Recently the Florida Division of Emergency Management purchased nine of TracStar's "Emergency Deployable, Wide-Area, Remote Data Systems," or EDWARDS, to enable rapid emergency communications network deployments in areas stricken by hurricanes and other major disasters.
Each of the EDWARDS systems consists of a kit that includes a mobile satellite communications terminal, seven Firetide wireless mesh nodes, and a portable microwave link. When the kit arrives at an incident scene, an emergency team sets up the portable data network that can cover up to five miles. Rather than running miles of network cabling, the team simply places the wireless mesh nodes wherever network access is needed.
Upon power up, the nodes automatically link to each other wirelessly to form a mesh network that covers the entire area. Each mesh node has Ethernet ports that allow the team to connect field computers, Wi-Fi access points, video surveillance cameras, printers, IP telephone systems, or any other network devices required for the operation.
A link to the mobile satellite terminal provides the mesh with high speed Internet access, allowing the network to operate anywhere without relying on the availability of a land-based Internet connection. The link between the satellite terminal and the mesh network can be through a direct cable connection or portable microwave link. The microwave link allows a greater distance between the mesh network and the satellite receiver in situations when it may be too difficult or dangerous to transport traditional response units to the areas where the smaller and more portable mesh nodes are positioned.
"The EDWARDS package enhances the State of Florida's traditional two-way emergency radio communications, providing a wireless broadband network on site that greatly increases the effectiveness and safety of the emergency teams," said David Provencher, president of TracStar Systems. "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. They can also be used and reused in many different locations and situations thus increasing their value and cost effectiveness."
"Our multi-service mesh networks allow public safety agencies to quickly establish an enterprise-class network infrastructure cost effectively," said Bo Larsson, CEO of Firetide. "Quickly implementing a secure network at a disaster site with live cameras, phones, and computers provides a tremendous benefit for victims and responders alike. 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."
The Firetide mesh is available in unlicensed 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz spectrums or licensed 4.9 GHz spectrum. The TracStar mesh nodes operate on the 4.9 GHz spectrum which is licensed by the FCC for authorized public safety agencies. "The 4.9 GHz mesh is critical for maintaining a clear communications channel," said Chuck Hagan, of Florida's Division of Emergency Management. "It allows us to avoid interference from unlicensed band devices but allows other first responder agencies to communicate with us. This new capability adds to the wide array of permanent and mobile Interoperable Communications Systems already in place in the State of Florida for domestic security and all-hazard events."
