The promise of Next Generation 911 (NG911) systems is undeniable. The broadband capabilities of NG911 systems enable data to reach emergency communications centers (ECCs)—traditionally known as public safety answering points (PSAPs)—for the first time, because legacy 911 systems traditionally have been voice-centric, with very modest data capabilities. Moreover, NG911 systems will allow for the transmission of high-bandwidth files, such as video and building floorplans.
When this enormous volume of data is analyzed and contextualized effectively, it becomes actionable. In that form the data dramatically enhances situational awareness, which in turn enables emergency responders to do their jobs more effectively and keeps them safer, resulting in more lives and property saved.
In addition, there is a great need in today’s emergency response environment to share data between NG911 systems and with other broadband networks, for example public safety broadband networks being implemented by the First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet) and others.
Here’s a summary of NG911 benefits compared with legacy 911 systems:
- More actionable data
- More accurate caller location data
- Fewer misrouted 911 calls
- Faster 911 call transfers with data intact
A NG911 system has two primary components. The first involves next generation core services (NGCS), which are the functional elements that enable NG911-compliant ECCs to handle emergency calls. The second involves one or more emergency services Internet Protocol networks (ESInets), which provide the transport architecture that enables the delivery of emergency calls to NG911-compliant ECCs.
Three approaches exist for implementing an ESInet. An emergency services provider, such as an ECC, can provision its network by contracting with a commercial provider; it can self-provision its network; or it can leverage a hybrid approach. We recently posted a whitepaper that explores each of these options, with each having distinct advantages and disadvantages. The following are the key factors that should be considered when mulling how to implement an ESInet:
Commercially Provisioned
- One-stop-shop, set-it-and-forget-it ownership model
- Bandwidth capacity might be inadequate; scaling up would add cost to the agency
- The provider’s ability to scale might be an issue
- Strong service-level agreements with the provider are needed
- Agency has little control of the ESInet’s hardware, software and fiber
- A lack of visibility into the ESInet exists
Self-Provisioned
- Ideal for regional networks, enabling resource and cost sharing
- Agency has complete control over network hardware, software and fiber
- Agency controls network monitoring, troubleshooting and security postures
- Network can support other applications such as computer-aided dispatch, 911 call-handling, land mobile radio and other public safety technologies to generate economies of scale and enhance capabilities
- Requires strong information technology (IT) management and assets, including cybersecurity
- Strong governance is a must, especially for regional networks
Hybrid Approach
- Ideal for state-level networks
- Provides the greatest opportunity for network diversity, resiliency and redundancy because of dual-path approach
- Provides an opportunity to enhance bandwidth capacity compared with a commercially provisioned ESInet
- Can be implemented with less cost compared with a commercially provisioned ESInet
Many more insights regarding these three approaches can be found in the aforementioned whitepaper, and we urge you to check it out. We also urge you to reach out to us for support as you launch or continue your implementation of NG911 service. MCP has more than 150 subject-matter experts, many of whom are experienced in the deployment of NG911 systems in general, and ESInets in particular. They would welcome the opportunity to help you deploy yours. esp
Brian Melcer is an MCP senior program manager and a certified emergency number professional (ENP). He can be emailed at BrianMelcer@MissionCriticalPartners.com.
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