AllComm Connect

Background

A busy regional airport had multiple airfield vehicle access drives controlled by electrically operated gates which could be accessed from callboxes outside each entrance. Regular users would enter a code at the callbox to open the gate. Visitors would select the tenant they were visiting from a digital list on the callbox, which would then call that tenant. The person answering the call could let the visitor in by pressing a code on their phone keypad. Upon a valid entry, the callbox would activate the gate operator to momentarily open the gate.

Challenges

The callboxes used analog phone lines to provide voice communication. Over time, the phone lines degraded from age, and calls were not reliable. Additionally, programming the callboxes required special software, and connectivity through a dial-up modem, which was quite cumbersome. Access codes were difficult to manage and even more difficult to control, as they were typically shared with others who were not authorized. Visibility to gate access and operational status required a physical visit for inspection.

Request

The airport manager contacted AllComm and asked if there were better solutions available for control and improved security. The answer was an emphatic “YES!” AllComm provided a solution that resolved the initial reliability and management issues, and a phased approach to improve their security position over the next few years, gate by gate.

Solutions

Phase 1 – To address the immediate need, AllComm replaced the aging call boxes with Algo Communication’s 8036 Touchscreen Video Intercom. These devices are IP based, with SIP capabilities for voice communications. The units were configured to present a simple menu on the touchscreen for gate access, allowing users to select Code Entry, or to see a directory with the tenant names on the screen. Visitors can touch the button with the tenant’s name to initiate the call. To eliminate the dependency on aging phone lines, AllComm provided a cellular router at each gate, which also established local Ethernet connectivity for the gate devices. With this connectivity, AllComm was then able to establish Voice communications through their hosted VoIP service, Cirracom. Calls to tenants could be sent to desk phones, cell phones, or both depending on time of day. With the video capabilities of the Algo intercom, some tenants use video capable desk phones to see the calling visitor. The combined cost of the cellular data and VoIP services provided by AllComm was less than the previous monthly cost of an analog phone line. The Algo 8036 intercoms are managed through their own web browser, accessible from anywhere using the secure VPN provided by AllComm.

Phase 2 – The following year, credential access and surveillance cameras were added to the gates to improve security, operation and visibility. AllComm provided the airport with Gallagher’s Command Centre access control system, hosted on their servers. Credential readers were installed in the housing with the Algo intercom and connected to single door controllers at the operator equipment. While the intercom can still be used for visitor access, the access codes were replaced by mobile credentials provided on user’s mobile devices. Tenants provided a list of their users who were then assigned mobile credentials by AllComm. Tenants then manage ongoing user changes through the Command Centre web portal. AllComm provides administrative services to support ongoing access management for the airport. The mobile credentials work wirelessly with the readers, allowing users to open the gate without even rolling down their windows. All access is recorded by gate, user, date and time to allow reporting as needed. A mobile management app allows the airport manager to see status of the gates, provide overrides for special events, and receive alarms for gate problems.

For visibility to gate activity, AllComm installed an Axis P3737-PLE 4-sensor camera at each gate. This provides the airport with views of landside access, airside drive, gate area, and gate operator equipment. Activity is recorded for review by the airport as needed. The Axis Camera Station Edge video management service provides a platform for the airport to see all cameras and select events for playback on either their mobile device or computer. This has been invaluable to the airport for reviewing activity, operation status, and environmental conditions at the gates.

With 10 gates fully controlled by this system, the airport has much greater control of security and operational visibility to their site. The airport manager states, “AllComm’s gate security solution has enhanced security and provides efficient authorized tenant access. The intercom screen is easy to read, all weather durable with an intuitive user interface and the mobile credential makes secure access for tenants a breeze”.

With its success, this solution has also been deployed at several other regional airports.