October 3, 2004
Dear Supervisor,
In my previous letter I tried to make the case that the cost of a county-wide communications network based on the new 802.16 (WiMax) and 802.11 (Wi-Fi) wireless Internet technology is less than the cost of the upgrade to existing technology. In addition to cost, there are other advantages of the new wireless technology that should be considered. Since the wireless system uses the Internet, every resident can use the network as well as the emergency services. For emergency services the wireless network also represents the next generation of interoperable communications that meet the requirements set by the Department of Homeland Security.
April 26, 2004, “The U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Science and Technology Directorate today announced the release of the first comprehensive Statement of Requirements (SoR) document outlining future technology requirements for public safety wireless communications and interoperability”.(1) “The Statement of Requirements is a critical document that will provide first responders with the architectural framework for future interoperable public safety communications," said Dr. David Boyd, Director, SAFECOM.(3)
The SafeCom program aims to resolve the issues that hamper public safety wireless communications including “incompatible and aging communications equipment.”(2) Interoperability refers to the need to integrate the various incompatible systems for voice, data, image, video and multimedia communications into a single integrated system. In addition, it has the “goal of improving the ability of public safety personnel to communicate among themselves, with the non-public safety agencies and organizations with whom they work, and with the public that they serve”. The actual technology and products will come from commercial vendors.
The June 2004 Government Technology story “Garland, Texas, Implements Wireless Network for First Responders” (4) describes how the Garland police department has deployed new wireless communications technology.
| "We're taking this one step at a time," said Darrell McClanahan, Garland's telecommunications manager. "Our initial implementation focuses on data," he explained. "We started with applications that Garland police officers use every day, such as our Computer Automated Dispatch system. Everything is the same as before, including the user interface, but with one big exception -- the 20-fold transmission speed increase with which we can push 911 calls, alarms, report management, graphics and mug shots to our patrol cars throughout the city's 57-square-mile area…This is an important milestone in fulfilling our city's communications vision for a fully converged high-speed data, voice, and video network over which police, fire, emergency medical personnel and, eventually, all city employees will be interconnected in real time". (4) |
The new system utilizes NexGen City's NexCard wireless interface. NexGen City is a Richardson, Texas company. A NexGen whitepaper discusses the older technology utilizing tall expensive towers versus the new wireless technology that uses smaller, cheaper base stations that mount on light or power poles.
| “Does one deploy a supercell structure with a few very
tall sites, or does one deploy a microcellular structure with many smaller
sites. … Note that all new wireless technologies are cellular and known as
“low tier” (short towers). Older style technologies (like paging, land
mobile two-way radio, and broadcast) are still high tier, non-cellular.” (5) “Typical trunking systems utilize multiple large towers to mount large antennas. In some cases, the right-of-way or lease can be a serious economic and political issue. The construction of these sites can run over $1 million dollars. They include environmentally controlled buildings with diesel power. Maintenance and long-term reliability are issues. NexLink™ routers and NexLink access gateways require a small (less that one watt) amount of 120 V ac power. These devices utilize battery back-up power. They are small and mount on convenient light or power poles.” (7) |
One of the problems with the Sauk County's network is pager reception within metal buildings. Wireless networks allow cheaper smaller devices to be located within buildings. “This connectivity also allows devices to work well inside buildings and around signal-obstructing structures.” (8)
Since Sauk County has committed to spend $6,000,000 on upgrading their legacy communications network based on an engineering report over two years old, it seems prudent to review the latest technology, trends and government recommendations. Minimally the county should verify that its spending is compatible with the latest wireless technology. We should avoid investing in technology that is at the end of its lifecycle.
Respectfully,
Mark Culverhouse
Spring Green WI 53588
References:
(1) April 24, 2004
DHS - “Homeland Security First to Define
Interoperability Requirements for Nation's First Responder Community”
http://www.dhs.gov/dhspublic/display?theme=63&content=3512&print=true
(2) Homeland Security -
"Background on Public Safety Wireless Communications Program"
http://www.safecomprogram.gov/about.cfm
(3) SafeCOM Program - "Statement of Requirements"
http://www.safecomprogram.gov/files/PSCI_Statement_of_Requirements_v1_0.pdf
(4) September 2004 Government
Technology - "Garland, Texas, Implements Wireless Network for First Responders "
http://www.govtech.net/magazine/channel_story.php?channel=7&id=90600
(5) Whitepaper: NEXGEN
CITY TECHNOLOGY AND THE IEEE STANDARDS
http://www.nexgencity.com/whitepapers/061404-NexLink_vs_802.pdf
(6) NEXGEN CITY ANNOUNCES
IEEE 802.XX BRIDGE COMPONENT FOR NEXLINK™ MUNICIPAL WIRELESS NETWORK
http://www.nexgencity.com/articles/PR_NexLink_802XX_Bridge.pdf
(7) SPECTRUM COORDINATION
http://www.nexgencity.com/whitepapers/NexLink_Whitepaper.pdf
(8) Technology Overview
http://www.nexgencity.com/whitepapers/NGC-TechOverview.pdf
(9) This document - For your convenience, use this
document to click on the links above.
http://www.highway60.com/MoveTheTower/DearSupervisor_041003.htm
Other Letters to Supervisors on Wireless Internet for Sauk County
October 30, 2004 Dear Supervisor Letter - Vote No on Thuli Road Property Purchase
December 1, 2004 Dear Supervisor Letter - Vote Against Changing the Rules
Additional Links About Garland's Wireless Network