Tag: FirstNet

Peplink BR1 Mini 5G Router

Peplink introduces its latest innovation, the BR1 Mini 5G router, designed to redefine the possibilities of high-speed internet access for various applications. This compact powerhouse, now in stock and certified by major carriers, including Verizon (C-BAND), AT&T, FirstNet, and T-Mobile, redefines the way you connect and manage your network.

High-Speed Connectivity

The Peplink BR1 Mini 5G router boasts a 5G modem capable of reaching speeds up to 3.4 Gbps down and 900 Mbps up, ensuring blazing-fast internet access. In instances where 5G is not available, the router seamlessly switches to its 4G LTE Cat 20 modem, supporting speeds of up to 1.6 Gbps down and 200 Mbps up. The inclusion of redundant SIM slots in nano 4FF size ensures uninterrupted connectivity.

Versatile Ports and Connectivity Options

Equipped with two dedicated 10/100/1000 LAN ports and a third port that can function as both LAN and WAN, the BR1 Mini 5G offers flexibility in network configurations. The WAN port supports throughput up to 300 Mbps, providing reliable and high-speed connectivity. The device also supports SpeedFusion features, allowing for two to five VPN connections at speeds up to 80 Mbps with encryption off and up to 60 Mbps with encryption on, provided with a valid PrimeCare plan. 

The package includes the BR1 Mini 5G router, four cellular antennas, and a 12V 2A 4-pin power supply. Additionally, the device can be powered over Ethernet or 10-30V DC via the 4-pin connector, providing flexibility in deployment options. Note that there is no WiFi or GPS support on this model. 

Compact and Flexible Design

Despite its powerful capabilities, the BR1 Mini 5G maintains the compact and lightweight design synonymous with the BR1 Mini series. Weighing just under one pound and measuring under five inches in size, it is an ideal solution for diverse applications, from fixed office locations to vehicles traversing the globe. Suitable for one to sixty users, the BR1 Mini 5G adapts seamlessly to various networking environments. 

Advanced Features for Enhanced Management

The router includes GPIO and ignition sensing features, catering to a range of applications. It can be used as a 5G adapter with an existing network or as a gateway/router to create a new network. With extensive compatibility with 5G/LTE bands, including native 5G NSA and SA mode support, the BR1 Mini 5G ensures optimal performance across different network scenarios.

Efficient Remote Management

Peplink’s InControl2, a cloud-based endpoint management system, allows users to remotely access the BR1 Mini 5G router’s web admin. This feature enables administrators to generate reports, push configurations, and effectively manage connected devices, such as sensors and cameras, utilizing Peplink’s InTouch technology at 5G speeds.

Ready to get your hands on a BR1 Mini 5G? Check them out now at 5Gstore.com! In the meantime, here’s a closer look in our unboxing video!

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Empowering Public Safety with Digi SAFE™

Public safety professionals are constantly facing challenges. The need for robust, reliable, and advanced connectivity solutions is essential. In fact, according to McKinsey & Company research, with smart city connected technologies, emergency teams could reduce response time by 20-35%. They may also reduce criminal incidents by as much as 30-40%. 

Digi SAFE™, a purpose-built connectivity solution, has emerged as a comprehensive suite of tools tailored to the unique demands of EMS, police, and fire departments. With a combination of rugged hardware and state-of-the-art software, Digi SAFE™ not only ensures secure and high-performance connectivity but also plays a pivotal role in enhancing situational awareness, optimizing operational efficiency, and meeting the mission-critical requirements of emergency vehicles.

Digi Remote Manager: The Intelligent Nerve Center

At the heart of Digi SAFE™ lies Digi Remote Manager®, a sophisticated command center that serves as the backbone of intelligent public safety networks. This centralized software empowers IT teams to remotely monitor, manage, and update devices deployed in the field. It streamlines the rapid deployment of cellular routers, ensuring that the network’s security is consistently maintained through seamless security and firmware updates. This level of remote management not only enhances efficiency but also reduces downtime, a critical factor in emergency response scenarios.

Digi TX Cellular Routers: Unparalleled Resilience and Integration

Digi SAFE™ relies on Digi TX40 5G cellular routers, which are solutions that can withstand the most challenging field conditions. These solutions are purpose-built to thrive in environments where ruggedness is non-negotiable. With IP64-rated hardened enclosures, they can endure punishing vibration and weather extremes. Furthermore, their temperature resilience from -29 °F to +165 °F ensures functionality in a spectrum of climates.

What sets the Digi TX solutions apart is their integration flexibility. Equipped with serial and USB ports, as well as dual SIM capabilities and Digi SureLink®, they provide maximum versatility and reliability. This allows seamless integration with various devices critical to public safety operations, including radios, dashboard cameras, body cams, license plate readers, and radar detectors.

Situational Awareness: Navigating the Flood of Data

In the realm of public safety, having a complete understanding of the situation before arriving on the scene is invaluable. Digi SAFE™ acknowledges the growing complexity of data flowing to and from public safety vehicles, emphasizing the need for heightened situational awareness. Whether it’s assessing the nature of a threat, understanding the needs of fellow officers, or gauging potential danger to the public, Digi SAFE™ is designed to support these critical needs.

5G/4G Dual-Connectivity: Unlocking Next-Generation Connectivity

Transmitting and processing the data generated by officers, including high-resolution video, can be costly. Digi SAFE™ aims to unlock the adoption of next-generation, always-on connectivity by offering solutions in both 4G LTE and 5G models with 4G/5G dual connectivity and dual SIMs. This not only addresses budget challenges faced by departments but also provides optimal value for mission-critical investments.

The advantages of 5G wireless connectivity are well-recognized, offering higher speed, lower latency, and stronger security. However, acknowledging the current gaps in 5G coverage, especially in non-urban areas, Digi SAFE™ ensures seamless connectivity between 5G and 4G networks, guaranteeing uninterrupted data flow.

Locational Awareness: Precision in Every Movement

Situational awareness extends to locational awareness, a critical aspect of public safety operations. Digi TX solutions integrate the latest-generation GNSS dead-reckoning technology, surpassing standard GPS capabilities. This “untethered dead reckoning” (UDR) is particularly valuable when vehicles traverse tunnels, urban canyons, or pass beneath overpasses, scenarios where GPS signals may be compromised.

Connectivity in Large-Scale Emergencies: Mitigating Network Congestion

Massive increases in civilian cell phone usage during large-scale public emergencies can potentially jam cellular networks, hindering communication channels vital for first responders. Digi SAFE™ addresses this challenge by ensuring compatibility with popular public safety cellular plans, including AT&T FirstNet®, Verizon Frontline, and T-Mobile Connecting Heroes. These plans facilitate priority, pre-emptive communications for first responders during emergencies, ensuring uninterrupted voice, text, and data communications.

Security Features: Fortifying the Digital Perimeter

Digi SAFE™ upholds a reputation for unparalleled security in the industry, safeguarding both live voice communication and confidential data with a three-tiered security approach:

  1. Digi TrustFence®: A proven security framework designed for mission-critical applications, integrating device security, device identity, and data privacy capabilities that adapt to evolving cyber threats.
  2. FIPS 140-2 Certification: Cellular routers in Digi SAFE™ are validated to meet the stringent Federal Information Processing Standard 140-2 (FIPS 140-2) for cryptographic modules, covering areas such as physical security, authentication, ports, interfaces, and operational environments.
  3. CJIS-Compliant Mobile VPN: The Digi mobile VPN solution, powered by Radio IP Software, complies with the FBI’s Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) division standards, ensuring data security in law enforcement at local, state, and federal levels.

Related Public Safety Solutions: Beyond the Basics

Digi extends its commitment to public safety by offering solutions that go beyond the immediate needs of police, fire, and first responders. This includes things like:

  • Traffic Management: Digi’s traffic management solutions contribute to reducing accidents at intersections, easing congestion, and expediting emergency response.
  • Digital Signage: Flexible digital signage not only provides critical information during emergencies but also serves as a dynamic tool for conveying traffic advisories and updates related to events, detours, or construction delays.
  • Predictive Maintenance: Acknowledging the 24/7/365 nature of emergency vehicles, Digi solutions aid in providing vital vehicle data, including fuel consumption, engine performance, and miles driven. This data streamlines maintenance scheduling and prevents breakdowns, ensuring vehicles are always in peak operating condition.

Advancing Public Safety through Connectivity Excellence

Digi SAFE™ connectivity solutions represent more than just a technological upgrade. They signify a commitment to advancing public safety through connectivity excellence. The combination of rugged hardware, advanced software, and a security-focused approach positions Digi SAFE™ as a comprehensive solution, not just for the present but also for the future challenges that public safety professionals may encounter. As technology evolves, Digi SAFE™ remains at the forefront, ensuring that those on the front lines have the tools they need to keep communities safe.

Contact the 5Gstore sales team for more information!

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Digi TX40

The need for reliable, high-speed internet on the go has become paramount. Enter the Digi TX40, a cutting-edge router that not only fulfills these requirements but also raises the bar for in-vehicle networking solutions. With a plethora of features tailored to meet the demands of modern businesses and government agencies, this device proves to be a game-changer in the realm of mobile connectivity.

Next-Gen Connectivity

At the heart of the Digi TX40 lies its robust 5G NSA/SA modem, which seamlessly integrates with existing 4G LTE networks, ensuring uninterrupted connectivity regardless of the region. This modem supports an extensive range of cellular frequencies, including the crucial 5G C-Band, FirstNet, and CBRS, providing flexibility and reliability in various applications.

Swapping out antennas is a breeze too, thanks to the FAKRA connectors. This enhances the device’s adaptability and ease of use.

Fast and Secure Wireless Connectivity

The Digi TX40 embraces the future of wireless technology with its support for WiFi 6, employing a 2×2 MIMO configuration for both client and access point connections. This ensures lightning-fast data transfer speeds and improved network efficiency, crucial for bandwidth-intensive applications. The device also features a captive portal with customizable splash pages, terms and conditions, shared passwords, user-specific passwords, and RADIUS authentication, catering to diverse user requirements while maintaining security standards.

Seamless Integration and Certification

One of the standout features of the Digi TX40 is its ITxPT certification, guaranteeing interoperability and seamless integration with other vehicle systems. This certification not only enhances the device’s compatibility but also simplifies the overall ecosystem, making it a preferred choice for businesses relying on multiple interconnected systems. Furthermore, the router meets the stringent U.S. government FIPS 140-2 cybersecurity standard, ensuring data integrity and confidentiality.

Robust Hardware and Versatility

The Digi TX40 is designed for versatility and reliability. It boasts two RJ-45 ports configurable as WAN or LAN, supporting 10/100/1000 Mbps Base-T and IEEE 802.3 protocols. Additionally, the device features Digi WAN Bonding, enabling 5G/LTE WAN aggregation and immediate failover, a vital feature for mission-critical applications. The inclusion of a serial port (RS-232; DB-9 male) further enhances its compatibility with legacy systems.

Rugged Design and Remote Management

Built to withstand challenging environments, the Digi TX40 comes encased in a sturdy aluminum IP64 enclosure, capable of operating in temperatures ranging from -29 °F to 165 °F. Its compact dimensions (198 x 138 x 44 mm) make it easy to install in various vehicle types. Moreover, the router can be remotely managed and monitored through Digi Remote Manager, simplifying deployment, mass configuration, and maintenance of in-vehicle devices. This feature significantly reduces operational overheads, ensuring a hassle-free experience for users and administrators alike.

Unparalleled Connectivity for Modern Demands

In summary, the Digi TX40 offers unmatched connectivity, security, and integration capabilities. With its advanced 5G modem, WiFi 6 support, robust hardware, and remote management features, this router is a game-changer for businesses and government agencies relying on seamless, high-speed internet connectivity on the move. Backed by a 3-year warranty and certification support for primary responders, the Digi TX40 is not just a device; it’s a tool helping organizations to stay ahead in the digital age.

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Enhancing Public Safety Response with Cellular Routers

Reliable communication is paramount for public safety agencies to effectively respond to emergencies and ensure the well-being of communities. To meet these critical demands, specialized sections of cellular networks have been established exclusively for public safety use. Companies like AT&T with FirstNet, Verizon and its Frontline service, and T-Mobile’s Connecting Heroes program have pioneered this innovation, offering dedicated networks that empower first responders with seamless, prioritized, and resilient communication capabilities.

The Need for Dedicated Networks

Traditional cellular networks are designed to handle a multitude of users engaging in various activities, such as browsing the internet, streaming videos, and sending emails. However, during emergencies or large-scale events, the surge in network traffic can overload these systems, compromising communication channels for first responders and emergency personnel. Dedicated networks for public safety address this challenge by creating a separate, prioritized infrastructure that ensures consistent access to communication resources, even in the most demanding situations.

AT&T FirstNet: A Game-Changer in Public Safety

Launched by AT&T in partnership with the First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet Authority), FirstNet is a dedicated cellular network designed exclusively for first responders. With its separate spectrum and specialized infrastructure, FirstNet ensures that public safety agencies have the bandwidth they need when it matters most. This means that firefighters, police officers, paramedics, and other emergency personnel can communicate and coordinate effectively without facing network congestion.

One of the key features of FirstNet is its priority and preemption capabilities. During emergencies, FirstNet users are given top priority, ensuring that their communication takes precedence over regular network traffic. This ensures that critical information reaches first responders promptly, enhancing their ability to make informed decisions and respond swiftly to evolving situations.

Verizon Frontline: Elevating Public Safety Communications

Verizon Frontline is another exemplary initiative that caters to the unique communication needs of public safety agencies. By leveraging Verizon’s advanced network infrastructure, Frontline offers first responders reliable connectivity and dedicated network resources. This empowers them to share real-time data, videos, and other critical information without the risk of disruption.

Frontline’s emphasis on network resilience is particularly noteworthy. The network incorporates redundancy and backup solutions, ensuring that communication remains intact even in the face of network outages or congestion. This level of reliability is essential for public safety agencies operating in high-pressure scenarios where seamless communication can be a matter of life and death.

T-Mobile Connecting Heroes: Bridging the Gap

T-Mobile’s Connecting Heroes program is yet another testament to the commitment of cellular providers to support public safety efforts. Through this initiative, T-Mobile offers first responders and their agencies access to its powerful 5G network, enabling high-speed data transfer, video streaming, and other bandwidth-intensive applications. This is crucial for tasks such as remote medical consultations, live video feeds from the field, and data-driven decision-making.

In addition to reliable connectivity, Connecting Heroes also provides cost-saving benefits. Public safety agencies can access T-Mobile’s network at discounted rates, allowing them to allocate resources more efficiently and invest in other critical aspects of their operations.

Benefits of Using a Cellular Router for Public Safety

In the realm of public safety, effective communication plays a pivotal role in safeguarding lives and responding swiftly to emergencies. While traditional methods, such as public safety approved cell phones and tablets, have served as communication tools for first responders, the adoption of dedicated cellular routers brings a new dimension of advantages that significantly elevate their capabilities.

The enhanced coverage and extended range provided by cellular routers are particularly valuable in challenging public safety scenarios. Whether in remote locations, disaster sites, or densely populated urban areas, these routers, equipped with high-gain antennas and advanced signal optimization technology, deliver superior connectivity compared to standard public safety approved cell phones and tablets.

Security is paramount in public safety communication, and cellular routers excel in this aspect. With support for virtual private networks (VPNs) and advanced encryption protocols, these routers offer an added layer of protection for sensitive data transmitted over the network. This heightened security ensures the confidentiality of communications among first responders, safeguarding critical information from unauthorized access.

Centralized management capabilities streamline the deployment and maintenance of cellular routers. IT administrators can efficiently monitor and configure multiple devices from a single interface, simplifying updates and reducing the administrative burden on public safety agencies.

Reliability is further reinforced through backup and redundancy mechanisms integrated into cellular routers. These mechanisms automatically switch between different networks, such as cellular and Wi-Fi, in the event of network outages, ensuring continuous connectivity for first responders even in challenging situations.

Durable and rugged design is another hallmark of cellular routers, making them well-suited for the harsh conditions often encountered in public safety operations. Extreme temperatures, dust, moisture, and physical impacts pose no hindrance to the seamless operation of these routers, contributing to their reliability in demanding environments.

Public Safety Approved Devices 

Looking for a solution to use for your public safety needs? Check out the following supported devices from our vendors, and be sure to reach out to the 5Gstore team with any questions! 

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What is the Newest Router from Sierra Wireless? 

Introducing the new Sierra Wireless RX55! This small, rugged cellular router is perfect for industrial applications and in harsh environments. It has a MIL-STD-810G rating for shock, vibration, thermal shock, and humidity. It also includes a vehicle grade power supply and is Class I Div2 certified.

Models come with a Cat 7 LTE-A modem, which supports speeds up to 300Mbps down and 150Mbps up. They are available with or without WiFi 5 and will always include one year of AirLink Complete. That covers the hardware warranty, tech support, and cloud management via AirLink Management Service (ALMS). 

Features such as ultra-low power consumption, its IP64 rated hardware, industry-standard container support capabilities, and end-to-end security make the RX55 optimized for IIoT (industrial IoT) and Industry 4.0. There’s also options for a dual serial for connecting legacy equipment, and CANbus for telemetry capabilities (only on WiFi models). 

Its multi-band support, which includes Band 71 and CBRS, provides users with extensive coverage and best-in-class private networking support. The device of course supports public networking as well. It is already certified on all major U.S. networks, with Band 14 and FirstNet support included. 

If you have any questions, or want to learn more about this item, please reach out to our team by phone, email, or chat!

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What is AT&T Doing to Expand 5G and In-Building Service for FirstNet

AT&T is known as America’s public safety wireless communications provider and the carrier that built FirstNet. Currently, they cover more first responders than any other network in the country. Now they are trying to expand that coverage with 5G. They’re also working on boosting dedicated in-building connectivity and enhancing 9-1-1 resiliency across Tennessee. FirstNet will be used there as a wireless backup.

“Our commitment to first responders is unparalleled. By delivering 5G on FirstNet in this unique way, public safety is getting a head start on the future of connectivity, without compromising on the reliability they require for their critical communications,” said Jason Porter, President, Public Sector and FirstNet, at AT&T. “And with first responder agencies now able to put their network in buildings where they need it most, we’re equipping first responders with a network that’s second-to-none today and for decades to come.”

Expanding 5G

AT&T has expanded 5G on FirstNet to more than 40 cities. Places like Boston, Charlotte, Chicago, Minneapolis, Nashville, Phoenix, Seattle and St. Louis can now access AT&T mid-band 5G+ spectrum. The benefits of this ultra-fast connectivity will certainly meet unique mission needs. This means first responders in about 100 markets across the country have access to at least 1 of the 3 flavors of 5G (using low-, mid- and high-band spectrum) that AT&T is delivering on FirstNet. 

Boosting dedicated in-building connectivity

In efforts to further assist first responders, a network investment was sent to AT&T from the First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet Authority). This now allows qualified first responder agencies on FirstNet to get FREE Cell Booster Pro systems. Thousands of these will be dispersed and will be used in areas where the agencies have previously experienced connectivity challenges. 

Lisa Casias, the Acting CEO for the First Responder Network Authority, said in a statement to AT&T, “The FirstNet Authority’s investments in the network are guided by the needs of public safety. This unique process is a testament to FirstNet truly being built for and by public safety. We are pleased to work alongside public safety to bring them the tools needed to keep our communities safe.” 

The Cell Booster Pro is an enterprise-grade mini cell site that provides reliable connectivity for public safety on FirstNet. However it will also provide better service for employees and visitors on the AT&T commercial network. The Cell Booster Pro transmits public safety’s high-quality Band 14 spectrum as well as AT&T commercial LTE. With the ability to mesh 3 of these mini cell sites within a building, agencies can increase coverage by up to 45,000 square feet, supporting nearly 200 users. 

Enhancing 9-1-1 resiliency across Tennessee

AT&T is also uniquely positioned to equip 9-1-1 call centers, or public safety answering points (PSAPs), and first responders with an integrated infrastructure. This allows them to be more flexible, resilient and agile. This is the reason they’ve integrated AT&T ESInet with the FirstNet network. It will extend network connectivity to remote PSAPs that are either hard to reach or experiencing an outage. The State of Tennessee is leading the country in deploying this innovative solution at every PSAP across the state. This further protects the nearly 7 million people who call the Volunteer State home.

“We understand that we play a vital role in providing a link to members of our community and first responders,” says Curtis Sutton, Executive Director, Tennessee Emergency Communications Board. “We took key lessons learned following the emergency events in December 2020 and worked with AT&T and other agencies to design a solution to increase our reliability and resiliency. In addition to creating redundancies through traditional connections with AT&T ESInet, we are implementing a wireless connection with FirstNet, which gives us an even more robust dependability than we could have imagined.”

Interoperability with FirstNet enables redundancy, resiliency and agility with AT&T ESInet so that PSAPs can focus on keeping their communities safe. If AT&T ESInet detects a disruption to the primary connection of a 9-1-1 call center, it will automatically route 9-1-1 calls over the FirstNet network to a remote PSAP. This integration strengthens PSAPs to maintain operations. It also creates a path for future Next Generation 9-1-1 technologies, including videos and images. These technologies allow PSAPs to coordinate with first responders more efficiently, improve situational awareness and reduce response times.

Why is this important? 

AT&T is the only carrier that can provide end-to-end emergency communication solutions, from 9-1-1 to dispatch to response. For them, it’s all about where first responders need connectivity. Emergencies are unpredictable and during these critical moments, the public safety community needs reliable, interoperable communications. Today, more than 21,800 agencies and organizations – accounting for 3.7 million connections (as of Q2 2022) – use FirstNet to stay mission-ready. AT&T has seen significant growth in FirstNet because the public safety community recognizes commercial networks aren’t designed to properly handle the specific and niche demands of first responders. And commercial networks are not subject to the rigorous level of oversight and accountability by the federal government. That’s why public safety has FirstNet.

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Providing Service During Natural Disasters – How AT&T is Testing 5G on Drones

An AT&T drone equipped with 5G network hardware (source: AT&T)

For the past few years, AT&T has provided cellular coverage at disaster sites around the U.S. They run the network behind FirstNet, a service for first responders. When their services are needed they typically provide this via trucks called COWs (cell on wheels). 

In the more recent years, the carrier expanded to using a fleet of flying COWs (cell on wings). These flying COWs are drones that are capable of providing coverage to larger areas and are therefore more effective. 

Just last month, AT&T started testing its first flying COWs with 5G service rather than LTE. Tests took place in a remote area of Missouri where no other services are available. 

In an exclusive interview with CNET, Art Pregler, AT&T’s drone leader, said it was challenging to find a location without their service. 

“We were trying to find an area where there was no signal at all so we could be assured that all the signal we were capturing was from our drone,” said Pregler.

As AT&T prepares their flying COWs to be available in about a month, they are also upgrading some fiber optic tethers. This is what links the drones to the trucks that serve as communication and power bases.

Pregler says the drones are staged in warehouses and ready for use now. He added, “We have them on the West Coast for fire season, in the Southeast for hurricane season and in the Midwest for flood season.”

With a focus more on coverage and availability over maximizing speeds, AT&T reported their first 5G flying COW test showed results of 10 square miles of coverage. This is with the drone hovering at 300 feet up.  At this distance, the drone connected to a satellite and provided download speeds of 46Mbps and upload speeds of 71Mbps.

Pregler recalled the Hurricanes in 2017 and 2018 when they used the flying COWs to provide network service to first responders on the ground. He noted, “For a while we were the only network that was operational there at ground zero.” 

Since 2018, both Verizon and T-Mobile have also invested in preparation for disasters. In 2021, Verizon debuted their large mobile 5G base station truck they named Thor.  For T-Mobile, they currently use portable network vehicles, satellite cells on wheels and satellite cells on light trucks. The uncarrier is improving their operations now and adding backup generators for when there is loss of power.  

AT&T expects they’ll be utilizing the high-frequency radio waves called millimeter wave, or mmWave. These frequencies allow for a larger increase in data transfer speeds. Though the range is shorter, they can see speeds beyond 1Gbps.

The flying COWs won’t use mmWave for connecting your smartphone but will use it to help strengthen the network overall, Pregler said. mmWave connections will allow multiple drones to connect via a sort of mesh network in the sky, which will extend the flying COW coverage.

There are six different ways that the COW technology itself can connect to the network. According to Pregler, this includes fiber optic links and satellites in low Earth orbit or higher in geostationary orbit.

As climate change continues to take its toll on the world, AT&T will keep implementing improvements and advances where possible. We can only hope that the other carriers will do so as well. Good news is that Verizon just announced how 5G can help detect and even prevent wildfires. According to the news article:

Minsait, a European company, is currently testing a solution that takes steps in this direction. Its system uses solar-powered, 360-degree cameras to look for smoke in a 2-kilometer range and uses sensors to detect conditions such as humidity, temperature, wind and dew point. The cameras are AI-enabled to analyze all the data at the edge and can transmit alerts as needed.

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Where is FirstNet on 5G Available?

FirstNet is a nationwide wireless broadband network specifically made for first responders. It offers public safety a dedicated communications network which helps them safely do their jobs to protect our communities. About 20 years ago, the legislature passed that verified FirstNet would operate as a government entity. It is because of this that unlike its partner AT&T, there will be no sunset for FirstNet service. For almost five years now, AT&T has been working hard to build out and manage the nation’s first network dedicated to public safety. As of last week, they’ve hit another milestone by expanding 5G access to new locations. 

In addition to the 10 they announced last year, AT&T’s FirstNet now offers low-band 5G in the following areas: 

  • Savannah, GA 
  • Western Kansas 
  • Lansing, MI 
  • Minneapolis, MN 
  • Toledo, OH
  • Charleston, SC
  • Hilton Head, SC
  • Sioux Falls, SD 
  • Richmond, VA 
  • Redmond, WA

Previously announced cities include: 

  • Austin, TX
  • Charlotte, NC
  • Cleveland, OH
  • Dallas, TX
  • El Paso, TX 
  • Houston, TX
  • Knoxville, TN 
  • Phoenix, AZ
  • Raleigh, NC
  • San Antonio, TX

AT&T also has something they call 5G+ for public safety, which is 5G operating on millimeter wave. This is available in parts of around 40 cities as well as 35 stadiums and venues. AT&T says they will continue rolling out 5G connectivity for FirstNet in more communities when possible. Unfortunately, that does not include using C-Band. 

“While 5G will ultimately bring a combination of benefits like ultra-low latency and ultra-high speeds to support all kinds of users, it’s essential we approach 5G in a different way for first responders,” said AT&T Public Sector/FirstNet President Jason Porter, in a statement. “That’s why, with FirstNet, we’re taking the right steps for public safety. We’ve upgraded the dedicated FirstNet network core to enable reliable 5G connectivity. This gives first responders priority access across AT&T 5G+ (mmWave) spectrum in parts of more than 40 cities and 35 stadiums and venues, as well as across AT&T 5G in 20 cities across the country. We look forward to continuing our work with the FirstNet Authority to evolve public safety’s network and grow access to 5G for America’s first responders.”

According to AT&T, FirstNet now reaches more than 2.81 million square miles across the country, which means it covers 50,000+ more square miles than the largest commercial networks. They also reported more than 3 million connections nationwide are using FirstNet, as of last year. 

While first responders have access to other options for public safety networking, AT&T has been growing more popular (compared to options from Verizon and T-Mobile). Now that AT&T has surpassed 95% of the planned FirstNet, it’s on track to complete the network by their deadline in March 2023.  

As we know, 5G service is difficult to achieve indoors at a significant difference to LTE. So, AT&T is also making a point to improve in-building public safety connectivity. A majority of wireless calls take place indoors and GPS is not that effective indoors either. 

The effort to work on these improvements is being handled by the FirstNet team within AT&T. They are also collaborating with Safer Buildings Coalition, whose mission it is to solve the problem of indoor wireless dead zones. Together, they have been supporting the deployment of Band 14 while also promoting in-building installation standards that meet or exceed existing code and industry best practices.

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5Gstore Now Sells & Support Digi 4G/5G Routers

5Gstore is excited to announce we are now stocking and shipping new products from award winning Digi. Digi has been a pioneer in the M2M/ IoT market for over 30 years. In this time, their products have adapted to evolving network standards, and optimized data communications around the most advanced protocols and emerging technologies. From radio frequency modems to gateways, cellular routers, and networking devices, Digi’s solutions have continually grown to serve the full breadth of applications across the IoT landscape. New products will include: EX12, EX50, IX10, and IX20. 

EX12

We’d like to highlight the EX12 Cellular extender first. This is great for users wanting a failover solution for their small network (i.e. POS systems, ATMs, Kiosks, etc). The EX12 has a built-in, carrier certified Cat4 LTE modem with redundant SIM slots. This allows for an additional failover with the same or different cellular carrier. Deployments are streamlined with installation accessories including an optional Remote Mounting Kit with a disposable battery pack for site survey, mounting bracket and a passive PoE injector for optimizing placement for the best cellular reception. If needed, a serial port for Out of Band management is also available. 

EX12

EX50

Next, for the power user, we have the EX50, complete with a 5G modem and redundant SIM slots. WiFi support is with the newest, version 6, and Ethernet ports support up to 2.5Gbps. This means users can achieve the full benefits of the cellular bandwidth over wired and wireless connections. Extended temperature range and multiple mounting solutions gives this unit the flexibility to be installed in more industrial environments. 

EX50

IX10

For a more ruggedized and compact solution, check out the IX10. This router offers low-touch and no-touch provisioning and features a Cat4 LTE modem (with redundant SIM slots) along with a RJ-45 serial port supporting both RS-232 and RS-485. Its flexible power and connectivity options make it a versatile choice for industrial, digital signage, ATMs, kiosks and other unattended retail applications that need to provide secure transactions.

IX10

IX20

Similar to the IX10, but larger and more feature packed, we have the IX20 with or without WiFi. This is available with a FirstNet ready modem and is prepared for any application. Its compact size and rugged hardware give any user a simple, yet advanced option for securing their network and providing automatic failover. The router supports advanced security (stateful firewall, MAC filtering and VPN), cellular redundancy (via Digi SureLink®) and management (SNMP, event logging, analyzer trace and QOS), facilitating use in PCI or NERC-CIP compliant applications. 

IX20

Digi Remote Manager

For all Digi products you also have access to Remote Management via Digi Remote Manager. Digi RM is a cloud-based solution that facilitates easy setup, mass configuration, maintenance and support, even for thousands of devices. Digi Remote Manager lets you evaluate, update and configure your Digi enterprise routers and gateways — and the health of your network — at scale, after deployment. Digi RM also provides secure, out-of-band management access to Digi units through serial ports and command-line interface. 

Digi Remote Manager

Digi SureLink

In addition to Digi RM, all of Digi’s cellular products support the Digi SureLink “keep-alive” function. This makes sure the connection will be there when it’s needed. A programmable inactivity timer and a pro-active link integrity function are available. Digi SureLink includes link integrity monitoring, with three test options. 

Digi SureLink

5Gstore is delighted to bring you Digi products and is excited about this new partnership. If you are interested in these products and want to learn more, please reach out to the team at 5Gstore to learn more!

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Peplink & Assured Wireless – Using FirstNet MegaRange with SpeedFusion

Following the announcement of FirstNet MegaRange™, Peplink and Assured Wireless have created a partnership to combine SpeedFusion with High Power User Equipment (HPUE) – check out the Assured Wireless’ AW12 MegaRange™ Modem solution here. HPUE boosts transmission power up to 6x higher than traditional LTE equipment, which vastly improves cellular coverage in areas where data connectivity is traditionally unreliable, or difficult to reach due to location (e.g remote regions, rural areas, maritime environments, underground structures, etc). 

This integration allows Peplink customers to add FirstNet MegaRange™ to their existing devices and allows MegaRange™ customers to gain signal heat mapping, centralized provisioning, and the powerful SpeedFusion technology to further protect mission critical applications. 

Along with Peplink’s SpeedFusion technology, users also have access to the InControl2 management system. From a single pane of glass, the coverage of any modems can be instantly visualized, network security can be centrally managed, and each parameter of the HPUE modems can be fully controlled. InControl2 comes with universal GPS integration and fully supports API integration, so that CAD and other systems can be updated in real time.

Find out more about this solution from Peplink.

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