[September 19, 2006]

Florida Emergency Personnel Get Portable Wireless Communications Solution

By Erik Linask

Associate Editor,
Internet Telephony magazine

Advanced communications can, literally, mean the difference between life and death when it comes to emergency responders, who have traditionally been limited to voice communications. Still, even though advances in technology have added text messaging, video, and data transmission to the picture, many of the advances in wireless communications technology have yet to be fully leveraged in emergency applications. With Firetide, a developer of wireless mesh technology, public safety personnel can have advanced communications technology at their disposal, including broadband voice, video, and data.

With hurricane season upon us again — and with many still recovering from the effects of Katrina and Rita — TracStar Systems, a Florida-based company specializing in mobile broadband and satellite communications, is now using Firetide’s HotPort mesh technology as the foundation for the wireless infrastructure of its emergency preparedness systems. To enhance the communications process during this year’s storm season, the Florida Division of Emergency Management has purchased nine of TracStar’s (Emergency Deployable Wide Area Remote Data Systems (EDWARDS), which are designed to enable rapid emergency communications network deployments in areas stricken by hurricanes or other disasters.

EDWARDS systems comprise a mobile satellite communications terminal, seven Firetide wireless mesh nodes, and a portable microwave link. Upon arrival at an emergency scene, an emergency team quickly sets up the portable data network, which can cover up to five miles, by placing the wireless mesh nodes wherever network access is needed. No physical cabling is required. Once power is turned on, the nodes automatically link to each other to form a wireless mesh network covering the area. Ethernet ports on the nodes allow for connection of field computers, WiFi (News - Alert) access points, video equipment, printers, IP phones, or any other network devices.

“Because the systems are so portable, they can also be ready and waiting for immediate deployment as soon as it is physically safe to do so,” said David Provencher, president of TracStar Systems. “They can also be used and reused in many different locations and situations, thus increasing their value and cost effectiveness.”

Importantly, though it is available in unlicensed 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz spectrums as well, for emergency response teams, FireTide’s equipment operates in the licensed 4.0 GHz spectrum designated for public safety agency use by the FCC (News - Alert). This means that emergency communications will not be disrupted by other devices and will enable clear, consistent communications between field response teams and headquarters.

“Quickly implementing a secure network at a disaster site with live cameras, phones, and computers provides a tremendous benefit for victims and responders alike,” said Bo Larsson, CEO of Firetide. “This allows emergency management to perform search and rescue missions, make rapid and accurate damage assessments, and provide critical phone and Internet infrastructure to emergency responders when traditional communications means are lost.”

While emergency responders in the Gulf Region will not be able to ward off hurricane and tropical storms, they will at least have the advantage of advanced communications technology. With the FireTide/TracStar combination, emergency responders will have available not only telephony, but also video and data capabilities to even further increase their ability to quickly and effectively respond to emergency situations — in any type of emergency situation.

Erik Linask is Associate Editor of INTERNET TELEPHONY. Most recently, he was Managing Editor at Global Custodian, an international securities services publication. To see more of his articles, please visit Erik Linask’s columnist page.

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