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• A correctional facility in the northeastern United States needed to modernize its outdated analog security system to improve visibility, security, and compliance.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The facility faced significant digital transformation barriers due to outdated network design thinking and the limitations of traditional PoE switches.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. 

3-minute read time

Summary 

• A public research university in the western United States needed to modernize its surveillance system but faced significant financial and logistical barriers due to the age of its buildings. 

• The integrator partner, Pavion, recommended NVT Phybridge network innovations to create a secure and robust Power over Ethernet (PoE) backbone using existing network infrastructure. 

• The university successfully deployed 550 Avigilon IP cameras while achieving significant cost savings, eliminating disruption, and exceeding performance expectations. 
• By adopting a modern network approach and repurposing existing network infrastructure, the university reduced electronic waste, aligning the project with its sustainability goals. 

Challenge 

As one of the leading higher education institutions in the region, the western US public research university operates across a diverse campus with a mix of modern and historic buildings. The university needed to upgrade its aging analog CCTV system with an advanced IP-based Avigilon solution across more than 30 buildings on its sprawling campus. However, with many campus buildings decades old, ripping and replacing the existing and proven infrastructure was not feasible due to high costs, extended deployment times, disruption, and structural constraints. The university required a modern and innovative network approach to achieve its digital transformation objectives. 

Solution 

The integrator partner, Pavion, recommended NVT Phybridge PoE innovations to help the university avoid the trap of outdated network design thinking caused by the reach and cable type limitations of traditional switches. Pavion used the award-winning CLEER (Ethernet over Coax) switch innovations to create a secure and robust network using the university’s existing coax cabling, cooling, backup power, and other supporting infrastructure.

The CLEER switches were seamlessly integrated into the university’s network, providing power and data to the new IP cameras with up to 18 times the reach of standard switches. The project was executed during the summer months when students were away, ensuring zero disruption to staff and student activities. With no significant challenges encountered during deployment, Pavion quickly, securely, and cost-effectively deployed over 550 IP cameras across more than 30 buildings. 

Results 

Pavion helped the university simplify, accelerate, and improve its digital transformation project by introducing NVT Phybridge switch innovations. The university applied a modern network design approach, leveraging Power over Ethernet innovations to avoid unnecessary costs, complexity, disruption, and security concerns. The cost savings were substantial, estimated at 90% for older buildings and 25–50% for newer buildings. The deployment was completed within the planned summer break, preventing disruptions to students and faculty. The university noted excellent bandwidth and network performance as the new system performed exceptionally well. The results exceeded expectations from start to finish, with the university team expressing high satisfaction with the outcome. 

“The university was looking to upgrade its analog CCTV cameras to an IP system, but our budget did not match the quotes we were receiving. Pulling new network cables to replace the existing coax added enormous labor costs to the project. The wire runs were too long in some locations for the network cable specs. The issue was resolved by using NVT Phybridge CLEER switch. We were skeptical whether the solution could accommodate the bandwidth, but those concerns were put to bed when we saw the results.” Hyong Cho, Account Manager, Pavion. 

Sustainability 

NVT Phybridge network innovations played a crucial role in helping the university align the project with its sustainability goals. By avoiding the trap of ripping and replacing the existing and proven network infrastructure, the university significantly reduced electronic waste and minimized material consumption. This innovative approach conserved resources and reduced the carbon footprint associated with extensive construction and labor. 

About Pavion 

Pavion connects and protects by providing fire, security, and integration solutions to customers around the world. Pavion brings industry-leading experience to customers in the enterprise, healthcare, education, government, data center, and retail industries. The mission of Pavion is to bring clarity and transformation to safety, security, and communication through technology innovation and radical service. We’re committed to serving our customers, our people, and our communities. 

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 network of senior living centers wanted to deploy a modern IP business phone system, but faced high costs, long timelines, and critical care disruption concerns. 

• NVT Phybridge PoLRE switch innovations removed the digital transformation barriers, delivering power and data over existing single-pair UTP. 

• Hundreds of IP phones were deployed across multiple locations, completed on time and under budget, improving ROI while reducing e-waste through sustainable infrastructure reuse. 

Challenge

A network of senior living centers needed to modernize its outdated analog communications system with an IP telephony and collaboration platform. Most of the facilities had an existing single-pair UTP wiring infrastructure. The customer felt trapped, thinking they needed to rip-and-replace their existing and proven local area network infrastructure, since standard PoE switches could not deliver the required power and data to the required distances. With several facilities and hundreds of endpoints to be modernized, the customer faced high network readiness costs, extended timelines, and critical care disruption. 

Solution 

To avoid the trap and improve project outcomes, the senior living centers selected NVT Phybridge PoLRE (Power over Long Reach Ethernet) switch innovations to enable the new RingCentral IP business phone system using its existing and proven CAT3 infrastructure. PoLRE switch innovations deliver power and data with extended reach over single-pair UTP cabling, eliminating the need to rip and replace existing and proven infrastructure. The innovation helped the senior living centers improve the project’s ROI, accelerate deployment timelines, and minimize disruption to residents and staff.

Sustainability

By reusing the existing and proven voice infrastructure across all modernization phases, the senior living centers prevented significant electronic waste. This strategy aligns with the organization’s commitment to sustainable practices, while ensuring that residents and staff benefit from improved communication and operational efficiency.

American Grocery Chain Upgrades Communication Capabilities Across More Than 60 Locations in Line with Its Sustainability Objectives

3-minute read time

Summary

• An American grocery chain wanted to upgrade from its outdated Nortel phone system to provide its users with new Cisco IP handsets across 60+ stores without negative environmental impacts, business disruption, and high network readiness costs.
• The reseller partner, FirstLight Fiber, recommended using NVT Phybridge PoE innovations to improve digital transformation outcomes by leveraging existing network infrastructure assets.
• Since the first phase of the IP modernization project in 2016, FirstLight Fiber has leveraged a repeatable, predictable, and scalable deployment methodology to deploy over 3,000 IP devices.
• The organization has experienced over $1 million in infrastructure cost savings thanks to NVT Phybridge PoE innovations, while maintaining operational efficiency and minimizing disruptions.
• The grocery chain leveraged NVT Phybridge technology to reduce the project’s impact on the environment while aligning with the retailer’s four pillars of sustainability: sourcing responsibly, protecting the environment, making a difference in the community, and promoting employee well-being.

Challenge

A regional supermarket chain operating on the East Coast of the United States faced the significant challenge of upgrading its outdated Nortel phone system. With over 60 stores requiring an upgrade to Cisco IP handsets, the grocery chain faced the daunting prospect of overhauling its existing network infrastructure to support the new Cisco system. This would involve substantial financial investment and present logistical challenges, including business disruptions to store operations, which could negatively impact employee productivity and customer experience. The grocery chain, recognized for its commitment to sustainability, needed a solution that would align with its environmental goals by minimizing waste and reducing its carbon footprint. The challenge was to find a way to transition to a modern IP communications system without the high network readiness costs, complexity, and business disruption associated with the cable type and reach limitations of traditional network switches.

Solution

A leadership member of the grocery chain’s digital transformation team had previously used NVT Phybridge solutions, which bolstered the solution’s credibility. Since the project began in 2016, FirstLight Fiber has partnered with the grocer to implement NVT Phybridge PoE innovations. Mark Sparling, Sales Engineer at FirstLight Fiber, was also familiar with NVT Phybridge solutions and assured the customer that it was a straightforward decision once he understood the full scope of the project. FirstLight Fiber recommended the PoLRE24 managed switch solution to leverage the grocery chain’s existing, proven, and point-to-point connections, enabling the new Cisco IP devices. This modern and innovative approach to network design enables a smooth and cost-effective transition from analog to IP across multiple sites at the right pace for the customer, while minimizing material consumption and e-waste.

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. FirstLight Fiber used the NVT Phybridge PoLRE switch innovation to help the grocery chain leverage its existing cabling, rack space, cooling, and other supporting infrastructure, significantly reducing unnecessary costs, risk, complexity, and business disruption – creating better digital transformation outcomes for all stakeholders.

Result

NVT Phybridge PoE innovations helped the grocery chain to reduce unnecessary network readiness costs by more than $1 million while avoiding years of operational complexity and business disruption. Additionally, the project has been executed with minimal network downtime or impact on store operations, preserving the customer experience. The consistent and reliable performance of the PoLRE solution has allowed the grocer to continue the rollout across its stores, with future phases expected to deliver similar results. Over the course of the project, more than 3,000 endpoints will be deployed across 60+ stores, with each phase demonstrating the efficiency and effectiveness of NVT Phybridge technology.

Sustainability

NVT Phybridge PoE innovations helped FirstLight Fiber align the digital transformation project with the grocery chain’s four pillars of commitment to sustainability:

1. Sourcing Responsibly: By avoiding the need for new cabling materials, the grocery chain has minimized its consumption of new resources.
2. Protecting the Environment: The PoLRE solution has significantly reduced landfill waste by utilizing existing infrastructure assets, preventing the disposal of cables and other equipment.
3. Making a Difference in the Community: By ensuring that store operations were not disrupted, the grocer maintained its exceptional service to the community, reflecting its commitment to being a positive force in the areas it serves.
4. Promoting Employee Well-Being: The seamless implementation of NVT Phybridge technology to deploy the new Cisco IP devices minimized disruptions to employees, allowing them to continue working in a stable and consistent environment.

The NVT Phybridge PoLRE solution provided the grocery chain with a cost-effective and reliable technology upgrade that supported its broader sustainability objectives and reinforced its reputation as a responsible and forward-thinking organization.

About FirstLight Fiber

FirstLight provides fiber-optic data, Internet, data center, cloud, unified communications, and managed services to enterprise and carrier customers throughout the Northeast and mid-Atlantic. FirstLight’s mission is to empower organizations to deliver the promise of a limitless future by supplying the critical digital infrastructure our customers need to connect locally and thrive globally.

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.