[opendtv] Re: "Hardened" Networks -- (was: Reading between the lines)
- From: "Hunold, Ken" <KRH@xxxxxxxxx>
- To: <opendtv@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
- Date: Wed, 11 May 2011 16:56:42 -0400
If you want to see a hardened network, literally, take a look at
broadcast radio transmitter sites built during the Cold War for the
Conelrad system. Supposedly with federal monetary support, many of
these sites were built and "hardened" with concrete. Some featured a
thick roof and a meager windowless broadcast studio. Some still have
the two towers needed for operation on the Conelrad frequencies.
FYI, as I have mentioned before, on 9/11 the cell service in New York
City was useless. Blackberry got some mileage out of saying that their
network did not go down, but that was most likely because they didn't
have many subscribers back then. WIRED internet service was the most
reliable method of communication, even better than the wired POTS
network. That's how I let my family know I was all right, ten blocks
from Ground Zero.
As in previous emergencies, people gathered around cars to hear radio
reports about what was going on. It should also be noted that all of
the major New York TV stations were knocked off the air because their
antennas were all on the World Trade Center. WCBS-TV still maintained a
back-up site on the Empire State Building and, just as in the previous
attack on the WTC, they were back on the air soon after the attack.
Regards,
Ken Hunold
-----Original Message-----
From: opendtv-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx [mailto:opendtv-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx]
On Behalf Of Craig Birkmaier
Sent: Wednesday, May 11, 2011 8:36 AM
To: OpenDTV Mail List
Subject: [opendtv] Reading between the lines
The following story is a brazen commercial for a technology that has
seen limited deployment, but could be quite valuable in times of
emergency. In essence, FM radio broadcasters sending alert messages to
FM enabled mobile devices.
Reading between the lines, we learn that the system was helpful to
residents in Alabama who had access to it. But more important, we learn
that many of these people had to rely on radio or wireless broadband to
keep informed about the storms in the area, because of widespread power
outages that rendered broadcast and cable TV useless (without a
generator).
Clearly, a TV broadcast system that works reliably for mobile devices,
coupled with compatible receivers in these devices, would allow TV
broadcasters to "stay in the game" when mains power is disrupted. It is
EQUALLY clear that any number of alternatives could work as well. For
example, the telcos could deliver text messages to subscribers in
affected areas
In fact, there are some systems doing this already, or about to launch:
Feds and Wireless Carriers Launch Mobile EAS in New York
http://tvtechnology.com/article/120270
The reality is that two things are necessary for a reliable alert
system:
1. Reliable RF transmissions from a "hardened" network.
2. Ubiquitous receivers for these alerts.
And today's reality is that the telcos operate these networks and have
the largest customer base of devices that people rely on when they are
mobile. Hardened is a relative term, but each cellular tower has
emergency generators and most survive catastrophic weather events. I
would also note that these emergencies tend to drive people to these
networks, which in turn suggests that additional spectrum would be very
helpful in times of emergency.
Seems broadcasters don't want to give up valuable FREE spectrum, but
they are more than willing to ask the politicians to mandate a technical
solution to keep them in the game...
Hence the conclusion of this article, that the government should mandate
that every cellphone have an FM chip.
Regards
Craig
http://www.allaccess.com/net-news/archive/story/91172/radio-s-use-of-ale
rt-fm-saved-lives-in-alabama
Radio's Use Of ALERT FM Saved Lives In Alabama May 10, 2011 at 4:00 AM
(PT)
GLOBAL SECURITY SYSTEMS division ALERT FM. which uses the FM radio
platform to deliver emergency alert text messages, undoubtedly helped
save hundreds of lives during the devastating tornados that ripped
across the SOUTH last month. The ALERT FM system is deployed in 18
counties in ALABAMA, using the Radio Broadcast Data Service (RBDS)
FM-subcarrier technology to deliver text alerts up to 240-characters to
any electronic device with ALERT FM software and an enabled FM radio
receiver chip.
"With an FM receiver chip in every fixed and mobile device, the ALERT FM
emergency alert text message broadcast would be ubiquitous and reach
even more people during times of local or national disasters and other
emergencies," GSS Pres./CEO Robert L. Adams said. "In addition, ALERT FM
'wakes up' the FM-enabled device when an emergency alert message is
delivered, further enhancing public safety"
"I know we saved a lot of folks because they saw the posts on our
FACEBOOK page," COX MEDIA GROUP/BIRMINGHAM VP/Market Manager DAVID
DUBOSE said. "Many people called our stations to say their power was off
at their home due to the storms early on WEDNESDAY morning before the
killer tornados even touched down. They relied on our stations and The
GSS ALERT FM system for vital information."
"This is exactly why the American public needs and deserves FM chip
integration in their electronic devices, including mobile phones,"
noted SHARON TINSLEY, President of the ALABAMA BROADCASTERS ASSOCIATION.
TODAY (5/10), GSS will demonstrate the ALERT FM System during CES On The
Hill, the CONSUMER ELECTRONICS SHOW (CES) event that targets members of
CONGRESS at Booth 21.
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