There are several instances in the day when workers in the city's engineering and streets and parks departments need to access computer-aided design (CAD) drawings for locates, etc. Prior to the deployment of the mobile mesh network, they had to make several trips to the office in order to access maps and drawings or in order to collaborate with other staff members and to check duty assignments. They will now have real-time wireless access to the most recent drawings and calendars. They will also have the ability to share information and collaborate with colleagues spread across the city.
The city of Buffalo Police Department will be able to lookup driving records and file reports while still in their squad cars over the network.
The fire department will be able to access CAD information on any structure in the community before they enter the building. Their mobile wireless connection will also enable them to determine the presence of known hazardous materials at a location, as well as the building owner's name and telephone number.
Implementation of the network is expected to begin in September 2004, and the network will be fully operational before the end of the year.
The network will consist of a MeshNetworks Enabled Architecture (MEA(R)) solution, which will provide the network coverage, throughput and management system, and NetMotion Wireless Mobility XE to provide the security and Policy Management.
MEA wireless devices are strategically placed throughout the city to ensure sufficient coverage, and network throughput. Unlike competing technologies, the MEA network also offers 3-D position, location and tracking capabilities without the use of GPS Satellites. Its ability to support high-speed handoffs between access points enables seamless broadband connectivity at speeds of over 100mph throughout the city. Self-forming, self-healing wireless routing eliminates single points of failure and provides first responders with multiple connection paths. Should one connection fail, redirection of data, voice and video across the network occurs immediately and automatically.
NetMotion Wireless Mobility XE will provide the security for access to confidential data from national and state crime information databases as well as local city databases. NetMotion Mobility enhances security by providing security levels with government-strength, standards-based authentication, including support for RADIUS, Active Directory, as well as VPN-level encryption with AES, 3DES, or DES.
Email is the backbone of communication within the city of Buffalo. The mobile wireless system will enable communication along all levels of business and allow transparent (at the office or in the truck) and real time communications throughout the city enterprise. Virtually all departments will be using the mobile broadband network including police, fire, parks, streets, electric, water, wastewater, and engineering. The system will also be integrated with the city's wireless Internet service.
Workers in the field will have access to the information stored on the LAN and the Email server, as well as access to all Web based applications and databases while they are servicing a house meter, water service, doing a locate of a fiber optic line, or sending in a police report.
