PacketHop Solutions Using 4.9 GHz Spectrum
The PacketHop Communication System provides a 4.9 GHz-based solution for licensed public safety band communications. PacketHop enables secure peer-to-peer broadband WiFi communications along with server-less multimedia applications.
Utilizing mobile-mesh technology, PacketHop operates with or without fixed infrastructure. PacketHop provides:
- an instant network for sharing vital information between first responders at the scene of an incident
- broadband and cellular backhaul connectivity when infrastructure is available.
Because the 4.9 GHz spectrum is free of the clutter associated with unlicensed 802.11 spectrum (such as 2.4 GHz), PacketHop is able to deliver more than 3000 feet of connectivity between nodes for superior communications in the field.
Learn More
Utilizing 4.9 GHz spectrum, the PacketHop Communications Suite has been deployed in with a variety of public safety agencies throughout the USA. In certain situations, 4.9 GHz spectrum can also be used by other agencies to support public security applications. Interested agencies should consult the FCC website for details.
A variety of case studies, as well as technical and application white papers are available by download for reference.
- View the 4.9 GHz Case Studies Webinar
- 4.9 GHz Public Safety Spectrum (An Application White Paper)
- Mobile-mesh Networks for Public Safety in the 4.9 GHz Band (A Technical White Paper)
- Long Beach DHS Case Study
- Multi-agency 4.9 Deployment Case Study
- PacketHop 2.0 Range Guide
- 4.9 GHz Survey Results
Four Solution Briefs are also available that provide overviews of the PacketHop Communications System for various public safety applications:
- Law Enforcement Solution Brief
- Fire Fighters Solution Brief
- EMS Solution Brief
- Surveillance Solution Brief
How to Apply for a 4.9 GHz License
Qualified agencies can apply for a 4.9 GHz license directly from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). In general, 4.9 licenses are restricted to public safety-related use cases including police, fire, EMS, security and surveillance, however some other use cases may also qualify. For example, certain strategic sites (e.g. refineries, factories) may also qualify in some situations. It is best to consult the FCC if you have questions. The application forms can be found at http://wireless.fcc.gov/feesforms/ and then by selecting the following forms:
- Form 601: http://www.fcc.gov/Forms/Form601/601.html
- Schedule I: http://www.fcc.gov/Forms/Form601/601i.pdf
- Code for 4.9 GHz license is "PA"
These forms are similar or identical to the forms that a public safety agency would have previously filed for use of other radio communications systems. The form should take between 1-2 hours to complete. Public safety agencies are exempted from a filing fee. It typically takes 1-2 weeks for the FCC to process the application.