The NG911 ESInet: A Complete Introduction
Posted in All, NGA911 on Sep 29, 2021
Imagine that when a caller connects to 9-1-1, they can send information to dispatchers about an emergency through videos, text messages, or photos. With Next Generation 911, the sharing of multimedia for emergency response is a reality only made possible through an NG911 ESInet.
ESInets are the backbone of the Next Generation 911 system (NG911 or NG9-1-1). Public safety agencies across the nation can build services for more efficient and effective emergency response with an NG911 ESInet in place.
In this blog, our experts at NGA 911 will discuss:
- What A NG911 ESInet is
- How ESInets work
- NG911 ESInets Built to NENA standards
We at NGA 911 strive to be a reliable resource regarding emergency response and revolutionary telecommunication systems. As such, we'll also cover how ESInets connect with the NG9-1-1 software.
What is A NG911 ESInet?
ESInet stands for Emergency Services IP Network. ESInets for Next Generation 911 are IP networks used for emergency telecommunications services and are designed for all public safety agencies to use.
The purpose of an ESInet is to have a reliable network to support and transport 911 calls to i3-compliant PSAPs. Following NENA standards, known as i3, ESInets support Next Generation Core Services (NGCS).
As such, ESInets enable the proper NGCS:
- Location
- Routing
- Delivery
How Do ESInets Work?
An ESInet for Next Generation 911 is a private network that enables emergency services and data communications. It supplies the foundation on which NG9-1-1 manages its large volume of information to and from callers.
With this IP network in place, emergency call centers and other public safety organizations can relay life-saving information to first responders.
NG911 ESInets Built to NENA Standards
NENA (The National Emergency Number Association) helps develop and set the technical standards essential for implementing true 911 systems. PSAPs must meet certain criteria for their combination of hardware and software to be considered an NG911 system.
The NENA guidelines also include specifications regarding ESInets, like location coverage areas and the number of bandwidths available.
To meet both i3 compliance and NENA standards, NG911 ESInets must meet various requirements, including:
- Scalable bandwidth networks to support new and improved services
- Software built to sustain real-time data, caller traffic, audio, video, and text
- Private or virtual private ESInet networks between PSAPs based on the IP and transmission control protocols (TCPs)
- Appropriate multiprotocol label switching or other sub-IP mechanisms
An ESInet is a collection of switches, routers, core service elements, and data security systems designed to meet industry reliability standards. ESInet building takes extensive planning and time.
For NG911 to work as well as intended, the system needs IP-capable tools and technology.
How ESInets Connect to NG911
Once an ESInet is in place, PSAPs can build their Next Generation 911 systems on that foundation. With an NG9-1-1 ESInet, the software and databases create an exponential increase in data sharing possibilities.
ESInets for NG911 also provide flexibility for public safety agencies, giving them the choice to determine data needs based on predetermined policy requirements. By doing so, it creates a high level of accuracy and efficiency across emergency response organizations.
Conclusion
With so much focus on Next Generation 911, it can be hard to remember that the system requires many functions to work. While NG9-1-1 is designed for emergency response, an NG911 ESInet provides the groundwork for this innovative technology to operate successfully.
If you're interested in learning more about how these systems work together, connect with us today!
Our experts can get you started with implementing Next Generation 911 technologies seamlessly!