximum value defined below by the user, dedicated for monitoring low-traffic areas, or CBR - constant bit rate, also defined by the user, dedicated for monitoring more dynamic envirinments);
• Quality level, within the 1 (minimum) to 9 (maximum) range.

Stream parameters must be chosen with care and tested in practice - too high settings will result in ​​unnecessary load on the network and the NVR's CPU, too low values will degrade the image quality.

Multiswitch SMATV system in a 5-staircase building

The requirements for the building installations included SMATV system providing each outlet with DVB-T and SAT signals (from a single Hot Bird position).

The building has five staircases with a 40 m spacing. There is an underground garage in the basement below the ground level (first flloor). The basement should be used for the distribution of the signals to all the staircases (the investor did not want separate systems in individual staicases) via a bus composed of five Triset-11 PE E1025 cables.

View of the project of the SMATV system designed with the use of free SatNet utility
Instructional video on the use of the software

 

 

Due to a large number of the outlets in the building (ca. 300), the optimum choice was multiswitch system based on a bus architecture and MSV-5xx multiswitches.

 

In this implementation, three stories in each staircase have been equipped with MSV-516 R70716 multiswitch and satellite splitter or tap from Terra SS-5xx series with the loss resulting from the energetic balance. The exception is the last, fourth floor, equipped in each staircase only with the MSV-516 R70716 multiswitch. The total number of outlets in each staircase is about 60.

The system is powered from SA 501 R70501 amplifiers located in each staircase, via H lines.

Time for a global M2M platform

At the end of November in Johannesburg, Vodacom from Vodafone Group Plc announced the start of a new M2M initiative called Global Data Service Platform (GDSP). The project is a part of the policy of the group being a global service provider for M2M solutions. GDSP is aimed at international companies and organizations wanting to use automatic and unassisted global communication among various devices.

GDSP is a service that not only allows the transfer of information and communication between devices scattered around the globe, but also enables the user to fully manage and control the whole system. This pioneering solution provides means for users to analyze in detail the flow of information between different points, as well as to control each individual point. The operation of such a network is not complicated - the management, control and analytical tools can be easily accessed by an intuitive graphical interface.

M2M (Machine-to-Machine) technology is based on the ability of devices connected to the network for collecting, processing and exchanging information without human intervention. The development of mobile technology in recent years has made this application area the leader in terms of annual turnover: $ 445 billion. Independent organizations estimate that by the end of 2020 the number of M2M devices in the world will increase by 100%, from 6 to 12 billion. 

 

Businesses interested in M2M technology are logistics companies (fleet and asset management), banks (remote monitoring of subsidiaries, ATMs etc.), healthcare providers (continuous remote monitoring of biological data) and many others. The list of organizations and companies operating in dispersed locations is huge, so Vodafone, anticipating a significant growth of interest in M2M applications, has prepared 5 billion SIM cards to enable wireless communication for compatible devices.

The global growth of M2M applications will translate into an even more dynamic expansion of wireless data services for private customers. Research confirms that many consumers that can use WiFi connectivity choose 3G service. This shows how managed cellular networks are important for secure and reliable communication and data exchange.

How to maximize the capabilities of home routers?

Thanks to alternative software available on the Internet, many Wi-Fi routers can provide extended functionality. For example, the software may transform home router into NAS and print servers, increase forwarding performance, provide advanced analytical options.

Alternative software OpenWRT based on Linux (with optional graphical user interface) can be uploaded on selected models of wireless routers/APs. The software greatly extends the capabilities of the devices. It should be emphasized that all operations associated with the modification of the firmware are done at the user's risk. The best option is to install the software via a USB port of the router (if available, it can be also used to connect a hard drive, USB modem or printer; application of additional USB hub will enable simultaneous operation of several devices).

Home wireless network based on TP-LINK devices

OpenWRT software and additional information are available at that official site. In the case of other versions modified by some users, which can also be found on the Internet, one should pay particular attention to security issues. More on OpenWRT can be found in the article OpenWRT or how to maximize the capabilities of your router.

Long-range HDMI splitter

HDMI Splitter-Extender Signal-HD 1x8 H3607 enables the user to connect up to 8 modern TV sets equipped with HDMI inputs to one source of high-definition signal. The amplified output HDMI signal can be transmitted via HDMI 1.3b cable over distance up to 15 m. The seven RJ45 outputs allow for signal transmission over distances up to 50 m (using a CAT6 cable). The package contains the set of RJ-45 to HDMI adapters and power supplies. The features of the product make it ideal for demonstration of HD televisions and other equipment in stores, for offer presentation in HD quality in superstores, for distribution of video content (such as transmissions of football matches) in clubs and pubs etc.

HDMI Splitter-Extender Signal-HD 1x8 (7xRJ45, 1xHDMI) H3607

Application diagram

Will SAT>IP be a quantum leap in satellite reception?

In early November, SES, the world's leading satellite operator, issued a certificate of compatibility for Zinwell SAT>IP switch/ server, stating compliance of the device with the approved in 2011 SAT> IP standard. The ZIM-1800 switch/server from the Taiwanese manufacturer has become the second SAT> IP device that gained the approval of the organization responsible for developing this standard (the SAT> IP Project partners include SES, BSkyB, and Craftwork). The first certified SAT>IP converter was IDL400S Multibox developed by Inverto Digital Labs. Thomas Wrede, Vice President of Reception Systems at SES, emphasizes the fact that other Asian manufacturers are also interested in the certification. It seems that the rise in popularity of the SAT> IP technology is only a matter of the near future.

According to the SAT> IP standard, satellite signals are demodulated and then converted into IP streams that can be distributed through wired or wireless IP networks. The user of the network can independently watch satellite channels on devices such as PCs, laptops, tablets, and smartphones running dedicated applications. Of course, the content will also be available on Smart TVs and other televisions equipped with external network adapters or IPTV receivers (IP STBs). The communication protocol between the server and clients has been developed by the consortium of satellite operator SES, UK broadcaster BSkyB, and Danish TV software company Craftwork. SAT> IP is based on existing Internet protocols such as IP, UPnP, RTSP, HTTP, supplemented by a special extension for satellite content. The solution is compliant with DLNA protocol implemented in many consumer devices.

SAT>IP servers can distribute satellite media streams in unicast or multicast RTP/UDP (RFC2250) mode,as well as they support HTTP streaming. The delivery format is chosen by the client device.

One of the major advantages of the SAT>IP solution is its total independence from the Internet. Despite the use of IP technology, the transmission takes place only in the local network, not generating any additional costs (no need for higher Internet bandwidth). A typical home network operating at 100 Mbps will allow for simultaneous transmission of 8 different HD channels.

If the forecasts of the creators of the SAT> IP standard are correct, the year 2013 can bring a great revolution in consumer satellite market. With a range of certified devices, their prices should fall to levels acceptable by the majority of individual users of FTA channels and the operators of pay-TV platforms, which will change the form of using home television systems. A greater integration of television and home IP networks will lead to a practical implementation of the idea of ​​watching TV "everywhere and on anything" (at least in the home).

Sprayed-on or printed solar cells

Let's paint the roof with special paints and we'll have a home power plant... This vision is not so awkward after the announcement that scientists have built a solar cell based on Colloidal Quantum Dot (CQD) films with a record-breaking efficiency of 7%, about 40% higher than that of the best previous devices using CQDs.

Although commercial cells based on traditional silicon technology have efficiency of 15-20%, which is up to three times higher than in the case of the new achievement, the sharp increase in CQD cell efficiency promises a number of interesting applications. They will result from the way of the production of the new cells, with the use of special paints or even just by printing using inkjet printers.

a) diagram of the solar cell made ​​out of colloidal quantum dot film
b) cross-section photographed by a scanning electron microscope

(source: physicsworld.com)

 

 

Colloidal Quantum Dot (CQD) films employ the recent developments in nanotechnology, particularly the phenomena taking place in so-called "Quantum dots" - ultra-thin semiconductor layer with unique light-capture properties. Quantum dots is an integrated thin film of thickness several to tens of nanometers, divided into cells ( "dots") of similar dimensions. It is worth to note that the wavelength of visible light ranges from 400 to 700 nm and 1 nanometer is one millionth of a millimeter.
 

 

The capturing of photons that increase the energy of electrons is the basis of all solar cells. The small surface and thickness of a "quantum dot" restricts the free movement of particles. By analogy to a shooting gallery, the photon has a greater chance to hit the immobilized electron instead of one constantly vibrating in a haphazard manner - hence the greater efficiency.
 

 

The problem is the selection of materials and mastering the technology, but the prospective performance levels are impressive, especially when combining existing and quantum technologies. In October, the United States Air Force commissioned Magnolia Solar to develop nanotechnology solutions for reaching the efficiency of solar cells intended for the defense and space industries close to 50%!

The total power used by humans is only about 0.02% of the solar radiation power reaching the Earth. The solar energy received by the Earth during six months equals the amount of energy contained in the estimated resources of the currently used fuels - coal, oil, gas and uranium. The total energy that reaches a horizontal surface throughout the year ranges from 600 kWh/m²/year in the Nordic  countries to more than 2500 kWh/m²/ year in central Africa. All the energy of solar radiation absorbed by the Earth, also used in any form by plants and animals, is transformed into heat and then emitted as infrared radiation into outer space. Development of a new generation of photovoltaic cells will allow for better absorption and use of solar energy.

The construction of a mechanical splice

Mechanical splices ULTIMODE FAST-MS1 are used for permanent connections of optical fibers without the need of employing fusion splicers. Everything the installer has to do before application of the splice is to remove the protective layers (jacket and aramid fibers), strip the buffer, clean the core cladding and cleave the fiber with the two active layers.

The main components of Ultimode FAST-MS1 L5550 mechanical splice

 

 

The prepared ends of the fibers to be spliced should then be inserted to the both sides of the L5550 mechanical splice. The body of the splice contains V-groove device with holes slightly larger than the fibers. These holes are filled with optical gel compensating for cutting imperfections and imprecise positioning. After full insertion of the fibers, they have to be locked with the buckles. The versatile design of the mechanical splice allows for splicing optical fibers with buffer coating diameters of 0.25 mm (using the included reducer) and 0.9 mm.

How to build a wired home network without the hassle of installing?

The solution is to use powerline Ethernet adapters TP-LINK TL-PA2010KIT N3363 allowing network connection through the existing power line. The pair or set of the powerline adapters is an ideal solution in every case where it is impossible or difficult to install Ethernet cables or the environment is not suitable for a wireless medium.

The adapters eliminate the need for installing UTP cables, drilling holes etc. In particular, they can be used to connect to the Internet such home appliances like televisions, satellite receivers, network players and other devices with network interfaces - there is no problem that the desired place does not ensure physical access to the LAN.

Powerline Ethernet adapters TP-LINK TL-PA2010KIT

DVB-T television and the Internet via one UTP cable

Low-voltage systems in office buildings often do not include TV antenna cables, but are usually fitted with structural cabling based on UTP cables. When some users want to connect televisions to watch DVB-T broadcasts, the lack of an RF distribution system may be a major obstacle (in many locations TV signals cannot be properly received using indoor antennas).

A unique solution to this problem is to use SIGNAL TV-LAN baluns for TV over UTP. The pair of the passive baluns can transmit analog/digital RF signals from an antenna placed in a suitable place via the existing UTP cable. The transmission is performed in parallel to the "normal" use of the cable for data transmission (LAN, Internet). The idea of using the Signal TV-LAN baluns is presented in the figure below.

Transmission of DVB-T and Ethernet signals over a single UTP cable with the use of R94200 baluns

Although the solution is based on point-to-point connection, it is possible to use multiple transmitter-receiver kits, even in combination with TV splitters and network switches. When the RF signal level after splitting is sufficient for further distribution, the signal can be sent over another UTP cable segment after a network switch, using additional pair of the baluns.

View of the Signal TV-LAN balun

Solutions based on the baluns are much more economical in comparison with deployment of additional systems based on coaxial cables or IPTV technology (the latter also requires extra network resources). They do not convert the original RF signals, only change the transmission medium.

Gigabit VPN router from TP-LINK

The TL-R600VPN SafeStream™  gigabit broadband VPN router provides Gigabit Ethernet connections both on WAN and LAN ports. The device supports multiple Virtual Private Networks (VPN) protocols, ensuring high security and excellent performance. This functionality is especially useful in office networks, allowing for remote access to resources while maintaining maximum security. In addition, the security policies used in the TL-R600VPN router, such as SPI firewall, DoS attack protection, and IP-MAC binding help protect the network against the most common attacks. TL-R600VPN is the ideal device for small offices that need cost-effective and reliable VPN solutions.

 

The VPN tunnels supported by the TL-R600VPN router provide secure links between client terminals through a public network (usually the Internet), with the use of IPsec and PPTP protocols. The router can also handle IPsec/PPTP/L2TP "pass-through" traffic. The hardware-based VPN engine can handle up to 20 IPsec LAN-to-LAN and 16 PPTP VPN connections.

The VPN TP-LINK TL-R600VPN SafeStream N3385 router

HTTP streaming on Android - commercial deployment of MPEG-DASH

On November 6, 2012, Fraunhofer IIS and BuyDRM presented in Los Angeles one of the first commercial multimedia streaming systems based on MPEG-DASH ISO standard and Microsoft's PlayReady DRM, to be used on mobile devices running Android operating system. The showcase organized together with HBO, the content provider, proved the tendency of the industry to utilize the potential of mobile devices as "second screens" and content delivery means. According to media analysts forecasts, tablets and smartphones will increasingly complement or replace televisions.

The innovative solution from Fraunhofer IIS and BuyDRM allows secure transmission of surround sound and video, automatically adjusting the bitrates to changing network conditions. Currently, the solution is available for HBO GO subscribers using Android devices. The application is as easy as playing a BluRay or DVD.

 

 

MPEG-DASH (Dynamic Adaptive Streaming over HTTP) was approved in November 2011. This standard for streaming media is to ensure the highest possible quality (QoE - Quality of Experience) and unify various currently used systems such as Microsoft's Smooth Streaming, Adobe's HTTP Dynamic Streaming and Apple's HTTP Live Streaming. The biggest advantage of MPEG-DASH is the fact that the content is made available as segments at a variety of different bit rates. The MPEG-DASH clients select segments with the highest bit rates possible for seamless playback, avoiding problems with stalls or rebuffering in less efficient networks.

MPEG-DASH was one of the solutions promoted by Fraunhofer IIS during this year's IBC conference in Amsterdam. Fraunhofer IIS Audio & Multimedia division, based in Erlangen, Germany, has a 20 years of experience in audio compression technology and remains a leading innovator of multimedia systems. It has a significant contribution to the development of MP3 and AAC (Advanced Audio Coding) used to transmit and broadcast streams in over 5 billion devices worldwide. Its codecs are used in HTML 5, Apple Safari, Microsoft Internet Explorer 9 and Google Chrome. Fraunhofer IIS also has been developing MPEG Surround to support multiple audio channels, utilized in the project described at the outset.

There is no doubt that the market for broadband streaming will significantly grow over the coming years. Adaptive streaming techniques, such as MPEG-DASH, will greatly accelerate this process.

The triumph of intelligent multipoint-to-multipoint wireless mesh architecture

The world's longest wireless network based on mesh technology has been deployed in Thailand. The network, built by an American company Firetide, covers a distance of 372 km. It has been conceived as a kind of a gift from Thailand’s Royal Irrigation Department to the 84 year old King of Thailand, Bhumibol Adulyadej. The network is to provide images of the floodplains of the river Chao Phraya. Due to his age, the king is no longer able to oversee the monitored areas in person. The implementation of such a gift turned out to be technically challenging.

The total cost of the world's longest wireless mesh network is about 2 million USD. However, this sum of money is not large considering the fact that during the last monsoon season the network gave the chance to save hundreds of people from flooding. The Thai network belongs to the group of early warning systems for floods.

The images from the cameras are available on the Internet at this address.

Google Maps application provides information on the location of each camera.

 

 

The entire network has been built based on mesh technology. The main advantages of this type of network architecture include auto-configuration and full redundancy in the case of a node/link failure. The latter feature is guaranteed by an automatic change of the route of data packets, which is particularly important in so large and responsible systems.
The main components of the network are 64 Firetide HotPort 7020 wireless mesh nodes and 27 Panasonic PTZ WV-SW395E cameras. The distances between nodes range from 20 to 45 km. The total throughput of the network is as much as 240 Mbps, with node-to-node latency below 1 ms.

High throughput is achieved by the use of Firetide HotPort 7020 mesh nodes, compliant with 802.11n standard and implementing MIMO multi-antenna technology, with 40 MHz wide channels. The routing of the frames is based on proprietary AutoMesh mechanism, based on the 802.11s standard for wireless mesh networks approved in the last year. [source: firetide.com]

Last year's approval of the 802.11s standard can accelerate the popularization of wireless mesh technology. Until now, mesh networks were mostly implemented as experimental projects, not having much in common with the commercial market. Today, in addition to the large-scale undertaking in Thailand, some more "ordinary" projects are carried out, such as the city video surveillance system in Altanta, with 110 cameras. Time will tell whether mesh technology will be more popular on European markets.

Cloud-based video monitoring is gaining popularity.

Securicorp Components Ltd., a UK-based security services company, has launched a monitoring service based on the concept of cloud computing, where the resources, software, and data storage system are available in the cloud. Although cloud video surveillance is a hot subject in the industry, the service is one of the first market offerings for companies and individuals.

The clients will control and manage their systems online, through account usernames and passwords, the video data will be stored on external servers - "in the cloud". The installation and configuration of the IP cameras on site will be as simple as possible - the users don't need to know technical details. To provide the cloud solution, Securicorp has partnered with telecoms, data centers, Internet service providers, and retail companies.

 

So, the whole system of the individual user exists in the virtual world, with automatic update to the latest version and optimization in the background, and surveillance data stored on external servers located outside the monitored facilities. The existence of the system in the form of a flexible digital platform will allow anyone to select features that are really needed, without paying for unnecessary functions.

 

Securicorp and other suppliers of CCTV solutions use ready-made software solutions that allow for the implementation of CCTV in the cloud. The first solution dedicated for ISPs, telecom operators, and security services companies has been offered by NeoVSP. The OVS™ (Online Video Surveillance) belongs to the Video Surveillance as a Service (VSaaS) solutions that minimize the clients' involvement in the network architecture and equipment, usually aside from the cameras. Similar solutions are offered by Iveda Solutions, OzVision, Connexed, iControl.

The change in thinking of CCTV video surveillance a service rather than the physical system opens the door to long-awaited features, including the most expected one: intelligent image analysis. The amount of gathered data, even in medium-sized systems, is so great that also the most modern video monitoring systems have to be treated more as archives than sources of live information. The application of cloud computing technology provides almost unlimited possibilities. It is only a matter of time when IT specialists create algorithms with artificial intelligence techniques allowing for autonomous early detection of real threats.

"Red Bull Stratos" - record-breaking advertising

On 14 October, 2012, millions of viewers watched with bated breath the actions of the Austrian skydiver Felix Baumgartner, who after five years of thorough preparations jumped from a height of more than 39 km to finalize the Red Bull Stratos project. The sky jumper beat three records: the highest manned balloon flight, jump from the highest height, and the one most exciting people's imagination - the speed record during free fall. Reaching a speed of 1342.8 km/h, Baumgartner broke two barriers, the sound barrier and the limit of human potential.

The Red Bull itself can add a few more records. The most remarkable one is the "best ever" marketing campaign. Only the specially prepared Youtube channel was watched live by over 8 million people. There would be even more viewers, but the demand exceeded server capabilities of the world's largest service. This is an absolute record, leaving far behind all sporting events, not to mention U.S. presidential debates.

Next to this amazing human achievement, other extraordinary things involved in this project were the technologies of capturing, recording, and transmitting the coverage of the event. The whole happening was recorded using a system consisting of over thirty cameras. Those at the top had to work in conditions of low temperature and pressure, those on the ground - had to capture images of objects located a few dozen kilometers away.

The whole event was recorded using a system consisting of over thirty cameras. Most of them had been designed for space missions. Five cameras were placed on the spacesuit of the skydiver.

 
Two ground based optical tracking systems JLAIR (Joint Long-range Aerospace Imaging and Relay), used for the first time in a commercial venture. Each of them was equipped with two HD cameras recording 60 frames per second and 4K camera (4000 x 2000 pixels) recording 120 frames per second. The set of the cameras connected with dedicated telescope systems had a focal length equivalent of 8000 mm. For comparison, the largest lenses available on the market provide focal length 10 times lower, 800 mm. To track the skydiver falling at the speed of sound there were also used infrared cameras which allowed for the reduction of the negative impact of the radiation on image quality. [source: redbullstratos.com]

It might seem that the whole Stratos project has been a no-return investment of Red Bull, which will be forgotten in a few weeks. However, as mentioned at the beginning, the project is now considered to be the best advertising in history. The $ 20 million spent by Red Bull within 5 years of preparations for the jump is nothing in comparison with the money allocated by major corporations e.g. on the Olympic Games. What is also undeniable is the fact that the experience gained during the project will be used by the scientific community and armed forces. Conspiracy theorists may even suspect that the name "Stratos" - meaning "army" in Greek - shows the main purpose of this experiment. It is said that every moment pilots of reconnaissance aircraft operating at high altitudes could use the spacesuits developed for this project. In the case of an accident or shooting down the plane, the suit could save the life of the pilot.

$1,000,000 for "the Internet of things"!

At the October conference Demo Fall 2012, the People's Choice Award winner and owner of $1,000,000 for promotion in IDG Media became Ube, an American startup company, for developing a new concept of a smart home.

The award-winning company presented a universal application capable of remote control of home appliances, including "ordinary" devices that are powered from AC line voltage. In the first phase of the project they plan to integrate 200 products from various manufacturers, by providing remote control via TCP/IP protocols. The users of smartphones will be able to control not only TVs, STBs and other modern electronic devices, but also thermostats, shutters, garage doors and lighting - all the components of the connected homes that will be really "smart".

In addition to software, Ube has also developed three IP devices. Their task is to control all the electrically powered devices or installations that do not have network interface and which should be included in home automation systems, such as lighting. Their biggest advantage is the simplicity of implementation due to direct connection to the existing wiring in the home or office. Other solutions offered so far for building automation have usually been expensive and not very intuitive.

Ube at Demo Fall showed that the rise in popularity of smartphones and the potential of Android and iOS provide new possibilities for applications in this area, making them much cheaper, versatile and most importantly - extremely easy and intuitive for users, by a significant reduction of human involvement in common processes which can be based on the "Internet of Things" - interconnected machines with specific functions. Just imagine, when you are approaching your home, your smartphone will turn on the coffee maker to brew a fresh cup of coffee, switch on the TV on the channel with your favorite series, adjust the temperature in the room depending on the atmospheric conditions...

From the left to the right:

• Smart Plug can be plugged into any wall outlet to control a wide range of appliances from a smartphone and measure the consumed energy
• Smart Dimmer based on a 32-bit ARM processor and Android OS changes light intensity and the energy consumption according to the needs of the user
• Smart Outlet used to replace an existing outlet - identical functions as the Smart Plug - for higher loads

In the past, home automation devices were expensive, unintuitive and difficult to use. The advent of Apple and Google platforms on mobile devices allows for the dissemination of this kind of technology due to wide accessibility and ease of use.

DEMO is a series of conferences organized around the world by IDG Enterprise and VentureBeat. For 22 years, the DEMO stage has witnessed presentations of over 1500 companies and 20 000 technological solutions. Regular meetings held in the United States, China, Brazil and Singapore concentrate on the promotion and financing of the development of the latest technologies and innovative products, which according to the organizers have the best chance of success and global adaptation. Among the projects and companies that benefited from the participation in the conferences there can be found such well-known brands like Sun's Java, Adobe Acrobat, Netscape Navigator, VM Vare. So, Ube won not only a million dollars ...

Contactless payments also with mobile phones!

Samsung Galaxy S III is the first mobile phone running Android OS which supports Barclaycard contactless mobile payments with Quick Tap from Orange. So far, the services are available in Great Britain only.
Each owner of any UK Visa or Mastercard debit or credit card and Samsung Galaxy S III from Orange is given a contactless way to pay for purchases 20 GPB and under. By activating the Barclaycard payment app by October 5, 2012, the users got 50 GPB rewards.

The unprecedented growth in sales of smartphones has created a unique opportunity to use their capabilities in the field of non-cash transactions. So the largest software companies are making efforts to support implementations of software solutions in this application segment.

Google has come up with a solution called Google Wallet, which is a typical application for Android system. The users can make payments using virtual versions of their payment, discount, and gift cards. They can also use additional Google Offers at the same time.

The card and transaction information stored on the phone is isolated from potential malware. The payments in shops accepting Google Wallet are made immediately after the phone is moved close to the reader at the point of sale. They use Near Field Communication (NFC) technology - high frequency communication standard for wireless exchange of data over distances up to 20 centimeters.

According to Gartner, the world's leading information technology research and advisory company, we will see rapid development of "mobile" payments. Currently this market is worth $172 billion, but by 2016 it should exceed $600 billion.

In mid-2012, there were 34 million NFC-enabled phones. According to the company estimates, by 2015 every other phone will be equipped with components supporting this technology. Currently, the leading provider of NFC solutions is NXP Semiconductors. NXP chips are installed e.g. in Nexus S supporting Google Wallet, in tablets running Windows 8, and in Sony smartphones.

 

Mobile payments are made by bringing the phone to readers embedded in POS terminals

NFC is a radio technology that enables data exchange with bit rates 106 kbps to 848 kbps, using the carrier frequency of 13.56 MHz. It is based on inductive coupling, where loosely coupled inductive circuits share power and data over a distance of a few centimeters, typically up to 10 cm.
The NFC technology allows two communication modes: active and passive. In active mode both devices participating in the exchange of data emit electromagnetic fields. In passive mode, one device generates electromagnetic field to power the second device (passive), enabling the exchange of information. Examples of passive devices are RFID tags, poster tags, contactless smart cards.

 

A major breakthrough in technology for photonic computers

The construction of a logic gate in which the logic state can be changed by a pulse of light instead of applying a voltage can mean the beginning of the end of current electronics and high chance of the Nobel Prize for scientists who developed the new technology.

The essence of the development is a logic switch created through the use of cadmium sulphide nanostructures on silicon substrate.

To make the switch, the scientists used a pair of nanowires; two such switches formed a NAND gate. During the test, pulses of laser light changed the output state in accord with the logic of the gate.
The most difficult and spectacular achievement was the 1,1 -> 0 state, when two "1" input signals resulted in "0" output - one light pulse blanked the other!

The basic switch is made of two nanowires, two such switches form a NAND gate

 Possible combinations of logic states

NAND gates enable realization of all logic functions. The development of "optical" NAND gate may open the way for the construction of advanced integrated circuits, operating with optical signals, instead of electric charges.

The new technology may revolutionize ICT industry. Optical integrated circuits used in photonic computers should use less energy, be almost completely resistant to electromagnetic interference, and - perhaps most important - be much faster.
The introduction of photonic computers will also accelerate the development of optical fiber technology, currently hampered by comparatively expensive and inefficient media converters (from electrical to optical and optical to electrical form).

One of the scientists, professor Ritesh Agarwal, University of Pennsylvania, said that the research brings us closer to "a future where consumer electronics become consumer photonics."

 On-chip laser light source made of CdS nanowire

source: www.upenn.edu

Photonics is a field of science that combines electronics, ICT and optics to develop techniques and devices that use light for information processing. Photonics can be understood as analogous to electronic science, with photons as the basic information carriers, instead of electrons. The origins of this field of science are associated with the invention of laser in 1960, development of the first semiconductor light emitters in the early 1960s, and emergence of fiber optic technology in the mid-1970s.