World Surveillance Group Inc (fka WSGI)

[justfrank]

Guess you have to ignore this summarry to find that summary interesting, LOL



COALITION WARRIOR INTEROPERABILITY DEMONSTRATION 2007 FINAL REPORT

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IT 6.42

HOTZONE 4010/4020
(HZ4010)

warfighter/OPERATOR RESULTS

PERFORMANCE | ASSESSMENT LEVEL | TECHNICAL SUPPORT/TRAINING | CAPABILITIES/FINDINGS | WARFIGHTER PERSPECTIVE | WARFIGHTER COMMENTS | CONCLUSIONS | RECOMMENDATIONS

IT 6.42 ASSESSMENT COMPONENTS
WARFIGHTER | TECHNICAL INTEROPERABILITY | INFORMATION ASSURANCE | SEIWG
(If a text entry is not linked, there is no assessment in that category for this trial)

PERFORMANCE

HotZone 4010/4020 (HZ4010), IT 6.42, an efficient, high-speed, data wireless communications system, uses Wireless Fidelity (Wi-Fi) and Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMAX) and Voice over Internet Protocol (VOIP) with Digital Enhanced Cordless Telephones (DECT) the system for voice, video and data applications all in one rugged, military specification box. The systems, easily transported and set-up, utilized both fixed and mobile configurations. HotZone provided homeland security first responders, from forward to rear areas, secure and non-secure critical data access needed to conduct operations. The HotZone technology filled the gap where existing communications were eliminated, degraded, or overloaded. HotZone replaced or augmented communications systems deployed for First Responders quickly. HotZone also demonstrated a state-of-the-art smoke detection system combined with the HotZone’s 4010 wireless communications infrastructure called Fire-Watch. Fire-Watch is a high end, tower-sustained, automatic, early smoke detection system for the prevention of forest fires. The HotZone technology location was SPAWAR, San Diego only.

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Assessment Level

Four warfighters evaluated the trial through JDCAT questionnaires at SPAWAR, San Diego. Of the four warfighters that provided background biographies, all were well qualified to operate/interact with the HotZone technology.

Technical Support/Training

On-site technical representatives provided training (including DECT phones) and technical support on all aspects of HotZone. The training focused on sending/receiving voice calls, sending/receiving data, and external/internal gateways, and consisted of briefings and hands on DECT phone operation. Training and technical support adequately supported the events executed in the exercise.

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CAPABILITIES/FINDINGS

CREATE AN INTEROPERABLE INTERFACE BETWEEN SERVICE TACTICAL RADIOS AND COALITION TACTICAL RADIOS: The HotZone system provided voice, video and broadband data transmission capabilities directly supporting the CMOC communications requirement. HotZone demonstrated VoIP using DECT phones. Where existing communications were eliminated, degraded, or overloaded, HotZone quickly replaced or augmented first responder communications systems. Wireless networks were established with laptops from a disclosed location on-site. Connections were made to the Internet and the systems were disconnected for mobility in wireless configuration. Although the DECT phones did not communicate effectively inside the SPAWAR secure facility due to secure wireless constraints and interference, the DECT phones successfully established voice communications externally from the facility over the wireless connection and into the unsecured portion of the SPAWAR facility (CMOC) with the ability to send data images. Hotzone successfully sent and received voice calls and transmitted and received data in a timely manner.

Furthermore, HotZone demonstrated combining their wireless communications infrastructure with a state-of-the-art smoke detection system called Fire-Watch. Fire-Watch is a high end, tower-sustained, automatic, early smoke detection system for the forest fire prevention. CMOC directed deployment of Fire-Watch cameras along with sensor units mounted with a high accuracy positioning system which surveyed and scanned a defined large area. The sensor units automatically transferred alarm-related images to a pre-designated control centre where operators evaluated the images. Individual tower equipments, carefully aligned to the relevant horizon line, supplied a low number of false alerts and provided 100% recognition of fires (simulated source). CMOC Operations observed the video feed from Fire-Watch and monitored the fire situation in real-time. Fire-Watch pinpointed hotspots so that limited fire fighting resources were directed where needed the most. Additionally, by being the wireless command and control link for the RAPTRS Unmanned Ground Vehicle, HotZone demonstrated the ability to transmit/receive live video.

DEMONSTRATE NEW TECHNOLOGY OR ENHANCEMENT TO EXISTING TECHNOLOGY THAT STREAMLINES THE OPERATIONAL DECISION-MAKING PROCESS THROUGHOUT THE SPECTRUM OF MILITARY AND CIVIL OPERATIONS, INCLUDING GWOT CONTINGENCIES AND CRISIS RESPONSE PROVIDING CROSS AND SECURE SPECTRUM INTERFACE CAPABILITIES FOR TACTICAL/COMMERCIAL RADIOS AND IMPROVING MOBILITY, SURVIVABILITY AND ADAPTIVE DOMINANCE: The HotZone network easily handled broadband data, voice, and video, demonstrating the utility the network to enhance the Commander's command and control. HotZone was deployed for CWID within 24-48 hours after the equipment arrived on scene, demonstrating flexibility, easy of use, and improved crisis response time for decision makers. During execution, CMOC Operations personnel accessed the internet and sent out emails without any difficulty as HotZone provided the Internet connections that worked flawlessly. HotZone supported other trials CWID and was recognized as a superb technology. HotZone’s effectively demonstrated improved Situational Awareness and Consequence Management with the ability to communicate with first responders. Additionally, the T.E.A.M. truck established the transfer link that provided voice, data and live video from HotZone to the CMOC. HotZone’s voice, data, and video feeds kept the CMOC updated on active events and provided on scene emergency communications. HotZone supported critical decision-making and improved operational tempo responding to emergencies especially where personnel were not allowed access, utilizing the remote unit to survey an area. The RAPTRS unit also provided a variety of video feed viewing options for the operator. Additionally, the 2020 relay devices provided above average range, 2-5 miles from a back haul unit, and could be used to control a variety of WiFi, WiMax, and DECT devices.
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WARFIGHTER/Operator PERSPECTIVE

Warfighters observed that HotZone was quickly and easily deployable and commented that HotZone’s flexibility was foremost. The system provides connectivity in natural disaster areas and can be used to monitor sensors using a point-to-point feature for a distance of 30 miles. Warfighters especially liked HotZone’s the live video feeds. System set-up was easy including voice communication set up on the network. Warfighters were also impressed with the Fire-Watch system, an excellent concept for detecting smoke before a fire starts including and the ability to detect explosive vapors from oil, fuel or other volatile chemicals. Warfighters believed that early detection provided by the system could save lives and property.

The warfighters expressed their opinion that HotZone enhances coalition, military, and agency information and knowledge sharing. They recommended investigating using the system for police and fire departments statewide for establishing and setting-up networks. They viewed the ability to set-up a complete wireless communication infrastructure quickly as a very valuable functionality. Additionally, they envisioned its potential in rural areas and its value in establishing communications in remote disaster areas. Warfighters supported fielding HotZone in its current configuration as demonstrated during CWID.
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WARFIGHTER/Operator COMMENTS

“Very useful technology.”

“Very interesting system with a variety of uses.”

“Mobile technology that is easily transportable.”

“This IT could be very useful in both Civilian and Military applications.”

“Very innovative technology.”
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CONCLUSIONS

HotZone met their Integrated Communication CWID Objective by using VoIP DECT phones and providing a new technology that streamlined operational decision processes and enhanced the commander's command and control. HotZone’s network easily handled broadband data, voice, and video. Although the setup was time consuming; it proved to be time well spent. HotZone’s broad range makes it especially useful in areas with limited communication infrastructures and requires minimal training. With a 35-mile range HotZone has the potential for harbor and coastal area communications as well, providing a VoIP solution suitable for use over maritime tactical networks. In the event of an emergency, this system establishes communication lines when normal phone lines or cellular phones are unavailable or lost. The HotZone provides consistent communications and visual surveillance information from on scene that expedites the response time of emergency responders, The HotZone technology expands the ability of both military and civilian communities to communicate without the delay of repairing a previously established network. This system, once deployed allows the command team to respond anywhere in the effected area, without location restriction, streamlining the operational decision-making process and providing more reliable communications.

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RECOMMENDATIONS

Investigate using the system for police and fire departments statewide for establishing and setting-up networks.

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WARFIGHTER/OPERATOR RESULTS ON THIS PAGE
PERFORMANCE | ASSESSMENT LEVEL | TECHNICAL SUPPORT/TRAINING | CAPABILITIES/FINDINGS | WARFIGHTER PERSPECTIVE | WARFIGHTER COMMENTS | CONCLUSIONS | RECOMMENDATIONS

IT 6.42 ASSESSMENT COMPONENTS
WARFIGHTER | TECHNICAL INTEROPERABILITY | INFORMATION ASSURANCE | SEIWG
(If a text entry is not linked, there is no assessment in that category for this trial)

BACK TO GENERAL DIRECTORIES
FINAL REPORT DIRECTORY | ASSESSMENT BRIEFS BOOKLET | HOME

COALITION WARRIOR INTEROPERABILITY DEMONSTRATION 2007 FINAL REPORT


https://www.cwid.js.mil/public/CWID07FR/htmlfiles/642war.html#hed