News Briefs – Tuesday, March 21, 2006
Chicago’s elevated rail line deploys wireless coverage system
Powerwave Technologies Inc. designed a multi-technology, multi-carrier wireless coverage system for the Chicago Transit Authority’s (CTA) existing two-way radio system. The wireless system assists the CTA’s communication capabilities through an independent radio-frequency system that supports the Chicago Police Department, the Chicago Fire Department, emergency medical services and the CTA’s two-way radio system, according to Powerwave officials.
A fiber-based distributed antenna network will transmit mobile radio signals from radio base station hotels outside of the CTA tunnel system. The coverage extends throughout two, 11.4-mile tunnels, which are supported by a fiber-based, indoor, distributed antenna system as well as an independent UHF/VHF system for wireless access.
Lightweight communications node promises seamless mobile connectivity
RouteStep Communications introduced the Forward Area Lightweight Communications Node (FALCoN) product. The product is a 35-pound, Cisco Systems-based, IP communications solution created to address the mobility needs of first responders and military personnel, according to a RouteStep press release.
The FALCoN uses reach-back capabilities to bring features of the host network to the field, including voice, video and data applications. The product lets multiple users share a single WAN connection. The unit’s universal power supply is designed to take power from AC and/or DC power sources. The design offers options such as GPS, hardware encryption and hardened PC server hardware.
Ohio law enforcement turns to Web interface to share data
BIO-key International was awarded a contract with the Ohio Association of Chiefs of Police to develop a mobile data-sharing connection to the association’s Ohio Local Law Enforcement Information Sharing Network (OLLEISN) Web-service interface. This data-sharing mechanism lets Ohio law-enforcement agencies access multi-jurisdictional information about arrests, alerts, incidents and wants and warrants through their BIO- key MobileCop software. It is complementary to LEADS, a state-maintained database containing information on Ohio stolen vehicles, driver’s license and state ID data, according to a BIO-key press release.
Delaware corrections department opts for GPS to track repeat offenders
iSECUREtrac Corp. recently won the Delaware Department of Corrections’ contract for GPS electronic monitoring services. iSECUREtrac is a technology and information-services company that provides GPS tracking solutions to remotely track and monitor individuals. The system supports real-time data collection, secure remote reporting and data warehousing. It will be used to monitor domestic-violence and sex offenders.
Mobile dispatch application manages transport of hospital patients
Integrated Business Systems and Services offers the SynTrack Mobile Dispatch and Transport for Healthcare system, which is designed to manage the central dispatch and transport of patients, equipment, supplies and special services within—and between—hospital facilities.
Supporting multiple RFID tag types, the system uses wireless, handheld computing devices to manage transport and services requests that are generated by in-house hospital management systems or the SynTrack Web-based application, according to the company.