A Northeastern US Correctional Facility Reduces Network Readiness Costs by $300,000 to Improve Its Digital Transformation ROI

Correctional Facility Deploys 154 IP Cameras Across Eight Buildings Without High Costs, Complexity, or Disruption

3-minute read time  

Summary 

• A correctional facility in the northeastern United States needed to modernize its outdated analog security system to improve visibility, security, and compliance. 

• However, the cost and complexity of ripping and replacing the existing and proven infrastructure across multiple buildings posed a significant barrier. 

• Johnson Controls introduced NVT Phybridge network innovations to eliminate the reach and cable type limitations of traditional switches. 

• The facility worked with Johnson Controls to deploy NVT Phybridge CLEER24-10G switches, leveraging existing coaxial infrastructure to establish a high-performance PoE network without extensive construction or network overhauls. 

• Thanks to Johnson Controls’ recommendation, the customer saved approximately $300,000, accelerated the deployment by six months, and improved security without impacting security or regular daily operations. 

Problem 

A correctional facility in the northeaster Unites States wanted to transition from its obsolete analog surveillance system to a modern IP-based solution. The primary goal was to improve security monitoring capabilities, comply with PREA regulations, and standardize surveillance across the state’s correctional facilities. The existing system restricted control room visibility, requiring personnel to be physically present in specific areas. 

The facility faced significant digital transformation barriers due to outdated network design thinking and the limitations of traditional PoE switches. Ripping and replacing the existing and proven infrastructure behind concrete walls across eight buildings would require extensive labor, materials, and additional network equipment – introducing complexity, higher costs, and project delays. Additionally, the project had to be executed with minimal interference to daily operations to avoid security risks and operational disruption. 

Solution 

Johnson Controls recommended the NVT Phybridge CLEER24-10G switch innovation to overcome the facility’s digital transformation challenges. The CLEER24-10G Ethernet over Coax (EoC) switch allowed the correctional facility to repurpose its existing coax-based infrastructure, enabling the deployment of 154 FLIR IP cameras without the need for costly and disruptive re-cabling. 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. 

The project was executed in phases, starting with lower-risk outbuildings before transitioning to high-security areas. This approach ensured a smooth implementation while minimizing risk and operational disruption. By leveraging NVT Phybridge’s repeatable, predictable, and scalable deployment methodology, the facility established a secure, robust, and high-performance PoE network for the new IP camera solution at a steady and reliable pace. The facility also leveraged the power-sharing capabilities to optimize power distribution across the network. The new system centralized control and improved video quality, meeting compliance requirements and significantly enhancing security coverage. 

Results 

The NVT Phybridge CLEER24-10G switch innovation helped the facility overcome barriers caused by the cable type and reach limitations of traditional switches, thereby improving its digital transformation outcomes. “I initially expected challenges with the coax cabling, but the transition was much smoother than anticipated,” said Ryan Hunt from Johnson Controls. “In the past, IP-over-coax solutions have caused more problems than they solved—but this solution was different. It was far more robust and eliminated the complications we’ve encountered before.” 

The correctional facility saved over $300,000 and reduced the total deployment time by six months. The new surveillance system helps staff do more with less to improve security measures with centralized monitoring of all cameras across the eight buildings. The camera system was seamlessly integrated with the facility’s existing access control system, improving overall security management. 

Sustainability 

NVT Phybridge network innovations not only delivered immediate financial and operational benefits but also aligned with the government’s sustainability and waste reduction goals. By repurposing existing coaxial infrastructure, the facility significantly reduced electronic waste, material consumption, and overall environmental impact. 

About Johnson Controls 

Johnson Controls is a world leader in smart buildings, creating safe, healthy and sustainable spaces. For nearly 140 years, we’ve made buildings better and now we’re transforming them again with our award-winning digital technologies and services. We’re using artificial intelligence and data driven solutions to give you deeper insight into your building’s health, sustainability and performance. It’s changing the way we design, operate and maintain indoor environments and driving to a new era of autonomous buildings. 

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.