Romanian Ministry of Internal Affairs Deploys Mitel IP Phones Without High Costs, Complexity, or Disruption

3-minute read time

Summary 

• The Romanian Ministry of Internal Affairs needed to modernize its outdated analog telephony system with a new Mitel VoIP solution to improve communication, efficiency, and reliability. 

• The Ministry wanted to avoid the disruption and high costs associated with a network overhaul. 

• StarC4Sys recommended NVT Phybridge PoLRE technology, which provided power and data over the existing single-pair UTP wiring, rack space, cooling, and other supporting infrastructure. 

• The PoLRE solution enabled a fast and seamless deployment, ensuring uninterrupted government operations while saving time, avoiding unnecessary expenses, and delivering exceptional system performance. 

• The solution helped the Ministry achieve its sustainability objectives by minimizing material consumption and electronic waste. 

Challenge 

The Romanian Ministry of Internal Affairs, a key government organization responsible for public safety and security, sought to modernize its aging two-wire analog and digital communication system. Transitioning to a VoIP solution was essential to improving collaboration and operational efficiency across multiple government buildings. However, the project faced several obstacles. 

Upgrading the infrastructure using traditional approaches would have required an extensive network overhaul across multiple locations, leading to high costs, disruption, and extended deployment times. Such disruptions could jeopardize essential government services, which operate 24/7. Additionally, the Ministry sought a cost-effective solution that minimized waste, complexity, and operational risk during the migration. 

Solution 

StarC4Sys, the ICT system integrator managing the project, introduced NVT Phybridge PoLRE technology to address the Ministry’s challenges. The PoLRE switch innovation delivers Ethernet and PoE over Single-Pair UTP cabling with up to 1,200ft (365m) reach – four times the reach of standard Ethernet switches. StarC4Sys used the NVT Phybridge PoLRE switch innovation to help the Ministry avoid costly network infrastructure updates and reduce project risk, complexity, and disruption – creating better digital transformation outcomes for all stakeholders.  

Deployment was straightforward and efficient, with StarC4Sys implementing the solution across two buildings to connect 100 Mitel IP devices. The PoLRE solution’s remote management capabilities provided additional value, allowing for easy configuration and monitoring of ports without requiring physical access to the switches. 

Result 

The NVT Phybridge PoLRE solution delivered outstanding benefits for the Romanian Ministry of Internal Affairs and StarC4Sys. By leveraging the existing network infrastructure, the Ministry avoided the high costs, disruption, and complexity of a network overhaul. The VoIP migration was completed quickly, with minimal operational downtime, ensuring critical government functions continued without interruption. The simplicity and reliability of the PoLRE solution enhanced their ability to deliver the project on time and without complications. 

The new VoIP communication system exceeded expectations, enabling the Ministry to enjoy improved collaboration and operational efficiency. The PoLRE solution provided the Ministry with a future-ready network, allowing easy scalability as modernization expands to additional government buildings and projects. The solution’s remote management features also ensure that future deployments will be equally efficient and cost-effective.  

“Solution is straightforward and simple and benefits are obvious. The new VoIP solution performs well with no issues.”
Claudiu Dragan, Pre-Sales Engineer at StarC4Sys

Sustainability 

By utilizing NVT Phybridge PoLRE technology, the Romanian Ministry of Internal Affairs modernized its communication infrastructure while aligning with Romania’s National Sustainable Development Strategy and the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals. By reusing existing wiring, rack space, cooling, and other supporting infrastructure, the Ministry minimized waste, reduced material use, and avoided unnecessary environmental impact, supporting responsible consumption and production. The efficient deployment also lowered energy consumption and the project’s carbon footprint, advancing goals for climate action and resilient infrastructure. This approach enabled the Ministry to meet its modernization objectives while reinforcing Romania’s commitment to sustainable development. 

About StarC4Sys 

Established in 2013, STARC4SYS is a Romanian company specializing in advanced communication and cybersecurity solutions for both civilian and defense sectors. With a team of approximately 50 experts in Communication and Information Systems (CIS) and Communications Intelligence (COMINT), the company delivers tailored technologies to secure and optimize critical infrastructures. Operating from offices in Bucharest, Bragadiru, and Constanța, STARC4SYS is dedicated to innovation, integrity, and client-focused service, setting it apart in the industry. 

Spanish Consumer Goods Retailer Deploys a New IP Camera System Without High Costs, Complexity, or Disruption

 3-minute read time

Summary 

• A large Spanish consumer goods retailer wanted to transition from an outdated analog CCTV system to a modern IP-based surveillance solution. 

• The upgrade required a balance between minimizing costs and maximizing efficiency, as well as avoiding major disruptions to the day-to-day operations of the store. 

• Sensormatic Solutions by Johnson Controls, used NVT Phybridge PoE innovations to improve the deployment, leveraging the existing coax infrastructure to deploy approximately 150 new IP cameras without the high costs, disruption, and complexity of a rip-and-replace strategy. 

• By repurposing the existing coax infrastructure, the retailer minimized e-waste and material consumption to reduce the environmental impact of the project. 

Challenge 

A large Spanish consumer goods retailer wanted to upgrade from its analog CCTV system to a modern IP-based solution. The aging CCTV system lacked flexibility, making it difficult to integrate with new technology. The retailer wanted to avoid the high costs and disruption that a network infrastructure overhaul would cause. Additionally, there were concerns about the potential impact on network security, initial costs, and extended deployment times. The retailer needed an innovative solution to overcome the project’s barriers and achieve the desired return on investment. 

Solution 

The reseller partner, Sensormatic Solutions by Johnson Controls, recommended NVT Phybridge Ethernet over Coax (EoC) switch innovations to eliminate the project’s barriers. Sensormatic Solutions by Johnson Controls, used the Ethernet over Coax innovations to deploy over 150 IP cameras using the existing and proven coax-based infrastructure. The customer avoided the costly, disruptive, and time-intensive rip-and-replace process, significantly improving the return on investment. NVT Phybridge innovations ensured the IP upgrade was straightforward, maintaining the existing security protocols while adding modern functionality. 

The NVT Phybridge CLEER24-10G switch delivers up to 50 Watts of power (PoE++) and 10/100 Mbps symmetrical, full-duplex, over coax cabling with up to 6,000ft (1,830m) reach – 18 times the reach of standard switches. 

Result 

Sensormatic Solutions by Johnson Controls, used NVT Phybridge innovations to improve the retailer’s digital transformation outcomes, leveraging the existing coax, rack space, cooling, and other supporting infrastructure to achieve substantial cost savings without interrupting the day-to-day business operations. The financial savings realized on network infrastructure allowed the customer to invest more budget on better IP endpoints and applications, resulting in a better return on investment. Enhanced network security, improved video quality, and greater system reliability were achieved without additional complications. The ease of installation and management simplified the upgrade, demonstrating the efficiency of NVT Phybridge innovations in a real-world retail environment. 

Sustainability  

The retailer leveraged its existing coax, rack space, cooling, and other supporting infrastructure to improve the project’s environmental sustainability. The organization also reduced the need for new materials and minimized labor and resource requirements to support efficient and sustainable business practices. The solution supported a smoother digital transformation by maximizing the value of existing assets while transitioning to a more advanced and adaptable IP-based system. 

About Sensormatic Solutions by Johnson Controls 

Sensormatic Solutions by Johnson Controls, the leading global retail solutions portfolio of Johnson Controls, powers safe, secure and seamless retail experiences. For more than 50 years, the brand has been at the forefront of the industry’s fast-moving technology adoption, redefining retail operations on a global scale and turning insights into actions. Sensormatic Solutions by Johnson Controls delivers an interconnected ecosystem of loss prevention, inventory intelligence and traffic insight solutions, along with our services and partners to enable retailers worldwide to innovate and elevate with precision, connecting data-driven outcomes that shape retail’s future. 

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. 

Leading Real Estate Developer Deploys Verkada IP Cameras to Enhance Building Safety Without High Costs, Complexity, or Disruption

3-minute read time

Summary

• A leading real estate developer, wanted to extend its Verkada IP security system to elevators but struggled with high network readiness costs, complexity, and operational constraints.
• The safety & communications technology partner, Eastern DataComm, recommended NVT Phybridge EoC (Ethernet over Coax) innovations to repurpose the existing and proven network infrastructure in the elevators.
• The deployment was simple, fast, and cost-effective, as the Verkada IP cameras were installed in just a few days without complexity or business disruption.
• By reusing the existing coax, rack space, cooling, and other supporting infrastructure, the project minimized waste, reduced costs, and avoided the environmental impact of extensive rewiring – aligned with the real estate developer’s sustainability goals.

Challenge

A leading real estate developer specializing in Class A offices, luxury residential, industrial, and mixed-use properties in the Eastern United States, wanted to extend its Verkada IP security system by deploying IP cameras in its elevators. However, the customer needed to establish robust, secure, and reliable network connections inside the elevator cabins using the existing traveler cables.

Solution

To address these challenges, the safety & communications technology partner, Eastern DataComm, recommended NVT Phybridge EoC innovations to leverage the existing coax inside the elevator traveler cables. The real estate developer used the Ethernet over Coax innovations to leverage the existing and proven network infrastructure, providing robust connections to the Verkada IP cameras in the elevator cabins. NVT Phybridge EoC innovations deliver up to 50 Watts of power (PoE++) and 10/100 Mbps symmetrical, full-duplex, over coax cabling with up to 6,000ft (1,830m) reach – 18 times the reach of standard switches. This approach allowed the customer to integrate the elevators into the existing Verkada platform, ensuring consistent monitoring and real-time visibility across the entire property. By avoiding the need for a network infrastructure overhaul, the solution minimized elevator downtime and tenant disruption, which was critical given the elevators’ central role in daily operations.

Result

The implementation process was carefully planned to avoid disruption to the building’s operations. Coordination with elevator companies was essential, as the elevators had to be temporarily taken offline during installation. Despite these logistical requirements, the deployment was completed in just a few days vs. months, thanks to the EoC innovation’s simple, repeatable, and flexible deployment methodology. The project delivered immediate benefits to the real estate developer. The seamless integration of the elevators into the Verkada platform provided a unified security system with real-time monitoring and enhanced visibility across all areas of the property. This improvement significantly enhanced the safety and security of the building while maintaining consistency with the rest of the system. The project’s success has encouraged the customer to explore implementing similar solutions in elevators at other locations, with plans to continue leveraging IP-based systems across their portfolio.

“At Eastern DataComm, we understand the challenges of upgrading critical infrastructure without disrupting operations. Our client needed to extend its Verkada IP surveillance solution to their elevators, ensuring consistent monitoring across the entire building. However, network infrastructure updates were not an option due to elevator restrictions. By implementing NVT Phybridge EoC innovations, we saved the customer over 70% in infrastructure costs and provided a seamless solution that leveraged the customer’s existing elevator network infrastructure. This allowed our client to connect their elevator security cameras to the same platform as the rest of the building, delivering a unified ‘single pane of glass’ for security monitoring. The benefits to our client were immediate. With real-time monitoring and enhanced visibility, they now provide a safer environment across all areas of the property. Thank you to NVT Phybridge technology for not only solving their immediate challenge but empowering Eastern DataComm to deliver top-notch security and peace of mind to our client and everyone in the building.” Lisa Wickey, Sr. Strategic Account Manager from Eastern DataComm

Environmental Sustainability

The real estate developer is a leader in sustainable development with over 4.7 million square feet of LEED-certified projects, is committed to reducing waste and improving efficiency. By repurposing existing coax, rack space, cooling, and other supporting infrastructure in this project, NVT Phybridge innovations supported the developer’s sustainability objectives by eliminating the need for new network infrastructure and reducing material waste. This approach aligned with the real estate developer’s energy efficiency initiatives, which have already achieved a 41% reduction in energy consumption across its portfolio. The solution allowed the customer to extend its IP security system to its elevators without compromising on its commitment to environmentally responsible practices. The success of the solution in integrating advanced IP security solutions into challenging environments like elevators demonstrates the potential for future projects to adopt similar strategies

About Eastern DataComm

Eastern DataComm is a trusted provider of safety and communication technology solutions, bringing over 35 years of expertise to businesses, schools, cities, municipalities, and universities. The company is committed to keeping organizations connected and protected by addressing their unique challenges with precision and purpose. With a diagnostic approach, Eastern DataComm begins by conducting a thorough consultation to assess technology strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities for improvement. This process enables the development of cost-effective, customized solutions designed to meet each organization’s specific safety, communications, and infrastructure needs. Committed to creating safer environments, Eastern DataComm provides the resources, products, and services required to overcome today’s challenges and prepare for the demands of tomorrow.

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.

U.S. Power Plant Uses NVT Phybridge PoE Innovations to Reduce Network Readiness Costs by Over $1.5 Million, Improving Project ROI

3-minute read time

Summary

• A United States Power Plant needed to replace an aging analog Nortel phone system with a Cisco IP voice solution across its vast power plant, which spans 12 buildings in a one-mile area. The cost of a complete network infrastructure overhaul was impossible, creating a significant challenge for the project.
• The reseller partner, CVE Technologies Group, recommended NVT Phybridge PoE innovations to leverage the existing single-pair UTP cabling, rack space, cooling, and other supporting infrastructure to eliminate the need for an expensive and disruptive network overhaul.
• The deployment was completed in just five months (more than a year ahead of schedule) and at $1.5 million less than original estimates for infrastructure (85% reduction).
• The customer reduced material consumption and prevented over two tons of electronic waste aligning the digital transformation outcomes with its environmental goals. The NVT Phybridge solution exceeded initial expectations, providing reliable connectivity across the entire site without any issues.

Challenge

A major U.S. power plant generating over 13 million megawatt-hours of electricity annually which powers millions of households, faced a critical need to modernize its communication capabilities. The company was operating an outdated analog Nortel phone system, which had become difficult and expensive to maintain. The power plant’s goal was to transition to a Cisco IP voice solution to improve communication efficiency and reliability across its large, geographically dispersed site. The challenge, however, was daunting. The site included 12 buildings, with some structures located more than a mile apart, with the existing communication system supported by a single-pair UTP infrastructure. The initial assessment determined that a network infrastructure overhaul across such a vast site would cost several million dollars and take several years to complete, creating both a financial and logistical burden. Additionally, the power plant is a critical infrastructure provider, serving a large regional community. As a result, the power service corporation required minimal disruption to its operations during the system upgrade.

Solution

The reseller partner, CVE Technologies Group, a division of Cache Valley Electric specializing in custom technology solutions, recommended the NVT Phybridge PoLRE switch, a PoE innovation designed to provide PoE power and enable IP communication over any new or existing single-pair UTP infrastructure with up to 1,200ft (365m) reach. The PoLRE switch was specifically selected for its ability to repurpose existing CAT3 cabling, enabling the deployment of Cisco IP phones without high costs, complexity, risk, disruption, or extended deployment times. The power service corporation was specifically interested in the following key features:

• Extended reach of up to 1,200 ft (365 m) and provided PoE power over single-pair UTP (CAT3) cabling, which far exceeds the 328 ft limitation of standard Ethernet switches.
• Support for up to 48 Cisco IP devices per switch, with remote management capabilities for centralized control across multiple buildings.
• The ability to maintain a physically separate network for IP voice leveraging the existing single-pair UTP cabling, rack space, cooling, and other supporting infrastructure, which also ensured minimal disruption during deployment.

The PoLRE PoE switch innovation simplified the overall project design by eliminating the need to install fiber optic cabling and multiple IDF closets. This approach drastically reduced both the cost and complexity of the upgrade, while also addressing the power service corporation’s requirement for a fast and efficient installation process.

Result

The innovative solution delivered significantly improved return on investment for the customer. What was initially expected to be a year-long project was completed in just a few months. The power plant also achieved 85% cost savings, which totaled over $1.5 million dollars, significantly improving the project’s ROI. The solution’s long-reach capabilities allowed the Cisco IP system to be deployed seamlessly across the 12 buildings, even those located more than a mile apart. Despite the vast distances between buildings, the system provides reliable, high-quality communication without any technical issues.

Extensive pre-deployment testing conducted by CVE Technologies and the customer validated the performance of the solution, giving the customer confidence in its long-term viability. Additionally, the use of PoLRE switches allowed for centralized remote management across multiple buildings using the CCMT (Chariot Configuration & Management Tool) tool, making it easier for the plant’s IT team to monitor and control the new system. This simplified ongoing maintenance and reduced the operational overhead of managing a dispersed communication network.

Sustainability

One of the most impactful aspects of the project was its contribution to the customer’s environmental sustainability goals. By reusing the existing network infrastructure, material consumption, and electronic waste were significantly reduced. In total, the power service corporation prevented over two tons of e-waste, a significant achievement for a project of this scale. Additionally, fewer resources were needed for manufacturing, transportation, and installation, making the project both financially and environmentally responsible.

Private Philadelphia Club Improves Guest Experience with New IPTV Solution

3-minute read time

Summary

• A Private Club in Philadelphia wanted to modernize its facility and deploy a new IPTV solution for its members.
• The club used NVT Phybridge Ethernet over Coax (EoC) innovations to repurpose its existing coaxial cables to avoid costly and disruptive infrastructure changes, saving an estimated $40,000.
• The phased deployment ensured minimal disruption to its members, enhanced service delivery, and improved image quality.
• This successful implementation paves the way for future technological upgrades across the club’s properties.

Challenge

A Private Philadelphia Club with rich history faced the challenge of modernizing its TV infrastructure. The main building’s age and the need to preserve its historic integrity posed significant obstacles, as ripping and replacing the existing coaxial infrastructure was not an option due to high costs, complexity, and disruption. The club needed a solution that would minimize disruption, avoid renovation work to its historic structure, and provide a modern, high-quality IPTV experience for members and staff.

Solution

Rittenhouse Communications Group recommended the NVT Phybridge CLEER24-10G switch, leveraging its proven success in previous physical security installations with the customer. The decision to use NVT Phybridge EoC innovations was based on its unique ability to repurpose existing coax, rack space, cooling, and other supporting infrastructure for Ethernet connectivity, enabling a cost-effective and minimally disruptive deployment of an IPTV solution. “The versatility of the NVT Phybridge product is showcased in this project. Having previously used it for camera installations, we successfully transitioned to an IPTV solution, highlighting our capability to provide comprehensive and innovative solutions,” said Mark Nester, Rittenhouse Communications Group.

The CLEER24-10G switch delivers up to 50 Watts of power (PoE++) and 10/100 Mbps symmetrical, full-duplex, over coax cabling with up to 6,000ft (1,830m) reach – 18 times the reach of standard switches. Rittenhouse Communications Group used the NVT Phybridge CLEER24-10G switch innovations to avoid the headache of renovating a historical building, reducing project risk, complexity, disruption – while allocating infrastructure cost savings towards devices and applications to improve the project’s return on investment.

Results

The deployment was carried out in a phased approach to ensure minimal disruption to the club and its members. Given the complexity of the site’s layout and the need to integrate with existing infrastructure, several challenges were encountered due to the age of the building and lack of information regarding the wiring and existing network infrastructure. Despite the limited information available, the flexibility of the NVT Phybridge CLEER solution allowed for an accelerated deployment. The ability to take over a room’s TV system without blocking out the room was particularly beneficial, ensuring that the customer’s services remained uninterrupted.

The customer realized significant cost savings, estimated at $40,000, by avoiding the extensive infrastructure changes. The phased approach and quick cutover capabilities significantly reduced potential downtime and operational disruptions. The customer reported a marked improvement in service delivery and image quality. This success has prompted considerations for upgrading the TVs to further enhance the guest experience. The new solution seamlessly integrated with the club’s hotel management software, allowing for advanced features such as customized content delivery, check-in/check-out integration, and housekeeping notifications, further enriching the personalized experience for guests. Additionally, the solution facilitated security options for streaming services like Netflix, ensuring that guest accounts were securely wiped upon checkout.

The Private Philadelphia Club is now considering expanding the use of NVT Phybridge solutions to other areas, such as access control across multiple properties, including parking garages and golf courses. The ability to repurpose existing infrastructure remains a compelling factor in their decision-making process.