14 DAY TRIAL // The racing game is all about engines, but starting from Sunday it will be about wireless technology too.
Cisco Systems announced that for the first time in the history of racing, teams will try to improve their performances, using technologies like wireless and Voice over IP.
At Indianapolis 500, Cisco Systems will keep Red Bull Cheever Racing team updated with precise data from two cars zipping around the 2.5-mile track at speeds of 219 mph. The system, which has been in testing since July, uses the company's Aironet 1100 and 1300 series access points, mobile access routers and 7920 wireless IP phones.
Red Bull Cheever Racing has two cars in the race: No. 51 Toyota-powered Dallara driven by Alex Barron; and No. 83 Toyota/Dallara driven by Patrick Carpentier. Both will use Cisco IP systems.
Cisco's equipment is rugged enough to handle vibrations and the heat of a race car, which means Cisco should be able to apply it in other similar environments such as the military and law enforcement, Eddie Cheever, the owner of Red Bull Cheever Racing team, says.
"Cisco is excited to be teaming with Red Bull Cheever Racing to bring this first-of-its-kind technology solution to the Indianapolis 500, the biggest spectator sporting event in the world," said Greg Akers, SVP and CTO of Cisco's Global Government Solutions Group. "By utilizing Cisco wireless and VoIP technology, Red Bull Cheever Racing can be more mobile, have real-time access to data, and finally, optimize its race car performance."