Municipal Water Treatment Facility Modernizes to IP Surveillance Without Operational Disruption

3-minute read time 

Summary 

• A municipal water treatment facility wanted to upgrade its analog surveillance system with new Avigilon IP cameras while working within cost and operational constraints. 

• Integrator partner Alpha Security & Fire Alarm Services recommended NVT Phybridge Ethernet over Coax (EoC) innovations, enabling the reuse of existing coax-based network infrastructure and supporting systems. 

• The solution accelerated deployment, simplified installation, and delivered a secure, high-performance network backbone for the new IP camera system. 

Challenge 

A municipal water treatment facility faced a critical need to modernize its physical security by replacing aging analog cameras with advanced Avigilon IP cameras. However, the project had to be completed within the constraints of the facility’s existing network environment while maintaining continuous operations. 

The prospect of replacing the facility’s coax-based network infrastructure would have introduced significant complexity, extended deployment timelines, and increased operational risk. The team required a modernization approach that would minimize disruption while still delivering the performance and reliability expected from an IP-based system. 

The facility evaluated several solutions that claimed to leverage coaxial infrastructure, but none met performance and reliability expectations. The organization needed a proven, flexible solution that could support its digital transformation objectives without compromising system quality or operational continuity. 

Solution 

Alpha Security & Fire Alarm Services recommended the NVT Phybridge CLEER24-10G Ethernet over Coax switch innovation to enable a streamlined migration to IP. The NVT Phybridge CLEER24-10G switch delivers up to 50W of power (PoE++), symmetrical full-duplex Ethernet over coax, and extended reach up to 6,000 feet (1,830 meters) — far beyond the limitations of traditional switches.

The solution allowed the facility to use its existing coaxial infrastructure to seamlessly connect the new Avigilon IP cameras. As a Cisco technology partner, the CLEER24-10G switch integrated seamlessly with the existing Cisco network environment, enabling a unified, robust architecture.

By eliminating the need for an invasive network rip-and-replace, the water treatment facility efficiently modernized to an IP camera solution while maintaining normal operations. The CLEER24-10G’s flexibility allowed the system to adapt quickly to the existing environment, simplifying installation and reducing project complexity.

Result

The municipality successfully deployed Avigilon IP cameras across two buildings, achieving a smooth transition from analog to IP surveillance. 

The project team benefited from: 

• Streamlined installation and reduced deployment complexity 

• Faster implementation compared to traditional rip-and-replace approaches 

• Seamless integration with the existing network environment 

• Improved network performance and reliability 

• A scalable foundation to support future IP initiatives 

Brian Pinnock from Alpha Security noted: 

“This solution was a time saver, money saver, and overall flexible. It really resolves labor-intensive challenges.” 

The facility reported high satisfaction with the system’s performance, flexibility, and ease of integration and is considering the technology for future projects. 

Sustainability 

By repurposing the existing coaxial infrastructure, the project minimized electronic waste and avoided unnecessary construction. This approach supported the customer’s environmental objectives while enabling a responsible transition to modern IP technology. 

The success of this deployment demonstrates a practical path forward for government agencies and critical infrastructure facilities seeking to modernize security systems efficiently and sustainably. 

About Alpha Security & Fire Alarm Services 

Alpha Security & Fire Alarm Services, Inc. provides high-quality security solutions through a custom-designed approach. This locally focused business fosters strong connections with customers, ensuring a deep understanding of their needs to deliver peace of mind with every installation. By leveraging the latest technologies and best practices, Alpha Security & Fire Alarm Services, Inc. tailors security solutions to meet each client’s unique requirements and budgets.

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.