Program Overview
RespondComm is an National Institute of Justice-sponsored program designed to evaluate the emerging Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMAX) wireless broadband standards and to assess the applicability of these networks for law enforcement, public safety, and emergency response communications. RespondComm utilizes “off-the-shelf” physical network equipment coupled with custom application software to make full use of broadband connectivity. RespondComm also incorporates rapidly-deployable tower platforms with integrated non-traditional power solutions for improved response in longer duration emergencies requiring temporary communications infrastructure.
RespondComm has forged strong working relationships with several law enforcement agencies and emergency medical services. Participation of these groups provides real-world feedback to the development, testing, evaluation, and demonstration of broadband applications.
RespondComm recognizes critical needs within public safety operations, as well as to identifies, evaluates, and effectively applies emerging technologies to meet those needs.
Significant Accomplishments:
RespondComm has achieved the following:
- Completed a thorough state-of-the-art, state-of-the-market evaluation of WiMAX;
- Established strong working relationships with local Public Safety Answering Points (PSAPs) and the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources to provide user groups for evaluation and access to tower infrastructure for network deployment;
- Successfully deployed a license-exempt WiMAX network for preliminary broadband application development and evaluation of potential public/private partnerships operating a single physical network divided into multiple virtual networks;
- Acquired 4.9 GHz Public Safety Band licenses through partnership with local PSAPs; and
- Progressed from concept to application in 15 months.
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