Rhode Island Port to Add Wireless Communications Network
A contract has been awarded to engineer and deploy a prototype security solution for the Rhode Island Port Security Wireless Communications Network (RIPSWCN). As part of a one-year pilot program, the system will interconnect with land-based communications networks to allow government agencies and emergency personnel to share and distribute real-time data throughout Narragansett Bay.
A collaborative project of the Rhode Island Emergency Management Agency (EMA), Rhode Island Economic Development Corporation (RIEDC), the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM), the Rhode Island Department of Administration (DOA), the RIPSWCN partnership was created as a demonstration project funded by an $856,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security through its Information Technology and Evaluation Program (ITEP).
After soliciting bids from contractors across the country, RIPSWCN selected Smiths Detection-LiveWave to lead the network construction. The network is scheduled to be operational in March 2006.
Under Smiths Detection-LiveWaves leadership, the Rhode Island Port Security Wireless Communications Network will demonstrate new port security technologies with the potential for nationwide application, says John Riendeau, Defense Industry Manager at the Rhode Island Economic Development Corporation. This Networks unique ability to develop new models for addressing emergency response and contingency planning, will become a national model by which other port security communication approaches are measured.
The project will consist of a wireless broadband network to distribute text, voice, data and video to first responders and local law enforcement in real-time. Users will be able to communicate securely via Internet Protocol.
Additionally, the network will consist of both existing and new high-resolution robotic camera systems, wireless networking systems and equipment and a variety of sensors including thermal and radar for vessel identification and tracking.
According to Peter Mottur, President of Smiths Detection-LiveWave, By taking a proactive role in strengthening Narragansett Bays port security, the DHS and State of Rhode Island recognize the Bay is a vital resource to the areas economy and environment. Deploying our network solution also provides a model of advanced communications infrastructure to other ports around the country.
To fully integrate and deploy the advanced network solution, Smiths Detection-LiveWave is partnering with Raytheon Integrated Defense Systems; Business Innovation Factory (BIF) of Providence, RI; and Verizon Wireless. The system will be implemented as part of the Rhode Island Wireless Innovation Networks (RI-WINs) initiative, a project of the Business Innovation Factory to make Rhode Island the first state in the country with border-to-border broadband wireless capability.
