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WirelessDevNet.com Press Release
Scientel to Build and Deploy a MeshNetworks' Mobile Wireless System For The City of Buffalo
LOMBARD, Ill.--Aug. 26, 2004--
"Always-On", real-time access to databases and better collaboration will enable City to increase productivity, save costs and improve levels of service
Scientel America Inc. today announced that it will build and deploy a mobile wireless mesh network for the City of Buffalo, MN, which will result in greater efficiency, cost savings and enhanced community service. Located about 40 miles northwest of Minneapolis/St. Paul, the City of Buffalo is a rapidly growing community with over 13,000 people.
"Just keeping the lights on is no longer an option. Our goal in such a growing community is to improve on existing service levels and be more responsive to citizens," said Fred Naaktgeboren, Mayor, City of Buffalo. "Collaboration among residents, business, City personnel and departments is key to accomplishing our goals. This wireless system, along with the applications we run over the system, will help us do that."
Implementing a mobile wireless mesh network will enable the City to automate the data entry process and increase the time city workers spend in the community. The high-speed wireless connectivity will reduce trips back to headquarters needed to submit reports and retrieve required files. The City estimates that the engineering department could save approximately fifteen hours per month in time. The estimated timesavings for the street/park department are approximately ten hours per month.
It is anticipated that the police department can save at least 50 percent of the time spent on data entry by automating the process and implementing the mobile wireless system technology. This would result in improved city services, while decreasing per project costs.
Implementation of the network is expected to begin in September 2004, and the network will be fully operational before the end of the year. "We evaluated several vendors and selected Scientel America because they had considerable experience in dealing with fixed and mobile wireless environments, and offered the most complete solution including wireless coverage, greatest security and flexibility," said Fred Naaktgeboren, Mayor, City of Buffalo. "Scientel America offered the best mobile wireless solution that I have seen to address the needs of public safety and city governments."
The network will consist of a MeshNetworks Enabled Architecture (MEA(R)) solution, which will provide the network coverage, throughput and management system, and NetMotion Wireless Mobility XE to provide the security and Policy Management.
MEA wireless devices are strategically placed throughout the city to ensure sufficient coverage, and network throughput. Unlike competing technologies, the MEA network also offers 3-D position, location and tracking capabilities without the use of GPS Satellites. Its ability to support high-speed handoffs between access points enables seamless broadband connectivity at speeds of over 100mph throughout the city. Self-forming, self-healing wireless routing eliminates single points of failure and provides first responders with multiple connection paths. Should one connection fail, redirection of data, voice and video across the network occurs immediately and automatically.
NetMotion Wireless Mobility XE will provide the security for access to confidential data from national and state crime information databases as well as local city databases. NetMotion Mobility enhances security by providing security levels with government-strength, standards-based authentication, including support for RADIUS, Active Directory, as well as VPN-level encryption with AES, 3DES, or DES.
Enhancing Existing Business Practices
Email is the backbone of communication within the City of Buffalo. The mobile wireless system will enable communication along all levels of business and allow transparent (at the office or in the truck) and real time communications throughout the City enterprise. Virtually all departments will be using the mobile broadband network including police, fire, parks, streets, electric, water, wastewater, and engineering. The system will also be integrated with the City's wireless Internet service.
Workers in the field will have access to the information stored on the LAN and the Email server, as well as access to all Web based applications and databases while they are servicing a house meter, water service, doing a locate of a fiber optic line, or sending in a police report.
Utilities, Streets, Parks: There are several instances in the day when workers need to access Computer Aided Design (CAD) drawings for locates, etc. Prior to the deployment of the mobile mesh network, they would have to make several trips to the office in order to access maps and drawings or in order to collaborate with other staff members, and to check duty assignments. They will now have real-time wireless access to the most recent drawings and calendars. They will also have the ability to share information and collaborate with colleagues spread across the City.
Police Department: The City of Buffalo Police Department will be able to lookup driving records and file reports while still in their squad cars over the network. Currently Police Officers have to go back to the office to file reports.
Fire Department: The Fire department will be able to access CAD information on any structure in the community before they enter the building. Their mobile wireless connection will enable them to determine the presence of known hazardous materials at a location, as well as the building owner's name and telephone number.
About Scientel America Inc.
SCIENTEL AMERICA, INC. is a technology Services Company formed to serve the dynamic and sophisticated needs of the communications industry. Scientel America's expertise is on Wireless Communications Networks, focused on the following primary areas: Police and Public Safety Networks, Intelligent Transportation Systems, Municipal and State Government Networks, Broadband Solutions for Health Care and Educational Institutions, and Broadband Internet Networks. Scientel America, Inc.'s engineers and technicians have been proudly serving the communications industry the world over for more than a decade. Scientel America's focus is providing complete turnkey communications projects, sales and service of microwave and broadband equipment, custom modifications, upgrades and replacement components for communications systems. For more information visit www.scientelamerica.com.
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