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.