Using LTE in Critical Vehicle Data Application: Live Testing

2012-01-02T14:22:00.002+02:00

The future of critical data connectivity has been saidto be LTE. The Long Term Evolution networks should be the answer to publicsafety or any vehicle data application where large data streams are needed. Thepossibilities for on-line video surveillance and larger picture filetransmissions for on-line usage have been just waiting that LTE will developout of its infancy. We at Goodmill Systems have always been questioning theidea that just one network and one technology would be enough for critical applications.Our recent tests show that even with the usage of LTE there is a great need formulti channel approach in moving vehicles.

The set/up for the testing was to use one LTE operatoras the primary link to the selected gateway and another, alternative 3G network,as a second WAN link. The initial target for the pilot was to see the generalavailability of the networks in moving vehicles as well as to get firstimplications in the capacities achieved through the selected networks.

Achieved data capacities were from 2-10Mbit/s upstreamand 3-10 Mbit/s downstream in the LTE network with average streams at 4Mbit/sdown and 6Mbit/s up. Availability for both networks in general was high incomparison to previous experience from Goodmill in similar applications inmoving vehicles. LTE availability was surprisingly high considering the earlyphase of the network implementation.

The short testing period supports the fact thatdespite the great availability of 3G and LTE, the moving vehicles propose achallenge to the operation that can only be overcome by using multiple networkswith very fast switch over smartly. It is feasible to think that multi channelsolution with two or three selected WAN links will provide enough secureavailability and bandwidth for the needed high end surveillance application. Formore detailed documentation of the study, please don’t hesitate to contact us.

Juhani Lehtonen
Vice President, Sales
juhani.lehtonen(at]goodmillsystems.com

Vehicle Public Safety Connectivity and Network Evolution

2011-11-15T15:48:00.003+02:00

The modern public safety is in a desperate need for broadband data connectivity. The modern public safety organizations demand access to databases like patient records, criminal registers, stolen car registers and even building drawings. A key imperative is that this data is always up to date, since otherwise our security and health is endangered. Other recent demands include biderectional video from and to vehicles as well as various online blogging posibilities. All of these new services are needed to improve the efficiency of the organizations and ultimately safety of the people. Up to date data connection between vehicles and headquarters saves lives!

Secure connectivity is what public safety data solutions are all about. While the first part of the term (security) receives much of the focus from various advanced VPN solutions, the second part (connectivity) is too often overlooked. And connectivity is key, especially for those who work from their vehicles in public safety. One might assume that TETRA networks, broadband networks, or the future LTE networks provide what is needed. Unfortunately, that is not the case.

First, current TETRA networks don’t provide data connectivity up to today’s standard of services. TETRA is built for voice, and using data over the network often either distracts this main functionality or in cases totally disables it.

Second, the current commercial wireless broadband networks are not reliable. As recently documented in Helsinki Center (one of the best spots for 3G in the world), even in totally covered areas, a single 3G network occasionally provides as low as 70 percent availability in vehicles.

Third, if you wait for the LTE to come and solve all your problems, you’re going to have to wait for a long time. LTE is not yet capable of providing the uptime needed for vehicles, and it will be awhile until it is able to do so.

The ultimate solution for public safety vehicles is to use all of the available network technologies in an intelligent way. TETRA needs to be reserved for voice, and data should be transmitted over TETRA only when absolutely necessary. To ensure broadband availability, two or three commercial broadband networks should be used. As LTE roll-out starts, new technology should be incorporated as soon as possible in regions where it is available.

With a solution this comprehensive and varied, a mobile router capable of great flexibility is required. The router must be able to switch between networks, always selecting the best one. It must be managed remotely for security purposes and minimized operational costs. It must also eventually bring Cloud Services to the vehicle.

This chart illustrates all that router will need to accomplish:

Does this look too far out? If you replied yes, it may surprise you to learn that authorities use this system in Finland. And there is no reason why other public safety organizations around the globe will not put similar products into use in near future. The flexible, comprehensive mobile router we need is already here: Goodmill Systems

Juhani Lehtonen

Always Online

Using LTE in Critical Vehicle Data Application: Live Testing

Vehicle Public Safety Connectivity and Network Evolution