Ceragon unveils new wireless platform with improved security for public safety

Ceragon Networks recently released a new wireless backhaul platform with enhanced security features that seeks to overcome what can at times be a major obstacle for public safety forces – access to a reliable and secure communications network.

Ceragon’s FibeAir IP-20 Assured Platform is geared toward helping public safety organizations, utility companies and service providers increase their operational efficiency, cut down on expenses and build reliable networks with strong security.

“Reliability in public safety and homeland security means that the forces in the field are always connected and that is associated with saving lives,” Shai Yaniv, vice president of marketing at Ceragon Networks, told Homeland Preparedness News.

In terms of its application for homeland security, the technology provided by Ceragon could help support communication between various command centers by transmitting large chunks of data, including video and voice. The connectivity of the wireless network delivers more capacity over longer distances and uses minimal frequencies in order to operate.

Ceragon is the only vendor of wireless backhaul systems, referring to the wireless connectivity between an entity’s network sites, and invests in the development of its own silicon chip sets for its modem parts and radio frequency integrated circuits, Yaniv said, resulting in greater flexibility and performance.

The IP-20 Assured Platform aims to resolve the tough challenges public safety organizations and other network operators face when building highly reliable secured networks for voice and multimedia services in an environment with scarce spectrum, as well as power and real estate constraints, the company said. The IP-20 Assured Platform operates across all wireless backhaul frequencies from 6 to 86 GHz and offers security with over-the-air encryption.

Ceragon’s network platform also offers the flexibility for customers to integrate new types of technology in the future.

One key challenge public safety will face, according to Yaniv, is the integration of LTE technology.

“How do you transition from your current LMR (land, mobile, radio) technology over time to a broadband infrastructure, which allows you HD video and all the data-intensive communication over LTE technology, and do it in the most cost effective manner?” Yaniv said.

For the last 20 years, Ceragon has offered wireless backhaul solutions to various markets, including public safety, government and utilities, with mobile operators the largest market.

Ceragon has captured an approximately 10 percent market share in the U.S. public safety market, Yaniv said, and the company sees a growing opportunity in the public safety realm.

Ceragon exhibited its new platform at this week’s APCO International annual conference in Orlando, Florida.