DHS Claims Breakthrough in Wireless Broadband Interoperability

by David Silverberg

Department of Homeland Security (DHS) officials and private sector engineers have succeeded in creating a system that allows first responders to communicate on what is effectively a single network using existing land-mobile radios as well as new broadband devices like personal digital assistants and laptops, significantly advancing interoperability while keeping costs low.

The new system, being piloted in Washington DC, is called the Radio Over Wireless Broadband (ROW-B), and is the result of collaboration by the DHS Science and Technology Directorate (S&T), the District of Columbia Office of the Chief Technology Officer and the company ISCO International, Elk Grove Village, Ill. ....

Boyd emphasized that the program was designed to use the equipment already existing in most first responder departments without requiring costly new replacements. The guiding principle was “What can we do now with what we have?” he explained.

The system was tested during July and August and connected the District of Columbia’s existing radios with broadband devices using a Bridging Systems Interface. It also used geographic information system (GIS) databases to identify the locations of vehicles, equipment and responders. ....