Recognizing the critical need to provide emergency communications coverage inside buildings, municipalities have raced to adopt and enforce new fire codes requiring proven wireless connectivity.
Today, NFPA and IFC fire codes require validation of emergency communications in commercial buildings in much the same way they require other fire safety equipment such as smoke detectors and sprinklers. Building owners and general contractors usually outsource the test and enhancement of in-building wireless coverage to specialized contractors who often install bi-directional amplifiers (BDA) and distributed antenna systems (DAS).
Supporting this process, in-building wireless coverage testing or wireless survey is conducted before and after system installation to provide a compliance report for the fire marshal, and at a regular inspection as required by the local fire codes.
With almost 6 billion commercial buildings in the United States covering nearly 100 billion square feet, the task is daunting. As first responders increasingly use 4G LTE and 5G devices as critical communications, in-building emergency communications testing goes beyond traditional public safety networks and encompasses modern cellular as well.
PRiSM is a self-contained, lightweight scanner and spectrum analyzer — a scanning multi-tool that attaches to commercial mobile devices that will fit right into your pocket.
A user won’t need anything more than just a cell phone or tablet when running PRiSM to survey P25, LTE, and 5G networks – no external batteries or power supplies needed.
Covering 70MHz to 6GHz, PRiSM covers VHF, UHF, 700/800MHz and isn’t carrier locked for LTE and 5G like a cell phone would be.
The device can be configured with presets and results can be viewed instantly, so surveys can begin quickly with results verified along the way.
PRiSM integrates seamlessly with iBwave Mobile Survey, streamlining the workflow from planning and simulation to survey and verification to compliance report generation and data management. Feature tools, such as capture notes, location pushpins, and photo capabilities, allow for better coordination and data insights. iBwave also allows for data sharing with code enforcement officials and public safety communications officers to ensure coordination on spectrum use and re-transmit agreements as required by the FCC.
PRiSM allows for an automated and managed planning and survey process, far beyond spot checks with radios. For LTE and 5G, PRiSM exceeds the capability of simple apps by providing an all-carrier picture of coverage in a single pass. Inconspicuous and simple to use, PRiSM makes surveys of buildings possible less intrusive and with a greater number of technicians, speeding time to project completion.
Epiq is dedicated to developing state-of-the-art RF technology that allows our customers to meet their mission needs and enhances safety and security. We’re excited to partner with iBwave and the Department of Homeland Security to do our part to help support in-building communications for first responders.
Discover more about Epiq Solutions’ PRiSM product or contact us for more information at <info@epiqsolutions.com>.