Rapid deployment of 4.9 GHz devices.

Communications is quite literally mission-critical for law enforcement agencies, fire departments, emergency medical service providers and other public safety organizations. In the past, first responders were limited to voice communications with each other and with command and control. The result was a potentially dangerous lack of situational awareness. More recently, the available options have expanded to narrowband data, text messaging, satellite video and other forms of communications. The many commercial advances in broadband wireless networking, however, have yet to be leveraged in public safety communications. But that is all about to change: The advent of licensing in the 4.9 GHz spectrum for the exclusive use of public safety agencies is certain to bring about the kind of breakthrough communications capabilities that are long overdue.

Metropolitan wide infrastructure that does not require installing cable/fiber into road systems or buildings.

Mesh networks can be deployed throughout an entire jurisdiction to provide broadband wireless communications on a routine, daily basis, or to supply a backhaul link to an on-scene incident response network. Designed for maximum performance, scalability and ease of use, the wireless mesh creates an overlay network that can cover all or just a critical portion of any jurisdiction - from a small town to an entire county. Multiple mesh networks can be inter-connected temporarily or permanently where greater coverage is required, potentially linking multiple agencies and/or jurisdictions in a mutual aid situation.

Maximum compatibility with commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) systems, including digital video surveillance cameras or access points, or for interfacing with other networks. Up to 70 Mbps of throughput, combined with traffic prioritization and other traffic management features, enables the MetroTech Net mesh networks to support concurrent data and video/voice over IP (VoIP) multimedia communications.

Operational Benefits:

• Remote access to centralized servers containing maps, national and local crime databases, motor vehicle registrations, hazardous material data, building blueprints, procedures, checklists, contact directories, rosters, skill set information, reports, etc.
• Video surveillance and recording with stationary or roving digital cameras.
• Multimedia Instant Messaging to units in the field.
• Broadcast of alerts and bulletins to precincts/stations and first responders.
• On-line record retention to aid in filing reports or for planning purposes.
• Backhaul communications between first responders on the scene and headquarters for enhanced situational awareness.

The MetroTech Net wireless mesh network is ideal for enhancing public safety with around-the-clock video surveillance.  Digital video cameras can be installed wherever needed.  The multiple real-time video feeds are then delivered simultaneously to a central location for monitoring and/or recording.

The only thing easier than setting up a MetroTech Net mesh network is taking one down.  And moving a mesh to another location is just as easy.  Which is why mesh networking makes sense for many temporary or portable networking needs, including fairs and festivals, sporting events and concerts, special productions and parades, as well as the unexpected critical incident.

The self-forming, self-managing Firetide AutoMesh protocol used in a MetroTech Net mesh network also makes the system ideal for temporary or ad hoc communications at the scene of any incident - in any terrain, whether metropolitan or rural. The nature of the incident can range from a fairly localized accident, stakeout, hostage or rescue situation to a major, widespread disaster caused by a fire, earthquake, storm, terrorist act or other catastrophic event. In the latter case, the only form of communications available may well be the mobile, self-forming incident response mesh network that accompanies first responders to the scene.

A MetroTech Net incident response mesh network begins to form immediately and automatically as the first two first responders reach the scene. The mesh continues to grow and adapt as first responders come and go, or move about the area. Security provisions can restrict participation, if required, or the mesh can be made available to all units and/or agencies. The network can scale to support 50 participants or more, and with its many available paths, a mesh topology becomes even more resilient as it grows.