Network Operation Hardware And Design

Network operation hardware and design The information collected by the sensors will be transmitted towards a centralized location where records and further processing of the information are held. The incoming information from the sensors is transmitted via Radio Frequency (RF) towards a receiver placed at the centralized location. Since the information needed to be transferred is of small size and cover a large distance, it is not required to use expensive fast transfer rate mediums. Using current production line RF technology, information can be sent within a range of 15 miles (24.14km) [1] as stated in the specifications. With this range, information can be easily sent throughout campus. Once the information is received at the centralized location, it is stored to a solid state hard disk. Solid state hard disks (SDD) are preferred as their operating power consumption is lower than that of conventional hard disks [2][3] and provide a longer life span. With the read and write cycle limit much larger than conventional hard disks, it can function more and longer than ordinary hard drives. Despite the slightly larger cost of the SSD, in the long run, the SSD will lower the operational cost of the system since it is less prone to breakdown and faults and the chance of expenditure on replacing a hard drive will be less likely [2]. All this stored information will be stored as a database that can be accessed by several specialized access computers located around campus. These computers have full access to the entire database. The records can serve as academic or research purposes for students and staff. To provide a quick access to the server and transfer of bulk information, the RF technology would be insufficient. All the information stored in the database is connected to a wireless internet connection (WiFi) with a “Ultra High Frequency” WiFi amplifier capable of sending information at a speed of 10Giga (109) bits per second over a range of one kilometre [4]. This allows users who require a large amount of data to be transferred within a short period of time and also allows the access computers to be placed in several campus buildings to avoid overcrowding of one workstation. The wireless internet will be password encrypted to prevent users without proper authorization from obtaining the data. Only the special access computers are able to connect to the network, all the data can be downloaded onto the

user’s storage device for further analysis.

[1]Digi International Inc, “XBee Multipoint RF Modules”, 2006-2008. [2] STEC Inc, “MACH8 Solid State Drive: Datasheet Brochure”, 2008. [3] A. Hylick, B. Jones,A. Rice, and R. Sohan, “An Analysis of Hard Drive Energy Consumption”, University of Cambridge, October 24, 2008. [4]K. Gotoh, H. Ishida, and S. Matsubara, “Ultra-High-Speed CMOS Interface Technology”, FUJISU Sci. Tech. J.,42,2,April 2006.