One of the big challenges I've confronted with in the past has been how to get wireless internet across a big construciton site. The benefits in respect of productivity are numerous - getting staff on site connected on a permanent basis to office resources means less trips back to the office and less mistakes made in the field. From a risk management perspective 'site wide' internet connectivity allows for numerous management systems to be put in place. If you could provide sub-contractor access to a site wide network this would have substantial efficiency benefits. In the circumstances I was dealing with my issue was needing to provide handhelds that security staff were using with real time access to the security management system.
With unlimited resources providing site wide access is not a difficult thing to do. There are many proprietary systems around that will provide a solution. However, doing it cost effectively is another matter all together. Running cabbling is problematic in terms of the cost (versus benefit), and there is the constant issue of signal degredation of of wireless access points where these are used.
Enter Meraki
It was with great interest that I read the linked article on the Sydney Morning Hearld website. The article discusses Meraki wireless networking technology, and on the face of it, it looks like this could be a 'hot' wireless solution for construction projects. The technology allows you to install wireless access points. These subsequently 'talk' to one another, enabling the signal to be hopped around the site via each access point. So rather than using cabling to carry the signal, each access point forwards the signal on. You can put as many of these around the site as you like. There is also the option to install solar powered units (no specifications available on usage testing ie how does the unit perform on a cloudy day).
Quite astoundingly, the Meraki solution costs just $99 - $149 for each wireless access point - depending on the features you want and whether you want an outdoor or indoor version. This is amazing when you consider that solutions I have previously priced up ran out at 600$ - $1000 per access point!
The Meraki solution also supports a fully outsourced billing system. This means you can open up the wireless network to your subcontractors, and Meraki will look after the billing sytsem - including taking payments. They will forward you any commissions made on sales - which would allow you to easily recoup the costs of installation!
Presuming the meraki system is robust this represents a real game changer for easy wireless access (in a lot of environments outside of construction as well). If you need to get internet access across a a large project it provides a solution that was unavailable at that price point only just over a year ago.
Steve
http://www.misedio.com/
With unlimited resources providing site wide access is not a difficult thing to do. There are many proprietary systems around that will provide a solution. However, doing it cost effectively is another matter all together. Running cabbling is problematic in terms of the cost (versus benefit), and there is the constant issue of signal degredation of of wireless access points where these are used.
Enter Meraki
It was with great interest that I read the linked article on the Sydney Morning Hearld website. The article discusses Meraki wireless networking technology, and on the face of it, it looks like this could be a 'hot' wireless solution for construction projects. The technology allows you to install wireless access points. These subsequently 'talk' to one another, enabling the signal to be hopped around the site via each access point. So rather than using cabling to carry the signal, each access point forwards the signal on. You can put as many of these around the site as you like. There is also the option to install solar powered units (no specifications available on usage testing ie how does the unit perform on a cloudy day).
Quite astoundingly, the Meraki solution costs just $99 - $149 for each wireless access point - depending on the features you want and whether you want an outdoor or indoor version. This is amazing when you consider that solutions I have previously priced up ran out at 600$ - $1000 per access point!
The Meraki solution also supports a fully outsourced billing system. This means you can open up the wireless network to your subcontractors, and Meraki will look after the billing sytsem - including taking payments. They will forward you any commissions made on sales - which would allow you to easily recoup the costs of installation!
Presuming the meraki system is robust this represents a real game changer for easy wireless access (in a lot of environments outside of construction as well). If you need to get internet access across a a large project it provides a solution that was unavailable at that price point only just over a year ago.
Steve
http://www.misedio.com/
Links
Meraki website:
http://meraki.com/
Sydney Morning Herald Article:
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