Preparedness is the motto of the Emergency Manager, yet many Emergency Operations Centers are barely prepared for the potential threats of today.  Massive structural damage or electrical disruption can sideline many EOCs that have no satellite component in their communications plans, eliminating phone lines, internet access and overall data and voice networks to the rest of a state.

The common perception is that comprehensive backup plans that include two-way (VSAT) satellite communications, wireless internet networking and redundant Voice Over Internet Protocol (VOIP) phone lines are prohibitively expensive, especially for Emergency Management Departments with limited funding.  This is no longer the case.  Communications Laboratories is proud to now offer the Emergency Management community complete EOC redundancy solutions that include all of the above features, all at an affordable price.

Two-Way Satellite Capability
The backbone of any thorough communications plan today would not be complete without a VSAT component.  Capable of maintaining internet access, network connections, voice lines and more should terrestrial communications become unavailable, two-way satellite service is quickly becoming an indispensable tool for the Emergency Manager.

As the company that created and runs the most expansive satellite-based emergency warning and messaging network in North America, at Comlabs we understand satellite technology and the bandwidth needs of the Emergency Management community better than most.  With our own private VSAT partition we have created the only two-way satellite network in the nation exclusive for Emergency Managers.  By creating in fully authorized and community-specific shared network we have been able to control the amount of traffic on the bandwidth, ensuring that our customers receive the speed with which they have come to depend.  Below are maps showing the satellite footprints of our VSAT network in North America:

In running a shared bandwidth partition, Comlabs is well aware of the concerns of our members.  That is why Comlabs’ satellite services are fully scalable, allowing us to increase upload and download speeds during major crises when bandwidth usage is heavy.   We also understand the dangers of housing equipment at a single location, which is why our servers and up link facilities all have multiple locations and geo-recovery sites across the United States. This allows you, the Emergency Manager, to rest assured that your backup plan has a backup plan.

Wireless Internet Data Communications
Wireless internet communication is a well known means of data communication at this point, but at Communications Laboratories we have taken wireless networking and tailored it specifically for Emergency Operations Centers.  What this means is that EOCs can now enjoy wireless data comms with the redundancy of a VSAT satellite backbone and the added range and capabilities of Comlabs' Remote Communications Terminals.

Dependable Wireless Connectivity
By coupling wireless internet technology with two-way satellite capability, Emergency Managers now have the dependability of data communications regardless of disruptions to their Local Area Network.  Moreover, by mounting wireless networking tools on an EOC's towers, Comlabs can increase the scope of a site's wireless footprint in one simple maneuver, giving EOC staff more places to get good signal strength and fewer dead spots.

Remote Communications Terminals
Communications Laboratories' Remote Communications Terminals (RTs) are another tool to increase the range of an EOCs wireless footprint and also provide the added benefit of four Voice Over Internet Protocol (VOIP) phone lines per terminal.  Depending on a site's geography, RTs can be positioned a half mile to 3 miles from the EOC, creating a wireless mesh network and limited field communications during times of crisis.  Up to 6 Remote Terminals can be deployed at one time.  Below is a diagram showing the communication integration between RTs and an EOC:

Voice Over Internet Protocol Technology
Voice Over Internet Protocol  communications are an integral part of any Emergency Operations Center’s contingency plan. Using the Comlabs’ satellite stream as a backbone, VOIP lines can continue to provide in and outbound telephone communications for an EOC even if ground lines become unavailable.

Sourcing Security
One of the biggest issues with any type of secure communications is its physical location.  In most cases it is unavoidable to have equipment on site in order to gain functionality, but in the case of voice and data more options are available.  Communications Laboratories now offers all of our customers the ability to source dial tone from our own secure facilities, further ensuring that  when disaster strikes, your location will have the backup it needs.  Additionally, by utilizing Comlabs' dial tone, EOCs can ensure that all phone lines at their site stay free, even when VOIP lines are being used.

EMnet Access
An added capability embedded in the Comlabs' satellite feed is access to the Emergency Management Network, EMnet.  Originally designed as the digital upgrade to the United States National Warning System (NAWAS), EMnet has now become a central clearing house for Emergency Managers to get access to EAS messages, National Weather Service alerts, AMBER Alerts, local civil alerts and more.  A powerful communications network as well, Emergency Managers can use EMnet to communicate to other officials at neighboring state EOCs or even to Federal authorities at FEMA.  To learn more about EMnet and what it can do for your EOC, click here.

Back to Top