LTE-advanced multi-network platform for first responders unveiled

Sierra Wireless has unveiled its new high-performance LTE (long-term evolution) advanced vehicle networking platform that provides secure, always-on mobile connectivity.

The AirLink® MG90 builds on the success of the oMG Mobile Gateway, which is the world’s most widely deployed multi-network solution for mission-critical first responder, field service and transit applications.

“Platforms like the MG90, with its focus on multi-network switching capability, are addressing a key customer need for robust, highly-available connectivity technology options,” said Sam Lucero, senior principal analyst for IoT (Internet of Things) at global information company IHS Markit.

Sierra Wireless says today’s mobile workforce needs to connect more technology in and around their vehicles than ever before, and these devices need to remain securely connected at all times, even as the vehicle moves from one coverage area to another.

The MG90 provides:

•The world’s fastest vehicle area network to support multiple high-bandwidth applications working simultaneously;

•Guaranteed, “always-on” connectivity with sub-second switching of multiple simultaneous integrated WAN links, including dual-LTE-advanced, FirstNet Band 14 option, Gigabit Wi-Fi WAN, Gigabit Ethernet and extensions to satellite and Land Mobile Radio (LMR);

•Connected vehicle awareness with built-in vehicle-ready I/O, Bluetooth and vehicle telemetry interface for in-depth visibility of engine health and remote monitoring of axillary devices, such as light bars, sirens and gun racks;

•Mobile multi-network security using the AirLink Connection Manager (ACM) to retain static IP addresses across all wide area networks without interruption, consolidating the security for all technologies connected to the vehicle area network; and

•Advanced network management software using the AirLink Mobility Manager (AMM) for instant network insight and control, enabling centralized and remote management, monitoring and configuration, available as a hosted service or in the enterprise

Speaking at Tuesday’s (October 4) launch, Jason Krause, senior vice-president and general manager, Enterprise Solutions for Sierra Wireless, said: “First responder, transit, and field service fleets increasingly require multiple wireless networks to ensure always-on, secure communications in the field.

“The AirLink MG90 platform is designed to meet the demands of fleets today and in the future, enabling more informed and better equipped mobile workforces, by providing guaranteed connectivity for mission critical applications.”

The MG90’s multi-networking capability is optimised for the world’s most demanding wireless applications, such as in law enforcement vehicles, which host multiple systems (body-worn cameras, laptops, electronic citation systems, live digital video surveillance and automated license plate recognition systems) that all need to remain securely connected as the vehicle travels.

Together with the AirLink Connection Manager, the MG90 consolidates the security for all connected technologies in the vehicle area network, simplifying deployment and enabling the enterprise to retain management control over network access and connected mobile assets.

The MG90 integrates with the AirLink Mobility Manager – an end-to-end network management solution –to enable simplified, remote and real-time insight and control of connected mobile assets and mission critical applications, and supports vehicle tracking, telemetry and asset management applications.

Josh Hearen, deputy sheriff at Brazos County Sheriff’s Office in the US, said: “Since we deployed the new AirLink MG90 in our test vehicle, we’ve been particularly impressed with its ability to connect to our two core networks – Verizon and FirstNet Band 14 –at any one time. Because it switches between both networks so quickly, the transition is invisible, resulting in almost no network downtime. When connected to the MG90, our officers are able to complete all of their research, paperwork and reporting remotely from th