The NG911 Architecture: Understanding the Next Evolution of Emergency Response

When most people think about emergency response, they think about the 9-1-1 system. While it has been around for decades, the current 911 infrastructure was not designed to handle the emergency communication needs of our digital society. 

With rapid technological advances, especially within the last twenty years, we can now provide a better solution that will meet the needs of emergency responders and citizens alike. That solution is NG9-1-1.

In this blog, our trusted NG911 providers and experts at NGA will discuss:

• The NG911 architecture

• What NG911 is and what it can do

• The building blocks for a successful NG911 infrastructure

• NENA'sNENA's Role in the NG911 architecture

Table of contents:

1. NG911: What is It and What Can It do?

2. The NG911 Architecture: A Definition Summary 

3. Building Blocks for A Successful NG911 Infrastructure

4. NENA's Role in NG911 Architecture

5. Conclusion 

People Also Ask:

What does NG911 stand for?

NG911 stands for "Next Generation 911." NG911 is an entirely digitized emergency response system that runs on secure, internet protocol (IP)-based networks. 

What are NG911 services?

NG911, or Next Generation 911 services, makes multimedia and voice communications between 911 callers, dispatchers, and first responders in the field possible. This is because the NG911 system runs on interconnected IP and cloud-based networks. 

What is i3 NG911?

NG911 i3 was a NENA standard created by the association. i3 NG911 is an update to ensure the advancement of the NG911 emergency communication system. 

NG911: What is It and What Can It do?

What it is: Next Generation 911 (often known as NG911) is a digital, internet protocol-based emergency response system. Next Generation 911 also refers to a government initiative. This initiative aims to replace all outdated analog infrastructures with NG911 so all public safety professionals have the resources needed to provide effective emergency response and citizens in need have easier access to emergency services. 

What it can do: NG911 enables public safety professionals to exchange information more quickly and efficiently, which can help save lives. One of the most critical features of NG911 is its ability to receive and process multimedia information. This means that NG911 can receive not only traditional voice calls but also photos, videos, and text messages. This is a monumental advantage over outdated 911 systems, primarily designed for voice calls only. 

The NG911 Architecture: A Definition Summary 

Next Generation 911 is, first and foremost, an emergency telecommunications system. NG911'sNG911's infrastructure contains an architecture that includes software, hardware, operational and data policies, and procedures that promise to:

• Provide 911 call and messaging services with interfaces that meet NENA standards

• Provide a secure and completely interconnected environment for emergency communications 

• Process all types of emergency calls, including multimedia and non-voice messages

• Obtain and incorporate all valuable information for call routing and handling 

• Transfer 911 calls, messages, and data to the correct Public Safety Answering Points (PSAPs) and other emergency agencies

• Support communications and data needs for streamlined incident response and management

Building Blocks for A Successful NG911 Infrastructure

NENA (The NENA Global Emergency Number Association) has established standards to ensure a successful NG911 infrastructure. These standards, also referred to as the i3 or NG911 architecture, include protocols regarding the stability and security of Next Generation 911. 

The "building blocks" required for a successful NG911 system:

ESInets (Emergency Services IP Networks) - ESInets utilize packet-switched technology to carry voice and large amounts of data that vary in type. This is all possible due to the use of Internet Protocols and standards. ESInets are managed, multi-purpose networks designed for all emergency response personnel—these Emergency Services IP Networks support 911 and other public safety communications services.

International Compliant Standards - NENA has applied certain standards for specific Next Generation 911 requirements. Examples are: ECRF (Emergency Call Routing Function, LVF (Location Validation Function), and others. This standard shaped the main IP functionality of the greater NG911 architecture. 

Data Management and Databases - Next Generation 911 uses a set of database infrastructures to store and manage emergency response content. NG911 provides the tools to access this data, both manually and automatically. The NG911 architecture uses the ESInet to support emergency calls and messages. 

NG911 Security - The Next Generation 911 architecture includes extensive security measures and methods at the software and hardware levels. 

NENA's Role in NG911 Architecture 

NENA's mission is to the 911 industry and public safety, both present, and future, by focusing on developing, evolving, and expanding emergency communications. 

NENA is the organization in charge of defining and implementing NG911. They also manage the progression of the NG911 infrastructure by supporting and coordinating with the general public, the public safety industry, and emergency response organizations.

Conclusion 

NG911 is the next step in emergency response, and all 911 centers must be up to date on the technology. With new advancements in NG911, we can better serve our communities in their time of need. 

Are you looking to learn more about NG911 architecture? 

Connect with us at NGA to get started!