Wifi Revolution

Florida-based TracStar Systems, Inc., now is using technology from Firetide, Inc., in its Emergency Deployable, Wide Area, Remote Data Systems kits (EDWARDS for short).

 

EDWARDS kits enable rapid deployment of communications networks during hurricanes and other disasters. Each of the kits contains the following components:

Emergency teams use the EDWARDS kits to set up a portable data network capable of covering five miles. The mesh nodes involved can be set up wherever needed, linking together to form a wireless network. Ethernet ports on each node allow for the connection of computers, WiFi (News - Alert) access points, surveillance cameras, printers, and other devices.

 

Recently, Florida’s Division of Emergency Management (FDEM) purchased nine of TracStar’s EDWARDS kits

 

TracStar President David Provencher said in a statement that, because the EDWARDS kits are highly portable, they can be deployed as soon as it is safe to do so.

 

“They can also be used and reused in many different locations and situations thus increasing their value and cost effectiveness,” Provencher said.

 

He added: “The EDWARDS package enhances the State of Florida’s traditional two-way emergency radio communications, providing a wireless broadband network on site that greatly increases the effectiveness and safety of the emergency teams.”

 

In addition to EDWARDS kits, FDEM also makes use of TracStar’s FCC (News - Alert)-licensed, 4.9 GHz spectrum mesh nodes.

 

Chuck Hagan, spokesperson for FDEM, explained in a statement that TracStar’s mesh nodes enable the agency to maintain a clear communications channel.

 

“It allows us to avoid interference from unlicensed band devices but allows other first responder agencies to communicate with us,” he said of the TracStar infrastructure.

 

Of EDWARDS, Hagan commented that: “This new capability adds to the wide array of permanent and mobile Interoperable Communications Systems (News - Alert) already in place in the State of Florida for domestic security and all-hazard events.”

 

 

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