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Freedom Digital Networks deliver a secure digital data connection and transmission system that uses an existing electrical circuit as its "highway". The system enables a high speed transmission of data throughout the building, campus or vessel.
As the system relies on existing electrical wiring networks, there is limited invasive work in its deployment when compared with “traditional” solutions.
As the system relies on existing electrical wiring networks, there is limited invasive work in its deployment when compared with “traditional” solutions.
Once the electrical network as been digitally enabled, a multitude of Services can be deployed over the backbone such as high-speed Broadband, Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP), Closed Circuit TV (CCTV), Remote Data Access, Office Networking etcetera.
Powerline Communications is a proven, secure and robust technology that like any other networking architecture requires appropriate design and deployment expertise to maximise its benefits.
The latest developments in Powerline Communications and associated standards such as G.hn ensure that other legacy network cabling such as data, telephony and Co-Axial, can also be encompassed in a common digital architecture ensuring an “anywire” solution can be provided by Freedom Digital Networks.
"New services can be accessed simply by plugging our PLC unit into a power socket and turning that socket into a data port."
Technical Solutions
When undertaking any network implementation, Freedom Digital Networks (FDN) takes a very structured and solution based approach for the implementation of an Internet Protocol (IP) signal and its co-dependant applications through the domestic, commercial and power infrastructure markets.
This solution extends over all phases and permutations of electrical infrastructure and can be deployed in “Greenfield” or “retrofit” locations as required.
The solution that FDN provide is broken down into three main constituents, with their importance relative to the overall solution as detailed in the pie chart.
In simple terms we pay a huge amount of attention to the implementation, and the following is an explanation of the recognised standards and procedures that we adopt in delivering our solution.
Implementation
The implementation process consists of three distinct phases, each of which is based on our knowledge of both simple and complex Power Line Communication (PLC) based installations. By ensuring each phase is followed and has a quantified and measurable output, we deliver to the client the solution that has been tailored for their requirements.
The Three phases are:
Phase I - Site Survey Phase II - Solution Phase III - Installation & Optimisation
Phase I - Site Survey
This stage includes a visit to the site to undertake the following activities:
Analysis of infrastructure
- Assessment of the current electrical topography in terms of connectivity to distribution boards, meters and sub stations
- Overview assessment of the electrical install quality and where applicable seek confirmation that the existing Electrical work has been undertaken to the prevailing legislative requirements
Throughput testing
- Assessment of each of the mains circuits to validate the data dilution rates
- Assessment of the frequency channels within the PLC range to validate the potential maximum throughput
- Testing
Environmental Survey
- Assessment of the physical location to assess the requirements needed verses the prevailing standards on area such as WiFi emissions
- Identification of potential problem connections to the network in noise and feedback terms
Schematic documentation
- Preparation of the documented electrical topography
- Comparison of mapped topography with any electrical diagrams available
- Validation and checking of any anomalies identified
Phase II - Solution Design
Definition of requirements
- Comparison of the definition of requirements versus the capability of the network
- Definition of hardware required
- Definition of electrical work required
- Definition of any firmware coding
- Definition of number of potential users and therefore the number of Media Access Control (MAC) addresses to be supported
Production of solution schematic
- Preparation of detailed schematic that defines the hardware placement, connections to the electrical network and any specific injection equipment required
- Detailed schematic of channels to be utilised to achieve maximum throughput on the network
Implementation plan
- Production of an implementation plan that identifies the resources required and is compliant with Prince 2 Project Management methodology
- Identification of client resources and skills requirements
- Allocation of a project delivery team to include the project sponsor, director and technical personnel as required
Commercial Documentation
- Production of a costing model for the installation
- Production of client quote for the installation
- Production of a client contract for the installation
- Internal quality checks to ensure procedural compliance
Phase III - Installation & Optimisation
Installation of the solution
- Installation of the hardware to our internal quality standards
- Installation of manufacturers hardware in compliance with their implementation guidelines
- Tracking of install components in line with the current EU disposal standards
Client Optimisation Stage
- Fine tuning of the internal network ‘mask’ to take into account client electrical network variables
- Firmware amendments where needed by the clients usage requirements
Support and Maintenance
Freedom Digital Networks offer a full and comprehensive support and maintenance service to all of its customers Power Line Communication (PLC) networks, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
Once the system has been installed, we offer a support service as standard for as long as the client requires the support (a minimum of 1 year, generally 3-5 years). This enables (where required) the handover of skills & training to enable the Technical teams within a client to maintain their network while ensuring that they have the full support they require, when they require it. This includes a complete remote monitoring and control solution.
Remote monitoring
- All systems can be monitored down to the ‘lowest’ possible component element
- Automated alert messages are generated and delivered to a maintenance team
Network monitoring
- Where required and dependant upon client needs Network monitoring software is used to ensure the system is optimised and works to Capacity.
Remote Restart
- All integral system and FDN supplied 3rd party hardware is remote manageable and re-bootable, ensuring that offsite support can deliver onsite service
Remote Configuration
- All integral FDN system units are able to be remotely configured after installation
Scheduled Remote software optimisation
- As developments are made, these can be delivered remotely to the relevant units within a client location
Support
- 24hrs * 7 days * 365 (excluding Public holidays)
More pages in Solutions:
- Key Benefits and Costings - Additional Benefits and Purchase Options
- Hotel Upgrade - Benefits for hotels using PLC
Find out if Freedom Digital Networks can help you - contact us today. Or fill in our quick form below and one of our team will answer your question(s).