Cradlepoint Provides First Responders with Simple, Secure, Software-Defined Transition to FirstNet
Cradlepoint, the global leader in cloud-based network solutions, announced las week that emergency responders will now be able to seamlessly transition to the First Responder Network Authority’s (FirstNet) Band 14 National Public Safety Broadband Network.
Cradlepoint’s new MC400L2 modem is the first solution with a full range of applications for coordinated response efforts across public and private first responder networks. It is also the first Band 14 solution that—when integrated with the AER product family—features full Unified Threat Management (UTM) security. Emergency personnel and first responders now have a flexible, cost-effective option to support Band 14 migrations, while ensuring reliable, secure connectivity at all times.
The Band 14 frequency supports all emergency communications services, as well as new public safety applications and devices, like laptops, tablets, body and dash cameras, and evidence collection devices. Traditional approaches to connecting Band 14 networks include completely new architectures that can put a strain on the IT department, but Cradlepoint simplifies the move to Band 14 with its modular MC400L2 modem that seamlessly works with any existing Cradlepoint router in the network. This capability reduces complexity and cost when transitioning to Band 14 because it enables the IT department to deploy Band 14 immediately or later with field upgrades. To ensure first responders are always connected and protected, these routers are deployed, secured, and managed by Cradlepoint NetCloud—the first network platform to bring the simplicity and security of cloud management, Software-Defined Networks (SDN), and Network Function Virtualization (NFV) to FirstNet. Public safety agencies and first responders now have a flexible, secure, and rapidly-deployable option to support their Band 14 migration programs.
Cradlepoint has also partnered with Panasonic to deliver an integrated mobile computing and connectivity “vehicle area network” solution. The partnership combines Panasonic’s rugged Toughbook devices with Cradlepoint’s Band 14 routers to provide reliable and secure connectivity to the entire emergency response network, from computers to cameras and sensors.