CITY OF PHOENIX IMPLEMENTS TROPOS WIRELESS MESH NETWORK TO MANAGE TRAFFIC SYSTEMS, IMPROVE COST EFFICIENCY

Network Delivers Annual Cost Savings of More Than $220K

SUNNYVALE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Tropos Networks, the leader in wireless IP broadband mesh networks deployed by cities and utilities, today announced the city of Phoenix in Arizona is now using their network to manage traffic. Replacing leased lines with Tropos has resulted in savings of more than $220 thousand annually.

“As cities become increasingly crowded, the need to improve traffic safety and flow grows along with it, and our wireless network provides a strong foundation to address these problems. Decreasing traffic congestion is also a significant contributor in reducing carbon emissions, helping improve the environment.”

The main goal of the project was to reduce travel times for commuters and to build a base for high speed communications for future applications. Funded initially by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), then a bond project, the high-bandwidth network was deployed over 250 square miles and involves more than 420 Tropos radios and 412 traffic signals. The wireless network designed by George Frangos, network architect for Phoenix’s Street Transportation Department, enables traffic operators to make real time changes to traffic signal timing and will accommodate more than 80 video cameras that are to be installed in the near future which will be used to enhance traffic safety.

“We’re very satisfied with the Tropos Network that enabled us to enhance our transportation efficiency,” said Joel Havris, signal systems specialist for the City. “During the testing phase of our selection process, we ensured that the network was subjected to the most strenuous conditions, and the Tropos equipment passed with flying colors. Now, the increased bandwidth and flexibility of high speed network communications gives us the ability to deploy and integrate Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) technology throughout the city.”

Tropos’ wireless broadband was selected by the City after they evaluated other wireless network technologies such as point to point and cellular. The main reasons for the selection of Tropos were strong security, high bandwidth and cost effective solution. During the pilot phase, Tropos routers were deployed at curved streets and under challenging conditions in order to evaluate the resiliency and reliability of the technology. The City installed the Tropos network and L4 Technologies, a specialist in wireless technologies, delivered the product, consulting and training services.

“Phoenix is demonstrating forward thinking and leadership by leveraging our wireless network to improve a wide range of ITS applications that benefit citizens, businesses, and the community,” said Tom Ayers, president and CEO of Tropos Networks. “As cities become increasingly crowded, the need to improve traffic safety and flow grows along with it, and our wireless network provides a strong foundation to address these problems. Decreasing traffic congestion is also a significant contributor in reducing carbon emissions, helping improve the environment.”

About Tropos

Tropos® Networks (www.tropos.com) is the worldwide market leader in IP broadband mesh networks. Its solutions create greener, safer, smarter foundations for deployment of high-value applications that increase efficiencies and reduce operational costs within communities. Greener – smart grid and intelligent transportation systems. Safer – mobile public safety communications and IP video surveillance. Smarter – enabling mobile workers to access information from the field. Tropos delivers the highest levels of reliability, scalability, performance, security, and control in the industry with more than 750 customers in over 30 countries. Founded in 2000, Tropos Networks is headquartered in Sunnyvale, California. For more information, please call 408-331-6800 or email [e-mail].