Guest OpEd by Angela Quinn at Rajant Corporation
When preparing for a large-scale event, protecting the public is the top priority for everyone involved.
Taking extra measures to ensure the public’s safety is now commonplace, as many incidents all too recently have taught us that security can never be too relaxed when people’s lives are at stake.
While police presence and CCTV monitoring are always an essential part of security operations, smart technology has moved to the front and center for mass communication and sophisticated surveillance during events.
Temporary and crowded events such as demonstrations, festivals, and sporting games pose many challenges for security personnel, with additional coverage and internal communication resources needing to be set up quickly, securely, and reliably in locations where existing infrastructure may be inadequate or simply non-existent.
In addition to this, the way that events are set up is changing worldwide, and due to the response to the Coronavirus pandemic, implementing social distancing measures is soon to be at the forefront of planning.
Along with this comes new public safety challenges, such as how to break up large crowds seamlessly and time-effectively.
(In times of emergency response and in preparation for events when the public’s security is critical, real-time situational awareness ensures proper allocation of efforts and resources in line with changing conditions. Courtesy of Rajant Corporation and YouTube.)
A wireless and reliable solution
To have an effective security plan in place for any large-scale event, you have to guarantee a fail-proof network to ensure a covert and securely encrypted operation.
While cellular data is commonly used, its limited signal often struggles to cover the range of a wireless connection. It can result in a loss of communications in remote areas, such as the countryside.
Long-Term Evolution (LTE) technology data rates degrade the further mobile equipment moves from the cell towers and lack the upstream speeds operators need to run multiple mission-critical applications, such as CCTV and real-time monitoring of assets.
Therefore, with events becoming more large-scale gradually and with threats becoming more complex technologically, the demand for a stronger wide-ranging network increases exponentially.
Furthermore, the strength of a network is only as strong as the infrastructure it is built in, and many issues can arise from building a temporary solution, including potentially incompatible equipment, which can lead to public safety organizations being unable to receive real-time data.
Also, inadequate bandwidth can affect the ability to access files such as on-scene video, aerial imagery, maps, and images in real-time. Significantly, many existing public safety networks lack adequate bandwidth for streaming video from remote cameras to first responders.
Innovation can thwart threats
For modern security operations, it is essential that the technology used is innovative and can solve these issues.
Rajant’s private Kinetic Mesh® network is wireless and allows for mobility, low latency, and reliability. This means it can be used to receive and transmit highly-intensive CCTV imagery, as well as connecting drones, helicopters, and even covert vehicles.
Crucially, Rajant’s pre-determined, high-capacity network can seamlessly integrate with existing communications infrastructure and allows for machine-to-machine (M2M) communication 24/7.
This technology has been deployed at many large-scale events, notably among those is Rajant’s involvement in the Royal Wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in 2018.
(Rajant wireless networks enable an array of advanced public safety and industrial security applications. See technology in action with Vorbeck, Ghost Robotics, Dejero, and xCRAFT. Courtesy of Rajant Corporation.)
One way to work around the inevitable lack of police presence in crowds is Rajant’s BreadCrumb® radio nodes, which can attach to robotic and drone devices.
Besides expanding the range of cover, they can also be used for correspondence with government personnel through a covert, wireless network, which will be especially effective during riots and large-scale gatherings.
The extra security is ensured by Rajant’s unique Kinetic Mesh powered by InstaMesh® technology, which consists of a network of its wirelessly connected nodes, allowing for a vast area range for network coverage to keep the area risk-free and ensure the general public remains safe.
In a single mission, the nodes can be distributed on many moving assets and people, making them part of the network, and allowing internal communications to be sent and received anywhere in the vicinity.
This is of utmost importance during critical moments when potential threats may arise.
Cyber-security is mission-critical
Among the most important covert and top-secret communication factors with government officials and security personnel is the certainty of a secure network infrastructure, preventing risks of cyber-security breaches and hacks.
This is especially important for significant national events, such as Presidential visits, royal weddings, and high-profile sporting events, which involve top-secret, highly protected protocol methods.
In fact, cyber-attacks are getting more common by the day. Last Year, it was revealed that more than an estimated 200,000 new malware samples are produced worldwide every day, and these figures are continuing to rise year-on-year.
This indicates that keeping network data and communications safe is crucial to the protection of critical information.
(Find out more about Rajant Kinetic Mesh technology and how the company employs military-grade encryption to secure firmware uploads, mesh links, and wireless client data. Courtesy of Rajant Corporation.)
Rajant Corporation has one of the most secure radio networks globally and almost 20 years of experience in the development of mission-critical covert government, and military communication.
By adopting a Layer 2 infrastructure with an unlocatable IP address, using virtual local area networks (VLANS), Kinetic Mesh can be taken down in a matter of seconds and can adapt to any new environment instantaneously.
Of course, it is essential that no data is comprised in communications between the central command stations and equipment, vehicles, and personnel on the move.
Alongside the BreadCrumbs technology, Rajant’s InstaMesh protocol seamlessly connects fixed, wireless, and mobile nodes together, dynamically redirecting traffic along the next best available path if any one part of the network is compromised or obstructed. This strengthens the network even further, guaranteeing no vulnerability or connectivity drop-off.
The collaboration of intelligence between government, military and security personnel is critical in preventing attacks, hacks, and safety breaches.
Any exploits that can be used to compromise the security of data and communications between organizations and surveillance technology can have perilous consequences. Thus, the network used must be a reliable, trusted source that can guarantee a constant, untraceable, and securely encrypted network.
Maintaining public security from a distance
With the Coronavirus pandemic putting a halt to events worldwide, we will most likely see a dramatic shift in how large-scale gatherings are conducted in the future, especially from a public safety and covert communications standpoint.
In ensuring the safety of police and security, technological measures will continue to take the forefront in crowd control operations, minimizing the risk of the virus spreading to security staff and police.
Public safety alternatives will become mission-critical in the years to come, and monitoring future security trends is essential for maintaining fault-proof operations.
With challenges ahead, such as post-pandemic event regulations and increasingly sophisticated cyber-security threats, being able to utilize a low latency, future-proof and mobile network is critical for the public safety sector and mass communication.
A redundant, wireless alternative makes this easier to achieve, and Rajant’s Kinetic Mesh is tailored for covert communications within the public safety industry, allowing security personnel, the government, and the police to plan their mission-critical operations to address any situation.
In turn, keeping the general public safe from any potential threat during an event is optimized by the network.
About the Author
Angela Quinn leads Rajant’s sales in crypto security robotics and drones. She is an accomplished sales leader in the IoT/IIoT networking industry as an individual as well as a manager of global and national sales teams.
Her education includes Montana Tech, North Idaho College, and New Hampshire Technical Institute, where Angela received networking certifications.
Rajant Corporation Takes Platinum in 2020 ‘ASTORS’ Awards Program
American Security Today’s ‘ASTORS’ Homeland Security Awards program is today in its Sixth Year and continues to recognize the Outstanding Innovations of top firms and agencies in the Homeland Security and Public Safety fields.
2020 has been a very challenging year for everyone due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the much heralded AST ‘ASTORS’ Awards Winners Presentations and exclusive Luncheon at the Jacob Javits Center in NYC has been canceled and rescheduled for 2021 due to the virus.
However, the 2020 ‘ASTORS’ Homeland Security Awards Program was again a huge success and many new categories were added including a section for COVID-19 Detection and Innovation.
Rajant Corporation
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Rajant ES1 BreadCrumb
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Enabling highly mobile, IoT applications for public safety and security, the Rajant ES1 BreadCrumb is a compact, lightweight IP67 network node that provides Ethernet and Wi-Fi access point interfaces for critical frontline M2M and man-to-machine data, voice, and video communication.
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Ideal for wearable technology, like the Vorbeck HD4 Harness, the Rajant ES1 connects Hot Zone to Cold Zone in the harshest communication environments in real-time.
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The ES1 supports cryptographic options used for data and MAC-address encryption and per-hop, per-packet authentication.
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With robust reliability, information is securely networked between on-site responders, their equipment, and Incident Command.
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Deployment of the multi-band, multi-radio ES1 is easy and cost-effective.
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Untethering emergency response, man and machine can be connected on-the-go for comprehensive situational awareness anywhere response is required – land, air, or sea – above and underground.
Rajant is the exclusive provider of private wireless Kinetic Mesh® networks powered by BreadCrumb® wireless nodes and patented InstaMesh® software, enabling customers to rapidly deploy a highly adaptable, scalable network leveraging the power of real-time data.
The 2020 ‘ASTORS’ Awards Program was sponsored by ATI Systems, Attivo Networks, Automatic Systems, Desktop Alert, X.Labs and Reed Exhibitions, every one a returning Sponsor from 2020, 2019 and More.
Nominations are now being accepted for the 2021 ‘ASTORS’ Homeland Security Awards at https://americansecuritytoday.com/ast-awards/.
Comprehensive List of Categories Include:
| Access Control/ Identification | Personal/Protective Equipment | Law Enforcement Counter Terrorism |
| Perimeter Barrier/ Deterrent System | Interagency Interdiction Operation | Cloud Computing/Storage Solution |
| Facial/IRIS Recognition | Body Worn Video Product | Cyber Security |
| Video Surveillance/VMS | Mobile Technology | Anti-Malware |
| Audio Analytics | Disaster Preparedness | ID Management |
| Thermal/Infrared Camera | Mass Notification System | Fire & Safety |
| Metal/Weapon Detection | Rescue Operations | Critical Infrastructure |
| License Plate Recognition | Detection Products | And Many Others! |
| COVID Innovations | And Many Others! |
Don’t see a Direct Hit for your Product, Agency or Organization?
With the unprecedented occurrence of the COVID-19 pandemic, the focus of the safety and security industries has realized the need to increase innovations to address the daily growing challenges.
As such AST aims to make sure these firms and professionals are reflected in the 2021 ‘ASTORS’ Awards Program, so we’d like to encourage you to submit appropriate categories recommendations and include COVID-19 Frontline Professionals in your Nominations to see that these Professionals, Facilities, and Vendors receive the Recognition they Deserve!
Submit your category recommendation for consideration to Michael Madsen, AST Publisher at: mmadsen@americansecuritytoday.com.
Why American Security Today?
The traditional security marketplace has long been covered by a host of publications putting forward the old school basics to what is Today – a fast changing security landscape.
The traditional security marketplace has long been covered by a host of publications putting forward the old school basics to what is Today – a fast changing security landscape.
American Security Today is uniquely focused on the broader Homeland Security & Public Safety marketplace with over 75,000 readers at the Federal, State and local levels of government as well as firms allied to government.
American Security Today brings forward a fresh compelling look and read with our customized digital publications that hold readers eyes throughout the story with cutting edge editorial that provides solutions to their challenges.
Harness the Power of the Web – with our 100% Mobile Friendly Publications
The AST Digital Publications is distributed to over 75,000 qualified government and homeland security professionals in federal, state and local levels.
‘PROTECTING OUR NATION, ONE CITY AT A TIME’
AST Reaches both Private & Public Experts, essential to meeting these new challenges.
Today’s new generation of public safety and security experts need real-time knowledge to deal with domestic and international terrorism, lone wolf attacks, unprecedented urban violence, shifts in society, culture and media bias – making it increasingly difficult for Homeland Security, Law Enforcement, First Responders, Military and Private Security Professionals to implement coordinated security measures to ensure national security and improve public safety.
These experts are from Government at the federal, state and local level as well as from private firms allied to government.
AST provides a full plate of topics in our AST Monthly Magazine Editions, AST Website and AST Daily News Alerts, covering 23 Vital Sectors such as Access Control, Perimeter Protection, Video Surveillance/Analytics, Airport Security, Border Security, CBRNE Detection, Border Security, Ports, Cybersecurity, Networking Security, Encryption, Law Enforcement, First Responders, Campus Security, Security Services, Corporate Facilities, and Emergency Response among others.
AST has Expanded readership into integral Critical Infrastructure audiences such as Protection of Nuclear Facilities, Water Plants & Dams, Bridges & Tunnels, and other potential targets of terrorism.
Other areas of concern include Transportation Hubs, Public Assemblies, Government Facilities, Sporting & Concert Stadiums, our Nation’s Schools & Universities, and Commercial Business Destinations – all enticing targets due to the large number of persons and resources clustered together.
To learn more about the 2020 ‘ASTORS’ Homeland Security Award Winners solutions, Check Out the New 2020 ‘ASTORS’ CHAMPIONS Edition Fully Interactive Magazine – the Best Products of 2020 ‘A Year in Review’.
The Annual CHAMPIONS edition includes a review of the ‘ASTORS’ Award Winning products and programs, highlighting key details on many of the winning firms products and services, includes video interviews and more.
It is your Go-To source throughout the year for ‘The Best of 2020 Products and Services‘ endorsed by American Security Today, and can satisfy your agency’s and organization’s most pressing Homeland Security and Public Safety needs.
From Physical Security (Access Control, Critical Infrastructure, Perimeter Protection and Video Surveillance Cameras and Video Management Systems), to IT Security (Cybersecurity, Encryption, Data Storage, Anti-Malware and Networking Security – Just to name a few), the 2020 ‘ASTORS’ CHAMPIONS EDITION has what you need to Detect, Delay, Respond to, and Mitigate today’s real-time threats in our constantly evolving security landscape.
It also includes featured guest editorial pieces from some of the security industry’s most respected leaders, and recognized firms in the 2020 ‘ASTORS’ Awards Program.
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For a complete list of 2020 ‘ASTORS’ Award Winners, click here.
For more information on All Things American Security Today, and the 2021 ‘ASTORS’ Awards Program, please contact Michael Madsen, AST Publisher at mmadsen@americansecuritytoday.com.
AST strives to meet a 3 STAR trustworthiness rating, based on the following criteria:
- Provides named sources
- Reported by more than one notable outlet
- Includes supporting video, direct statements, or photos
