NVT Phybridge PoE Switch Technology Reduces Digital Transformation Costs by 50% for Funeral Service Provider

NVT Phybridge Case Study – Funeral Services

3-minute read time

Summary

• A cremation and funeral service provider wanted to upgrade from a digital phone system to an IP communication solution across several locations.
• The customer needed to avoid business disruption and unnecessary infrastructure costs
• Convergent Solutions used the NVT Phybridge PoLRE LPC switch to remove the customer’s digital transformation barriers and reduce infrastructure costs by more than 50%.

Problem

A cremation and funeral service provider with several locations across Wisconsin wanted to upgrade from a digital phone system to an IP communication solution across several locations. While the organization wanted to provide employees with new communications capabilities, it first needed to overcome critical infrastructure barriers.

The customer’s funeral service locations were designed to look like homes instead of offices. With ceilings made of drywall instead of the usual drop ceiling, re-cabling would be complex, disruptive, and costly. The organization was very concerned with the potential for business disruption, as booked funeral services require calm, clean, and respectful environments that cannot be tarnished with ongoing construction work or building renovations. The organization needed an innovative solution to modernize communication without business disruption or high costs.

Solution

Technology integrator, Convergent Solutions, discovered NVT Phybridge Power over Ethernet (PoE) solutions and recommended the PoLRE LPC switch to help overcome the customer’s digital transformation barriers. The 8-port PoLRE LPC switch delivers fast Ethernet and PoE over single-pair UTP (CAT3) cable with up to 1,200ft (365m) reach – four times farther than standard switches. The customer was impressed and decided to move the project forward using NVT Phybridge Power over Long Reach Ethernet technology.

Result

After a few simple setup steps, the PoLRE LPC switch transformed the customer’s existing single-pair UTP infrastructure into a robust and secure IP network backbone for the new IP communication solution. “This was our first time using the product, and it was very successful,” said Troy Thompson, Owner of Convergent Solutions. “NVT Phybridge products allowed our integrators to focus on key business applications instead of costly and difficult infrastructure upgrades.”

Convergent Solutions modernized the customers’ communication system and provided connectivity beyond the traditional 328ft (100m) distance limitation without modifying the existing IDF closets. “The PoLRE LPC switch provided a slide-in design that simplified deployment,” said Troy Thompson. “We avoided after-hour labour costs and complex infrastructure upgrades for the customer while providing a simple, quick, and hassle-free deployment for our installers.”

Compared to the traditional approach of removing and replacing network cabling, the PoLRE LPC switch reduced infrastructure costs by more than 50% for the funeral home. The customer experienced zero business disruption during deployment, allowing for uninterrupted funeral services. “The customer’s facilities did not allow for any disruption or simple infrastructure upgrades,” said Troy Thompson. “The NVT Phybridge product allowed for the quick and easy modernization of existing infrastructure with no environmental disruption for the customer or its guests.”

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NVT Phybridge Case Study – Power Station

3-minute read time.

Summary

• A large power station wanted to upgrade its outdated analog camera system with Bosch IP cameras, with minimal impact to existing infrastructure. However, the original Ethernet over Coax solution could not support the new IP cameras.
• Reseller partner, VEI Protective Services, replaced the original solution with NVT Phybridge’s EC10 Ethernet over Coax switch.
• The EC10 switch was quickly installed and connected seamlessly to the new Bosch IP camera system.

Problem

A large power station wanted to upgrade its outdated analog security system with Bosch IP cameras. However, the power station’s coaxial cabling was cemented underground. Ripping and replacing the existing cabling would cause structural damage, a significant increase in cost, and require months of additional work.

The reseller started to use an alternative Ethernet over Coax solution that did not perform to its specified capabilities and could not effectively support the Bosch IP cameras. There were several issues, including cameras consistently going offline. The customer needed a robust and reliable solution that could effectively leverage the existing coax cabling to support the new Bosch IP cameras system.

Solution

After considering the customer’s deployment issues, reseller partner VEI Protective Services spoke to the team at NVT Phybridge. The team was confident that the NVT Phybridge EC10 Ethernet over Coax switch would be the perfect solution for the customer.

The NVT Phybridge EC10 switch delivers fast Ethernet (100Mbps symmetrical, full-duplex) and PoE+ (30W per port) over Coax cable with up to 3,000ft (915m) reach – nine times the reach of standard Ethernet switches.

The power station was eager to try the EC10 solution and get their new camera system up and running, so they decided to move forward with the project.

Result

The EC10 switch was deployed quickly and easily. The customer’s new Bosch IP cameras connected seamlessly and ran without any issues. The customer was now able to enjoy the benefits of their new IP cameras, including drastically improved image quality, exposure, and data security.

“We just finished our camera conversion, and it was a breeze! Everything came up with no fuss,” said Scott Bush, Project Manager at VEI Protective Services. “If this equipment stays up as well as our test unit has, we will be recommending NVT Phybridge products on all network to coax jobs in the future.”

The customer was delighted with the results of the digital transformation project, having used the NVT Phybridge E10 switch to:

• Avoid the need to remove and replace the existing cabling, limiting disruption to the facility.
• Significantly reduce infrastructure costs, allowing the customer to allocate more budget to high-quality Bosch solutions.
• Drastically reduce project deployment time, as the solution was simple and fast to deploy.
• Allow seamless integration with the existing security network.
• Avoid over 300 pounds of cabling e-waste.

If you have an upcoming IP/IoT modernization project, we would love to help! Click below to book a one-on-one meeting with one of our Digital Transformation Consultants.

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NVT Phybridge Case Study: Gas Station EMV Compliance

The Largest Gas Station Chain in the United States of America Used NVT Phybridge PoLRE Switches to Quickly Upgrade Over 4,500 POS Terminals and Meet the EMV-Compliance Deadline

3-minute read time

Summary

• The largest gas station chain in the USA needed to upgrade its outside payment terminals to become EMV-compliant. The customer did not want to rip-and-replace the existing infrastructure due to cost and disruption concerns.
• Ron Little, Owner of Coastal Integrated Services, had previously used NVT Phybridge products and suggested using the PoLRE switch to save over USD 1.6 million and prevent over 15-tons of e-waste.
• Ron Little used Modern LAN principles to deploy over 4,500 POS systems across 39 fuel stations in just three months.

The largest gas station chain in the United States of America needed to upgrade its fuel pump’s POS terminals to meet EMV compliance standards. This is no ordinary gas station chain, as they have the largest convenience store (over 66,000 square feet) and the longest car wash (255 feet long) in the world.

What is EMV Compliance?

EMV Compliance is a step towards combating fraudulent activity at fuel pumps by increasing payment security using a more secure chip-and-pin payment system. As fuel stations become one of the most targeted establishments for payment fraud, merchants using older OPT (Outside Payment Terminal) systems that read the credit card’s magnetic stripe will bear the financial burden of any fraudulent activity. To become PCI/EMV compliant and avoid this risk, fuel stations must upgrade outdoor POS terminals to chip-and-pin readers.

With the EMV Compliance deadline quickly approaching, the organization had no idea how to upgrade, considering more than 4,500 outside payment terminals needed modernizing. Additionally, the company was already replacing its fuel pumps and wanted to upgrade the POS terminals as part of the digital transformation project.

However, project partners discovered several challenges while planning the upgrade. The organization wanted a wired solution for cybersecurity reasons but did not want to rip-and-replace the existing cabling that ran beneath the station’s fuel pump area. Any cable replacement would result in tremendous business disruption, cost, and revenue loss as each fuel station would need to be closed for multiple months for construction work. Project partners required an innovative and reliable solution to overcome the project’s barriers.

Solution

Ron Little, the integrator from Coastal Integrated Services, had used NVT Phybridge Ethernet over Coax switches to deploy IP cameras for the same gas station chain. Given the customer’s digital transformation challenges, Ron Little suggested using PoLRE technology to modernize the fuel pump’s POS terminals. Ron Little organized a free, no-obligation proof-of-concept to test the technology on-site.

PoLRE Technology – Single Pair Ethernet

NVT Phybridge PoLRE managed switches deliver fast Ethernet and PoE over single-pair UTP cable with up to 1,200ft (365m) reach, four times the reach of standard Ethernet switches.

After a few simple setup steps, the PoLRE switch transformed the existing single-pair UTP infrastructure into a robust Power over Ethernet backbone with more than enough bandwidth to support the POS terminals. “There was a lot of pressure built up with all the previous failures,” said Ron Little. “Then suddenly, the NVT Phybridge PoLRE switch solved our issues, and a massive weight was lifted off our shoulders. It was a great relief.”

The customer continued to perform extensive beta testing on several other products but found PoLRE to be the best solution. “The alternative solutions would constantly have link-down events, poor performance, and several connectivity challenges,” said Jeannie Newman, NVT Phybridge. “Once we locked down the configuration details with the PoLRE switch, the customer experienced zero connectivity issues or link-down events.”

Result

The NVT Phybridge PoLRE switch helped the customer eliminate cabling issues in an already complex project, avoiding the headache of ripping and replacing the existing network cabling. Ron Little and his team were able to upgrade an entire location in just two days (each site has about 100 fuel pumps). The solution was easily replicated across every location thanks to the PoLRE switch’s repeatable, predictable, and scalable deployment methodology. Additionally, PoLRE’s extended reach capabilities provided flexibility and peace of mind, given each fuel station’s immense size. The integrator leveraged NVT Phybridge PoE innovations to help the customer achieve incredible results.

• Significantly reduced the cost, disruption, and time required to complete the digital transformation project.
• Upgraded 15 locations in just one month, with all 39 sites completed within 90 days.
• Reduced infrastructure costs by an estimated USD 1.6 million.
• Prevented over 15-tons of cabling e-waste.

Coastal Integrated Services took a proactive approach to find a better way to achieve the customer’s digital transformation objectives in a financially and socially responsible manner. The customer now has a physically separate, robust, and reliable network backbone for its EMV-compliant POS terminals, thanks to the NVT Phybridge PoLRE switch.

If you have an upcoming IP/IoT modernization project, we would love to help! Click below to book a one-on-one meeting with one of our Digital Transformation Consultants.

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NVT Phybridge Case Study: Police Department

3-minute read time

Summary

• A U.S. police precinct was relying on outdated analog security cameras that were becoming increasingly unreliable
• The customer decided it was time to upgrade its analog surveillance system to improve security and safety throughout the precinct

Problem

The customer wanted to deploy Panasonic IP cameras throughout the precinct for improved video quality and enhanced capabilities. However, like most organizations, the precinct had a limited budget to deal with network requirements and wanted to avoid the high costs involved with ripping and replacing its existing coax-based infrastructure.

Solution

Given the customer’s objectives and challenges, reseller partner Minuteman Security Technologies recommended the NVT Phybridge CLEER24 Ethernet over Coax switch. Minuteman Security Technologies had used NVT Phybridge products in the past and was confident in the technology’s quality and performance.

The enterprise-grade CLEER24 managed switch delivers Ethernet and PoE+ over any new or existing Coax-based infrastructure with up to 6,000ft (1,830m) reach – that’s 18 times farther than standard Power over Ethernet solutions. The customer was impressed with the technology and decided to move forward with the project, having found the perfect solution.

Result

The Police Department now has a high-quality Panasonic video surveillance system to protect its officers and visitors. Minuteman Security Technologies used the CLEER24 Ethernet over Coax switch to leverage the existing and reliable infrastructure, avoiding the costly rip-and-replace upgrade strategy. Deployment was quick and straightforward, with no renovations or disruption. The entire 20 camera solution was deployed within two weeks of ordering the CLEER24 switch.

The customer took a proactive approach to find a better way to achieve its digital transformation objectives in a financially and socially responsible manner. The customer created a physically separate, robust, and reliable security network without risk or compromise, thanks to the simplicity of the CLEER24 solution.

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NVT Phybridge Case Study: McKinney ISD

3 minute read time.

McKinney ISD (Independent School District) was founded in 1848 to support local business owners and farmers’ educational needs. Today, McKinney ISD is one of the fastest-growing school districts in Texas, with 68 facilities, including elementary schools, middle schools, high schools, early childhood education centers, and administrative offices.

Problem

McKinney ISD relied on an aging analog phone system that was out-of-date, end-of-life, and no longer supported. The school district wanted to upgrade to an IP communication solution across 37 separate buildings.

The school board already had a Fiber backbone that connected each of the buildings. However, the IP devices would also need power, meaning every classroom would require an MDF closet. This solution was not viable due to high costs, network complexity, network security, and safety concerns.

Additionally, many endpoint locations were well outside the 330ft (100m) reach limitation of standard switches. McKinney ISD considered laying new cable, but the $1.1 million price tag was far too high, the deployment times too long, and the project’s return on investment in jeopardy. The school district needed an innovative solution to modernize communication within the defined budget and time frame.

Solution

Due to the school district’s challenges, Cisco suggested the PoLRE switch to overcome the digital transformation barriers. The NVT Phybridge PoLRE switch delivers Ethernet and PoE over a single pair of UTP wire with up to 1,200ft (365m) reach, which is four times the reach of standard switches. Cisco was confident in the PoLRE switch and coordinated with NVT Phybridge subject matter experts to present a tailored solution to the customer.

McKinney ISD registered for a free, no-obligation proof-of-concept to test the PoLRE switch in its environment. After a few simple setup steps, the PoLRE switch transformed the existing single-pair UTP cabling infrastructure into a power-packed IP backbone with more than enough bandwidth to support the Cisco IP devices. The school district was impressed with the solution and told its technology provider, CDW, to incorporate the PoLRE switch into the proposal.

Result

McKinney ISD took a pro-active approach to find new and better ways to achieve its digital transformation goals without high costs, complexity, or disruption. CDW used the NVT Phybridge PoLRE switch to deploy over 3,300 phones without ripping and replacing the existing and proven voice infrastructure. Deploying across the 37 locations was quick and straightforward thanks to the PoLRE switch’s repeatable, predictable, and scalable deployment methodology, which further increased time and cost savings for the customer. “Deployment was quick and simple for the installation team,” said Jeannie Newman, Central US Sales Manager, NVT Phybridge. “Our Technical Support Team did an amazing job assisting with configuration over the phone.”

“The installation was really smooth,” said David Spann, CIO, McKinney Independent School District. “The PoLRE switch allowed us to modernize without having to deal with construction. We did our homework. Re-using our existing cabling and turning it into a more secure transmission model was a huge win for us and a huge win for our taxpayers. This really was a win for everyone.” McKinney ISD used the PoLRE switch to achieve incredible results:

• Reduced infrastructure costs by more than $1.1 million.
• Reduced the total deployment time by three years.
• Avoided putting IDF closets in the classrooms.
• Prevented over 10 tons of cabling e-waste.

If you have an upcoming IP/IoT modernization project, we would love to help! Click below to book a one-on-one meeting with one of our Digital Transformation Consultants.

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