You know the saying, “when the going gets tough, the tough get going.” That’s exactly what first responders need to do in emergencies or developing events. They need to be able to act responsibly and quickly, streaming real-time, high-definition video to remote command and control centers, apprising them of situational awareness. In this way, those in charge can assess what’s happening and dispatch the right team, at the right time and on time.
However, you can only evoke such a quick response if you can guarantee the reliable, high-speed data communications that mission-critical HD multimedia applications require.
Land mobile radio systems such as Project 25 or Terrestrial Trunked Radio don’t cut it for wireless service delivery: They only support voice and low-bandwidth data, unsuitable for successfully coping with today’s homeland security threats.
The recent introduction of broadband public safety networks helps fill the gap, providing higher capacity with ultra-low latency to transmit huge amounts of HD multimedia data. The transition from the old LMR and TETRA networks is already underway, as law enforcement agencies gear up to handle any threat and situation. These transitions use various wireless access technologies, transported via wireless and fiber backhaul. LTE technology is also poised to deliver highly secured, top-quality service for public safety networks, and will require wireless backhaul that is highly optimized for LTE.
But upgrading networks to these broadband standards demands a reevaluation of the criteria for wireless backhaul infrastructures. Thus, when assessing and selecting a suitable wireless backhaul solution for your mission-critical network, you must ensure its readiness, and assess:
• Is it optimized for public safety’s stringent HD multimedia availability requirements? Any solution must allow traffic shaping and, above all, low latency for smooth transmission.
• Is it fast and simple to implement in situations when time is of the essence? Because, of course, you never know what type of conditions your first responders may encounter. That’s why they need access to a compact, high-powered solution that can be implemented anywhere. Quickly.
• You also cannot predict which frequencies are available in the specific area. You need to be sure you have the flexibility of a full set of interference-free frequencies, for quick operation.
• Can the solution provide a smooth transition from a voice-centric, TDM infrastructure, to a broadband IP network? Although not every network is ready, those wanting to migrate to the faster capabilities of a public-safety LTE network want to make sure the upgrade goes as smoothly and as hassle-free as possible. That can only happen if you work with a company with proven experience in such transitions.
• How secure is the solution? Wireless backhaul vendors may claim they are compliant with government-mandated public safety specifications and that they can secure your network, if only you use their solution.
But you really need to read the fine print. You need to be sure that full redundancies are available up and down the network, from power supply, to radio. After all, you don’t want to find out that your power supply backup isn’t available, or that your radio suddenly “blacked out,” and you lose communication when you need it most.
Does the solution meet your budgetary constraints? Let’s face it, at the end of the day, any solution must not only help reduce capital expenses, but enhance your operational efficiency.
Now, after having presented the challenges, the question remains: Is your public safety network tough enough to get going, when your going gets tough?
Tim Egan is the VP of Channels at wireless backhaul specialist Ceragon. Find out more about how to enable HD mission-critical multimedia for your public safety organization by visiting https://www.ceragon.com/solutions/item/464.
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