Understanding Site on Wheels (SOW) in Emergency Response Situations
Site on Wheels (SOW) plays a crucial role in emergency response scenarios by providing deployable communication solutions to enhance coverage, support operational events and act as a backup during network maintenance. This article explores what SOW is, its strengths, weaknesses, logistics, training, and when and how to deploy/request it in emergencies.
Download Presentation
Please find below an Image/Link to download the presentation.
The content on the website is provided AS IS for your information and personal use only. It may not be sold, licensed, or shared on other websites without obtaining consent from the author. Download presentation by click this link. If you encounter any issues during the download, it is possible that the publisher has removed the file from their server.
E N D
Presentation Transcript
Site on Wheels AWIN Network Support
Table of Contents What is a Site on Wheels (SOW)? How does a SOW differ from a COW? When should a SOW be deployed or requested. How to request a SOW. Radios for the SOW. SOW Strengths. SOW Weaknesses. SOW Logistics. SOW Training. Questions.
What is a SOW? AWIN s SOWs are: Deployable SMRS-550 2-Bay trailer 700Mhz 5 Channel ASTRO25 repeater site Deployable MOTOBRIDGE interoperability solution LB, VHF, UHF, 700/800Mhz
What is the difference between a SOW and a COW (Cell on Wheels). Site on Wheels (SOW) Cell on Wheels (COW) P25 Compatible Trunking Site Similar capabilities as AWIN s P25 stationary sites Mobile Celluar Site Can be 2G, 3G, 4G, LTE etc. Can do data if configured as such
When should a SOW be deployed/requested? To add capacity or enhance coverage for operational events in areas of reduced coverage. To act as a backup solution to continue network operations while permanent equipment is maintained, upgraded, cleaned, or tested. For emergency recovery efforts for catastrophic events. Other approved requests.
How to request a SOW for emergencies. Incident Command determines the need of a SOW. Incident Command calls Arkansas Department of Emergency Management (ADEM). ADEM calls AWIN with request. AWIN evaluates the pros and cons of deploying a SOW. AWIN determines optimal location to deploy the SOW and takes in suggestions from Incident Command and ADEM. AWIN Network Support is sent to deploy the SOW.
How to request radios for the SOW. All AWIN 700Mhz P25 compatible radios that have been through rebanding will work on the SOW. Additional radios can be requested from ADEM.
SOW Capabilities Strengths Mobility Needs to be on as level ground as possible. Needs 50 x 55 area clear around the SOW. Power provided by Generator Similar capabilities as a 5 channel AWIN site
SOW Capabilities Weaknesses Costs associated with making SOW Wide Area. Satellite is not 100% reliable Needs clear view of the Southern skyline (Line of Site) Trees Weather Clouds Rain Wind (Can blow the dish) Dust/Moisture in the air Other options: Hard Line T1 Cellular Solutions Limited by access to cellular signal Limited by speed of signal (needs 4G or higher) Currently limited by data plan on air card.
SOW Capabilities Weaknesses (cont.) Mast on the SOWs is only 55ft tall Antennas are located at 40ft. Reduced coverage area compared to existing AWIN site. SOWs cannot be deployed close together. General rule is 75 mile radius This can vary due to terrain. SOWs can interfere with local communications. If SOWs are not in Wide Area mode.
SOW Logistics Safety Transportation Fuel for Generator Labor Amount of room needed for deployment Location to deploy satellite Security Once SOW is deployed on location You are responsible for the SOW. Maintenance SOWs are maintained by Motorola, ASP Maintenance, and AWIN.
SOW Training Internal Training Training Logistics Safety Location Transportation Setting up the SOW. Taking down the SOW. Looking a certification of individuals outside of AWIN.
