In-Building Infrastructure Solutions for Public Safety and Disaster Relief

Southern Marin Fire Protection District 1

Push-to-talk satellite phones are an effective and reliable way to stay connected when your team is out in the field, but they often don’t work indoors. Unsurprisingly, this can create issues when it comes to communicating effectively with those stationed in the command center.

Fortunately, there’s a solution: in-building infrastructure.

In-Building Infrastructure Solutions for Public Safety Agencies

Southern Marin Fire Protection District2

An emergency operations center (EOC) or office of emergency services (OES) serves a critical role in every phase of emergency management, from disaster relief coordination to directing recovery and clean-up. These typically include a variety of equipment that relies on terrestrial-based connectivity, such as monitors, PC workstations, video walls, and phones.

Using in-building infrastructure, both of these vital components—land-based equipment and satellite communications—can be brought together in one building, allowing for connectivity between those in the field and those in the command center.

One example of this is the work Remote Satellite Systems performed for the Southern Marin Fire Protection District and Marin County Rural Fire Departments. In order to bridge the communications gap between land and satellite, we provided the department with both a secure internet connection and push-to-talk satellite radio communications. We mounted MSAT satellite terminals on the station’s communication towers and the highest points on the roofs. This ensured they have a constant connection to the Skyterra 2 geosynchronous satellite – plus the ability to tie into the state OES talk group, SKYMARS, linking them to all the surrounding stations with the push of a button.

Remote Satellite also worked closely with the San Francisco Ambulance Deployment Facility (aka Station 49) during its build phase to create a plan that allowed for vital equipment to be integrated directly into the building.

If You Have a Communication Challenge, We Have a Solution

San Francisco Ambulance Deployment Facility Station 49

Regardless of your communication challenges, Remote Satellite Systems has effective, reliable solutions for state and local agencies. Our turnkey services include everything from new build consulting and sales to full, ongoing support for your equipment until it becomes obsolete.

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With over 25 years of expertise in planning, installing, and maintaining in-building infrastructure, you can feel assured that your EOC or OES will operate effectively and reliably in any disaster environment. For more information on how we can help you upgrade your existing infrastructure or plan a new build, contact Remote Satellite Systems at (888) 989-8199 or fill out our online form.

Marin Rural Fire Departments MSAT PTT

In order to bridge to communications gap Remote Satellite decided on a two-phase solution, providing both secure Internet connection and instant radio communications. They began by mounting MSAT satellite terminals high up on the stations communications towers, or at high points on the station roofs. By providing clear look angles to the sky, they insured a constant connection to the Skyterra 2 geosynchronous stellate. Expertly routing cable through the existing structure, Remote Satellite set up communications suites with push to talk capabilities inside the command centers of the stations. This allowed for the stations to tie into the state office of emergency services talkgroup (SKYMARS), linking all the surrounding stations to assist with remote blazes with the push of a button. With reliable Internet and radio contact through MSAT’s Smart Talkgroups, the rural fire departments of Marin and Sonoma County can be best prepared when disaster strikes.

Securing Communications at San Francisco Int’l Airport

Remote Satellite Systems was contacted in 2008 for the original consulting and system topography design for SFO’s new emergency communications system. Remote Satellite Systems spearheaded the initial design and installation of the system, and continues to support this communications network as SFO expands and develops.

The ability for emergency responders to communicate while away from central command was paramount to the EOC and 911 planners. Remote Satellite Systems began by equipping the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) with the very latest in MSAT Satellite technology, giving both the command center and external responders Satellite Dispatch Push-To-Talk Radio capability. Handheld satphones were also deployed with the Emergency Operations staff and the DHS US Customs and Border Protection staff with interoperable mobile operations throughout the airport campus to ensure reliable redundant means of communication at all times.

Part of the solution was multiple systems installed on the Mobile Command Vehicle, and multiple fixed site systems installed in the Operations Center where Remote Satellite was hands on in the training of the departments staff.

This included Annual Training Sessions with both groups and staff for Basic User Operation and Maintenance.

Remote Satellite has also configured and installed a similar system on the FAA Control Tower after thorough review of RF and other Antenna interference issues.

Making our mark on Public Safety in San Francisco

Remote Satellite Systems began by implementing an integrated communications suite within the command center, relying on a 1.8 meter Ku-Band VSAT antenna situated on the building’s roof. When the system senses a loss in terrestrial communication capabilities for the complex, emergency response personnel can immediately deploy redundant satellite voice and data capability throughout the building. The antenna auto-acquires one of the two Fixed Position Satellites overhead and provides a worry-free line of communication for the EOC and select personnel within the Public Safety Building. The first of its kind, by establishing a Dual-Satellite Network, with East and West Coast Satellites and Earth-station gateways, enables redundancy throughout the emergency satellite solution, wherever disaster strikes communications can be relied on.

The system allows for simultaneous data and voice communications so that vital information can be shared with first responders, all without breaking established lines of contact.

Additionally, implementation of regional and statewide talk groups allows interoperability and redundant lines of communication to out-of-area emergency responders, allowing a coordinated relief effort throughout California and Nationwide no matter what the catastrophic event.

Public Safety Satellite Communication

Putting Safety First With Satellite Communication

Global Digital NetworkMany changes and advancements in technology have been made to public safety satellite communication systems in light of recent tragedies. In the past, public safety officials relied heavily on radio technology to transmit vital information over terrestrial systems regarding emergency situations and catastrophic events to help boost response times.

Competitive Advantage to Boost Public Safety

Satellite communications systems have an edge over terrestrial ones. When radio and terrestrial communication breaks down in light of disruptive events, chaos can ensue, making it harder for emergency response teams to respond. To prevent the lines of communication from breaking down, Global Xpress satellite communication technology can be used to successfully bridge the gap and improve response time. Public organizations and businesses should upgrade their public safety satellite communication systems so communication and information can be transmitted immediately and efficiently without interference.

Making our mark on the San Francisco Bay Area’s Emergency Response capabilities

The San Francisco Public Safety Building

The San Francisco Public Safety Building at Mission Bay is the latest of Remote Satellite’s major contracts. The 264,000-square-foot structure houses the new headquarters for the San Francisco Police Department as well district police and fire stations. Built in anticipation of the Bay Area’s next great earthquake, the building needed to have a reliable communications network in place to be an Emergency Operations Center of which the city can be proud. Remote Satellite was eager to step up to the challenge.

Satellite Communications

Remote Satellite began by implementing an integrated communications suite within the command center, relying on an 6 foot wide Ku-Band VSAT antenna situated on the building’s roof. By establishing a dual-satellite network, with East and West Coast satellites and Earthstation gateways, wherever disaster strikes communications can be relied on. When the system senses a loss in terrestrial communication capabilities, the antenna will automatically deploy and acquire a connection with a fixed satellite, providing a worry-free line of communication for the EOC. The system allows simultaneous data and voice communications so that vital information can be shared with first responders, all without breaking established lines of contact.

Emergency CommunicationsData and Voice Communications

If you’d like to learn more about how to establish your own emergency communications network, or modify an existing one,  please don’t hesitate to send us an email or visit us online at www.remotesatellite.com.

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