Ever wanted to talk non-stop with your loved one without any drop in connectivity? Ever wondered how wonderful it would be to sit in the garden outside your apartment and log on to the web without the hassle of miles of cables and an extension device? Apartment owners in Bangalore’s Diamond District residential complex are doing just that, tapping seamless connectivity thanks to a wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi) mesh alpha network deployed by Cisco.

The complex consists of 917 apartments over 14.5 acres. The mesh architecture ensures free broadband internet access via Wi-Fi enabled devices like laptops or PDAs from any point. About 20 access points at regular intervals pick up the signal from the devices. Says Sanjay Malpani, engineering manager, WNBU, Global Development Centre, Cisco, “The best aspect is there is absolutely no fear of being cut off. Residents are slowly realising the things they can do with such a network. Surveillance systems within this network can be honed to benefit the consumer.”

It’s now possible to install multiple video surveillance systems across the campus and stream videos into individual apartments to screen visitors. Adds Sanjay, “another application is location tracking. For instance, cars can be fitted with Radio Frequency Identification (RFID), tags that would help the gatekeeper distinguish between vehicles owned by apartment owners and guests.”

Source: TimesOfIndia