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Gate Nodes Architecture

Hardware per Gate:​

  1. Intel NUC (Primary Application Server)

    • Intel NUC 11/12 (~$250-350)
    • 16GB RAM, 512GB NVMe SSD
    • Runs PostgreSQL + Python + React PWA
    • Ubuntu Server 22.04 LTS
    • Hourly backup to NAS

  2. NAS (Backup & Storage)

    • 4-bay Synology/QNAP (~$700)
    • 2x 2TB drives in RAID 1 (~$150)
    • Receives PostgreSQL backups
    • Historical data archive
    • Daily snapshots

  3. WiFi Access Point

    • Outdoor AP (~$150-200)
    • TP-Link EAP or Ubiquiti
    • Plugs into NUC or switch

  4. Staff Devices

    • Desktop PC (~$300-400)
      • Connects via ethernet/WiFi to NUC
      • Primary workstation
    • Tablet (~$200)
      • Mobile use, connects via WiFi
      • Both access React PWA

  5. Network Switch (if needed)

    • 5-8 port gigabit (~$30-50)
    • Connects NUC, NAS, AP, PC

  6. Power Backup

    • UPS 1000VA (~$150-200)
    • Powers NUC + NAS + Switch 2-4 hours

  7. Accessories

    • Barcode/QR Scanner (~$50-100)
    • Ethernet cables (~$20)
    • USB drives for offline backup (~$30)

Network Topology:​

Software Stack:​

  • OS: Ubuntu Server 22.04 LTS (NUC), Linux (NAS)
  • Database: PostgreSQL 15+
  • Backend: Python 3.10+ (FastAPI/Django)
  • Frontend: React 18+ PWA (offline-first)
  • Sync: Custom HTTP API between gates
  • Backup: pg_dump + rsync to NAS

Data Flow:​

Live Operations:

  • All queries hit NUC's local PostgreSQL (fast NVMe)
  • React PWA served from NUC
  • Staff devices connect via WiFi/ethernet

Backup Flow:

  • Hourly: PostgreSQL → pg_dump → NAS
  • Daily: Full NAS snapshot
  • Weekly: Encrypted USB backup to safe

Sync Flow:

  • NUC syncs with other gates (when online)
  • Small payloads (10-50KB)
  • Works over 2G

Redundancy Layers:​

  1. Local SSD - Fast live data on NUC
  2. NAS RAID 1 - Hourly backups, survives disk failure
  3. Daily Snapshots - Point-in-time recovery on NAS
  4. Weekly USB - Offline disaster recovery
  5. UPS - Power failure protection

Operations (Offline Capable):​

  • ✅ Scan/verify permits
  • ✅ Register visitors
  • ✅ Log vehicles
  • ✅ Check IDs
  • ✅ Generate reports

Cost Breakdown Per Gate:​

ItemCost
Intel NUC (16GB, 512GB NVMe)$300
NAS 4-bay$700
2x 2TB HDD (RAID 1)$150
WiFi Access Point$175
Desktop PC$350
Tablet$200
Network Switch$40
UPS 1000VA$175
Barcode Scanner$75
Cables & USB drives$50
SUBTOTAL PER GATE$2,215

Total Project Cost:​

9 Gates × 2,215= 2,215 = ~20,000 hardware

Additional:

  • Spare NUC (2 units at Old HQ): $600
  • Spare parts buffer (10%): $2,000
  • TOTAL HARDWARE: ~$22,600

What this archtecture brings on the table​

Current Pain Points (Cost of NOT fixing):

  • Manual processes = slower throughput
  • Paper records = data loss risk
  • Visitor frustration = reputation damage
  • Revenue leakage from manual errors

Benefits of New System:

  • Reliable offline operations
  • Faster visitor processing
  • Accurate capacity management
  • Data integrity and security
  • Professional visitor experience