Abstract
The world of wireless data is dominated by in-building subscribers who also
require seamless reception of radio signals outdoor and indoor. Unlike the
demands of previous generations' wireless ‘voice-only' services, new-age
in-building wireless data demands cannot be met by relying only on the
external/macro network-QoS requirements and capacity issues preclude this. The
immediate need is for dedicated, purpose-built in-building RF coverage systems
with the capacity to meet today' s building occupant needs, and the room to
grow to meet those of future occupants. Among other in-building communications
applications, Public Safety Communications (PSC) posses a special role:
PSC special needs require extended building coverage in the areas such
tunnels, basements and other that may be in no interest to other groups of
subscribers; In-building communications is also required to be integrated into
the uniform class of channels to seamlessly extend first responder outdoor
radio communications; Traditional in-building RF coverage extenders can be
damaged even before first responders arrival; responders have to rely in a
great degree on temporary network solutions (such as, for example, mesh
structures).
Many P25 and TETRA networks were planned and deployed, providing the necessary
outdoor coverage and capacity; at the same time, seamless coverage to the
indoor environment was considered as a secondary requirement. Now, the
availability of robust indoor coverage has become a significant competitive
advantage for network operators.
Public Safety networks that cannot guarantee coverage in federal, state and
local government agency facilities as well as primary private and public
venues, have a severely limited value in supporting first responders
operations.
This report addresses public safety issues, analyzing the markets and
technologies for first responders' in-building communications. This
includes:
One of the primary candidates for in-building radio support-we analyzed the
Ultra Wideband technology role. UWB gives first responders a single gear with
ability of radar, communications and location. This technology supports
high-speed communications in the condition of multi-path interference, which
is usually a case inside of any building or tunnel structures. Mesh
topologies-these topologies allow building-distributed, self-organized and
self-healing communications channels. Inside of a building, each first
responder may become a node of such a network, which is temporary and can
function only during a particular public safety operation. Distributed Antenna
System (DAS)-this system can extend outdoor RF coverage inside of a building
to places that are the most important to first responders (staircases,
corridors, basements) activity during an incident.
The report provides details of each technology and market statistics for
several applications, including public safety communications.
Research Methodology
Considerable research was done using the Internet. Information from various
Web sites was studied and analyzed; evaluation of publicly available marketing
and technical publications was conducted. Telephone conversations and
interviews were held with industry analysts, technical experts and executives.
In addition to these interviews and primary research, secondary sources were
used to develop a more complete mosaic of the market landscape, including
industry and trade publications, conferences and seminars.
The overriding objective throughout the work has been to provide valid and
relevant information. This has led to a continual review and update of the
information content.
Target Audience
This report is important for the government agencies involved in the first
response to critical situations. It is necessary for technical departments of
such agencies to have a document, which explains the radio technology and
architectures of networks supporting public safety communications inside of
buildings, tunnels and similar structures. They also need to have market
statistics and to know the major players and their portfolios to select the
right equipment.
For vendors, this report provides valuable information on competition. It also
supports these vendors with the market assessment. For building owners and
network providers this report may provide information on additional sources of
revenue from in-building communications.
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