Reliable high-speed backhaul vital for delivering mission-critical HD multimedia services to first responders
Security is also a major issue. The network used by first responders must be secure. Public Wi-Fi and unencrypted carrier networks are not an option, because they're easily hackable. To be truly secure, the equipment connecting devices to networks needs to provide several layers of protection, including physical protection, data encryption and management-interface security.
The actual footprint of the backhaul transporting the mission-critical HD multimedia is another consideration that public-safety agencies must consider.
If real estate is not a consideration relative to mounting equipment, most mission-critical networks have traditionally gone with an all-indoor mounting solution for the ease of maintenance. However, with the need for mission-critical, on-demand networks, an all-outdoor solution may be the way to go.
In either case, choosing a backhaul provider that has interoperable management interfaces between all types of configurations: indoor, split-mount (half-indoor/half outdoor), or all outdoor is a wise choice to ensure peace of mind.
Then, of course, there is cost. First-responder organizations have limited resources as it is, and chances are that their budgets already have been depleted partially by acquisition of the HD video equipment. Now, they need to acquire the network that will make that equipment useful—either building it themselves (potentially expensive) or outsourcing the networking service (even more expensive). Either way, the organization will seek to keep costs down—without compromising on network quality, of course.
Public-safety agencies clearly have a major challenge going forward to deliver mission-critical HD multimedia services; juggling needs (current and future), resources, budgets, and personnel is a task not to be envied. Fortunately, there are resources out there for agencies to educate themselves and follow up on the solutions that serve them best.
Tim Egan is the vice president of channels and business development at Ceragon Networks.