INFORMATION BROCHURE
Company Overview VixNet Africa (Pty) Ltd. is wholly owned by Vix Technology. Vix Technology is an International Group of companies with expertise in various fields. VixNet Secure digital data networks Centralized monitoring and tracking of vehicles on public road networks Centralized monitoring of security alarms Remote meter reading of electricity meters Contents Company Overview Vixnet Network Technology Vehicle Tracking & Supervision Residential & Commercial Intrusion, Fire and Panic Alarm Monitoring Residential & Commerical Electrical Meter Reading Traffic Signal Control And Monitoring Pos Communications Control And Monitoring Vix Mobility Contactless ticketing for public transport Real time passenger information systems for public bus networks On board video monitoring of public bus operators. Vix Mobility has several systems operating around the world in a large variety of countries (Hong Kong, China, USA, Sweden, UK, Belgium, France, Italy, Australia, and South Africa). Vixtel VoIP telephone services for government, multinationals and SMEs E-Government Electronic services for interaction between members of the public and government (driving licenses; vehicle registration; etc.)
About Vixnet Spread spectrum fast and secure digital data network based on secure military technology. Vehicle tracking, speed monitoring and parking support services Residential and commercial intrusion, fire and panic alarm monitoring Residential & Commercial electrical meter reading; prepaid disconnect and reconnect; geyser load management or ripple control Remote Traffic light monitoring supervision and control Point of sale device communications Independent of public/ private GSM networks Dedicated to data monitoring, supervision and control applications. VixNet Network Technology A VixNet network offers a secure data and location services that can be used for many different types of applications. The use of Direct Sequence Spread Spectrum technology provides a high degree of data security as well as immunity to jamming. VixNet transmissions can still be processed in noisy and difficult RF environments. VixNet s dynamic network configuration capability allows for both location and data transfer applications to operate on the one network. Multiple positioning techniques are possible, Time-Of-Arrival triangulation using DSSS, GPS positioning over DSSS data transfer and positioning generated from DSSS data transmissions. A VixNet network consists of an array of base-stations deployed throughout the network coverage area. A central processing site called CP Site collects all data from the base-stations for processing and provides a single point of contact for the recovery of data and positional information. VixNet base-stations can be co-located with most other communications technologies, exclusive and high cost infrastructure is not essential for the deployment of VixNet equipment. Assets in the field are equipped with products that have a VixNet Transponder Module fitted to them. The QTM is the heart of any product or service that utilises the VixNet network. VixNet can provide products for specific applications or a QTM can be integrated into a customer s application.
As with the QTM and products, VixNet can provide a range of end user applications for the monitoring of products in the fi eld or provide support for 3rd party application development to connect a customer s own application to CP Site. VixNet is a network solution that has multiple levels of redundancy built into it. A product in the fi eld does not speak to a single base-station. The network design ensures that QTM s communicate with multiple base-stations ensuring that an outage of any base-station will not disrupt the operation of any device. A VixNet network operates on a single network spectrum licence. Users of the network are not required to apply for or manage individual radio device licences making it easier and more cost effective to use when compared to other radio technologies. VixNet Tracking & Supervision Centralised Control Room Monitoring Of Vehicle Intrusion, Vehicle Theft And Vehicle Panic/Duress Alarms Vehicle Tracking Applications On A Vixnet Network A VixNet Network can be used to provide vehicle tracking services. This is the primary application that the technology was initially designed for. There are two methods that can be used to determine the location of a VixNet tracking product. One utilises GPS technology to determine the position at the asset of interest and the position data is then transmitted over the VixNet network to the application that is requesting the location. The second method utilizes Spread Spectrum transmissions from a QTM to remotely measure the time-of-arrival of the signal at the network of base-stations, which in turn is passed to CP Site where the position is subsequently calculated and forwarded to the requesting application. The current vehicle tracking product, the VixNet Dart, uses a hybrid approach where both technologies are available within the product to generate the best possible position information. While it is possible to specifi cally generate either a GPS or Spread Spectrum position, the Dart product chooses the most appropriate method in a manner which is transparent to the requesting application. This simplifi es the process of locating the asset of interest. As with all VixNet products operating on the Network, the QTM allows for transmission of alarm events in situations where the device is subject to jamming signals. The location information generated at CP Site can then be passed to a third party application which had been requesting the positions, or the VixNet application, Track Viewer, can be used to request and display the location information. Track Viewer uses MapIT format maps for display of locations with a web based track and mapping client also available shortly. The Dart product also has the ability to send alarm information back to the network and user application, as well as having a remotely driven output that can be activated from Track Viewer or any other third party application.
The Dart supports one dry contact input triggered by the vehicle manufacturers alarm system, a 3rd party alarm system or directly by a sensor on the vehicle, as well as an owner activated duress alarm. There is one relay output driver. It is possible to support additional inputs and outputs in an alternative vehicle product should the application require it. The antenna used with the Dart in vehicle applications has been designed for covert installation to improve the security of the installation. The Dart enclosure is IP54 rated to protect it in the passenger and commercial vehicle environments. It also has an internal backup battery to ensure ongoing operation should the vehicle battery be disconnected. In such an event, the Dart transmits an alarm to flag the disconnection or failure of the main battery. Assets in the field are equipped with products that have a VixNet Transponder Module fitted to them. The QTM is the heart of any product or service that utilises the VixNet network. VixNet can provide products for specific applications or a QTM can be integrated into a customer s application. Residential & Commercial Intrusion, Fire and Panic Alarm Monitoring Monitoring Of Intrusion And Fire Alarms In Commercial, Industrial And Residential Premises Monitoring Of Panic/Duress Alarms In Commercial, Industrial And Residential Premises Monitoring And Tracking Of Guards On Premise Supervision Rounds One of the applications that a VixNet Network is particularly well suited for is the communications link on a domestic or commercial alarm panel. VixNet s Network technology is widely used in the alarm monitoring industry in South Africa and as a result supports connection to most alarm panels used in that market. The initial design of the network revolved around the current security industries needs, this market needed a communications technology to address the following challenges they faced: Full redundancy in the network, i.e. multiple base stations to be in communications proximity of the transceiver. Buffering of messages Bi-directional communications Various stages of signal acknowledgement A reliable and efficient means of transferring data in real time out of difficult RF environments, i.e. basements, malls etc. A flat network fee rate.
The network in Gauteng has been commercial since 2010, and currently we have in excess of 3000 units on the Security network with additional units coming onto the network at a fast rate daily. Some of the larger clients have started replacing their current GSM devices with the Vixnet DSSS Lion transceivers. Amongst the users are: ADT Security Protea Coin Security Monitornet Apcan Security Londoloza Security Our network is expanding continuously with full coverage in Gauteng and Cape Town, the next big cities to be covered are Durban, Bloemfontein, Port Elizabeth and East London. A VixNet Network supports three methods of communication from alarm panels: Alarm panel proprietary serial communications Contact ID via a DTMF interface Dry contact relay or sensor activated inputs Communication of the alarm events is made to a number of commercial monitoring applications, e.g. Listener, QT Watch, and Intelligent Monitoring. These applications support connection directly to the network CP Site application interface. It is also possible to connect other monitoring applications that would normally connect to the serial interface of an alarm radio receiver, e.g. Watch Manager, via a VixNet application called CID. This application will make the connection to CP Site and then format the received alarms into serial strings suitable for the recipient monitoring application. VixNet also can provide a basic alarm monitoring application called Alarm Viewer. Connection to the alarm panel is made via a VixNet alarm radio product which contains a QTM. The currently available products are known as the VixNet Leopard and the VixNet Lion. Both products offer dry contact and DTMF inputs, and the Lion product also supports serial connectivity to alarm panels and has two remotely operated relay outputs for driving customer devices such as gates, lights and any other electrical devices. All VixNet alarm radios support asynchronous alarm transmission mode which cannot be jammed. This allows the radio to transmit an alarm event should an attempt be made to jam or interfere with the receiver. The VixNet alarm radios can also be independently monitored by the network to verify their ongoing operation and to alert the alarm monitoring organisation should the device become faulty or be switched off. This service can be applied to all QTM based products connected to the VixNet Network.
Residential & Commerical Electrical Meter Reading Prepayment Disconnect Reconnect Geyser Switching Load Management Remote Reading Of Residential, Commercial, Industrial Electricity Meters Remote Reading Of Grid Installed Metering Remote And Automatic Disconnect/Reconnect Of Prepayment Electricity Meters Remote Reading Of Residential, Commercial, Industrial Water Meters Remote And Automatic Switching (Load Management) Of Residential Hot Water Heaters; Air Conditioning; Pool Pumps Etc To Reduce Maximum Demand Situation A VixNet DSSS data network would allow the electrical generation, transmission and distribution authorities (including local municipalities) to very effi ciently (and at a low cost) introduce an automatic meter reading system. Traditionally, these automatic meter reading (AMR) applications are plagued by the complexity of achieving a seamless open communication between the electricity meter and the data communications network. The proposed VixNet DSSS data network will automatically provide data communication with every residential, commercial and industrial premise. Interfaces already exist for most common single and multi-phase electricity meters from manufacturers such as Landis & Gyr, Kent Elster and ISKRA. The VixNet solution allows 1/2 hourly reading of all relevant meter data (aggregated P, Q/phase etc.). Alarms, e.g. from tampering/opening the meter cover will be instantly communicated to the monitoring authority. Tariffs can be changed and downloaded to any/all meters on the network. Prepayment meters can be remotely disconnected/ reconnected as the user reaches prepayment limits or tops up accounts. The 1/2 hourly meter reading sequence allows the AMR system to then produce time of usage histograms for billing purposes and for taking load management decisions by either/both the supply authority or the customer. Hot water geysers; pool pumps; air conditioning can be remotely disconnected / reconnected to cap maximum demand peaks and avoid costly peak load generation to be commissioned / started and to avoid overload of distribution networks; transformers etc. Finally, removing the requirement for manual meter reading by technicians visiting premises to read individual meters is of signifi cant fi nancial benefi t and avoids errors through misreads.
Traffic Signal Control and Monitoring The Vixnet Dsss Data Network Is A Data Network Available To The Various Government Authorities For Purposes Of Vehicle Tracking, Electricity Meter Reading Etc. This Network Contacts Data Points At Road Traffi c Lights. The Network Can Readily Be Deployed To Interface To The Traffic Light Local Controller To Change Control Sequences And To Monitor Outages. Vixnet Can Readily Provide Interfaces Between The Local Traffi c Signal Control Unit And The Dsss Network And Between The Central Traffi c Monitoring And Control Room And The Dsss Network. The Network Can Thus Provide A Secure And Reliable Link For Centralised Traffi c Signal Monitoring And Supervision. POS Communications Control and Monitoring The Vixnet Dsss Data Network Is A Data Network Available To The Various Banking Institutions For Point Of Sale Device Connectivity, Control And Monitoring. Vixnet Can Readily Provide Interfaces Between The Pos Unit And The Dsss Network And Between The Central Back Office Switching Service And Control Room And The Dsss Network. The Network Can Thus Provide A Secure And Reliable Link For Centralised Pos Communications. Contact Us Vixnet Africa (Pty) Ltd Jhb Branch: Unit 6 33 Riley Road Pinewood Offi ce Park Woodmead Sandton Office No: (011) 253-3141 CT Branch: 1 Natures Gate Business Park 1 Knutsford Road Cape Town Office No: (021) 887 1038 Tel. No: 0861 011 785 Fax No: (011) 234-9591 Email: info@vixnet.co.za Sales : jimmyb@vixnet.co.za clintonl@vixnet.co.za