The Republic Polytechnic (RP) in Singapore is one of the most modern polytechnics in the world. Staff and students at the RP can have their notebook computers connected to the campus network via wireless LAN. Course information is exchanged using the polytechnicˇs own e-Learning system, and even tests can be taken online. The RP truly represents the education of the future -- paperless, wireless and safe.
The Republic Polytechnic (RP) in Singapore is one of the most modern polytechnics in the world. Staff and students at the RP can have their notebook computers connected to the campus network via wireless LAN. Course information is exchanged using the polytechnicˇs own e-Learning system, and even tests can be taken online. The RP truly represents the education of the future -- paperless, wireless and safe.
The RP built a mobile computer infrastructure in order to implement its concept of a paperless campus. To complete their work with the wireless data network, all the students and staff are to use either a notebook or a tablet PC.
Three hundred staff members are responsible for the administration and management of the buildings and other facilities. Since the RP was designed to hold up to 13,000 occupants, the administration has been looking for ways to reduce the staff needed to monitor laboratories, sports facilities and special areas. The RP also want to, increase on-campus security. The administration decided to install modern network cameras to meet these goals. Numerous cameras were chosen for security and administration tasks and were easily integrated into the existing network infrastructure.
The decision was made in favor of German manufacturer Mobotix, which is represented in Singapore by its distributor, Spiraltech (www.spiraltechpl. com). 
Michael Tan, who was in charge of the project, commented: ¨The Mobotix solution ensures high return on investment in the long run. Because this solution is 100 percent software driven, the cameras can be easily upgraded at no additional cost to provide better features and software enhancements.〃
A total of 75 Mobotix network cameras were installed in 2005, and all are connected via the RPˇs fast, fiber optic LAN backbone. Recorded image data is transmitted in encrypted form and stored externally on the polytechnic's file server, with a NAS storage capacity of up to 2 terabytes. The ring buffer concept makes it possible to retrieve all recorded images over a period of several months.
Day and Night, In and Out
The system utilizes different models of Mobotix, including dual-lens cameras which are able to deliver brilliant, detailed images during the day as well as at night.
The outdoor models are IP65-certified and do not require any additional casing. All cameras are equipped with an integrated mage memory of 64 megabytes (for up to2,500 JPEG images in VGA quality), as well as FTP, e-mail and audio functionalities. Up to 25 cameras can be monitored on a single screen. They can also configure the system for event-controlled or time-controlled recording via a central management console. Each camera can be set individually for specifically timed recording of sound and image. Cameras then e-mail messages with compressed video clips that only require low network bandwidth.
The new campus now has around 1,000 Mobotix cameras installed. The solution is also completed without any additional recording software. With the MxControlCenter, up to 40 cameras can be viewed simultaneously with audio on one single PC.