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Law Enforcement Information Technology: Mobile Data & Laptops 2004

This conference agenda outlines the core components of mobile data technology, including wireless infrastructure, mobile data software, devices, and costs. Successful case studies are shared, and issues and challenges are discussed.

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Law Enforcement Information Technology: Mobile Data & Laptops 2004

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  1. Law Enforcement Information Technology: Mobile Data & Laptops 2004 COPS Technical Assistance Conference Dallas, TXNovember 9, 2004

  2. Agenda • Introductions • Workshop Objectives • Core Technology Components • Wireless Infrastructure • Mobile Data Software • Mobile Data Devices • Mobile Data Costs • Successful Case Studies • Captain Woody Sandy, North Carolina Highway Patrol • Deputy Chief Ron Glensor, Reno Police Department • Issues and Challenges • Discussion and Questions

  3. Brian Hudson Vice President Thayer Consulting Woody Sandy Captain North Carolina Highway Patrol Introductions Ron Glensor Assistant Chief Reno Police Department

  4. Workshop Objectives • Develop a common understanding of mobile data technology terms • Improve understanding of current technologies being used and considered by conference attendees • Identify technology alternatives for potential short and long term improvements • Familiarize and demystify mobile data technology • Share best practices on core mobile data technology planning issues

  5. Core TechnologyComponents

  6. Background • Mobile data is the transmission and receipt of information using radio frequency signals • Several types of users are supported by wireless technologies • Mobile/portable users • Remote users • Telecommuters • Benefits include: • Immediate access to critical information • Field personnel safety and empowerment • Reductions in voice radio traffic • Increased time in the community on patrol • Remote interactive access to business applications • Work order processing • Maintenance Management and Inventory • Project Management • GIS • Office automation (email, etc.)

  7. Wireless Infrastructure

  8. Key Considerations Cost Grade of Service Application Requirements Coordination And Partnerships Migration Path POTENTIAL NEEDS Funding Coverage Interference Interoperability Network Management Security Standards And Technology

  9. Mobile Data Networks • Agency-Owned Networks • Telco Networks • iDEN • CDPD • GPRS • EDGE • CDMA 1xRTT • Other Mobile Data Technologies

  10. Agency-Owned Networks • Private radio networks owned by agencies • Limited data speeds currently available • Often able to re-use key components of voice infrastructures • Packet switched, message based technologies • Dedicated access for users • Can be conventional or trunked technology • Wide-area coverage system providers include Dataradio, EF Johnson, M/A-COM and Motorola • High-speed data applications will require agencies to secure spectrum in the 700 MHz and 4.9 GHz bands

  11. Advantages Optimizes existing infrastructure Agency control Dedicated use Potentially lower recurring costs Can provide coverage where needed (everywhere) Disadvantages Requires radio frequencies Additional administration and maintenance responsibilities Moderate data rates Requires fixed infrastructure throughout entire coverage area Capitalizing on technology advances can be costly High initial costs Agency-Owned Networks

  12. Telco Networks • No agency frequencies required • Minimal up-front costs • Lower hardware and software costs • Higher monthly recurring costs • Migration paths more feasible and economical • No site development required • Ability to provide for wide area roaming • Most providers to not offer priority access for public safety users • Maintenance and service not the responsibility of the agency

  13. Telco Networks - iDEN (Nextel) • Integrated Digital Enhanced Network • Motorola packet-switched technology • Throughput of 14.4 Kbps • No migration path decisions made to date • Nextel has submitted consensus plan to FCC for refarming 800 MHz spectrum

  14. Telco Networks - Cellular Digital Packet Data (CDPD) • First commercial service widely adopted by public safety agencies • Utilized for traditional mobile data applications • Dispatch, status and vehicle-to-vehicle messaging • Automatic Vehicle Location (AVL) • Database inquiries • Maximum throughput of 19.2 Kbps – actual speeds typically 10-14 Kbps • Service is available in most metropolitan areas • Two major carriers offering national CDPD service plan to discontinue the service: • Verizon: Announced that CDPD service will end in 2005 • AT&T Wireless (Cingular): Announced that CDPD service will end in June 2004. Recently retracted this statement; however, they still plan to shut down the network in the near future. • Not a viable alternative due to coming obsolescence

  15. Telco Networks - GPRS • General Packet Radio Services • Most widely deployed wireless technology worldwide • Maximum throughput of 115 Kbps – actual speeds typically 30-50 Kbps • Security concerns due to dynamic IP addressing • Major carriers include AT&T/Cingular and T-Mobile • Part of GSM migration path to faster data speeds that will minimize technology replacement costs for agencies

  16. Telco Networks - EDGE • Enhanced Data Rates for Global Evolution • Backward compatible with GPRS; only modem replacement required • Maximum throughput of 384 Kbps – actual speeds typically 80-128 Kbps • Successor to GPRS • Rollouts to begin in 2004 • Migration path leads to UMTS (Universal Mobile Telecommunications System) – throughput of 2 Mbps

  17. Telco Networks - CDMA 1xRTT • Code Division Multiple Access – Single Carrier Radio Transmission Technology • Digital spread spectrum technology – efficiently uses spectrum • Competing technology to GPRS and EDGE • Major carriers include Verizon and Sprint • Maximum throughput of 144 Kbps – actual speeds typically 40-60 Kbps • Migration path leads to CDMA 2000 – up to 2.4 Mbps in throughput

  18. Other Mobile Data Technologies • Wireless Local Area Networks (Cisco, 3COM, Alvarion, Intermec, Nortel, Proxim, Symbol, etc.) • Mesh Networks (Tropos, Mesh Networks, 5G, Alvarion, Cisco, Lockheed Martin, Proxim, Vivato, etc.) • Satellite (Motient, Globalstar, Iridium, Teledesic, etc.)

  19. Wireless Local Area Networks • Quickly becoming integrated into wireless infrastructures throughout North America • Relatively inexpensive off-the-shelf technologies • Able to carry data at speeds up to 11 Mbps • Operate in unlicensed frequency bands above 2 GHz – security issues can be a concern • Used for short-range communications (100 to 500 feet) • Not intended for mobile vehicles seeking seamless coverage across a wide area • Commonly deployed by placing Wireless Access Points (WAP) at locations where mobile data users operate (major routes, stations, service shops, etc.)

  20. Mesh Networks • RF packet technology (802.11x) • Large number of low power repeaters • Wider scale than traditional wireless LANS • Transmission across very wide bandwidth • Wireless repeaters distribute traffic throughout network • Wired Access Points (WAP) connect network to internet • Up to 500 Kbps • Good for metropolitan areas

  21. Mesh Networks .5 to 2 mi. WAP WAP

  22. Geosynchronous Earth Orbit Satellite • Orbit the earth at 22,300 miles • Rotates with the earth • Provide ubiquitous coverage • Propagation delays experienced • Service has focused on video (DirecTV, Dish Network), broadcasting and long-hall transportation • Mobile data rates are low speed 4.8 to 9.6 Kbps

  23. Low Earth Orbit Satellite • Orbit the earth at 300 to 900 Miles • Require “ring” of orbiting satellites to provide continuous coverage • Ubiquitous coverage • Low data rates of 2.4 – 9.6 Kbps • Iridium experienced significant financial problems, rescued by US government • Initial promise has not emerged as originally hoped (Teledesic, etc.)

  24. Satellites Globalstar Teledesic

  25. Mobile Data Software

  26. Mobile Data Software • Mobile data software is best thought of as an extension of an existing desktop application (i.e., CAD) • Selecting a provider can be simple if an existing vendor offers a mobile component that meets an agency’s needs • Decision becomes more difficult if the vendor does not offer a mobile component and integration or if total replacement is necessary • Network considerations • Is the software network capable and wireless friendly? • What are the minimum bandwidth requirements? • How will the software react to a loss of network connection? • Software functionality • Important to confirm and test all required functionality • Mobile clients are often streamlined versions of the network clients with less functionality

  27. Dispatch Messaging Status Messaging Vehicle-to-Vehicle Messaging Administrative Messaging Local, State and National Inquiries Citation Issuance Accident Reporting Automated Field Reporting Mapping Automatic Vehicle Location Magnetic Stripe Reading Fingerprint Scanning Office Automation Internet Access Mobile Data Software Functions

  28. Key Considerations

  29. Automated Field Reporting Stage 1 - Word Processing Stage 2 - Field-Based Editing Stage 3 - Paperless

  30. Things to Remember • Mobile data software is comprised of multiple layers: • Client • Server • Interfaces • Managing integration of the various layers is central to a project’s success • Several mobile data software applications are proven today: • Dispatching • Messaging • Queries • AVL • Communications center monitors unit location • Recommend units to dispatch based on closest unit • Able to send help to last location of vehicle • Field units and Watch Commanders able to monitor unit location • Field Reporting • True paperless completion and approval of field reports is still in developmental stages

  31. Things to Remember • Mobile data software can be purchased in multiple ways: • Stand-alone • As part of an overall CAD/RMS solution • As part of overall mobile data infrastructure solution • Failure to match mobile application needs to mobile infrastructure needs often leads to project failures • Critical policy decisions to make include: • Voiceless dispatching • Handling of signatures • Assignment of MDCs to officers versus vehicles • PDAs • Mandatory versus voluntary use for reporting • Ongoing user and system administrator training is critical to successful implementation

  32. Things to Remember • Data integrity is critical to success • Maintenance • SLAs • Vendor support • Separate maintenance contracts • Software versus solution support • Upgrades • Policies and procedures must be addressed before the rollout of mobile data software • Signatures • Approvals • Routing • Change from paper • Computers DON’T solve all problems

  33. Mobile Data Devices

  34. Devices • Laptops • “Dumb” terminals • Tablets • Handheld (Palm, iPAQ, Visor, etc.) • Pagers (two-way alpha numeric)

  35. Peripherals • Magnetic stripe readers • Bar code readers • Digital cameras • Scanning devices • In-vehicle portable printers

  36. Key Considerations

  37. Things to Remember • Devices are the most interchangeable component of the overall mobile data solution • Agencies should pay great attention to user input when selecting mobile data devices • Involve fleet operations in planning and selection • User acceptance can make or break an entire project • Ergonomics are critical • Mobile data printers are prone to problems • Applications should drive mobile data purchases • Identify life cycle costs – leasing is a growing trend • Budget for replacement costs every 3-5 years • Strongly consider pilots when conducting evaluations

  38. Mobile Data Costs

  39. Mobile Data Cost Components • Infrastructure • RF infrastructure • Towers • Interconnectivity • Shelters • Base stations • Others • Network access charges • Fixed rate versus per megabyte pricing • Software • MDS application • AFR application • Third-party communications (network, IP, security) • Application interfaces • Upgraded connections (i.e., frame relay to 128 Kbps)

  40. Mobile Data Cost Components • Hardware • MDC unit • Peripherals • Modems • Antennas • Internal cabling • Replacement batteries • Services • Hardware and software warranties • Maintenance • Integration • Installation • Project management • Refresh costs for all components

  41. Successful Case Studies

  42. Successful Case Studies • Captain Woody Sandy, North Carolina Highway Patrol • Deputy Chief Ron Glensor, Reno Police Department

  43. Issues and Challenges

  44. Issues and Challenges Many of you received funding to purchase MDTs/MDCs in your police vehicles. Few agencies anticipated or planned for all the issues related to installing this new technology. List all of the issues that should/must be addressed before implementation can be successful: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

  45. Questions? Asst. Chief Ron Glensor glensor@ci.reno.nv.us (775) 334-3860 Captain Woody Sandy woody.sandy@ncshp.org (919) 662-4440 Brian Hudson bhudson@thayerconsulting.com (213) 247-2243

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