Port of Amsterdam goes Wi-Fi

Radionet and Baas WDS provide Wi-Fi solution to the Port of Amsterdam to connect ships with wireless network

AMSTERDAM, The Netherlands; ESPOO, Finland (PRWEB) June 14, 2004 -- leading supplier of Wi-Fi Hotzone technology Radionet, and system integrator Baas WDS (Wireless Data Systems), today announced the delivery of a Wi-Fi Hotzone network to the Port of Amsterdam. Opening in June 2004, the network is owned and operated by the Amsterdam Port Authority (Gemeentelijk Havenbedrijf Amsterdam). The network covers the whole Port area of the Amsterdam harbour and brings mobile wireless network access to the Port Authority vessels. The network is designed and built by Baas WDS and based on Radionets Wi-Fi Hotzone technology, which provides seamless mobility and ubiquitous network access everywhere within the coverage zone.

The Port of Amsterdam is the fifth largest port in Europe and an important international logistics intersection. The Port of Amsterdam network is based on Wi-Fi standards and operates on the 2.4 GHz WLAN spectrum, which enables the Port Authority of Amsterdam to use a wide variety of Wi-Fi compliant devices and notebooks computers to access the network in a secure way. The network features 2,4 GHz Wi-Fi technology for end-user access and 5,4 GHz high-speed links for wireless backhaul. The network also features intelligent sectorised antennae, which extend network coverage up to 2000 meters from shore, allowing vessels to freely move in the port area without losing network connection.

"To replace our previous generation narrow-band wireless network, we needed a reliable network that could withstand demanding harbour conditions and provide high speed connections to a wide variety of applications. Wi-Fi technology was an obvious choice for replacement as it supports a multitude of access devices and is cost-effective to deploy. However, the challenges of comprehensive coverage and suitability for outdoor-use needed to be resolved. After looking into the competing alternatives, the Baas WDS / Radionet solution proved to be best choice as it offers seamless mobility, high reliability, secured coverage and the ability to use all standard Wi-Fi clients without any special software, said Fons Maartens, System manager, Amsterdam Port Authority.

"The system was introduced to create efficient internal communications for the Amsterdam port authority. By linking the Patrol vessels to the intranet they now have up to date information. Digital reports and confidential data, used by investigations of offences, can be exchanged fast and secure. Other strong points were the reduced use of VHF traffic and a decrease in phonebills," said Aart Hiemstra, Dept. Harbourmaster of the Amsterdam Port Authority.

The wireless broadband network in the Port of Amsterdam is based on Radionets mobile WLAN solution, designed for outdoor use in demanding environments. Radionets patented MageIP technology enables seamless handover between different base stations and IP subnets and provides mobility and uninterrupted network access for ships in the port. The network provides also additional data and access security.

Together with Radionet we were able to offer the most compelling solution for the Port of Amsterdam. Radionets products have demonstrated their reliability in several harbours and they are designed to withstand tough environmental conditions such as salt from seawater, moisture, high winds and freezing temperatures. The Port of Amsterdam solution offers seamless mobility, high security, robust outdoor proof equipment as well as an intelligent antenna solution that guarantees signal quality. The network functions well in an area with a high radio frequency network concentration such as Amsterdam," said Peter Reinders, ICT Consultant, Baas WDS.

The port of Amsterdam marks the first large harbour installation for Radionet outside the Nordic Countries. Our Wi-Fi Hotzone solution for harbour use has been proven in four ports and eight cities in Finland, with the largest networks providing a seamless broadband cloud of over 50 square kilometres. By using Wi-Fi technology in harbour networks, port operators can reap the benefits from the rapid development of access devices as the network can be accessed securely with all Wi-Fi compliant devices," said Henry Valtonen, VP of Sales and Marketing, Radionet.

About Baas WDS (Wireless Data Systems)
Baas Wireless Data Systems is specialized and focused in wireless data solutions as from 1Mbps up to 1Gbps for indoor (office), between buildings (outdoor short distance), for the last mile of Service Providers, long distance (licensed) connections and distribution networks. Since 10 years Baas Wireless Data Systems is engaged in consultancy, training, engineering, implementation, maintenance and management of wireless solutions.

About Port of Amsterdam
The seaports in and around the capital of the Netherlands make it one of Europes top 10 maritime hubs. The Amsterdam Ports handle 70 million tonnes of cargo annually and are looking to the future, with new and spacious business sites and terminals in a modern port area. The location, accessibility, business climate and facilities of Amsterdam Ports add up to unique business opportunities for firms of every size and description. In short, the Amsterdam Ports is where shipping, industry and logistics come together.

About Radionet
The Wi-Fi Hotzone company Radionet specializes in the development, design and sales of large-scale outdoor wireless broadband networks. Radionet's technology is based on the WLAN standard conforming to IEEE 802.11. Radionet offers comprehensive carrier-class wireless broadband networks for operators, ISPs and wireless ISPs, power utilities, industry and logistics, and system integrators. www.radionet.com

Amsterdam Port Authority
Executive Director Shipping
Cor Oudendijk
E-mail cor.oudendijk@amsterdamports.nl

Technical contact
Fons Maartens
E-mail fons.maartens@amsterdamports.nl

Baas Wireless Data Systems
ICT Consultant
Peter Reinders
GSM: +31651628628
E-mail p.reinders@baastelematica.nl

Radionet
VP, Sales and Marketing
Henry Valtonen
GSM: +358 500 500 601
E-mail: henry.valtonen@radionet.com

For press materials and photos, please contact Ville Lehtovirta, PR Agency Conexio, ville.lehtovirta@conexio.fi, +358 50 346 6946