Wifi Revolution

The Las Vegas, NM (population 15,000), Police Department recently augmented its existing communications system with a new wireless mesh network from Solana Technologies Inc. and Tropos Networks.

The new WiFi network, which was paid for using taxpayer dollars, will initially cover seven square miles and will be used by officers in the field to quickly access various resources for law enforcement purposes. This might include checking motor vehicle registrations, driver’s licenses and accessing the NCIC (National Crime Information Center) database, as well as other local, state and federal databases.

The network, which was deployed using Solana’s services, is using Tropos’ MetroMesh wireless mesh technology, including its 5210 outdoor routers, as well as its 4210 mobile routers inside the police vehicles. These carrier-class routers offer sophisticated mesh networking intelligence and are coupled with purpose-built hardware platforms. They are said to deliver the “industry’s best WiFi (News - Alert) receive sensitivity.” Using standard 802.11b/g, these routers can be used to quickly and easily extend the coverage area of a metro-scale WiFi network. Because these routers push WiFi signals farther than comparable systems, fewer nodes are needed – thus the system saves municipalities money.

All of Tropos’ MetroMesh routers work with the MetroMesh OS - super-scalable, high capacity mesh software which delivers the quality that carriers, municipalities and network users demand. Giving added peace of mind, the Tropos 5210 runs on a wide range of power options and is available with an optional, factory-installed battery backup system, so the network can continue to operate even if the power goes out.

Meanwhile the Tropos 4210 Mobile MetroMesh routers will let the police officers take hot spots with them everywhere they go. These compact routers seamlessly connect with the fixed mesh routers, thus extending network coverage. In addition, they work in high-speed environments, meaning they maintain connectivity even as a cruiser is traveling down the highway.

“We chose the Tropos MetroMesh system over other alternatives because it provided the highest performance and coverage with the fewest units and was hands down the most cost-effective and easiest to deploy solution,” said Kim McCaffrey, president of Solana Technologies, Inc., in a press release. “In addition, it provides us with a platform for future public safety applications such as real-time video for police cars and video surveillance.”

“Our goal is to provide a city-owned and operated wireless network that will allow the city to provide a higher level of service to our citizens,” said Lt. Eugene Garcia of the Las Vegas Police Department and county and city emergency manager. “The network will enable us to extend the knowledge, informational resources and databases available in city offices to public safety.”

Solana Technologies offers wireless communications solutions and advanced engineering services to a wide range of U.S. and international commercial enterprises and governmental agencies. The company also provides network security and video communications, as well as Information Technology and consulting.

Both Solana and Tropos have a focus on public municipal wireless systems as well as secure wireless systems used by law enforcement.

“We are pleased to work with Solana Technologies on deploying our MetroMesh system for the public safety benefit of the community of Las Vegas, New Mexico,” said Ron Sege, president and CEO of Tropos Networks. “The city will take a special place in Tropos’ history as our 500th customer.”

For more information, visit www.solanatech.com and www.tropos.com.

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Patrick Barnard is Assignment Editor for TMCnet and a columnist covering the telecom industry. To see more of his articles, please visit Patrick Barnard’s columnist page.

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