An EU-funded project to upgrade the wireless infrastructure
for one of Poland’s biggest ports demanded the right technology at every level.
The benefits of connectivity are well observed, yet the pervasiveness of networking is still easily underestimated. Today[ds_preview], momentum is growing behind connecting evermore disparate objects to create the so-called Internet of Things. While the popularised definition of this extends to »smart« appliances that have some degree of intelligence – or at least simple decision-making ability – in reality it will include almost anything that is capable of simply generating information, or »data«. Adding connectivity to »things« allows a new paradigm in capturing and acting upon this data, for monitoring and control, which in turn has implications on commerce.
There really isn’t any industry that couldn’t benefit from improved communications at a machine level, but bringing this level of connectivity to a container terminal, where the environment is harsh and the demand for efficiency is high, requires extreme attention to detail and access to experts in the right technology. Any service interruption to a container port’s activity spells commercial danger, so the prospect of embarking on a modernisation program can understandably be met with scepticism. However, the irrevocable need for progress dictates improved logistics at every level.
Beyond consumerism
Outside of mass consumerism, where connectivity may only extend to social networking or the consumption of streaming media, pervasive Internet connectivity is responsible for the drive towards a world where vast amounts of information is captured daily, and analysed – or »mined« – to indicate trends, expose connections or otherwise reveal artefacts that could, if correctly identified and exploited, result in productivity gains.
The term that has been applied to this new paradigm is »Big Data« and it will largely rely on networked nodes generating data that is either processed locally or, more likely, relayed back to server farms for analysis. It is a vision shared by many and one that will be enabled, in large part, by modern communication systems. Traditionally, industrial environments of all types rely on wired connections, which is perfectly reasonable when the equipment in question is immobile; in an environment where the landscape is constantly changing, wired connectivity becomes impractical and, essentially, that implies wireless connectivity, as it provides greater convenience and flexibility over wired alternatives. All wireless technologies harness the natural phenomenon of electro-magnetic radiation (EMR), be that Bluetooth, Wi-Fi or Cellular. Even the humble radio and TV signal we have come to take for granted is enabled by EMR and a common enemy to all wireless technologies is interference in its many guises.
The more challenging the environment the more likely it is that interference sources will conspire to reduce the efficiency of a wireless network, so when the Baltic Container Terminal (BCT) Gdynia – one of the largest ports in Poland – issued an invitation to tender for an EU co-funded project to upgrade its wireless communications system, it attracted only those suppliers that were confident they could meet the challenge.
While wireless technologies are numerous, legacy systems can often be application-specific, catering for the unique conditions in a given environment. This has given rise to bespoke solutions that, although efficient in their intended application, are incompatible with today’s standardised technologies. Standardisation is, of course, essential if isolated networks are going to become part of the IoT. This was the challenge that BCT Gdynia presented.
Specifically, the port needed to replace its existing infrastructure based on out-dated technology that was End-of-Life; as an existing installation it could continue to be operated, but not extended. The project, therefore, called for a complete reinstallation of the communication network, coupled with the upgrading of remote and portable computer terminals.
Total coverage
As an open tender procurement, the project was open to any contractor able to meet the requirements. As well as the wireless infrastructure, it included the supply and commissioning of rugged mobile computers. BCT Gdynia already relied on data transfer around the port, with almost constant exchanges between mobile terminals and the port’s Terminal Operating System (TOS). For this reason the new network had to be highly reliable and provide total coverage, within a constantly changing landscape featuring various forms of interference and electro-magnetic shields in the form of containers.
This presented a challenge; the incumbent system used a high-power narrow-band protocol that, under EU regulations, could no longer be supported. The new system needed to provide a comparable or improved level of coverage with a lower power budget. BCT Gdynia also foresaw the need for the new infrastructure to be »future-proofed« against further demands; the new network had to be able to accommodate larger and more frequent data exchanges. To achieve this in a system that must operate at lower RF power than the existing equipment predicated the need to integrate both Wi-Fi and 3G connectivity, in order to guarantee reliability.
Complete solution
In addition to establishing a reliable wireless network, the successful tender would need to include the provision and commission of a number of mobile devices; specifically 73 rugged mobile computers, eight tablet computers and 15 handheld computers. All the devices needed to meet similar specifications; they would all need to be capable of running the TESS protocol and survive temperature extremes of -30°C to +40°C. As well as providing constant connectivity using both Wi-Fi and 3G, the rugged mobile computers also needed to incorporate a minimum of a 10in XGA touch-screen display that would be readable in direct sunlight, a minimum of two USB 2.0 ports, an RS-232 interface and an Ethernet 10/100/1000 port.
A number of rugged mobile computers may meet these specifications, but a further demand for a vehicle mounting system that could offer quick and easy assembly and disassembly from a vehicle narrowed the field. Ultimately the winning bid for upgrading the wireless network came from IT systems integrator Autepra, which selected JLT Mobile Computers to supply the terminals. The terminals chosen were the Verso 12, complemented by JLT’s rugged modems. The endorsement from Autepra was based on JLT’s history of supplying its rugged mobile computers to the mining industry, as well as other commercial ports.
The trend for connectivity to enable data gathering and exchange is pervading all industries, whatever the challenges. The fact that an environment such as a shipping port has the foresight to invest in a new wireless infrastructure demonstrates the importance of reliable connectivity and the potential benefits of Big Data.
While the challenges were substantial, with the right technology and the right partners, Autepra was successful in winning the open tender and faultless in its execution. As a result, BCT Gdynia now has a fully commissioned, reliable and future-proofed wireless network complemented by rugged mobile computers that are guaranteed to operate for many years to come.
Author: Peter Lundgren, Sales Director
JLT Mobile Computers, Växjö, Sweden
Peter.lundgren@jltmobile.com
Peter Lundgren, Sales Director
