ITQ performed detailed analysis and assessment of telecommunications, telemetry capabilities, and command and control capabilities for Chicago Transit Authority (CTA). During this analysis, ITQ discovered key areas for improvement including command and control operations inefficiencies and fiber backbone single points of failure. ITQ provided conceptual improvements and recommendations that resulted in CTA allocations to fund both telecommunications re-engineering and a Command Center Contingency Management System.

ITQ staff performed lead engineering and project management for Sandia National Laboratories' new technology insertion/upgrade at Technical Test Areas 3 and 5. Tasks included design/build of a new Network Operations Center, a Command and Control Center, enhancements in instrumentation and control, software development including virtual reality test scenario and simulation capabilities, and design of voice, video and data telecommunications including wireless data acquisition delivery.

ITQ staff designed all of the high technology elements into Tenneco Corporation’s National Network Operations Center (NNOC) in Chicago. Tasks included design of the NNOC command and control and war room facilities, design of Main Distribution Frame (MDF) and Intermediate Distribution Frames (IDFs), layout of computer facilities, design/implementation of Network Management Systems and integration of command and control plus building management functions into the network management system.

When the IRS was under close technical scrutiny at the highest levels of government, ITQ personnel consolidated computing centers to improve IRS services. ITQ performed assessment/inventory of over 1200 wide area circuits, provided recommendations for consolidation of wide area resources, and developed circuit cutover plans for relocation of four sites into the 1.2 million square foot IRS National Computing Center. Tasks also included designing the Network Operations Center (NOC), two computer facilities, and relocating all computer and network resources to the new center during tax processing season, while incurring zero downtime. ITQ staff received the American Consulting Engineers Council “Engineering Excellence Award’ for these efforts in 1998.

ITQ personnel performed design, engineering and construction management of a new Computer Facility and Network Room at a 56-acre GE Aircraft Engine manufacturing plant. Tasks included conceptual data flow analysis for merging existing factory control systems into a pilot factory automation project, layout of all mini and mainframe computer systems, design and implementation of a new computer operations area, integration and technology upgrade of PLC, CNC and DNC factory machine systems into central control systems and overall project management for the factory automation effort.

ITQ developed a prototype wireless system for Credit Card Authorization. This system integrates a hand-held Point-of-Sale (POS) system with the Motorola CreataLink 2XT transceiver. Communications between the POS device and the Authorization Server occurs over the SkyTel 2-way paging infrastructure. ITQ designed the system and integrated all hardware and software components. Development tasks included:

• Communications Protocol Specification
• POS software interface
• System flash memory software embedded on the CreataLink board
• Application software for the Authorization server; Visual C++ language
• Design of a Network Operations Center (NOC) for centralized command and control of data communications between the credit card authorization entity and the POS device.

Under contract to the Northern Indiana Commuter Transportation District (NICTD) ITQ developed a fully ADA-compliant text and audio message system for the 14 passenger stations between South Bend, Indiana and Chicago. ITQ tasks included:

• Project management
• Specification design including fabrication, installation, test and acceptance of electronics signs
• Installation plan including integration with public address system

ITQ developed a wireless communications interface between a multi-media communications display device using the Motorola CreataLink 2XT transceiver. This system allows for wireless command and control for text, digital images, and video clips. These devices can be used in a wide variety of applications including hospitals, hotels, restaurants and bars, retail stores, and conference centers.ITQ designed and developed the software embedded in the CreataLink 2XT. The application supports continuous 2-way communications over a satellite-based system between the multimedia device and a Telemetry Server.

ITQ developed a fixed wireless solution for remote monitoring of a MIOX water treatment unit. This system allows for centralized monitoring of water treatment systems at disperse locations. ITQ developed the software embedded in the CreataLink 2XT and the interface with the water unit. The embedded application monitors operating parameters and warning alarms and communicates with the monitoring and control server over the SkyTel 2-way paging system.

ITQ developed a prototype wireless system for Credit Card Authorization. This system integrates a hand-held Point-of-Sale (POS) system with the Motorola CreataLink 2XT transceiver. Communications between the POS device and the Authorization Server occurs over the SkyTel 2-way paging infrastructure. ITQ designed the system and integrated all hardware and software components. Development tasks included:

• Integrating parking system telemetry devices into a data collection field unit
• Developing an RF spread spectrum-based transceiver to transmit data from field units to a central command and control server
• Developing the command and control application programs for parking system management functions

ITQ is evaluating telemetry technology for the development of a hazardous waste/chemical storage management command and control system. This system will integrate fixed wireless technology to hardened sensor and activation elements to provide cost savings and life safety enhancements.

ITQ worked with the City of Albuquerque to design the City’s Institutional Network (I-NET). This robust single-mode fiber network included 600 miles of fiber interconnecting over 300 sites in a 400 square mile area. Tasks also included analysis and planning of enhanced systems for use once the I-NET was in place. Additionally, ITQ served as the City’s analyst/consultant for telecommunications, including such activities as telecommunications carrier technical audits, cable franchise re-negotiation consultation, and other telecommunications activities.

ITQ personnel designed and built the 1200 square foot main distribution frame (MDF), 10 intermediate distribution frames (IDF), a 25,000-node copper and fiber network, and the local area network (LAN). Additionally, ITQ telecommunications engineers consolidated and optimized over 200 wide area circuits, and designed, oversaw construction and tested a 55-mile OC-12 fiber metropolitan area network (MAN).

ITQ staff performed design engineering and construction management of cable plant insertion for 48 buildings within the Sandia National Laboratories complex. The resultant network is a highly secure fiber-based infrastructure offering the highest network speed capability in existence. This network was recently utilized for Sandia’s throughput tests yielding terabit per second data rates.

ITQ staff members performed consolidation/enhancement of wide area circuits and design/build of a new fiber and copper cable distribution system to support the factory automation pilot at a 56-acre GE manufacturing facility.