Firefighters have one of the most stressful and high-pressure jobs going. Delays in deployment, information sharing or managing resources can cost lives. As such, every second counts and reliable communication to and from the situation will save lives. This is where Cradlepoint’s R1900 router, managed by Cradlepoint’s NetCloud service comes into play. The ruggedised router is designed to optimise in-vehicle networks and offers superior performance, security, connectivity and utility. It has also become one of the few routers currently certified at the highest level on the UK’s upcoming emergency services network (ESN).
The R1900 uses Cradlepoint’s second-generation 5G architecture and can support speeds up to 1Gbps as well as gigabit LTE. The increased speed and capacity allow firefighters to access crucial data whilst in the field, provide support for pop-up sites and ensure a more efficient system of managing vehicle fleets. It also has a dual-sim system, meaning non-critical data can be shared through other cellular networks, whilst mission-critical information is shared through the ESN.
It is supported by Cradlepoint’s NetCloud service and cellular intelligence, which means deployments can happen quicker and easier and enables IT teams to have greater insight and control of routers once they have already been installed from a single pane of glass. For example, instead of teams needing to manually program routers before deployment, the R1900 can simply be plugged in and will automatically update to the pre-set conditions. Likewise, the cellular intelligence feature grants IT teams the power to tailor data contracts depending on the need of specific routers. Remote management and software updates can now all be done from headquarters, instead of a staff member manually going to each router and location.
The R1900 provides precision GPS with dead-reckoning and OBD-II integration. It automatically uploads location and telematics data to NetCloud Manager and back-office applications, such as fleet management and computer-aided dispatch (CAD). Using location-based services within NetCloud Manager, admins can easily track and trace vehicle locations and routes in real time and determine allowing dispatchers to easily manage resources in the field. With this capability, IT teams can also track LTE and 5G cellular coverage over a travelled area to ensure that they have the right carriers and coverage mapped out to ensure emergency teams have what they need to respond efficiently.
Cradlepoint’s routers have already been deployed with great success with 16 fire and rescue services across the UK, including Norfolk Fire & Rescue, where it has helped bring more visibility to their networks and greater control in responding to the frequent network drops and latency issues that are a common occurrence in rural areas, whilst still providing mission-critical communications.
For firefighters on the front lines, wireless connectivity is a lifeline. They rely on fast and always-on access to critical applications and data to perform their mission, whether in a vehicle, station, or on-scene.
Cradlepoint allows for the connection of everything vital to modern firefighting:
- Fire vehicles and apparatus’
- Main and satellite fire stations
- Mobile command centres
- Dispatch and 911 facilities
- Emergency drop kits
- Connected gear and equipment
- Drones and robots
Cradlepoint’s NetCloud Service and wireless routers unlock the power of LTE and 5G – including nationwide public safety networks – for reliable connections to MDTs, connected gear, sensors and beyond. Cradlepoint helps firefighters safely and efficiently protect lives and property, especially when the heat is on.
For more information, go to www.cradlepoint.com
