Cellular connectivity improves ANPR systems
ANPR is used for time-critical crime detection and traffic enforcement. We’ve helped police forces and public sector organisations transition towards cellular connectivity to lower costs, improve connectivity and keep data secure.
The importance of connectivity for ANPR
Police forces and other public sector organisations rely on ANPR to help in criminal investigations and traffic enforcement. It helps police forces to detect, deter and disrupt crime at all levels – from local to national.
Because the technology is used for time-critical issues including detection and disruption of criminality, quick and reliable connection is paramount to relay information about vehicles back to system operators.
While fixed line infrastructure is usually the default method of connectivity for ANPR, more and more public sector organisations are beginning to turn to cellular connectivity, either to replace a fixed line, for locations where a fixed line is not available or as a back-up.
Why are ANPR solution providers turning to cellular connectivity?
Within public sector agendas, security, cost management and resilience are all top priorities. Through network agnostic IoT connectivity providers, authorities and solution providers are able to easily implement fit-for purpose camera connectivity solutions. Being able to select the best network for each location (and even in-vehicle cameras), but manage under a across a single, safe, cost-effective platform is essential.
Although fixed line infrastructure is available along major highways, in other locations it can be expensive and time consuming to deliver. Cellular connectivity, on the other hand, can be deployed in a matter of days, rather than months, and for a fraction of the cost. This makes cellular an attractive alternative or backup to a fixed line, minimising the risk of down time.
Lastly, security is a critical factor for ANPR technology. The high level of responsibility that police forces have when it comes to handling public data, means that the secure transmission of data is a top priority for ANPR. Cellular solutions are able to offer private network infrastructure, such as VPNs and direct interconnects, to help layer security for devices, networks, and data transfer.
Finding partners that follow the guidance issued by the National Cyber Security Center (NCSC) is always best practice, but typically, partnering with an organisation that holds an ISO21001 certification will go a long way to ensuring the security of an ANPR system.
Case Study: West Midlands Police
The UK’s second largest police force, West Midlands Police were operating an estate of ANPR cameras – both in-vehicle and fixed sites. Having adopted an ‘off the shelf’ MNO solution as part of an existing voice-focused framework agreement, the structure set in place was far from efficient; individual VPN tunnels to each device that required complex management to achieve the links in, plus the termination of data directly into their internal network – something that from a data security perspective was unsatisfactory. In essence, the force was utilising an adapted mobile solution with high latency levels.
Wireless Logic delivered a complete end-to-end cellular solution without the need for West Midlands Police to enlist a number of specialist companies as part of the supply chain. With security, resilience and cost management all high on the agenda within public sector applications, this project illustrates how, with consideration, authorities can implement fit-for-purpose camera connectivity solutions, consolidated across a tailored, safe and cost-effective platform.
Our IoT connectivity experts can get you connected within days with secure 4G connectivity that meets the needs of your deployment and each ANPR camera location.
Any network, any number of deployments, all under a single platform and bill through SIMPro
The right hardware
Sector-leading 4G Routers – pre-configured, ready to go with expert technical support
Lower Costs
Avoid major investment in fixed infrastructure with flexible cellular solutions
Secure data transfer
Static Private IPs, VPN solutions and direct physical interconnects available
Security Standards
ISO27001 accredited and following National Cyber Security Centre guidance
Your next step…
For more information on 4G connectivity for ANPR,
talk to our specialist Transport & Logistics team about your connectivity needs
Call us on 0330 056 3300