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Internet of Things & Wireless Communication

John Thompson, General Manager, JTS (Johnston Technical Services, Inc.)
Jonathan Shawhart, Sales Manager – Industrial/Government Markets, Cambium Networks

Presentation Overview/Synopsis: The presentation provides information to help companies navigate the many opportunities that the Internet of Things (IoT) and the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) present with respect to the available wireless communication solutions. John and Jonathan will discuss the steps involved with selecting the right communication solution for establishing a wireless network for communication with onsite and offsite panels, instruments and devices.

As automation, remote monitoring, and the use of video surveillance rises, the need for higher capacity data networks is accelerating. The fact that these services are required across the entire operating area magnifies the challenge. Reliance on traditional copper circuits is not an option – the circuits cannot support the required data rates, and service providers are retiring the copper circuits as fast as they can due to maintenance costs. Fiber technology has high installation time and costs. Public networks with 4G offer some relief, but likely do not provide the necessary coverage and come with administrative burdens and high subscription costs.

Private fixed wireless data networks offer secure scalable communication networks for the water industry and are increasingly becoming the network of choice.

Private fixed wireless data networks can be architected to:

• Meet the geographic coverage required

• Deliver the data rates required to meet discreet applications

• Provide secure connectivity

Communications infrastructure is the key to enabling IIoT (Industrial Internet of Things). Rapidly deployable wireless architecture can cover ranges up to 245 kilometers with end-to-end connectivity for Cloud-based applications. Wireless solutions must interoperate with field equipment and operations support systems to deliver results that transform the end-user.

The IIoT promise is delivery of real-time monitoring, control, measurements, and analytics that optimize performance while establishing sustainable competitive advantage. IIoT’s true potential will be realized by the transformation of accumulated and real-time data into insightful knowledge and critical actions, which demands highly reliable underlying communications infrastructure and resilient systems that interconnect sensors and controls across large-scale field area networks.

Without end-to-end communications, valuable data is stranded, isolated by even shorter distances. Cambium Networks’ proven wireless solutions can surpass the limitations of fiber or wired systems, providing connectivity from the field meter to the operations center – in an affordable, ruggedized, sustainable platform that offers rapid deployment, reliability, and security – with an attractive return on investment. Smart Metering, substation and circuit control, SCADA telemetry, remote office connectivity, video surveillance, and asset tracking are all vital wireless connectivity functions that can be consolidated into one cost-effective IP network. Wireless solutions are optimal for mission critical applications because fiber isn’t everywhere, and 3G/4G services offer fewer essential features at a higher cost.

Presenters:

John Thompson

JTS, General Manager

John is responsible for the overall business operations at JTS and has 23 years of communications integration related experience. JTS has a broad client base, including water/wastewater, utility, city/county, state, educational, and enterprise clients, and provides turn-key wireless infrastructure solutions for all of these verticals.

John has worked hand in hand with many water departments on their communication needs for their SCADA network. He works with various engineering firms during the design phase of the wireless communication needs through the installation process and testing of the network.

John started at age 16 in the in the telecommunications industry. He constructed towers, installed lines and antennas for all of the major carriers in several markets. John’s vast experience has definitely been an asset during his 7 years at JTS, and he specializes in the design of wireless microwave networks, as well as the fine details of their project management, planning and execution.

Some key projects John has designed and led while at JTS include:

• Designed and installed a licensed microwave ring for Ector County consisting of 4 major licensed links and 9 unlicensed links. Construction of 2 self-support towers for microwave line of site.
• Lea County Electrical Cooperative Wireless Network - Design and Installation of new wireless backhaul for Lea County Electrical Cooperative Inc. Construction of nine 195’ self-support towers and 25 40’ concrete direct burial poles. 12 total licensed microwave links and 24 licensed spur links to interconnect all substations and switches. Handling network engineering and installation of the layer 3 network needed for data transport.
• City of Shreveport Water Network Improvements - Installation of licensed backhaul for City of Shreveport. Construction of 3 new self-support towers. Coordination and Implementation of 5 wireless backhaul links. Construction of 3 SCADA sites for data transport of water treatment facilities.
• NCTCOG 911 Redundant Microwave Network - Negotiated, Designed and Planned the installation of 21 self-support towers, and 54 licensed microwave paths spanning around the DFW metroplex. This project was completed in 1 year and 6 months, ahead of schedule by 6 months and with a gross profit of 40% over the 30% budgeted.
• NTMWD – Designed and Implemented a backup master communication site for the wireless communication to over 105 sites, as well as refresh the current Master site with new infrastructure. Over 30 new monopoles were constructed at remote sites so that signal quality could be improved on the current SCADA network. The project is still ongoing with more sites being added to the network.

Degrees and Certifications

• B.S. in Business Management, University of Texas at Tyler
• Qualifying Party, State of Louisiana General Contractor License
• TxDOT Certified Contractor
• Texas DPS Certified Contractor
• Has certifications with numerous wireless manufacturers
• Member – ITS (Intelligent Traffic Systems) Texas
• Affiliate Member – TAGITM (Texas Association of Governmental Technology Managers)

Jonathan Shawhart

Cambium Networks, Sales Manager – Industrial/Government Markets

Jonathan is a sales leader in the industrial and government team at Cambium Networks. Jonathan has more than 20 years of experience in the wireless telecommunications industry with broad range of technical knowledge and hands on experience. His current role has him focused on servicing many Fortune 500 companies in oil and gas, freight rail and utility verticals in the central region of the U.S. as well as working with large and mid-size municipalities for fixed wireless broadband applications.

He has experience managing multiyear, large-scale projects through their life cycle. Projects include a 5-year nationwide buildout for a major class 1 railroad, a statewide microwave build for a major fiber operator and several large scale green field private network builds for various oil and gas operators in the U.S. Cambium Networks has deep roots in the public safety sector with his heritage from Motorola Canopy which later became Cambium Networks. Jonathan holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Network and Communications Management from DeVry University.

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