Emergency Response Network Design & Deployment

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2 Emergency Response Network Design & Deployment Improving public service communication via a secure, standards-based network Case Study Edward W. Suor, Managing Director VPN Systems, Inc Carlson Road Rochester, NY

3 Introduction In 2008 VPN Systems was contracted by a global systems integration company to design and deploy an emergency response wireless network for a large county in upstate New York. The goal was to provide emergency operations officials and responders with real-time and uninterrupted access to data, voice and video from first responders. Following the design and deployment of the wireless infrastructure by VPN Systems, a simulated Hazmat emergency was used to test the system, including video capture from the county Hazmat vehicle s existing analog camera and the SWAT command vehicle s high resolution IP camera. Video transmission was instantaneous to the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) network via the new 4.9 GHz communications network installed along a corridor adjacent to an upstate New York International Airport. Wireless coverage gaps were designed into the new network to validate if a public safety officer in a vehicle can receive a report, video, and/or data from an application, leave the network, drive through an area without wireless access point (AP) coverage and back into the AP network coverage area without the officer logging back into the system. 3

4 The emergency departments that participated in the simulated Hazmat emergency included the Public Safety Department (Fire Bureau, Probation and Community Corrections, Communications, Emergency Management), Sheriff Department, Information Services Department, and the Department of Environmental Services. Goals of the simulated emergency: Combine existing county assets with new user-friendly technologies to improve situational awareness. Combine new technology with old to create interoperable communications (data, voice and video) between identified emergency response users. Verify new concepts to improve public safety county and regional response. 4

5 Wireless Integration Services 7 Step Process Acceptance Testing Field Deployment Requirements Analysis Component Selection Site Survey System Staging Logical Design Taking customer requirements and translating them into a robust and reliable emergency response network is a complex process that begins with a requirements analysis. VPN Systems then surveyed the area for FCC licensed frequencies, using emerging technology including 4.9 GHz client adapters with the correct antenna systems, video server software and wired network electronics. The integration of all of these different technologies required a deep understanding of the critical attributes t that t govern successful deployment. 5

6 The End Result - Seamless Mobility with Wireless Networks Coverage + Bandwidth = Uninterrupted Access Cellular or future wireless technology Vehicles with multiple networked devices 4.9 GHz Headquarters 6

7 Hazmat Simulation Background: Overlapping wireless AP mesh network. Interoperable voice and data. Outside of AP mesh, point to point voice and data via emergency network. Event: 911 call received (alert trigger). Hazmat vehicle deployed to scene. Captures video, streamed back to EOC from vehicle position to mesh to EOC. Capture video from hazmat vehicle deployed on the scene, transmit video to an Emergency Operations Center (EOC). Action: EOC personnel transmit video back out to other emergency response vehicles and public officials. 7

8 Wireless Network Key criteria for an effective public safety network are security and the ability to support multiple frequencies. The Cisco Model 1524 Access Point (AP), designed for public safety and public access applications, was selected. The AP supports 4.9 GHz and 2.4 GHz access frequencies, with 5.8 GHz as the backhaul frequency. VPN Systems performed the site survey, wireless engineering design, and installation along a corridor adjacent to an international airport in upstate New York. Access point locations were determined by and optimized for the 4.9 GHz public safety wireless network. Coverage gaps were designed into the 4.9 GHz and 2.4 GHz wireless networks to validate whether or not a vehicle could receive a report (video or data), leave the network, drive through h an area not covered by any wireless access points, and then drive back into the coverage area without the emergency responder needing to log back into the system. APs were spaced approximately 0.5 miles apart. The wireless signal strength map (on the next page) shows the areas where the signal strengths (shown in red, yellow and green) provide the best reception and transmission. The blue areas show the lower end of the signal strength range with weak or no wireless signal available. 8

9 International Airport Grid Map 9

10 Wired Infrastructure The Cisco Wireless LAN Controller (4400 series) was chosen, leveraging a centralized management model as opposed to individual device management and configuration. The Cisco 152x series lightweight mesh access points provide enterprise class outdoor wireless coverage. Having been designed to support Public Safety applications on the 4.9 GHz frequency, Cisco s 1524 mesh access point model was selected. Cisco Wireless LAN Controller 4400 series Cisco s 1524 mesh access point 10

11 Wireless Infrastructure VPN Systems was responsible for creating the logical design for the wireless network, as well as configuring and staging all of the equipment. The logical design conformed to Cisco best practices for a layer 2 mesh deployment. 11

12 Mobile Infrastructure VPN Systems delivered a ruggedized solution designed for outdoor applications, using a Cisco 3270 with up to 7 WMIC cards and an internal AC/DC power supply. Components were enclosed in a NEMA 6 approved 14" enclosure from Western Datacom, designed specifically for harsh outdoor environments C3270 Enclosure Bundle Protective End Cap Cover Extended Extrusion + = Pole Mount Brackets AC to DC Power Supply ComCase 12

13 Cisco 3230 The Cisco 3230 rugged router was selected for its modular, compact form factor, and its design for mobile and outdoor embedded networks. It offers highly secure data, voice, and video and delivers transparent roaming across multiple wireless networks capable of covering wide geographic areas. The Hazmat and SWAT vehicle MARs have the same functionality with the exception of Hazmat vehicle MAR, which had additional capability of accepting an analog video stream. 13

14 CTI Portable Access Unit The RAPTOR is a ruggedized portable 20 lb unit that can be configured in two different integrated cases. One case (SIPR) contains the equipment to support secure (SECRET) voice, data, and video communication. The second case contains the equipment to support non-secure (NIPR) voice, data, and video communication. The NIPR unit was configured for B-Gan satellite connectivity back to the EOC network. The Raptor is designed to connect into most IP based network transports to the Internet and works well to set up an emergency command station for a critical incident or disaster. It can also be used in high-crime areas to coordinate operations or even as a mobile substation. 14

15 Networked Intelligent Video Vehicles participating in the Hazmat simulation were able to use integrated wireless video technology including an outdated analog video and a high performance AXIS 214 PTZ Network Camera. 15

16 AXIS 214 PTZ Camera and VirtualAgility Application The AXIS 214 PTZ Network Camera is a high performance camera for professional surveillance and remote monitoring. The high quality color camera supports remote pan/tilt/zoom operations. The 18x auto focus motorized lens allows the user to zoom in on a small or distant object with exceptional clarity. During the exercise the emergency responders with very little training, were able to use the pan/tilt/zoom capability of the camera. The video was instantaneously viewed in the EOC and by other responder vehicles via VirtualAgility. The VirtualAgility application gives EOCs the ability to prototype and deploy their concepts of operation (ConOps) and to evaluate, revise and update their ConOps in real time response to events, connecting multiple agencies for a coordinated incident response across departmental and geographic boundaries. 16

17 Public Safety User Feedback Officers who participated in the exercise gave this feedback: Being able to view the Hazmat and SWAT video simultaneously has the potential to improve productivity in day-to-day and emergency situations. There is value in having video feedback to the SWAT command vehicle, and EOC. This puts more virtual eyes on the scene and improves safety and productivity before additional resources arrive on an incident id scene. Having simultaneous multiple camera video allows for better situational awareness and field operation decisions. Having a high resolution wireless camera mounted on a rod or baton would allow officers to look around corners and over physical objects (e.g. fences) without putting themselves in harm s way. 17

18 Appendix VPN Systems Off the shelf technology integration Wireless Access Points Cisco 1524 Lightweight outdoor multi-radio mesh access point designed for municipal Wi-Fi deployments for public access and public safety applications. Wireless LAN Controller Cisco 4402 Designed for medium-to-large enterprise facilities. The Cisco Controller family can support up to 12, 25, 50 and 100 lightweight access points. Sheriff Vehicle Ruggedized Mobile Access Router Cisco 3230 This ruggedized router provides access, mobility, and interoperability across multiple wired and wireless networks. It has a flexible, compact form factor that offers highly secure data, voice, and video communications in mobile and outdoor embedded networks. 18

19 Technology Integration ti (continued) Hazmat Vehicle Ruggedized Mobile Access Router - Cisco 3270 This ruggedized router is similar to the one above, but also included an enhanced adapter card to manage video from the existing Hazmat vehicle analog camera. Interoperable Communications Cisco IP Interoperability and Collaboration System (IPICS) The system transparently integrates disparate PTT networks, providing a flexible, dynamic, and secure platform that facilitates immediate sharing of information while protecting investments in traditional PTT and Land Mobile Radio (LMR) systems. Wired Video Surveillance IP Camera - Cisco 2500 Series These fully featured high-resolution cameras include automatic day/night mode, dual streams, bidirectional audio, motion detection, alarm inputs and outputs, and an analog BNC for ease of installation. 19

20 Technology Integration (continued) Portable Ruggedized d Mobile Access Router - Coleman Technologies (CTI) Raptor Access Unit The unit is a portable access platform for remote tactical and operational readiness, designed to connect into most IP based network transports (i.e. Satellite, Cable, DSL, T-1, etc) to the Internet. Ruggedized IP Phone - Coleman Technologies (CTI) EnviroXtreme Phone EnviroXtreme extends functionality to any deployment scenario, prolonging the life of existing IP phone deployments or replace older systems with a single wire, secure voice and data solution designed to operate in harsh environments. Portable B-Gan - Agiosat Thrane & Thrane EXPLORER 500 This portable B-Gan is designed to meet the needs of the most demanding remote requirements, providing high-speed access with committed information rates to institution networks. It is also suitable for small teams who need to set up a temporary office or operation. 20

21 Ten Tips for building a successful Wireless Emergency Response Network 1. Prioritize requirements. 2. Use leading edge not bleeding edge components. 3. Pick experienced partners not vendors. 4. Deploy incrementally. 5. Assess internal technical competency in wireless systems integration. 6. Assign or hire a dedicated project executive. 7. Be aware of project creep. 8. Accept the limits of the technology. 9. Dedicate key personnel without distraction. 10. Benchmark results and get user feedback early and often. 21

22 Engineering Contact: Edward W. Suor, Managing Director Office: ext. 101 Cell: Fax: Sales Contact: Scott Edwards, Director of Sales Office: ext. 163 Cell: Fax: