A Public Research University in the Western United States Reduces Network Readiness Costs by 90% During Sustainable, Multi-Building Surveillance Upgrade

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The integrator partner, Pavion, recommended NVT Phybridge PoE innovations to help the university avoid the trap of outdated network design thinking caused by the reach and cable type limitations of traditional switches.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.