The Magnetic Mount Client Bridge (MMCB, model FCI-2600) is designed to provide vehicular access on any IEEE 802.11 wireless network. The MMCB allows multiple IP-networked devices on a vehicle to share a single wireless connection, while simultaneously improving the performance and reliability of the wireless link.
Often times, port operators have attempted to use either a PCMCIA wireless card or the wireless card internal to their vehicle-mounted computers, but the steel of the vehicle cab obstructs the RF signal and reduces network performance. Furthermore, that approach involves using fragile pigtail connectors, which are a constant source of reliability problems. By putting the entire wireless router along with the antennas in a robust, weatherproof enclosure outside the vehicle, the MMCB improves network reliability. The interface to the MMCB is a single Ethernet connection and the unit is powered directly from vehicle power – either 12V or 24V.
The MMCB also includes an embedded GPS device, which enables port operators to monitor the location of their vehicles as they move throughout the yard and map the wireless coverage.
The FCI-2600 features a high performance wireless router serving as the client bridge. It has an output power of up to 26 dBm – four times the output power of a typical laptop -- and has two internal omnidirectional antennas, each with 5.5 dBi of gain, that enable it to close much more challenging wireless links than most conventional laptops.
The South Carolina State Ports Authority (SCSPA) is the first to use Fidelity-Comtech’s MMCB. SCSPA has been testing the units operationally for more than three months and recently placed the first production order for the product. The port uses the MMCB to send and receive work orders to their mobile workforce in their hostlers and rubber tired gantries. Previously, the port had addressed the connectivity problem by purchasing individual components and configuring them into a home grown solution.
“Our equipment operators say that on a scale of 1-to-10, our wireless coverage for vehicle mounted computer tablets went from a 2 to an 8 or 9 with Fidelity-Comtech’s Mag Mount,” says Kevin Craft, SCSPA’s network administrator. “This is a huge win for our IT staff because the cost in man-hours for the configuration and maintenance of our home grown solution has been reduced significantly.” Additionally, he says, the MMCB has eliminated the burden of having to purchase and maintain components from multiple vendors for the home grown solution.
Craft further notes that SCSPA no longer has to worry about compatibility and upgrade issues with the tablet style computers used in its yard machines, hostlers, top lifters and trucks. “By placing Fidelity Comtech’s MMCB on the outside of the machines, we got a big improvement in the wireless coverage for our vehicle mounted tablet computers,” he says.
Another advantage of using the MMCB, in conjunction with Fidelity Comtech’s Phocus Array antenna system is technical support. “Fidelity Comtech’s support for their equipment is top-notch and knowing that I only need one contact for support issues can be critical in our business,” says Craft. “We are delighted about the performance of our Magnetic Mount Client Bridge at SCSPA, which speeds up their container handling and reduces their maintenance,” says Joe Carey, President of Fidelity Comtech.
“We are currently developing an option that will allow our customers to leverage the built in GPS to track mobile assets on the terminal in real time on a live map. The MMCB will not only improve the connectivity of the vehicle mounted client to the 802.11 b/g wireless network, but wi
