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Customer Success Story

East End District Part I
Coffee Plant & Ironworks — Houston, TX

How Altowav 60GHz radios and advanced video analytics are transforming road and rail safety in one of Houston's most historically complex neighborhoods.

Integrator Teksys, Inc.
Customer East End District
Location Houston, TX, USA
Products 10× K60 60GHz Radios
Solution Security & Smart City

Located in Houston's dynamic Second Ward, the East End District is a historically rich and evolving neighborhood where industrial roots are gradually giving way to growing residential development.

With a mission to promote public safety, mobility, and quality of life, the East End District undertakes major capital improvements across its 16-square-mile footprint. Supported by commercial property assessments and grants, the District leads initiatives such as graffiti abatement, road maintenance, and traffic safety programs.

In early 2025, in collaboration with Teksys, Inc., the East End District launched a groundbreaking deployment of Altowav wireless technology with Bosch and Genetec video analytic cameras to advance its Road & Rail Safety Program, starting with the Coffee Plant and Ironworks corridor.

The Challenge

Industrial heritage meets modern safety demands

The East End community faces a complex blend of safety and mobility issues tied to its industrial heritage. The convergence of freight rail lines, commercial traffic, and increasing residential development has created a hazardous environment for pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers alike. The area's outdated infrastructure — originally designed for manufacturing and freight access — offers minimal accommodation for modern neighborhood life. Limited sightlines at intersections, insufficient pedestrian pathways, and aging railroad infrastructure contribute to serious risks.

These concerns were amplified by several high-profile incidents, including a fatal train collision involving a local student and repeated episodes of vandalism, fire, and traffic congestion.

One of the core challenges in deploying a new safety system was the lack of existing network infrastructure. There were no backhaul locations at the targeted intersections, making traditional fiber installations both impractical and cost-prohibitive. Additionally, the urban environment presented technical obstacles such as heavy RF congestion — due to nearby commercial activity, residential use, and the METRO Light Rail system — and physical obstructions that threatened wireless signal integrity.

The Solution

10 K60 radios delivering interference-free backhaul in a congested RF environment

Teksys, a trusted security and wireless network systems integrator, collaborated with longtime Altowav advisors to design a wireless solution capable of meeting the District's technical and environmental demands. The 10 60GHz Altowav K60 radios were selected for their high bandwidth capacity, ultra-low latency, and immunity to interference in congested RF environments. Their compact form factor and ease of installation made them ideal for mounting in tight urban spaces.

"Altowav has been an exceptional partner throughout every phase of this project. From the initial design to ongoing technical support, their team demonstrated deep expertise, responsiveness, and a genuine commitment to our success. Their wireless solution not only met but exceeded our performance expectations in a complex urban environment."

David Madrigal, CEO, Teksys, Inc.

An Intelligent Solution

Advanced analytics cameras powered by K60 wireless backhaul

The deployment included 10 Altowav K60 radios supporting a combination of advanced analytic cameras:

  • Bosch® FLEXIDOME® multi 7000i IR 20MP camera (1 unit)
  • Bosch DINION® 7100i IR Bullet 4MP HDR X camera (4 units)
  • Genetec® AutoVu® Cloudrunner™ CR-H2 ALPR camera (2 units)

These devices feed into a Genetec Security Center platform, providing real-time video monitoring, traffic analytics, and actionable data. Bosch IVA Pro Traffic analytics enhance situational awareness by tracking pedestrian and vehicle behavior, while the Altowav wireless links deliver seamless backhaul without the need for fiber installation.

Altowav K60 Bridge Kit

K60 Bridge Kit

60GHz Point-to-Point

K60 radio and dome camera on utility pole K60 radio and Bosch camera on pole Teksys technician installing K60 from bucket truck K60 installation at East End intersection
East End District Coffee Plant and Ironworks network map

The Result

Suspect identified within the first week of activation

The network went live in March 2025 after a three-month deployment. Within the first week of activation, the system successfully helped identify a suspect responsible for vandalizing the historic Ironworks facility. It has since proven instrumental in alerting first responders to incidents as they occur and has significantly improved emergency response coordination by providing live traffic and rail condition data.

"Altowav is supporting two technology deployments in neighborhoods that are part of larger programs… One is primarily to validate a crime is occurring or has occurred. The flexibility of the Altowav system is allowing both the city and the District to measure how functional requirements can be met."

Jack Hanagriff, Manager, Road and Rail Safety Program, East End District

Beyond security, the network provides ongoing insights into pedestrian, vehicle, and rail patterns — informing future urban planning and infrastructure projects. The East End District now has a powerful tool to support its mission of fostering a safer, more connected community.

Notable Recognition

Federal funding and national media coverage

The project gained local and national attention as part of a broader initiative funded by a $2 million grant from the Federal Railroad Administration. The East End Triangle R.A.I.L.S. Plan aims to improve safety across 14 high-risk rail crossings in the area. Coverage from Fox 26 Houston, KHOU 11, and Click2Houston, as well as mentions in Congressional updates, underscored the community impact and urgency of this initiative — especially following the tragic death of a Milby High School student.

Future Plans

Expanding to Navigation Blvd Esplanade

Encouraged by the performance and simplicity of the Altowav solution, the East End District is already planning the next phase of deployment along the Navigation Blvd Esplanade. The successful integration of Bosch cameras and Altowav radios not only delivered immediate security benefits but also set a precedent for expanding smart infrastructure throughout the District. With scalable wireless technology and real-time analytics, the East End District is paving the way for safer streets and stronger communities.

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