Ensuring Compatibility: Key Questions for PSAPs Transitioning to NG911

The adoption of NG9-1-1 (Next Generation 9-1-1) is transforming the way emergency response is carried out around the world, and as such, public safety organizations are left to navigate their way from legacy 9-1-1 to NG9-1-1 technology. As with any new technology, the transition can be complex. One of the most essential factors for public safety answering points (PSAPs) is ensuring compatibility between their operational procedures and NG9-1-1.

In this post from NGA, we'll explore some key technical questions PSAPs should ask themselves as they prepare for the transition, helping optimize their operations and maximize their use of the new system.

Table of Contents:

Familiarizing Yourself with NG911
How The Next Generation of 911 Works
Key Questions for PSAPs Transitioning to NG911
Are Your Current Network and Infrastructure Prepared to Handle NG911?
Are You Fully Compliant with Industry and System Standards?
How are You Handling Call Routing?
How Do You Plan on Handling Multimedia Messaging (MMS)?
Will Your PSAP be able to Integrate NG911 with Computer-Aided Dispatch (CAD)?
What Level of Redundancy Do You Have in Place?
Have You Developed a Comprehensive NG911 Transition Plan?
Conclusion

Familiarizing Yourself with NG911

NG911, or Next Generation 911, refers to the transition to an all-IP digital network, replacing the current legacy 911 infrastructure. This transition offers new features, better geographic location, accurate data, and allows for multimedia communications.

Most importantly, NG911 provides seamless communications and interoperability between different PSAPs and other public safety agencies, as well as the introduction of new applications and services for emergency professionals. This telecommunications system makes it easier for emergency responders to share information in real-time to understand an emergency better and respond appropriately.

How The Next Generation of 9-1-1 Works

The implementation of NG911 is transforming emergency response. This advanced system operates via IP networks and cloud-based technologies, allowing for more efficient transmission of emergency information across multiple platforms.

This system allows emergency responders to access critical information about the caller's location, health conditions, and other vital details to enhance their response. As a result, this technology has dramatically improved emergency response times and overall outcomes.

This modernization of emergency response technology is a significant step forward in making our communities safer and more secure.

Key Questions for PSAPs Transitioning to NG911

NG911 brings new capabilities to 911 call centers, from improved location accuracy to multimedia messaging, increasing the efficiency and effectiveness of emergency responses.

However, a crucial aspect of the successful transition to NG911 is compatibility with PSAPs and their systems.

Below are vital questions PSAP personnel should ask themselves as they prepare for system transition.

Is Your Current Network and Infrastructure Prepared to Handle NG911?

One critical technical consideration that PSAPs must consider when transitioning is the existing network and infrastructure. Next Generation 911 runs on powerful IP (internet protocol) networks, and if the current network cannot support NG911, upgrading it becomes necessary.

PSAPs must ensure that their networks and infrastructure are compatible with NG911 standards and can handle the increased bandwidth, speed, and data processing requirements.

Are You Fully Compliant with Industry and System Standards?

NG911 systems must meet specific standards by the National Emergency Number Association (NENA) and the Association of Public Safety Communications Officials (APCO). A partial setup or a system without certification increases risks such as system disruption, technical issues, and other problems.

It's crucial to ensure that your NG911 system is fully compliant. This ensures you're in line with regulatory requirements, minimizing potential interruptions and ready for future technologies.

How are You Handling Call-Routing?

NG911's infrastructure uses an IP backbone for call-routing, reducing the need for the complex interconnecting trunks and routing configurations required by legacy systems. PSAPs should evaluate how they handle calls, determining if their system can accommodate the significant changes with NG911.

How Do You Plan on Handling Multimedia Messaging (MMS)?

The current 911 system only handles voice and SMS messaging. Next Generation 911, on the other hand, allows for MMS messages to be sent.

This includes live photos, videos, and even social media posts. Public safety agencies must ensure their system can handle MMS messages regarding processing speed, storage capacity, and compatibility with other systems.

Will your PSAP be able to Integrate NG911 with Computer-Aided Dispatch (CAD)?

Most PSAPs use Computer-Aided Dispatch (CAD) systems to process and distribute emergency service requests to first responders. Integrating NG911 with CAD systems enhances the efficiency of emergency response.

PSAPs should evaluate the compatibility of their existing CAD system with NG911. The integration can significantly benefit emergency response organizations, from accurate real-time incident mapping to enhanced situational awareness.

What Level of Redundancy do you have in Place?

Redundancy is essential to ensure critical systems have a backup in case of failure or disaster. PSAPs must ensure that all system components are backed up in case of any failure.

Different levels of redundancy can include backup power supply, backup network connectivity, and even a complete off-site disaster recovery center.

Have You Developed a Comprehensive NG911 Transition Plan?

To ensure compatibility with NG911, it's recommended that PSAPs develop a comprehensive transition plan that addresses all critical considerations outlined above. The plan should articulate how the organization will upgrade its network, infrastructure, and software, manage data, ensure interoperability, and allocate resources.

While creating the plan, PSAPs should consult other stakeholders, including state and federal authorities, network providers, and emergency service providers, to ensure alignment with existing policies, regulations, and best practices.

Conclusion

NG911 modernizes 911 services, offering public safety organizations advanced incident information and response capabilities. Ensuring compatibility of the systems is a vital aspect of a successful transition to the system.

PSAPs should ask critical questions regarding the NG911 system, transition impact, CAD integration, and more. Compatibility investments will translate into improved incident management, better public safety, and more efficient processes.

Making the transition may take time, but it's a necessary evolution of the emergency response industry. With careful planning and support, PSAPs can ensure a smooth transition to Next Generation 911.

Connect with our trusted NG9-1-1 providers and experts at NGA today!