3-minute read time

Summary 

• A defense command center needed to modernize office communications to support critical operations without operational disruption, risk, or extended deployment times. 

• The organization used a Modern LAN approach with NVT Phybridge PoLRE switch innovations to enable hundreds of Avaya IP phones over its existing single‑pair UTP (CAT3) infrastructure. 

• The PoLRE switch innovation accelerated the deployment by approximately 50%, delivered an estimated $450K in total savings, and enabled hundreds of IP endpoints across four buildings with minimal disruption. 

• Reusing the existing network infrastructure prevented significant material waste and invasive construction, preventing over 3 tons of electronic waste.

Problem 

As part of ongoing modernization initiatives, a defense agency wanted to upgrade from its legacy analog communications system to a comprehensive IP‑based telephony solution within its office environments. The modern IP communication solution was needed to improve reliability, scalability, and integration with digital systems, capabilities essential for supporting day‑to‑day operations in mission‑critical environments. 

However, the environment presented critical challenges. The buildings were active and operational, meaning the traditional network rip-and-replace method would have introduced significant disruption, risk, extended timelines, and higher costs. The command center required a modern network strategy to upgrade communications quickly and securely while preserving operational continuity. 

Solution 

The defense agency discovered and adopted a Modern LAN strategy built around the NVT Phybridge PoLRE switch innovation. The team made a deliberate, strategic decision to leverage existing single‑pair UTP (CAT3) cabling as the foundation for its modernization. 

Using NVT Phybridge solutions, the organization deployed hundreds of Avaya IP phones across four buildings without the need for invasive construction or complex network rip-and-replace. This approach reduced network readiness requirements while maintaining alignment with security and operational needs. Pre‑deployment coordination and ongoing engagement ensured a smooth rollout and helped address specialized requirements without introducing unnecessary complexity. By taking a Modern LAN approach, the customer and partner were able to modernize communications faster, with less risk and a significantly lower total project impact.

Results 

Financially, the initiative resulted in an estimated $450K in network readiness savings. The deployment itself was described as smooth, with no significant issues reported, and positive feedback from end users regarding the solution’s performance. By leveraging the existing network infrastructure, the defense agency reduced total deployment time by 50% compared with the traditional network rip-and-replace approach. 

Sustainability 

Reusing the existing single‑pair UTP network infrastructure significantly reduced the need for new materials, construction activity, and waste. By avoiding invasive upgrades, the project minimized disruption to occupied buildings while lowering the environmental footprint typically associated with network modernization. This approach demonstrates how Modern LAN design principles can support both operational efficiency and sustainability goals without compromising performance or security. 

About NVT Phybridge 

Our mission is to help organizations maximize their IP migration return on investment by providing high-quality network solutions that are robust, secure, simple to implement, and environmentally responsible. NVT Phybridge is a global leader in PoE network innovations that eliminate the reach and cable type limitations of traditional PoE switches. Our diverse and award-winning portfolio of long-reach PoE switches and extenders help organizations deploy the latest IP technologies over any new or existing single-pair UTP, coax, multi-pair UTP, or 2-wire infrastructure without high costs, complexity, business disruption, or security concerns.

3-minute read time

What if your next IP modernization project didn’t require replacing proven network infrastructure or overwhelming IT teams with disruption?

That was the challenge facing Public Safety Canada as it sought to modernize an aging analog communications environment and transition to a secure, scalable IP phone solution. Like many government agencies and large enterprises, they faced a difficult reality: traditional IP migration approaches often come with massive infrastructure costs, operational disruption, increased pressure on IT teams, and unnecessary project risk. 

The market assumption was clear: if you want modern IP communications, you must replace your existing network infrastructure.  But they challenged that assumption.

Working alongside their trusted partner and leveraging NVT Phybridge disruptive PoE innovations, Public Safety Canada successfully modernized thousands of IP phones across multiple deployment phases – without the excessive costs, operational risks, or disruption typically associated with traditional IP migration projects. 

Rather than following the conventional “rip-and-replace” approach, Public Safety Canada leveraged its existing single-pair UTP infrastructure to accelerate deployment timelines, simplify implementation, and dramatically improve overall project outcomes. 

At the center of the transformation was the NVT Phybridge PoLRE (Power over Long Reach Ethernet) Switch, a Canadian innovation, designed and manufactured in Ontario – uniquely engineered to deliver reliable power and Ethernet connectivity over a single pair of wire with extended reach capabilities. 

The Results Were Transformational 

The organization significantly reduced infrastructure costs while drastically shortening deployment timelines. Their IT teams avoided the burden and disruption associated with traditional network rebuilds. Existing infrastructure was seamlessly integrated into the new IP environment, enabling the organization to modernize more quickly while minimizing operational risk. 

Equally important, they avoided generating unnecessary cabling e-waste and redirected more budget toward higher-value IP devices, applications, and services that directly improved operational capabilities and user experience. 

This is the reality many organizations are now discovering: 

• The biggest barrier to digital transformation is often not the endpoint technology itself – it is the cost, disruption, and complexity of the underlying network infrastructure required to support it. 

• That’s why organizations across government, healthcare, education, hospitality, manufacturing, and enterprise environments are rethinking the traditional approach to IP modernization. 

• If Public Safety Canada could modernize thousands of endpoints while avoiding the disruption and costs of a rip-and-replace approach, what could that look like for your environment? 

About NVT Phybridge 

Our mission is to help organizations maximize their IP migration return on investment by providing high-quality network solutions that are robust, secure, simple to implement, and environmentally responsible. NVT Phybridge is a global leader in PoE network innovations that eliminate the reach and cable type limitations of traditional PoE switches. Our diverse and award-winning portfolio of long-reach PoE switches and extenders help organizations deploy the latest IP technologies over any new or existing single-pair UTP, coax, multi-pair UTP, or 2-wire infrastructure without high costs, complexity, business disruption, or security concerns. 

3-minute read time

Summary 

• A public state university needed to modernize its legacy phone system but felt trapped due to the limitations of standard Power over Ethernet (PoE) switches. 

• The university discovered the NVT Phybridge PoLRE switch innovation, which helped them avoid the trap, enabling a full IP deployment using its existing network infrastructure. 

• The university saved over $250,000 in infrastructure costs and enabled a successful, large-scale IP phone deployment. 

• By reusing existing infrastructure and avoiding new construction, the university significantly reduced electronic waste and supported its sustainability goals. 

• Impressed with the robustness of the PoLRE solution over the years, the university decided to refresh its PoLRE switches to the latest PoLRE offering with enhanced security and management features. 

Problem 

A public state university in the Northeastern United States needed to transition from its aging analog voice system to a modern IP telephony solution powered by Cisco Call Manager. However, many of the buildings had structural constraints that made installing new wiring expensive, logistically complex, and highly disruptive. Additionally, its legacy analog system had reached end-of-life, with support challenges and rising maintenance costs due to unavailable parts. The university felt trapped, believing the traditional network rip-and-replace approach was its only option, and that it would cost over $700 per port. This cost was an unfeasible expenditure for a campus-wide deployment of approximately 350 phones. 

Solution 

In 2015, the university discovered the NVT Phybridge PoLRE PoE switch innovation, which enabled it to reuse its existing single-pair UTP infrastructure and avoid the trap of ripping and replacing its proven infrastructure. The PoLRE switch delivers Ethernet and PoE with up to four times the reach of standard switches. The university’s internal IT team deployed several 8 and 48-port PoLRE switch models to support about 350 Cisco IP phones across 12 campus buildings. This modern approach allowed the university to bypass the need for new network runs, additional closet space, and building modifications. The deployment was carried out efficiently by the university’s internal team, with remote support and equipment guidance from NVT Phybridge.  Impressed by the robustness of the PoLRE solution over the years, the university decided to refresh its switches to the latest PoLRE offering, which offers enhanced security and management features.

Result 

The NVT Phybridge PoLRE switch innovation helped the public state university modernize its communication capabilities across 12 campus buildings without ripping and replacing the existing voice infrastructure, saving approximately $250,000 in infrastructure costs. The solution eliminated the need for disruptive rewiring, additional network closets, and costly power backup systems on each floor. Instead, centralizing equipment in existing telecom rooms allowed longer UPS runtimes and simpler maintenance. The seamless integration with Cisco Call Manager delivered the advanced communication features the university needed, such as call waiting and multiple lines, without exceeding budget.

A university representative commented, “We were able to upgrade over 300 phones across 12 buildings without touching the old wiring, a huge advantage given the age and complexity of our campus buildings”. This modern network approach not only made the project feasible within the budget but also avoided unnecessary disruption, complexity, and network downtime. The spokesperson added, “The NVT Phybridge PoLRE switch innovation allowed us to move forward with the project. Without the ability to reuse our existing infrastructure, the cost of rewiring would have made this modernization impossible”. The university’s internal team led the deployment with minimal issues, and the system has continued to operate reliably since. “One of my favorite things about the system is that I rarely have to think about it. It just works.”

Sustainability 

NVT Phybridge network innovations not only supported the university’s IP modernization goals but also aligned closely with its broader environmental and sustainability initiatives. As part of its commitment to reducing its carbon footprint, minimizing energy consumption, and promoting responsible resource use, this project helped advance those goals by significantly reducing electronic waste and material consumption while conserving physical space and energy across its 12 campus buildings. The project stands as a model of how sustainable IT strategies can deliver both environmental and financial returns in higher education. 

About NVT Phybridge 

Our mission is to help organizations maximize their IP migration return on investment by providing high-quality network solutions that are robust, secure, simple to implement, and environmentally responsible. NVT Phybridge is a global leader in PoE network innovations that eliminate the reach and cable type limitations of traditional PoE switches. Our diverse and award-winning portfolio of long-reach PoE switches and extenders help organizations deploy the latest IP technologies over any new or existing single-pair UTP, coax, multi-pair UTP, or 2-wire infrastructure without high costs, complexity, business disruption, or security concerns. 

3-minute read time

Summary 

• A U.S. county jail needed to replace its outdated analog intercom system to provide safe and reliable communication for staff and inmates. 

• They felt trapped, thinking IP modernization was economically unfeasible due to the assumed need to rip-and-replace their network infrastructure, leaving them stuck with non-IP solutions. 

• Northland Business Systems, Commend Americas, and NVT Phybridge partnered to deliver a cost-effective and robust IP intercom solution based on Modern LAN principles. 

• NVT Phybridge Power over Ethernet (PoE) innovations helped reduce project complexity, disruption, safety concerns, and network readiness costs by an estimated $180,000 by leveraging existing infrastructure assets. 

• The county jail used modern network design strategies and PoE switch innovations to prevent over 1,400 pounds of electronic waste, aligned with the county’s broader sustainability commitments. 

Problem 

A U.S. county jail in the Midwest is a modern, 50,000+ square-foot direct supervision facility built in 2010, designed to house up to 135 inmates across all security levels, with a focus on safety and rehabilitation. To ensure everyone’s safety, the facility needed to upgrade its outdated analog intercom system to ensure reliable communication between officers and inmates. However, tight budget constraints made the traditional rip and replace process – which requires new cabling, disruption, and significant labor – financially and logistically unfeasible. The jail turned to trusted partner Northland Business Systems to identify a more cost-effective and less disruptive approach. 

Solution 

Northland Business Systems, working with Commend Americas, recommended the NVT Phybridge PoLRE (Power over Long Reach Ethernet) managed switch solution that delivers Ethernet and power over a single pair of wire with over 1,200ft (365m) . After a few simple setup steps, the PoLRE switches transformed the facility’s existing, point-to-point single-pair UTP infrastructure into a secure, robust, and high-performance network without the high costs, complexity, or disruption of the traditional rip and replace approach. 

NVT Phybridge PoLRE switches enabled the deployment of over 200 Commend IP intercoms. The facility maintained a physically separate network for intercom communication, ensuring secure and reliable connections across the facility. The simple plug-and-play nature of the PoLRE switch innovation minimized installation complexity and accelerated the deployment, helping the project stay on schedule. 

Result 

The county jail used modern network innovations to achieve a seamless IP migration that delivered better return on investment, improved safety, and other long-term operational benefits. The county avoided an estimated $180,000 in infrastructure and labor costs while gaining a robust Commend IP intercom system critical to ensuring safe, quick, and reliable emergency response. 

Michael Diamond from Commend Americas noted, “Together with Northland Business Systems, NVT Phybridge switch innovations allowed us to deliver an efficient and cost-effective IP intercom deployment for the county jail. Most importantly, it ensures that communication works every time, because in this environment, lives depend on it.” 

Sustainability 

The modern network design strategies and innovations used in this project support the county’s commitment to sustainability and responsible governance. By reusing the facility’s existing network infrastructure, the county prevented over 1,400 pounds of electronic waste. 

About Northland Business Systems 

Northland Business Systems is a leading provider of secure communications and recording solutions, serving public safety, corrections, and enterprise markets. With a reputation for excellent service, they specialize in integrating voice, video, and data systems that meet mission-critical requirements. Their experienced team ensures projects are delivered on time, within budget, and aligned with client goals. Northland is committed to innovative solutions that improve operational efficiency and safety. 

About Commend Americas 

With our headquarters in New Jersey, we have been delivering reliable communication solutions and dedicated support to our customers for over 20 years. From day one we have been committed to our goal and mission to serve enterprise customers with exceptional, secure communication technology and related support they can trust. As an agile small-sized organization, we love the challenge of meeting our customers’ expectations to perfection – not just in terms of technical excellence, but also when it comes to quick response times, overall quality of service and local, personalized support. It’s our way of living up to Commend’s global WHY: “Trusted. Communication. Always.” 

About NVT Phybridge 

Our mission is to help organizations maximize their IP migration return on investment by providing high-quality network solutions that are robust, secure, simple to implement, and environmentally responsible. NVT Phybridge is a global leader in PoE network innovations that eliminate the reach and cable type limitations of traditional PoE switches. Our diverse and award-winning portfolio of long-reach PoE switches and extenders help organizations deploy the latest IP technologies over any new or existing single-pair UTP, coax, multi-pair UTP, or 2-wire infrastructure without high costs, complexity, business disruption, or security concerns.

3-minute read time 

Summary 

• A US regional jail authority wanted to modernize its surveillance system with new Axis IP cameras while avoiding the high costs and disruption of ripping and replacing the existing network infrastructure. 

• Partnering with reseller partner ESITECH Inc., the jail authority used NVT Phybridge Ethernet over Coax (EoC) switch innovations to deliver power and data to the new IP cameras over the existing coax-based infrastructure. 

• The solution provided substantial cost savings, reduced implementation time, and delivered a robust network infrastructure to support the high-power IP cameras. 

• By leveraging existing infrastructure, the project minimized waste and aligned with sustainability goals. 

Challenge 

A US regional jail authority faced significant barriers as it sought to modernize its aging analog surveillance system with a modern IP-based solution. The facility wanted high-resolution monitoring capabilities to improve security. However, ripping and replacing the existing network infrastructure would be extremely costly and require new conduit and IDF closets, increasing complexity and disrupting daily operations in a high-security environment. Additionally, the solution needed to support high-power IP cameras and provide long-distance capabilities to meet the facility’s requirements. These challenges posed a significant obstacle to achieving the facility’s digital transformation goals efficiently and economically. 

Solution 

To overcome these challenges, ESITECH Inc., a systems integrator specializing in detention facility control systems, recommended the NVT Phybridge CLEER24-10G switch innovation. The CLEER24-10G delivers up to 50 Watts of power and 10/100 Mbps symmetrical, full-duplex transmission over existing coax cabling—providing up to 18 times the reach of traditional PoE switches. 

By leveraging the facility’s proven coax-based infrastructure, ESITECH eliminated the need for costly, disruptive network overhauls. There was no requirement for new conduit, additional IDF closets, or invasive construction—dramatically simplifying deployment within the 24/7 high-security environment. 

Concerns about supporting high-power IP cameras were addressed with NVT Phybridge EC-Link+ adapters, which seamlessly managed the increased power requirements. Together, the solution transformed the existing cabling into a robust and reliable PoE backbone, enabling a smooth transition to modern IP surveillance. The result was enhanced, high-resolution monitoring capabilities, strengthening security for inmates, staff, and the surrounding community. 

Results 

The regional jail authority successfully deployed over 300 Axis IP cameras while improving its digital transformation outcomes. The authority leveraged Modern LAN design and NVT Phybridge network innovations to significantly reduce network readiness costs, complexity, deployment times, and disruption while streamlining installation and maintenance processes. By eliminating the need for repeated site visits, the project reduced labor requirements, enabling a faster and more efficient rollout. 

The project’s success exceeded expectations, providing enhanced operational efficiency with minimal disruption to the facility’s 24/7 operations. Reflecting on the deployment, the jail authority team noted, “Less disruption to operations made us extremely happy.” The jail authority was so impressed with the solution’s performance that they decided to use the technology for future camera installations, further demonstrating their confidence in NVT Phybridge innovations. 

Sustainability 

By repurposing the existing coax-based infrastructure, the jail authority minimized the environmental impact of its digital transformation project, aligned with its commitment to sustainability. The decision to leverage existing, proven infrastructure reduced electronic waste, carbon emissions, and material consumption. Encouraged by the project’s success, ESITECH Inc. has standardized on NVT Phybridge EC-Link+ adapters for future deployments, understanding the value of sustainable innovation in driving long-term success. 

About ESITECH Inc. 

Based in the Southeastern United States, ESITECH Inc. specializes in non-proprietary systems integration for correctional facility control and monitoring. With custom-designed and programmed solutions, the company delivers cost-effective and reliable security systems tailored to meet the unique needs of detention facilities. 

About NVT Phybridge

Our mission is to help organizations maximize their IP migration return on investment by providing high-quality network solutions that are robust, secure, simple to implement, and environmentally responsible. NVT Phybridge is a global leader in PoE network innovations that eliminate the reach and cable type limitations of traditional PoE switches. Our diverse and award-winning portfolio of long-reach PoE switches and extenders help organizations deploy the latest IP technologies over any new or existing single-pair UTP, coax, multi-pair UTP, or 2-wire infrastructure without high costs, complexity, business disruption, or security concerns.