NCJ Number
206164
Journal
Law Enforcement Technology Volume: 31 Issue: 6 Dated: June 2004 Pages: 66,68,72
Date Published
June 2004
Length
6 pages
Annotation
This article discusses the problem of wireless network connectivity among law enforcement agencies using both static and dynamic IP addressing.
Abstract
Law enforcement agencies use a wireless local area network (WLAN) for good bandwidth and a wireless wide area network (WWAN) for wider communication coverage. With the loss of CDPD this year, law enforcement managers must find solutions for enabling officers to seamlessly roam across disparate networks. The underlying problem with wireless network connectivity is the contrast between static and dynamic IP addressing. CDPD modems were programmed with static IP addresses; however, the CDPD replacement networks are based on dynamic IP addresses in order to accommodate more traffic. The dynamic addressing creates problems for public safety organizations using applications designed for static IP environments. Agencies must either rewrite their applications for a dynamic IP environment or buy new equipment. Other problems with wireless networks are unsecured communications and frequently dropped connections. Thus, agencies need a plan for meeting interoperability and homeland security objectives and for improving their communications without mandating new standards or buying all new technology. A solution is presented in “middleware,” which allows users to seamlessly roam across many active networks without dropping the connection. Padcom’s TotalRoam technology is described as a comprehensive mobile data solution that meets privacy and roaming needs. TotalRoam is a software suite with three tiers of service: TotalRoam Mobil Connectivity Suite (MCS), TotalRoam Mobile Virtual Network (MVN), and TotalRoam Connect; the functioning and requirements of each are described. Regardless of the specific technology used in the solution to wireless network connectivity problems, public safety demands communication interoperability.