Download FIRETIDE RFP RESPONSE TEMPLATE

Firetide: RFP Response Template
Mesh RFP Response Template
Firetide, Inc.
140 Knowles Dr.
Los Gatos, CA 95032
408-399-7771 – Phone
408-317-1777 – Fax
Firetide: RFP Response Template
Firetide Technology
Firetide provides a multi-service mesh system that securely handles concurrent video, voice,
and data applications in municipal, public safety and enterprise markets. The Firetide HotPort
solution is the only mesh system that operates as a distributed switch, combining the services
and scalability of Ethernet with the freedom and mobility of wireless.
By eliminating the need for costly and time-consuming cable installation, Firetide enables
multi-service networks virtually anywhere – indoors and outdoors.
The Firetide mesh solution comprises four modular product components:

HotPort™ mesh nodes

HotSwitch Enterprise and Mobility controller

HotView™ Pro network management.
The products work seamlessly between indoor and outdoor environments and operate in 2.4
GHz, 4.9 GHz, and 5 GHz spectrums. Multi-level, layered security at the access point and
across the mesh provide a safe network environment for even the most critical applications.
Firetide: RFP Response Template
Firetide Product Architecture Representation
Firetide: RFP Response Template
Firetide Product Summary
HotPort: Wireless Mesh Nodes
HotPort 7000 indoor and outdoor mesh nodes provide dual radios dedicated for backhaul, direct
Ethernet connections for video cameras and other devices, and operate with Firetide or 3rd
party APs. Indoor nodes include a built-in four port 10/100 / 1000 Ethernet switch. HotPort
7000 outdoor mesh nodes have weatherproof enclosures and are designed for rugged
environments. They include three weatherproof 10/100 /1000 Ethernet ports, out of which two
are capable of providing 802.3at Power over Ethernet. Hotport 7000 indoor node could also be
powered by 802.3at compliant POE. These units are certified for use with a variety of
specialized tri-feed, tri-polarized high gain antennas that eliminates the need for connecting
three antennas to enable MIMO technology. Hotport 7000 outdoor node come equipped with a
flexible mounting bracket for pole or wall mounting. HotPort 7000 is available in both single
radio and dual radio versions. The second radio is enabled through licensing.
HotView™ Pro
Hotview Pro is the management software that is available to manage the HotPort meshes,
Hotpoint access points, Hotswitch controllers and Hotclient CPE’s from one single point.
HotView Pro provides advanced management software that enables centralized control of
larger mesh environments and multiple mesh networks such as enterprise or metropolitan
networks. SNMP management is included to allow network administrators to integrate
management of HotPort mesh networks into a network management system such as HP
OpenView or IBM NetView. A web-based client provides connection to the HotView Pro Server
through a web browser, eliminating the need to run a separate client application.
Firetide: RFP Response Template
Firetide Technology Differentiators
Modes of Operation: Firetide mesh network built on dual radio mesh nodes can be configured
to operate in the following modes:

Bonded Mode: In the “bonded” mode, both radios are combined to operate as a single unit
that provides double the bandwidth of a single radio equivalent. This is ideal for
bandwidth-intensive application such as video surveillance, resulting in crystal clear video
images. This mode also provides a “fat pipe” for point to point wireless backhaul — for
example, to connect two mesh networks.

Linear Mode: In the “linear” mode, both radios operate independently enabling sustained
bandwidth levels over an unlimited number of hops. This enables long linear topologies,
such as when networking a railway line, and provides a sustained level of service to every
node, which is also critical for large municipal networks
Industry Leading Throughput

The bonded mode of operation in HotPort 7000 dual radio delivers up to 400 Mbps
throughput, which is the highest in the industry.

The linear mode of operation delivers 200 Mbps raw throughput sustained over multiple
hops.

HotPort 7000 single radio delivers up to 200 Mbps throughput.
Industry Leading Low Latency
The Firetide mesh network has the industry’s least latency of less than 1 msecs between
backhaul nodes in each hop. This makes it most suitable for applications such as real-time
voice and video applications.
Flow-based Routing Protocol
Firetide: RFP Response Template
AutoMesh™ is Firetide’s patented flow-based routing protocol, which provides a smart
mechanism to navigate through large scale mesh networks with minimal overhead. The
AutoMesh delivers outstanding mesh performance through the following capabilities:

manages network traffic

optimize mesh-wide performance and capacity

packet encapsulation

congestion control

quality of service

load balancing

cost-based bandwidth metrics

self-organizing and self-healing

static routes

broadcast containment (by rate limiting)
MeshBridge & EthernetDirect
The MeshBridge™ function enables multiple segments to operate as a single mesh spanning any
geographic distance over IP or wide area networks. This increases capacity by using different
radio spectrums and channels and scale existing networks with use of wired networks where
required.
EthernetDirect™ reduces mesh hop count by providing Ethernet connectivity between two mesh
nodes. AutoMesh protocol considers EthernetDirect and MeshBridge implementations in the
mesh while evaluation packet flow algorithms.
Backup Switching Capability
Firetide has pioneered a wireless backup switching capability, enabling the AutoMesh routing
protocol to recognize a failure in the wired backhaul beyond the first hop – for example, due to
a power outage or damaged fiber infrastructure. Firetide mesh intelligently reroutes traffic to
an alternate gateway node – the node that connects wireless mesh to the wired infrastructure –
Firetide: RFP Response Template
greatly increasing resiliency of the overall network. Without this capability, the wireless mesh
would be mindlessly blasting to the wired backhaul, unaware that the traffic would not reach
the final destination.
Enterprise Class Access Capabilities
Firetide HotView Pro is now embedded with a suite of policy management features, bringing
enterprise-class access capabilities to outdoor multi-user, multi-application networks, such as
for public access and public safety. The features enable network operators to manage and
configure access rights of client devices on the network by client type or traffic priority. The
operator can now assign allowable bandwidth to all clients on the fly – be it IP-based video
surveillance cameras, Wi-Fi enabled phones and laptops, or smart parking meters. This is
essential as networks grow and their applications proliferate, and is especially crucial when
first-responders require priority access to the network.
Enhanced Interference Management
The access layer in the Firetide solution is now built with enhanced interference management
capabilities. This allows the access network to automatically check for interference on various
channels and select the best available channel for the most reliable communications.
Bandwidth abuse prevention ensures malicious clients do not monopolize bandwidth and
provides fairness among clients accessing the network.
Firetide: RFP Response Template
Firetide: RFP Response Template
Unique Advantages of Firetide Mesh Network
High Performance Network
Firetide’s mesh architecture provides a high bandwidth low latency wireless backhaul network
ideally suited for triple play, time sensitive - video, voice and data applications. Each HotPort
node is hardware optimized for maximum performance.
In addition to providing fast transport between hops, each node also features an integrated
high-speed Ethernet switch for local line-rate switching up to 100 Mbps per port.
Rapid Network Deployment
Firetide mesh is self-forming and self-healing. The network shall self discover and form
instantly once powered up. Deployment is simplified and the need for extensive site-surveys is
reduced as HotPort nodes automatically create links and optimize traffic routes across the
mesh. Firetide mesh nodes operate seamlessly indoors and outdoors. A very secure and
reliable network could be set up within hours, instead of days and weeks at a much less cost.
This solution is much more effective than cable as it eliminates the need for extensive cable
plant planning, major infrastructure destruction and re-construction. Direct cabling would not
only cost more and take longer time to install, but also does not provide path diversity in case
there is a cable break (costing more to maintain and troubleshoot).
Firetide mesh enables customers to continue business operations and revenue during
deployment; maintains security; reduces the need for specialized technical resources.
Rapid Return on Investment
Firetide operates as a distributed multi-service Layer 2 mesh network. The network provides
high bandwidth and service quality for simultaneous voice, video, & data applications. Firetide
solution allows multiple applications and services to share the same wireless mesh
infrastructure dramatically reducing capital investment for municipal Wi-Fi, public safety, and
industrial networks.
Firetide: RFP Response Template
Firetide HotPort backhaul nodes provide Ethernet connectivity to the external world. The
backhaul nodes support virtually any Ethernet device including access points, video cameras,
VoIP telephones, computers, printers, and network servers.
The service provider can thus enable multiple network services to operate on the wireless
backbone.
Also Firetide’s modular architecture, where access and backhaul are physically different
entities, ensures that the customers pay only for what is needed specifically for their
deployment.
The ability to roll out high revenue services (like voice & video) very quickly on a Firetide
network at an overall lower Total Cost of Ownership makes the Firetide solution most
attractive for System Integrators and Service Providers alike.
Firetide: RFP Response Template
Scalability
The Firetide mesh architecture is scalable up to 1000 nodes across multiple locations. The
EthernetDirect™ and MeshBridge™ features to extend scalability using wired infrastructure too.
Multiple meshes can be interconnected across IP networks / WAN links. This results in effective
use of multiple radio channels (a scarce resource!) and increases overall capacity and
coverage.
The AutoMesh™ is a low-overhead flow-based protocol and hence the network performance is
retained even for a large metropolitan area mesh network. The ability to add access
points/other devices through simple Ethernet connections and the ability of the nodes for selfdiscovery mitigates the challenges of network expansion that are normally observed with wired
networks.
Easy Management
HotView™ mesh management software provides live monitoring and remote management of
Firetide mesh networks using an intuitive graphical user interface. The HotView software
provides complete access to all mesh and individual access point settings including security,
VLAN, traffic prioritization, radio power controls, and network gateway interconnects. The
HotView Pro management software enables fine-tuning of the mesh to optimize throughput and
scalability. In addition it provides secure day-to-day network monitoring and control.
Reliable Infrastructure
Firetide solution is built on the concept of mesh architecture. The mesh topology provides
several benefits:

Increases network reliability

Reduces vulnerability to a single point of failure

Provides fault tolerance through transport link redundancy

High resiliency due to self-healing nature of the network

Overcomes line-of-site issues associated with traditional RF or optical bridging solutions.
Firetide: RFP Response Template
Security
The Firetide solution provides a comprehensive multi-layer security. Each Firetide network
element in the portfolio is built in with advanced security parameters. Additionally when
integrated into the network, the mesh provides an additional layer of security.
Firetide security measures are listed below for both access layer and the backhaul layer.
Access Layer: Firetide HotClient & HotPoint nodes support a variety of security protocols,
enabling secure and reliable wireless networks for video, voice and data. The Firetide HotPoint
is designed to protect Wi-Fi clients connected to it from the security attacks from the wired
network. Most Wi-Fi clients provide bare minimal security features. The Firetide HotClient
customer device provides an increased level of security to end-users.
These features are:

Proxy-ARP

NAT

Radius Authentication

SSID Suppression

VLAN support

Digital Certificate on Nodes.

MAC Access Control Lists

802.11i, WPA2, AES
Backhaul Layer: HotPort nodes provide a filtering function that allows network managers to
specify which MAC addresses are permitted to operate on the mesh. The patented AutoMesh™
protocol prevents non-HotPort devices from participating on the mesh. Additionally, Firetide
provides an advance authentication feature where in the network administrator can assign
digital certificates to determine which HotPort nodes can form a part of the network.
Firetide provides an encryption mechanism where in packets are encrypted and decrypted
between every hop on the backhaul with minimal impact on either latency or bandwidth.
Firetide: RFP Response Template
Integrated Network Security: AES strong encryption ensures data is securely transported across
the mesh network, preserving data integrity and ensuring privacy. VLAN support enables traffic
to be separated into smaller groups and application specific LANs.
Compatibility
Firetide provides a distributed Ethernet switch-like infrastructure. The Layer 2 (Ethernet)
interface of the Firetide mesh brings full interoperability with all networking equipment
(routers, switches, access points) or network-connected devices (surveillance cameras,
printers, computers, and sensors etc.).
The HotClient customer premise equipment provides an Ethernet interface to client devices
like laptops, PCs etc and connects to the access network on IEEE 802.11b/g. The HotClient CPE
device can be configured to interoperate with non-Firetide access points too and is loaded with
features for effective bandwidth management and security.
The HotPoint access points provide the network interface for Wi-Fi clients and operate in IEEE
802.11b/g modes. Each HotPoint connects to the backhaul network on regular Ethernet
connection. The HotPoint can be connected to any backhaul network, Firetide HotPort or
otherwise.
HotPort nodes can directly support any Ethernet device including third-party access points,
while HotPoint access points can connect directly to a HotPort mesh node or to a wired port.
This flexibility enables customers to preserve their investment in existing network equipment
and infrastructure.
Wired Backbone Connectivity
Firetide HotPort nodes provide standard Ethernet connectivity to backbone network. Firetide is
among the very few mesh solutions which provides a Gateway server implementation. The
Gateway server provides an interface to the wired backbone network, is especially useful for
large scale metropolitan network where there could be multiple points of termination with the
wired backbone.
Firetide: RFP Response Template
Portable Infrastructure & Mobility Support
The wireless mesh capability of the Firetide architecture enables Ethernet connectivity to be
made available where it is most effectively needed. Ease of relocating nodes makes Firetide
mesh a perfect fit for temporary networks (e.g., tradeshows) and minimal budgets (e.g.,
education). The architecture enables an entire network infrastructure to be portable, further
reducing the total cost of ownership (TCO).
Entirely mobile infrastructure with negligible dropped packets and handoff delays providing
seamless network connectivity when used on moving vehicles. The architecture of mobile mesh
nodes enables wireless real time video, high-quality voice and data on moving vehicles.
Best Price-to-Performance
Firetide set new standard for wireless deployment economics by eliminating manual
provisioning, cable installation (e.g., permits, trenching required to lay fiber optic cable), and
the need for specialized expertise.
Wireless mesh networks can significantly reduce the labor costs and lead times of network
installation by eliminating a significant amount of backhaul cabling. However, these savings
will not be realized if the cost of the mesh hardware is too high or if too many nodes or
auxiliary devices are needed to build a reliable mesh. Firetide HotPort mesh networks provide
exceptional value with the lowest cost per node of any high capacity mesh solution.
Firetide: RFP Response Template
Firetide: RFP Response Template
Applications
Firetide reliable multi-service mesh networks are uniquely designed to support multiple
applications across a single mesh. While most mesh solutions are designed exclusively for Wi-Fi
access, HotPort mesh systems operate much like an Ethernet backbone to provide the
bandwidth, quality of service and low latency required to enable concurrent video, voice and
data applications.
Security and surveillance – A Firetide mesh network is ideal for enhancing safety and premises
surveillance. Video cameras can be installed where needed and real-time feeds delivered to a
central monitoring area over the Firetide network.
Mobility – Firetide’s state-of-the-art AutoMesh™ technology enable unsurpassed infrastructure
mobility with 24 ms handoff and no dropped packets between mobile and stationary mesh
nodes providing seamless network connectivity when used on moving vehicles.
Voice over IP – High throughput with low latency and traffic prioritization allow HotPort
wireless mesh to deliver the kind of quality of service needed for enterprise-class VoIP and
Voice over WLAN applications.
Wi-Fi Hot Spots and Hot Zones – The HotPort wireless mesh network provides a cost effective
and scalable indoor/outdoor backbone solution for public and private Hot Zones spanning large
facilities and campus environments, as well as Hot Regions spanning entire metropolitan or
rural areas.
Temporary networks – Firetide’s mesh solution enables you to quickly create, move or extend
a temporary network. The instantaneous nature of the HotPort wireless mesh solution is ideal
for disaster relief sites, conferences, public events, or construction sites.
Firetide: RFP Response Template
Fiber Backup – Firetide’s mesh solution has the capacity and reliability to be a backup for fiber
links. Firetide has patented technology to detect fiber failures and enable traffic switchover
via the wireless links.
Point to Point Applications – Firetide’s Hotport mesh solution provides industry leading
throughput numbers making it ideal to support high capacity point to point and point to multi
point backhaul needs.
Market Opportunities
Public Safety: A jurisdictional HotPort public safety mesh network can provide broadband
communications for both intra-agency and interoperable multi-agency needs, including mutual
aid among local/state police, SWAT, National Guard, fire, EMS, hospitals, mass transit, utilities
and others.
Municipalities: Flexible power options, traffic segmentation and prioritization, robust security,
incremental scalability and powerful management capabilities make HotPort mesh networks
ideally suited for public and private Wi-Fi access, video surveillance, and fiber replacement in
any community-wide network.
Cellular Backhaul – High capacity, low latency and industry leading QoS features make Firetide
solution ideal to handle the exploding demands of the cellular backhaul requirements. The
existing T1 type backhaul is acutely inadequate to handle the heavy demands posed by the new
smart phones in the market. Trenching new lines is an expensive solution. Firetide’s mesh
solution provides aggregate bandwidth of over 200+ Mbps which is higher than a OC3 fiber
connection.
Wireless Broadband Service: Service providers will be able to provide wireless broadband
service to their end customers. The HotClient CPE device, when complemented with the
HotPoint access point and HotPort backhaul, empowers the service provider to execute Service
Level Agreements for guaranteed bandwidth performance. This helps the service provider to
deploy customized high revenue services with assured performance, on a wireless platform
rapidly and enhance his RoI.
Public Access – With the explosive capacity improvement with Firetide 11n MIMO products
public access is a reality as there is network bandwidth to share the mesh infrastructure
between video surveillance and also public access be it free or with fee access.
Firetide: RFP Response Template
Warehousing and Industrial: Because large, open facilities are difficult to wire, the wireless
mesh is gaining ground in manufacturing plants, distribution centers, warehouses, storage
yards, truck terminals, sea ports and similar sites.
Hospitality: HotPort wireless mesh networks are widely deployed in hotels, resorts, airports,
bus and train terminals, convention centers, shopping malls, cruise ships, RV parks, truck stops,
marinas, and other public venues.
Education: Whether serving a single university campus or an entire school district, its many
cost-saving advantages make the HotPort wireless mesh ideal for the education market in
grades K-12 and beyond.
Healthcare: In addition to providing a backhaul for Wi-Fi access points that serve doctors and
nurses with voice, video and data communications, a wireless mesh can also provide “portable
Ethernet” access for networked medical equipment.
Firetide: RFP Response Template
Firetide: RFP Response Template
Firetide - Requirement Compliance Matrix
Hardware Configurations
Requirement
Firetide Response
The mesh nodes shall have both
indoor and outdoor configurations.
Comply. Firetide provides indoor and outdoor HotPort
mesh nodes and HotPoint access points.
The mesh nodes shall have support
for wireless backhaul and Wi-Fi
access.
Comply.
The mesh nodes will be
configurable for wireless backhaul
only.
Comply.
The system shall be rugged for
outdoor use.
Comply. The HotPort and HotPoint outdoor products are
designed with NEMA 4X/IP67 rated cast aluminum
housings. They have passed all of the dust and high
pressure water testing required for such environment.
The terminal shall support
optional surge suppression
protection.
Comply. Each outdoor unit has an in-line lightning surge
suppression protector on the RF antenna line.
Indoor units shall be plenum
rated.
Comply.
Interfaces
Requirement
Firetide Response
The mesh nodes shall support
multiple 1000BaseT Ethernet ports
Comply. Firetide outdoor mesh nodes provide three (3)
10/100/1000BaseT
Ethernet
switch
ports,
using
environmentally sealed connectors. Firetide indoor
wireless mesh nodes provide four (4) 10/100/1000BaseT
Ethernet switch ports, using RJ45 connectors and can be
powered by 802.3 at compliant POE injector.
The outdoor mesh nodes shall
support DC pass through on the
Ethernet connectors
Comply. The product is 802.3af compliant for DC power
injection to power any standard Ethernet device attached
to the product.
Firetide: RFP Response Template
The outdoor mesh nodes shall
support a 1000BaseT Ethernet port
for local field maintenance, RJ45
(or
other
stated
sealed
connector).
Comply. Firetide provides three (3) 10/100/1000BaseT
Ethernet switch ports, using environmentally sealed
connectors. Any one of the Ethernet ports on the Firetide
system can be used for field maintenance and also for
user data transport.
The mesh nodes shall support user
name and password security for
all Ethernet and serial interfaces.
Comply. The Firetide system requires user name and
password for Ethernet access to all functions on the mesh.
There are no serial interfaces on the system
The outdoor mesh nodes and
access points shall have weather
proof antenna connectors.
Comply. The outdoor HotPort mesh nodes include six (6) N
type connectors and the HotPoint APs include two (2) type
N connectors.
Radio configurations and frequencies
Requirement
Firetide Response
List the maximum output power
for outdoor mesh nodes and
access points.
400mW
List the maximum output power
for indoor mesh nodes and access
points.
400mW
List the receive sensitivity ranges
for outdoor mesh nodes and
access.
2.4 GHz, DSSS - 1 Mbps: -95 dBm; 11 Mbps: -88 dBm
2.4 GHz, OFDM - 6 Mbps: -90 dBm; 54 Mbps: -73 dBm
5 GHz - 6 Mbps: -90 dBm; 54 Mbps: -73 dBm
2.4 GHz MIMO – HT20 MCS0: -96 dBm; HT20 MCS7: -79 dBm
HT40 MCS0: -91dBm; HT40 MCS7: -76 dBm
5.0 GHz MIMO – HT20 MCS0: -94 dBm; HT20 MCS7: -77 dBm
HT40 MCS0: -90dBm; HT40 MCS7: -74 dBm
Firetide: RFP Response Template
Requirement
Firetide Response
List the maximum output power
for outdoor mesh nodes and
access points.
400mW
List the maximum output power
for indoor mesh nodes and access
points.
400mW
List the receive sensitivity ranges
for outdoor mesh nodes and
access.
2.4 GHz, DSSS - 1 Mbps: -95 dBm; 11 Mbps: -88 dBm
2.4 GHz, OFDM - 6 Mbps: -90 dBm; 54 Mbps: -73 dBm
5 GHz - 6 Mbps: -90 dBm; 54 Mbps: -73 dBm
2.4 GHz MIMO – HT20 MCS0: -96 dBm; HT20 MCS7: -79 dBm
HT40 MCS0: -91dBm; HT40 MCS7: -76 dBm
5.0 GHz MIMO – HT20 MCS0: -94 dBm; HT20 MCS7: -77 dBm
HT40 MCS0: -90dBm; HT40 MCS7: -74 dBm
The mesh node and access point
shall
support
configurable
channels plans.
Comply. Any channels can be selected within the legally
allowed spectral bands.
Vendor equipment shall provide
ability to eliminate weak radio
links in the network.
Comply.
Vendor equipment shall provide
support for multiple bands on the
same physical infrastructure.
Comply. Firetide 7000 series nodes support tri band
radios.
The wireless mesh node and
access point may use unlicensed
frequency bands other then 2.4
GHz.
Firetide mesh nodes are certified for operation in the 2.4
GHz and 5 GHz unlicensed and 4.9 GHz licensed frequency
bands. The access points operate in the 2.4 band and are
802.11b/g compliant.
The wireless mesh node may use
licensed frequency bands.
Comply. The product has been designed to allow future
integration of other licensed band radios. If desired, the
product could support this capability.
Firetide: RFP Response Template
Requirement
Firetide Response
List the maximum output power
for outdoor mesh nodes and
access points.
400mW
List the maximum output power
for indoor mesh nodes and access
points.
400mW
List the receive sensitivity ranges
for outdoor mesh nodes and
access.
2.4 GHz, DSSS - 1 Mbps: -95 dBm; 11 Mbps: -88 dBm
2.4 GHz, OFDM - 6 Mbps: -90 dBm; 54 Mbps: -73 dBm
5 GHz - 6 Mbps: -90 dBm; 54 Mbps: -73 dBm
2.4 GHz MIMO – HT20 MCS0: -96 dBm; HT20 MCS7: -79 dBm
HT40 MCS0: -91dBm; HT40 MCS7: -76 dBm
5.0 GHz MIMO – HT20 MCS0: -94 dBm; HT20 MCS7: -77 dBm
HT40 MCS0: -90dBm; HT40 MCS7: -74 dBm
The wireless mesh node and
access point shall support dynamic
frequency channel selection.
Comply.
The wireless mesh node and
access point shall support transmit
power control (TPC).
Comply.
Does the system include any other
radio configurations?
Firetide products operate in the 2.4G Hz DSSS, 2.4 GHz
OFDM, and 5 GHz OFDM spectral modes. Firetide products
are also available in the 4.9 GHz spectrum licensed by the
FCC for US public safety use only.
If the system only supports point
to multipoint, is mesh on road
map?
Firetide wireless mesh networks are designed to be
configured as a mesh backhaul configuration. Access and
backhaul
configurations
are
separated.
Access
functionality is provided by HotPoint 4000 series and
backhaul provided by HotPort 7000 series.
The wireless mesh nodes will
provide support for multi radios.
Comply. HotPort 7000 nodes come in single and dual
radio, indoor and outdoor models. This gives dedicated
multi radios for backhaul. The access nodes are single
Firetide: RFP Response Template
Requirement
Firetide Response
List the maximum output power
for outdoor mesh nodes and
access points.
400mW
List the maximum output power
for indoor mesh nodes and access
points.
400mW
List the receive sensitivity ranges
for outdoor mesh nodes and
access.
2.4 GHz, DSSS - 1 Mbps: -95 dBm; 11 Mbps: -88 dBm
2.4 GHz, OFDM - 6 Mbps: -90 dBm; 54 Mbps: -73 dBm
5 GHz - 6 Mbps: -90 dBm; 54 Mbps: -73 dBm
2.4 GHz MIMO – HT20 MCS0: -96 dBm; HT20 MCS7: -79 dBm
HT40 MCS0: -91dBm; HT40 MCS7: -76 dBm
5.0 GHz MIMO – HT20 MCS0: -94 dBm; HT20 MCS7: -77 dBm
HT40 MCS0: -90dBm; HT40 MCS7: -74 dBm
radio.
Vendor will have software control
over the multi radios to support
different
configurations
and
topologies.
Comply. Firetide supports two radio modes for the dual
radio backhaul – bonded and linear mode. In bonded
mode, the two radios work in tandem to provide higher
throughput. Both radios could be configured for any
frequency. In linear mode, auto channel assignment
algorithms assign channels to radios for optimal network
design. Manual overrides for radio control are also
possible.
Mesh System Parameters & Features
Requirement
The wireless mesh node shall
support a reliability of 99.95%
over a .4 km hop with an antenna
1ft or smaller.
Firetide Response
Comply. Firetide products support this requirement
depending upon the configuration and environmental
conditions.
Firetide: RFP Response Template
Requirement
Firetide Response
The wireless mesh node shall
support a data rate of 10 Mbps or
greater
over
single
hop
configuration.
Comply. Firetide products support up to 400 Mbps over a
single
hop
depending
upon
configuration
and
environmental conditions.
The wireless mesh node shall
support TCP/UDP data.
Comply. This is a fundamental part of the Firetide mesh
network architecture.
The wireless mesh node shall
support duplex mode.
Comply. This is a fundamental part of the Firetide mesh
network architecture.
The wireless mesh node shall
support a round trip link delay of
less than 20ms through each hop.
Comply. Firetide systems typically exhibit a per hop
latency less than 1 ms per node, making the total round
trip link latency of less than 2 ms through each hop but
performance
depends
upon
configuration
and
environmental conditions.
A mesh network shall self heal and
recover in less than 2.0 seconds.
Comply. This is a fundamental part of the Firetide mesh
network architecture.
Performance depends upon
configuration and environmental conditions.
The mesh network will maintain
and connections while moving at
speeds greater than 90 MPH (145
KPH).
Comply. Firetide mesh systems have been field tested
and support speeds up to 90 MPH.
The wireless mesh node shall
support auto discovery of other
system node points and paths.
Comply. This is a fundamental part of the Firetide mesh
network architecture.
The wireless mesh node shall have
the capability to distinguish
between radios that are part of its
network from radios that are not.
Comply. This is a fundamental part of the Firetide mesh
network architecture.
A mesh network shall support a
network of 8 or more sites?
Comply. The Firetide mesh network can scale to a size in
excess of 50 – 60 sites.
What is the maximum number of
nodes supported on a mesh?
Firetide supports up to 1000 nodes by interconnecting
multiple mesh networks or IP via MeshBridging.
The
mesh
network
will
interconnect to and route over
other IP networks, regardless of
media layer.
Comply. The Firetide mesh routing protocol enables
routing across any IP network, for seamless
interconnection of multiple mesh networks regardless of
geographic location.
Firetide: RFP Response Template
Requirement
Firetide Response
A mesh network shall have a
round trip delay of less than
100ms over 8 hops.
Comply. This is a fundamental part of the Firetide mesh
network architecture.
Performance depends upon
configuration and environmental conditions.
The wireless mesh node shall
support Forward Error Correction.
Comply. Firetide mesh networks support this requirement
through the mesh network.
The wireless mesh node shall
support bridging.
Comply.
The wireless mesh node shall
support
QOS
traffic
flow
prioritization
for
mesh
configurations.
Comply. Three levels of priority can be selected based on
mesh node Ethernet ports or 802.1p priority field values
on per-node basis. In addition the AutoMesh protocol,
static routes can be set up for a specific class of traffic.
Over-the-air QoS between AP and clients is supported by
802.11e, WMM.
The wireless mesh node shall
support
layer-2
and
be
transparent to layer-3 and above.
Comply. This is a fundamental part of the Firetide mesh
network architecture.
The wireless mesh node shall
support
secure
encryption
standards.
Firetide mesh nodes support 128 and 256-bit AES, 64/128
bit WEP, and 256-bit WPA2-PSK encryption keys.
The wireless mesh node shall
support bit level encryption and
authentication for data being
transported over the air.
Comply. Firetide supports 128 bit and 256 bit AES
encryption keys for all data transported over the air.
The wireless mesh node may
transmit traffic over multiple
paths at the same time.
Comply.
The system may support Best
Effort (BE) service.
Comply. Firetide mesh networks support this requirement
through the mesh network.
The wireless mesh node and
access point shall support VoIP.
Comply. Firetide mesh networks support 3 levels of CoS.
Typically one is used for video, one for VoIP and one for
data. In addition the access point supports over-the-air
QoS via 802.11e WMM.
The wireless mesh node shall
support real time video streams.
Comply. High throughput numbers help
equipment to support multiple video streams.
The wireless mesh node and
access point shall support VLAN.
Yes, this is a fundamental part of the Firetide product.
Firetide
Firetide: RFP Response Template
Requirement
Firetide Response
The wireless mesh node and
access point shall support DHCP.
Firetide mesh networks support this requirement through
the mesh network.
The wireless mesh node may
support loop back functionality at
different terminal sections.
Yes, this is a fundamental part of the Firetide product.
Firetide: RFP Response Template
Security Parameters & Features
Requirement
Firetide Response
The wireless mesh shall support
secure encryption standards.
Firetide mesh nodes support 128 and 256-bit AES, 64/128
bit WEP, and 256-bit WPA2-PSK encryption keys. In
addition the access point supports 802.11i, WPA2, and
RADIUS authentication.
The wireless mesh shall support
MAC address filtering
Comply. MAC address filtering and control is supported by
both mesh nodes and access points.
The wireless mesh shall support
SSID suppression
Comply. SSID encryption and suppression is supported by
both mesh nodes and access points.
The wireless mesh shall support
multiple VLANs
Comply. The HotPort mesh network includes support for
two types of Virtual LANs. The first type allows individual
ports on any HotPort node to be designated as belonging
to up to 16 VLANs. The second supports VLAN trunks that
are established externally to the mesh, such as those
determined by wireless LANs. All such packets are tagged
according to the IEEE 802.1Q standard as the VLAN traffic
enters and leaves the mesh. All the4096 VLAN’s are
supported in the mesh.
The wireless mesh shall support
VPN tunneling and filtering
Comply. VPN tunneling and filtering is supported by both
mesh nodes and access points.
The wireless mesh shall support
rogue AP detection
Comply. The Firetide access point provides rogue AP
detection.
The wireless mesh shall restrict
the ability of nodes connecting to
the mesh.
Comply. Firetide mesh nodes support digital certificates
which restrict mesh membership by requiring a digitallysigned certificate for each node connecting to the mesh.
The wireless mesh shall provide
secure management interfaces
Comply. Strict password control requires all users to use
passwords, and locks out users after unsuccessful login
attempts.
The wireless mesh nodes shall
support account lockout feature if
malicious users try to access the
network.
Comply.
The network supports secure
protocol
between
the
management
software
and
hardware.
Comply. SSL is used.
Firetide: RFP Response Template
Requirement
The wireless mesh nodes support
hardware encryption.
Firetide Response
Comply.
Firetide: RFP Response Template
Deployment and management
Requirement
Firetide Response
The wireless mesh node and
access point shall support in-band,
(on the payload side), fault
management.
Comply.
The wireless mesh node and
access point shall support in-band,
(on the payload side), remote
management.
Comply.
The wireless mesh node and
access point shall support SNMP v2
management
for
Northbound
interface.
Comply. SNMP V2 and V3 are supported.
The wireless mesh node and
access point shall support remote
provisioning.
Comply.
The wireless mesh shall support
automatic node recovery.
Comply. The Firetide mesh will find a lost node and bring
its configuration up to date.
The wireless mesh node and
access point shall support remote
software upgrade ability.
Comply.
The wireless mesh node and
access point will be protected
from unauthorized downloads.
Comply. Firmware upgrades are certificate-based
requiring nodes to accept firmware downloads only from
trusted and signed sources.
The wireless mesh node and
access point shall support telnet.
Comply.
The wireless mesh node and
access point shall support a HTTP
for management.
Comply.
The wireless mesh node and
access point shall support a client
server architecture that supports
multiple clients – quantity, type.
Comply.
Firetide: RFP Response Template
The wireless mesh node and
access point shall support fault
priority. (Critical, Major, Minor,
Management).
Comply.
The wireless mesh node shall
support faults for RF path.
Comply.
The wireless mesh node shall
support faults for each system
hardware section.
Comply.
The wireless mesh node shall
support threshold alarms for path
degradation.
Comply.
The wireless mesh node shall
support a minimum of three (3)
destination IP addresses for faults.
Comply.
The wireless mesh node and
access point shall have a LED
indicator for power on the
terminal.
Comply.
The wireless mesh node and
access point shall have a LED
indicator for Ethernet Link on the
terminal.
Comply.
The wireless mesh node shall have
a LED indicator for a RF Link on
the terminal.
Comply.
The wireless mesh node shall have
a LED indicator for a fault on the
terminal.
Comply.
The wireless mesh node and
access point shall support multilevel security access for users.
Comply.
The wireless mesh node may use
an element manager to manage
all the elements.
Comply. HotView Pro is an optional NMS system that
manages mesh node elements.
The system may support visual
path mapping on the node
manager.
Comply.
Firetide: RFP Response Template
Performance Management
Requirement
Firetide Response
The wireless mesh node shall
support
performance
management. (Example RSL, BER,
SER, unavailable time, alarm
events)
Firetide nodes (mesh & access) support alarms and events
that correspond to the activity on WiFi equipment.
The wireless mesh node shall send
the performance data to a
performance
tool
at
a
customizable time interval using a
FTP process.
Nodes send the statistics to HotView management
software and have a configurable time interval. The
product has been designed to allow support for
integration with other management software – SNMP,
HTTP.
Firetide: RFP Response Template
Standards
Requirement
Firetide Response
The wireless mesh node shall
comply with all Ethernet transport
standards.
Comply. This is a fundamental part of the mesh network
architecture.
The system shall comply with the
current IP standards including v6
extensions.
Comply. Firetide mesh network is transparent to the IP
layer and supports this feature fully.
The wireless mesh node may
support WI-MAX standards when
the chipset and testing facilities
are available.
The product has been designed to allow future support for
802.16 standards.
Physical Equipment Requirements
Requirement
Firetide Response
List the outdoor mesh node
dimensions with and without
antennas.
Dimensions: 11.6” X 8.1” X 4.1” (29.5 cm X 20.5 cm X 10.4
cm)
List the indoor mesh node and
access point dimensions with and
without antennas.
Mesh – Dimensions: 9.375” X 5.875” X 1.625”
(23.8 cm X 14.9 cm X 4.1 cm)
Access - Dimensions: 9.00 in x 5.84 in x 1.10 in
(22.9 cm x 14.8 cm x 2.8 cm)
The outdoor devices shall be pole
and/or wall mountable (with low
profile mounting).
Comply.
The indoor devices shall
ceiling, or wall mountable.
Comply. The indoor mesh nodes and access points can be
mounted in the plenum space above the ceiling, under the
ceiling or on a wall.
be
Firetide: RFP Response Template
Requirement
Firetide Response
The
mesh
node
shall
be
mountable in a moving vehicle.
Comply.
The devices shall have no visible
markings on the outside.
Yes, this is a fundamental part of the Firetide product.
The devices shall be able to be
repainted if necessary.
Yes, this is a fundamental part of the Firetide product.
The devices shape shall be
pleasing to the general public.
Yes, this is a fundamental part of the Firetide product.
The devices shall have a low
profile and not be very noticeable
on a pole or wall.
Yes, this is a fundamental part of the Firetide product.
List the calculated MTBF for each
product.
18 Months
Have Green design principles
(Design for Environment) been
used in the design of these
products? List.
ROHS & WEEE compliant.
The wireless mesh node may
comply with NEBS-3 certification
for environmental and electrical.
The product has not been tested for NEBS-3 compliance.
The hardware devices will have a
manufacturer warranty or 1 year
or greater.
HotPort mesh nodes and HotPoint access points all have a
1 year hardware warranty.
Power
Requirement
Firetide Response
The wireless mesh node shall
support 110VAC, 60Hz power.
All Firetide units support this (90 – 240 VAC, 50/60 Hz,
0.9A).
The wireless mesh node may
support additional –48VDC.
Yes, this is a fundamental part of the Firetide Instant
mesh network.
The
system
may
additional +24VDC.
Firetide supports up to +12VDC input.
support
Firetide: RFP Response Template
The outdoor mesh nodes will
provide power over an Ethernet
port via 802.3af PoE
Comply.
The outdoor access point shall
optionally be powered over the
Ethernet port by 802.3af PoE
Comply.
The outdoor mesh nodes will be
able to PoE two devices.
Comply.
The indoor mesh nodes shall be
powered by 802.3at compliant
device
Comply
Environment
Requirement
Firetide Response
The outdoor wireless mesh node
and access point shall meet or
exceed
the
operating
temperatures of -40ºF to 140ºF (40ºC to 60ºC).
Firetide products operate in the temperature range of 20ºC to 55ºC.
The wireless mesh node shall use
passive cooling.
Yes, this is a fundamental part of the Firetide product.
The system shall be self-heated.
Yes, this is a fundamental part of the Firetide product.
The wireless mesh node shall
meet 100% condensing humidity.
Yes, this is a fundamental part of the Firetide product.
The wireless mesh node shall be
able to keep out all elements at
high wind speeds (60miles/h,
100km/h).
Yes, this is a fundamental part of the Firetide product
The outdoor wireless mesh node
will comply
to
a
storage
temperature of -40ºF to 185ºF (40ºC to 85ºC).
Comply.
Firetide: RFP Response Template
Requirement
The outdoor nodes should be able
to operate at an altitude of 15000
feet (4600 meters).
Firetide Response
Comply.
Firetide: RFP Response Template
Antenna
Requirement
Firetide Response
The antennas shall have the
appearance of being part of the
outdoor radio enclosure or a
single unit.
Yes, this is a fundamental part of the Firetide product.
The antenna system shall have the
ability to be orientated in any
direction. With a wide vertical
beam width.
Yes, this is a fundamental part of the Firetide product.
The antenna system shall have the
ability to operate multiple paths.
Firetide mesh networks operate omni-directionally.
The system may use multiple
point-to-point antennas that are
fixed to the enclosure or have the
appearance of a single enclosure.
This feature is not required in Firetide mesh network
deployments.
The system may use multiple wide
beam sector antennas that are
fixed to the enclosure or have the
appearance of being one unit.
This feature is not required in Firetide mesh network
deployments.
The system may use omni
antennas that are fixed to the
enclosure or have the appearance
of being one unit.
Yes, this is a fundamental part of the Firetide product.
The three antenna elements
needed for MIMO operation be
integrated into a single panel so
that it looks like a single antenna
Yes, Firetide provides antennas which integrate three
antennas into a single panel.
Price Points
Requirement
The target pricing for a terminal
shall be comparable to a high
volume
readily
available
Firetide Response
Yes, this is a fundamental part of the Firetide product.
Firetide: RFP Response Template
product.
Firetide: RFP Response Template
Firetide Mesh Elements Technical Specifications
HotPort 7000 Series Mesh Node Specifications
Model
Second radio enabled through license.
Mesh Protocol
• Firetide AutoMesh™ Protocol
Security and Encryption
• 40 bit, 104 bit WEP keys
• 128 bit, 256 bit AES keys
(WPA2, end-to-end data)
• MAC address filtering
• Digitally signed firmware files
• Digital certificates on nodes
Traffic Prioritization
• Quality of Service (QoS 802.1p)
Wireless Interface
• IEEE 802.11a/b/g/h/n ad hoc
• 3X3 MIMO with 2 streams
• Transmit power up to 400 mW per stream
• Frequency ranges
2.412 – 2.483 GHz
4.94 – 4.99 GHz (US public safety band)
5.15 – 5.25 GHz
5.25 – 5.35 GHz
5.470 – 5.725 GHz
Firetide: RFP Response Template
5.725 – 5.825 GHz
• Receive sensitivity (typical)
2.4 GHz, DSSS
1 Mbps: -95 dBm
11 Mbps: -88 dBm
2.4 GHz, OFDM
6 Mbps: -90 dbm
54 Mbps: -73 dbm
HT20 MCS0: -96 dBm
HT20 MCS7: -79 dBm
HT40 MCS0: -91 dBm
HT40 MCS7: -76 dBm
5 GHz
6 Mbps: -90 dBm
54 Mbps: -73 dBm
HT20 MCS0: -94 dBm
HT20 MCS7: -77 dBm
HT40 MCS0: -90 dBm
HT40 MCS7: -74 dBm
• Ability to configure 5, 10, 20 and 40 MHz
Channel bandwidth
• Dynamic Frequency Selection (DFS)
• Transmit Power Control (TPC)
Mesh Management Software
• HotView Pro™ mesh management software
(Separate purchase required)
Mobility Controller Software
Firetide: RFP Response Template
• Firetide Mobility Controller client and infrastructure
Software (bundled with HotView Pro)
Regulatory Agency Certifications
• Contact your Firetide dealer for product availability and certifications for your country
• RoHS and WEEE compliant
Warranty
• Hardware: one year limited warranty
• Software: 90 days limited warranty
HotPort 7200 Series Outdoor Model Specifications
Network Ports
• Three GigE 10/100/1000 Mbps Ethernet ports with weatherproof connectors, LED activity
indicator
• IEEE 802.3, 802.3u compliant
• CSMA/CD 10/100 autosense
• Ports 2, 3 PSE Power over Ethernet per 802.3af
Enclosure
• Cast aluminum NEMA-4X/IP66 enclosure
• Two N-type antenna connectors
• One weatherproof power connector
• Three weatherproof Ethernet connectors
• System LEDs (power, status, mesh)
• Weight: 12 lbs (5.4 kg) with bracket and sunshield
• Dimensions: 11.6” X 8.1” X 4.1”
Power
• AC Input: 100–240 VAC, 50–60 Hz, 0.9 A
• DC Input: 12 VDC +/-15%, 5 A
• Ports 2 and 3: IEEE 802.3af compliant PoE (PSE), consumption
Environmental Specifications
• Operating temperature: -40°C to +60°C
• Storage temperature: -40°C to +85°C
• Humidity (non-condensing): 10% to 90%
• Storage humidity (non-condensing): 5% to 95%
• Maximum altitude 15,000 feet (4600 meters)
Included Accessories
• Antennas: two pairs, 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz,
5 dBi, omni directional (included for network staging only)
• Bracket for pole and wall mounting
• External AC power cord (non-North America power cord is separate orderable item)
• Removable sunshield
• One weatherized Ethernet transition cable with watertight RJ-45 coupling
Firetide: RFP Response Template
Optional Accessories
• Outdoor weatherized Ethernet cables, for use with HotPoint access points
• Luminaire photocell socket power
• Integrated 3 x 3 omni, directional & panel antennas (Please see Antenna Guide)
HotPort 7100 Series Indoor Model Specifications
Network Ports
• Four GigE 10/100/1000 Mbps Ethernet ports with LEDs
• IEEE 802.3, 802.3u compliant
• CSMA/CD 10/100 autosense
Enclosure
• System LEDs (power, status, mesh)
• Ethernet port LEDs (link, status, activity)
• Connectors: two antenna, one power, four
Ethernet (RJ-45)
• Reset button (recessed)
• Security slot for physical locking device
• Weight: 2 lb 14 oz (1.3 kg)
• Dimensions 9-3⁄8” X 5-7⁄8” X 1-5⁄8”
• Plenum-rated UL2043
Power
• DC Input: 12 VDC, 2.5 A
• External power supply: 100–240 VAC, 50/60 Hz
Environmental Specifications
• Operating temperature: 0°C to +60°C
• Storage temperature: -20°C to +70°C
• Humidity (non-condensing): 10% to 90%
• Storage humidity (non-condensing): 5% to 95%
• Maximum altitude 15,000 feet (4600 meters)
Included Accessories
• AC power adapter with cord (non-North America power cord is separate orderable item)
• Antennas: 2 pairs (3 each for each radio)
2.4 GHz and 5 GHz, 5 dBi, omni directional
Optional Accessories
• Wall or cubicle-mount bracket
• Integrated 3 x 3 omni, directional & panel antennas (Please see Antenna Guide)
Firetide: RFP Response Template
Firetide: RFP Response Template
HotView Mesh Management Software Specifications
Workstation Requirements
Hardware

CPU: min. 1 GHz Pentium 3 class or higher

Disk space: 50 MB

Memory: 256 MB

Network enabled

Internet connection (optional for remote access)
Supported Operating Systems

Windows 2000 professional, Server or Enterprise server

Windows Server 2003 Standard and Enterprise editions

Windows XP Home or Professional editions

Linux kernel 2.4 or later
Software

Java Run Time environment 1.5 or later for HotView user interface
Internet Explorer 6.0 or Firefox 1.0 for downloading updates
Radio Statistics

Link quality

RSSI

Noise

Input packets

Output packets
Firetide: RFP Response Template

Input bytes

Output bytes

Transmit errors

Receive errors

Retransmitted packets

Retransmitted failed packets

Dropped packets
Ethernet Statistics

Input packets

Output packets

Input bytes

Output bytes

Packet collisions

Receive errors