How NG911 Standards and Technology Make the System Superior to E911

The world of public safety and emergency response has undergone significant changes over the last several decades. One of the most significant changes is the transition from E911 to NG911.

While E911 has been used for decades to provide emergency resources for individuals in need, the introduction of NG911 standards and technology makes this system superior to its predecessor.

In this blog from NGA, we'll explore the differences between the two systems and explain how NG911 standards and technology make it the better system for public safety.

Table of Contents:

What is E911?
What is NG911?
NG911 Vs. E911: Understanding the Difference
Standards and Technology: Making A Superior Emergency Response System
1. Standards Go Beyond E911
2. Enables Multimedia Communication
3. Supports Location Accuracy
4. System Provides Network Redundancy
5. Integrates with Other Systems
6. NG911 is Future-Proof
Conclusion

What is E911?

Enhanced 911 (E911) is a system that uses the caller's phone number to identify the caller's location to the emergency dispatcher. This is useful when the caller cannot provide their location to the dispatcher.

However, this location identification method is not always accurate, especially for calls from cell phones in high-rise buildings or dense urban areas.

What is NG911?

Next Generation 911 (NG911) is a system that uses advanced technology to enable the transmission of multimedia data from a variety of devices and sources. With NG911, emergency responders can obtain more accurate and relevant information about the emergency, such as the caller's location, medical history, and emergency contact information.

The NG911 infrastructure is designed to handle the increasing volume and complex information for emergency calls.

NG911 Vs. E911: Understanding the Difference

The core difference between NG911 and E911 is the technology used. NG911 relies on an internet protocol (IP) system that allows for faster, more efficient, and more secure transmission of information.

It can also facilitate data sharing between various emergency response teams through cloud-based systems. E911, on the other hand, is limited to transmitting basic information.

NG911 Standards and Technology: Making A Superior Emergency Response System

As technology advances, so should our emergency response systems. The introduction of Next Generation 911 has drastically changed how we respond to emergencies.

This system enhances our ability to handle emergencies using advanced technology and improved standards. Below, we'll explore how NG911 standards and technology make the emergency response system superior.

NG911 Standards Go Beyond E911

One of the most significant differences between NG911 and E911 is the standards that they follow. The NG911 standard is a product of the National Emergency Number Association (NENA), which provides call-routing, location accuracy, and data management guidance.

NENA's NG911 standards are much more sophisticated than those of outdated 911 infrastructures. For example, NG911 receives a call from the user, identifies the caller's location, and gathers additional information to assist first responders. This results in a safer and more efficient response.

NG911 Enables Multimedia Communication

Another significant difference between NG911 and E911 is that NG911 supports multimedia communication. In other words, instead of being limited to voice calls only, NG911 allows callers to send text messages, photos, videos, and more to emergency dispatchers in real-time.

This feature is particularly useful when a caller cannot speak or relay information clearly. It also allows first responders to gather more information about the emergency and provide better assistance.

NG911 Supports Location Accuracy

One of the biggest issues with E911 is that it doesn't always provide accurate location information. This is because the system relies on outdated landline technology and GPS data, which can sometimes be inaccurate. This is especially important in rural or remote areas where landmarks may be hard to come by.

The NG911 System Provides Network Redundancy

Another area where NG911 excels over E911 is network redundancy. This means that the NG911 system is designed to operate even if one or more parts of the system go down.

For example, if a Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP) center experiences a power outage, NG911 automatically reroutes calls to another emergency call center. This ensures that emergency services can continue to operate during crises.

NG911 Integrates with Other Systems

One of the greatest strengths of NG911 is its ability to integrate with other systems. Next Generation 911 system technology can connect with Computer-Aided Dispatch (CAD) systems, giving first responders access to real-time data on traffic patterns, weather conditions, and other critical information.

It can also link to PSAPs in nearby jurisdictions, allowing for more coordinated emergency responses.

NG911 is Future-Proof

Finally, it's worth noting that Next Generation 911 is known as the "Next Generation of 911" for good reason. The system is built with the future in mind. This means it can evolve and adapt to new technologies as they emerge.

As more people use smart devices for everyday communication, NG911 can integrate with these devices to provide emergency services more efficiently. The system is also designed to be scalable, accommodating the growing number of emergency calls as the population grows.

Conclusion

The move from E911 to NG911 is an essential step in improving public safety communication and response. While E911 is still used, the system's limitations have become apparent in the era of smartphones and ever-changing technology. NG911 offers a new, more comprehensive approach to emergency communication that can provide life-saving information in real-time and provide the resources needed more efficiently.

Would you like to know more?

Connect with our trusted NG911 providers and experts at NGA today!