Optelecom-NKF Facilitates Traffic System in Dubai

Optelecom-NKF, a producer of advanced IP-video solutions, participated in the Freeway and Local Coordinated Operations Network (FALCON) project in conjunction with Scientechnic, a project engineering and system installation company based in Dubai.


The FALCON Project
The introduction of Intelligent Traffic System (ITS) in Dubai has been instrumental in significantly reducing accidents and increasing safety. The Middle East is expanding so rapidly that roads are congested almost as soon as they open up. To keep the traffic flow running smoothly, the FALCON project has been initiated. The FALCON project is a massive ITS project which tries to the Emirate's ever-increasing traffic headache and improves road safety.


Optelecom-NKF is working with Scientechnic, the local system integrator, in Dubai to integrate the SIQURA IP switches into the Falcon ITS architecture.


The Choice for an IP Infrastructure
The FALCON project requirements are to transfer a large amount of data in real-time for the messaging to dynamic message signs and lane/speed control signs based on the traffic flow inputs from the Remote Traffic Microwave Sensors (RTMS) and Video Incident detection system. This high-speed and reliable data transfer is best achieved by using an IP infrastructure. Thus Scientechnic arranged for a product implementation process with Optelecom-NKF for their client RTA. During this process the consultants and RTA studied various aspects of using the IP structure and approved Optelecom-NKF's switches for field deployment.


"The SIQURA switches integrated fit into our entire project and the local support from Optelecom-NKF provided a key resource in designing this architecture. The switch was chosen due to its capability of performing in a high operating temperature. The Gulf countries, being one of the hottest places during summer, require all field equipment to endure an extended temperature range. The switches have an operating temperature of up to 75 degrees Celsius, which make them suitable for operation in the Middle East," said Brijesh Moothat of Scientechnic.


The SIQURA product line offers a broad range of products and solutions for the ITS market, all based on IP technology. The choice for IP in a project like this is very logical as it allows the system to manage and control multiple field devices such as DMS, lane/speed controls, detectors or traffic signals, etc. The system also has to exchange real-time with the existing arterial signal system and other management systems such as the police, drawbridges, tunnels, and many others. IP technology allows for this real-time integration and enables intelligent software to be integrated.


In the case of FALCON, all the information from multiple sources is combined into a unified database and then coupled with system applications such as automated incident detection algorithm and response plan management, which promotes a coordinated response to manage congestion or incidents that impact the traffic flow.


"Traffic flow" of the ITS Data with SIQURA
Scientechnic Dubai, the system integrator for this entire project, was tasked to construct a robust ring network to facilitate the data flow of this massive ITS project. To this end they selected the SIQURA IP security solutions from Optelecom-NKF. The SIQURA switches are used to make a 4 gigabit redundant ring network covering almost all of Dubai City. The switches connect the speed control signs, lane control signs, the remote traffic monitoring system, and the dynamic message signs.