Antaira Managed Switches Bring Advanced Connectivity to Anti-Drone System 

Digital 3D Shield Protects Restricted Airfield from Rogue Drones 

LAS VEGAS, NV, DECEMBER 18, 2024 — Antaira has partnered with a Utah-based airspace security and defense company to help implement a digital 3D protective shield to counter illegal entry by drones into a restricted airfield. Because connectivity was critical to the system’s responsiveness, Antaira managed Ethernet switches were deployed inside multiple tall pillars surrounding the protected airspace. The switches link together dozens of IP video surveillance cameras, computers, and drone detection radar systems to the airport’s central control station. 

Drone Dangers 

Drone safety has come to the forefront of the public’s attention following weeks-long sightings of low-flying drone-like objects in the night skies of New Jersey and other nearby states. 

Drones can be dangerous, from privacy violations and smuggling contraband, to colliding with aircraft and injuring people on the ground when the operator loses control. Large or small, drones pose a significant risk. For instance, if a drone is sucked into a jet engine, it has the potential to cause far more damage than a bird strike since it is constructed of sturdy plastics and metals, plus contains high-capacity batteries. Even if the drone doesn’t get into an engine, a high-speed physical collision can cause significant damage to a plane’s body or windshield. Another threat is radio frequency interference from drones. If this happens, pilots can lose control of the plane.

Creating Protective 3D Shields

Using a combination of radar and high-resolution video, the Utah airport’s 3D shield is designed to act as a countermeasure that detects unauthorized or “flyaway” drones that enter the perimeters of the restricted airspace. Once detected, the shield alerts security personnel of the breach, and then automatically launches a protective “net drone” that will chase down, catch, and retrieve rogue drones using a large net. This approach means the rogue drone isn’t going to crash down on any bystanders on the ground. Plus, because a drone captured in a net isn’t typically damaged, airport security can possibly identify its operator. 

During a six month bidding process, Antaira provided the system integrator with multiple switches of varying sizes and port counts until the integrator settled on the LMX-1202G-SFP-T 12-port managed Ethernet switch. Besides the high port count to connect the system’s embedded computers, radar management systems, and cameras, the LMX-1202G-SFP-T is compact, DIN-rail mountable, and offers the convenience of 30W PoE in eight of its 12 ports to power connected devices. Importantly, it is industrial hardened to withstand extreme shock and vibration, plus it can be safely located outdoors in an enclosure. An extended operating temperature range of -40°C to 75°C and hardened IP30 engineering makes the switch the perfect solution to operate in an outdoor airfield.

The LMX-1202G-SFP-T permitted a ring network to be configured by the system integrator, so the switches could communicate with each other, as well as with the other devices on the pillars. It also lets airport security remotely access the switches for updates.

Learn more at www.antaira.com.

About Antaira Technologies

Antaira Technologies is a leading developer and manufacturer that provides high-quality industrial networking and communication product solutions. Since 2005, Antaira has offered a full spectrum of product lines that feature reliable Ethernet infrastructures, extended temperature tolerance, and rugged enclosure designs. Our product lines range from industrial Ethernet switches, industrial wireless devices, Ethernet media converters, and serial communication devices. Our vast professional experience allows us to deploy a wide array of products worldwide in mission-critical applications across various markets, such as, automation, transportation, security, oil & gas, power/utility, and medical. Antaira is ISO9001 certified. Learn more at antaira.com