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Sunrise Technologies’ new BrownBetty system creates a mesh network for communications between ground-based sensor and control devices and the Internet.
By taking advantage of the existing streetlight infrastructure with its high elevation poles and clean line of sight, BrownBetty dramatically lowers the cost of backhaul communications while enabling applications that were previously not practical or affordable.
For utilities, these could include automatic meter reading, time-of-use metering, advanced metering infrastructure, remote water meter reading, remote electric meter disconnect, fault indication, distribution automation, and utility GPS mapping. Other applications include Homeland Security sensor monitoring, peak period load shedding, vehicle tracking, advanced parking meters, storm drain blockage monitoring, water flow monitoring, home/business heating oil tank monitoring, and bridge stress monitoring, among many others. [Yes, I added the emphasis]
The system gets its curious name from Brown Betty, the horse used by Paul Revere in his famous ride to alert the Minuteman in Lexington and Concord of the British Army’s approach.
Your streetlight will probably be able to tell the coppers if you peed behind a nearby bush.
Presumably, my geek peers here understand the separation between the capabilities of technology – and the use and abuse for political ends.
Looks like a product and easy installation that could be used for technologies like wi-fi. Also looks like a product that might be destined for utility by the reactionary creeps who infect so much of American culture.
What if… What if… What if…
That’s all I’m hearing.
Hey, guess what? Cell phone towers are pretty tall and are often connected to IP networks. They could be used by Homeland Security, too.
Or hey, guess what? Maybe the Statue of Liberty could be equipped with high-res cameras to monitor NYC. After all, the torch is closed to the public, right?
Boy, that’d be ironic, wouldn’t it?
Or maybe, just maybe, you’re paranoid.
But hey, just because you’re paranoid doesn’t mean they aren’t out to get you. Or are they…?
All your base are belong to us!
All your base are belong to us!
All your base are belong to us!
All your base are belong to us!
All your base are belong to us!
All your base are belong to us!
It’s a great capability but the trick is to keep it from the federal government. Good luck with that.
The Bush military regime ensures it’s all for our children’s safety.
Well, let’s look at how this company is trying to sell their shiny new product. Peep the emphasis added. No one at DU wrote the copy – just highlighted it.
Not certain where everyone lives; but, I’m here in the belly of the beast that has a government that craps on the Constitution and thinks anyone who doesn’t ask “how high” when some bluecoat says, “JUMP!” is a terrorist.
That ain’t paranoia. It’s self-preservation.
Na-Na_Nineteen Eighty Four. Or is that too obvious? Or over used?
To quote Willie Wonka:
“And what if my beard were made of green spinach?”
They aren’t already? I know they’ve been watching me until I figured out the secrets of the tin-foil hat.
The secret is to have enough money and friends in high places that the law doesn’t apply to you. You know … like a big campaign contributer or a political monkey (think Scooter Libby). Wink Wink Pardon Nudge Nudge.
i feel safer already
Everyone will be safe one day, after everybody is properly controlled “by all who know best.”
God Bless The United Police States of America.
Cough, pellet gun, Cough.
or
Screw driver, pop that little plate at the bottom, snip-snip. Problem solved.
#12 – Be sure and spill tea all over it also.
The electric compamy does somrthing on the light in the middle of my block at least once a month. The bulb aint burned out. But they go up and do something??? I was wondering about it before this story. Just because you’re paranoid doesn’t mean it aint real.
anything associated with that traitor Paul Revere has got to be evil
One if by land, two if by see …
Our town has this already. We have a wireless system set up in the whole city. They use the streetlights to put up the wifi antennas. We can go anywhere in the city to access the internet.
The city claims that they are using the system for fire/police/warning system too.
It’s already here.