NCJ Number
199641
Journal
Law Enforcement Technology Volume: 30 Issue: 3 Dated: March 2003 Pages: 100,102,103
Date Published
March 2003
Length
3 pages
Annotation
The Houston Police Department (Texas) has replaced its aging communications network with a metropolitan area network that offers voice, video, and data communications through IP, Ethernet, and synchronous optical network (SONET) services.
Abstract
Running over a web of more than 212 miles of connecting fiber optic cables, SONET delivers communications at 622 megabits per second, nearly 500 times faster than T-1 lines. SONET has the capacity to connect more than 8,000 voice and data calls simultaneously. The upgrade was spurred by the city's desire to increase the bandwidth to transfer larger files. The police department wanted officers to be able to use handheld computers, transmit photo lineups, and conduct video arraignments. SONET has self-healing capabilities. If a fiber is cut, within milliseconds the system automatically reroutes traffic to another site through a process called alt routing. Under the FCC's new requirements that call for the narrowing of bandwidths of radio channels, the department will need more sites to have the same coverage. The new system will provide the possibility of adding additional support equipment. Along with a VoIP voice/telecommunications system that is currently out to bid, the high-speed network will provide a number of ways for the Houston Police Department to save money and personnel. In addition, flexibility and dependability have been enhanced by replacing the multiple platforms with a single platform.