Mission-Critical Communications Require FirstNet Certified Routers For Reliable, High-Speed Cellular Connectivity During Emergencies
In times of crisis, ensuring seamless communication for first responders and public safety agencies becomes paramount. The concern over potential network disruptions or congestion-related connection issues should be the last thing on their minds, as it could impede their life-saving efforts.
To address this critical need, the First Responder Network Authority and AT&T have developed FirstNet - a dedicated network designed to provide uninterrupted and reliable coverage specifically for law enforcement officers, firefighters, and emergency medical personnel.
With a nationwide reach encompassing 99% of the U.S. population, the FirstNet network serves over 2.8 million connections. It goes beyond traditional networks by offering exceptional advantages such as continuous priority access and pre-emption capabilities, which effectively manage network congestion during public emergencies. FirstNet grants first responders exclusive access to the highly dependable LTE Band 14 spectrum, which is complemented by AT&T's commercial spectrum. This is achieved by strategically reallocating or adjusting network resources, ensuring that public and commercial users are either moved or deprioritized to maintain network availability for FirstNet subscribers.
While the network currently focuses on delivering LTE coverage, the imminent arrival of ultra-fast 5G brings additional opportunities for communities nationwide. AT&T has recently expanded access to high-band, mid-band, and low-band 5G connectivity on the FirstNet network. Presently, approximately 100 markets have access to 5G on FirstNet, which is expected to grow as AT&T continues introducing 5G connectivity to more locations.
However, accessing the benefits of FirstNet involves more than a simple subscription and standard devices. Public safety agencies and organizations must use devices that meet the specific emergency communications requirements and standards—they must be FirstNet certified. These certified devices include a range of options such as FirstNet mobile hotspots, FirstNet Trusted™ routers, and modems, handheld radios, cell phones equipped with FirstNet SIM cards, connected devices in vehicles, and IoT devices, among others.
What's the difference between a FirstNet hotspot and a FirstNet router?
When comparing a FirstNet-certified hotspot to a FirstNet-certified router, it's crucial to become familiar with FirstNet certifications. These certifications have been established following extensive testing that encompasses various aspects, ranging from security measures to durability.
They serve as the gateway for devices to connect to the FirstNet network, and each device must possess one of the following certifications:
FirstNet Trusted™
FirstNet Ready™
FirstNet Capable™
What Is A FirstNet Hotspot?
A mobile hotspot enables users to create a personal wireless Wi-Fi connection using a small, portable wireless access point. Although primarily built for consumers, hotspots can be certified as FirstNet Capable or FirstNet Ready and allow users to connect around 15 devices to the Internet simultaneously over an LTE or, more recently, a 5G connection.
FirstNet hotspots work well for simple deployments with few connections and basic security requirements. For instance, this may include a small agency or department with minimal requirements looking to connect one or two devices, such as a tablet or laptop. But for large-scale deployments that require much more sophisticated network capabilities and advanced network management and control, a FirstNet-certified router is the way to go.
What is a FirstNet Certified Router?
FirstNet wireless routers play a vital role in establishing a robust and secure Internet connection to facilitate reliable communication across numerous devices within expansive settings like hospitals or fleets of emergency vehicles. These routers are meticulously designed to meet the specific demands of the network, offering essential functionalities tailored for public safety applications. Some key features include an integrated next-generation firewall and dedicated support for FirstNet priority, enabling the seamless utilization of IoT technology across a wide area network (WAN).
By connecting devices to the FirstNet network through 5G and LTE technologies, FirstNet wireless routers ensure high-performance and mission-critical communication capabilities during emergencies. This empowers first responders to carry out their duties safely and efficiently.
When To Opt For A FirstNet Router Instead Of A FirstNet Hotspot
While hotspots serve as a quick and cost-effective solution for establishing a small network, they come with limitations. They only offer basic Wi-Fi functionality and lack support for advanced features like Wi-Fi as WAN. Additionally, hotspots have restricted options for antenna connections, leading to potential issues with signal strength and overall performance degradation.
In the realm of in-vehicle networking, which is essential for modern police cruisers, fire apparatuses, ambulances, and mobile command centers, the demand for highly reliable, resilient, and adaptable mobile network connectivity is standard. Police cruisers, for instance, require a sophisticated setup of devices, including laptops, dashboard cameras, license plate readers, and automatic vehicle location (AVL) integration. Routers, due to their ability to deliver fast and dependable connections, robust Wi-Fi capabilities, and ruggedized design, offer the durability and performance that first responders rely on in critical situations.
FirstNet Routers Provide Advanced Network Security Features
Across public safety organizations worldwide, cellular-enabled IoT devices have become integral components of their applications. These devices gather and exchange vast amounts of sensitive data, from sensors providing vital information about first responders to cameras transmitting real-time footage of incidents to command centers.
However, as the number of IoT devices connected to networks increases, the security landscape becomes more complex, and safeguarding against potential threats becomes a significant challenge. To address this concern, utilizing a FirstNet Trusted device with advanced security features becomes essential. This certification ensures that cybersecurity and connectivity requirements are met, offering organizations the assurance that their data is effectively protected. The certification process considers various factors, including secure default configurations, system vulnerabilities, data protection, and more.
While hotspots can also acquire FirstNet certification, it's important to note that they lack certain enterprise-class security features such as FIPS or PCI compliance, application-aware firewalls, and IPS/IDS capabilities. Consequently, hotspots are unsuitable for most public safety applications due to their limited security measures.
Cloud-Based Management Allows For Simplified Deployment
Efficient network management holds great importance in public safety applications. When dealing with a substantial vehicle fleet, it becomes crucial for departments to have the capability to manage each FirstNet router remotely. Typically, with a FirstNet mobile hotspot, devices are individually managed, configured, and updated, which proves to be labor-intensive and impractical for fleet management purposes.
To address this challenge, a streamlined approach to cloud-based management can significantly assist IT teams in effectively controlling their network. Through a unified platform, IT teams can monitor uptime, ensure security, and assess cellular reception from a single centralized interface. FirstNet 5G and LTE wireless routers allow public safety agencies to centrally manage their FirstNet devices using a cloud-based platform, enabling centralized configuration and troubleshooting processes. This cloud-based management solution simplifies network administration and enhances the overall efficiency of public safety operations.
About USAT
Our team not only helps you select, provision, and activate devices, we make sure they work in practical applications and real-life situations.
For over 25 years, USAT has provided mobile communications solutions for various retail applications across the USA. With our extensive catalog of world-class routers, gateways, and software designed for remote monitoring and management in even the harshest environments — you can count on us to get and keep you connected.
Better mobile connectivity translates to less manual equipment maintenance, reduced downtime, and an overall increase in your business's ROI. Contact the experts at USAT to learn how our wireless networking solutions can help meet your organization's exacting needs.
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