Remote working is not only lonely, but sometimes also dangerous. From time to time convoys of commodities and people will set out from one point to another and its vital that these are tracked using GPS technology in order to avoid potential crisis.
Crisis Management is an essential part of military tactics. It is much better to prevent a crisis then react to one.
Convoy Tracking can be performed by GPS Technology, usually by installing GPS transmitters with the vehicles themselves. It is also possible for people to have personal tracking devices on them whilst they are in the vehicles. A combination of convoy tracking technology and personal tracking devices would be ideal, as in the event of a hostile situation the individuals could be tracked if they were separated from their convoys.
The GPS technology on the convoy would relay the position back to a central communications hub. This hub would have access to intelligence, potential risk and help crisis management in order to avoid conflict situations. The intelligence available at the central hub would be able to advise the convoy of directions to their destination, but also if any potential conflict was up ahead. This would enable the convoy / fleet to adjust their course and find a different route to their destination.
The potential dangers with convoys include theft of commodities, but probably more important is loss of human life. This is why convoy tracking is so important, especially in remote and hostile situations and environments.
The cost of a convoy tracking solution should be measured against the cost of what is being transported. Not only in terms of the goods involved but also the number of human lives that it could potentially save. When you look at it from this angle there is really no excuse for not putting the technology in place.
Convoy Tracking helps with Crisis Management – and it can help to save lives.
Thursday, 14 January 2010
Monday, 21 December 2009
GAC (Ground Assault Convoy) Tracking
A GAC, or Ground assult team is effectively a tactical road march used to relocate units and troops from one area to another.
Often, the control team knows only which unit is in each convoy and not where the vital equipment or personnel are. This lack of knowledge may result in key equipment being destroyed and key personnel being killed during initial entry operations. If the BCT develops a tracking mechanism for locating personnel and key equipment, the GAC flow can be manipulated to impact the fight. For example, if an Avenger is destroyed, a second Avenger can immediately be placed in the next departing GAC.
This is where a Convoy Tracking solution can help.
Fixed to the vehicles in the Convoy, the GPS Tracking device helps a central team or unit monitor the exact location of the Convoy. This not only helps to identify the location of the team but also help to avoid any potential crisis situations.
For more information on Convoy Tracking and Crisis Management solutions visit the Track 24 Web site.
Often, the control team knows only which unit is in each convoy and not where the vital equipment or personnel are. This lack of knowledge may result in key equipment being destroyed and key personnel being killed during initial entry operations. If the BCT develops a tracking mechanism for locating personnel and key equipment, the GAC flow can be manipulated to impact the fight. For example, if an Avenger is destroyed, a second Avenger can immediately be placed in the next departing GAC.
This is where a Convoy Tracking solution can help.
Fixed to the vehicles in the Convoy, the GPS Tracking device helps a central team or unit monitor the exact location of the Convoy. This not only helps to identify the location of the team but also help to avoid any potential crisis situations.
For more information on Convoy Tracking and Crisis Management solutions visit the Track 24 Web site.
Sunday, 6 December 2009
Convoy Tracking Solutions
Through the modern day proliferation of communications technologies, even the world's most hostile environments are often served by high-quality GSM networks. The RoadRunner is an in-vehicle convoy tracking, security and crisis management device intended for use in GSM service areas. As such it represents a reliable and cost-effective alternative to satellite tracking technologies. The RoadRunner is integrated into the Track24 crisis management software, the C4i platform, giving monitoring staff and operations centres up-to-the-minute information on the status and location of their organisation's vehicles and the rapid notification needed to react to an incident.
Tracking Whatever operational requirements dictate, the RoadRunner global tracking solution is able to transmit regular position reports at time intervals - from two minutes upwards - or distance intervals, using GPRS and/or SMS protocol. The reporting rate and method can be reconfigured remotely through the Track24 C4i platform. Positions are calculated using the latest generation GPS technology, with the last 900 being stored as a backup record in the internal memory.
Panic alarm Crisis management is a fundamental component of the Track24 solution.
If a vehicle crew triggers the panic alarm, a visual and audible alarm appears on the C4i risk management software system in less than a minute and automated e-mail and SMS notifications to the relevant people are initiated. The RoadRunner's integral rechargeable battery ensures that even in the event of a vehicle power failure, the unit is always capable of sending emergency reports if a user pushes the panic alarm.
The RoadRunner vehicle tracking device has advanced geo-fence capabilities designed to improve both security and operational control. Server-based geo-fences are defined and activated on the C4i platform by an organisation's monitoring centre. Uniquely, this unit also features an immediate geo-fence function. By simply pushing a button, the vehicle crew can activate or deactivate a circular geo-fence of a pre-determined radius. When activated, the vehicle's current position is recorded. If the vehicle moves out of the geo-fence zone, an alert will be transmitted to the C4i platform.
Tracking Whatever operational requirements dictate, the RoadRunner global tracking solution is able to transmit regular position reports at time intervals - from two minutes upwards - or distance intervals, using GPRS and/or SMS protocol. The reporting rate and method can be reconfigured remotely through the Track24 C4i platform. Positions are calculated using the latest generation GPS technology, with the last 900 being stored as a backup record in the internal memory.
Panic alarm Crisis management is a fundamental component of the Track24 solution.
If a vehicle crew triggers the panic alarm, a visual and audible alarm appears on the C4i risk management software system in less than a minute and automated e-mail and SMS notifications to the relevant people are initiated. The RoadRunner's integral rechargeable battery ensures that even in the event of a vehicle power failure, the unit is always capable of sending emergency reports if a user pushes the panic alarm.
The RoadRunner vehicle tracking device has advanced geo-fence capabilities designed to improve both security and operational control. Server-based geo-fences are defined and activated on the C4i platform by an organisation's monitoring centre. Uniquely, this unit also features an immediate geo-fence function. By simply pushing a button, the vehicle crew can activate or deactivate a circular geo-fence of a pre-determined radius. When activated, the vehicle's current position is recorded. If the vehicle moves out of the geo-fence zone, an alert will be transmitted to the C4i platform.
Wednesday, 11 November 2009
The role of technology in crisis management solutions
Unfortunately, conflict and crisis is something that happens around the world due to many factors, usually a difference in opinion, race or religion. More often than not, innocent parties are required to enter the scene as mediators on a common ground. This mediation can sometimes take place in remote places, or at least remote as far as technology is concerned – for example there may be no mobile phone network so communication can become difficult.
This is where technology such as a satellite phone can help.
Unlike traditional mobile phones, Satellite phones use a network of satellites that orbit the earth and relay signals back to handsets on the ground. This is ideal for remote locations such as deserts that have a direct line of sight back to the satellites without any interference, however in some locations, such as dense jungles signal can become weak or even lost.
The beauty of the Satellite phone however is that it doesn’t rely on local cell towers, so you can be out at sea or in a vast open space and communication can be made with anyone else on the planet, either with another satellite phone handset or a traditional landline or mobile (within a signal area).
Satellite phone kits usually come in a portable carry case, making them relatively easy to carry from location to location, although they do tend to be generally larger than as standard mobile phone. Although the number of handsets used has increased since the 1990’s they are still relatively expensive in comparison to other communication methods, however it is now possible to rent the handsets making it a more viable and cost effective option.
You will probably see Satellite phone handsets used on military documentaries on television both on land and at sea. It is absolutely imperative that communication is established with troops or workers in remote locations as it can help evade potential crisis and in many situations save lives. Don’t forget that a crisis situation isn’t just military; it can be aid workers in a foreign country who lose their way and require assistance.
Technology has come along way in the last decade and is now a very important part of any crisis management solution. Through the use of satellite tracking and communications it can now help to save many lives and prevent unnecessary loss.
This is where technology such as a satellite phone can help.
Unlike traditional mobile phones, Satellite phones use a network of satellites that orbit the earth and relay signals back to handsets on the ground. This is ideal for remote locations such as deserts that have a direct line of sight back to the satellites without any interference, however in some locations, such as dense jungles signal can become weak or even lost.
The beauty of the Satellite phone however is that it doesn’t rely on local cell towers, so you can be out at sea or in a vast open space and communication can be made with anyone else on the planet, either with another satellite phone handset or a traditional landline or mobile (within a signal area).
Satellite phone kits usually come in a portable carry case, making them relatively easy to carry from location to location, although they do tend to be generally larger than as standard mobile phone. Although the number of handsets used has increased since the 1990’s they are still relatively expensive in comparison to other communication methods, however it is now possible to rent the handsets making it a more viable and cost effective option.
You will probably see Satellite phone handsets used on military documentaries on television both on land and at sea. It is absolutely imperative that communication is established with troops or workers in remote locations as it can help evade potential crisis and in many situations save lives. Don’t forget that a crisis situation isn’t just military; it can be aid workers in a foreign country who lose their way and require assistance.
Technology has come along way in the last decade and is now a very important part of any crisis management solution. Through the use of satellite tracking and communications it can now help to save many lives and prevent unnecessary loss.
Tuesday, 10 November 2009
The key difference between mobile and satellite phone devices.
Communication plays a vital part in today’s world. In all walks of life from day to day business to crisis management situations we require the ability to make contact with others who may be just minutes away or across the other side of the world. We now take the ability to pick up a phone and talk to someone for granted.
Over the last 20 years we have started to become more and more familiar with satellite technology as it plays its part in providing us with television and navigation in our vehicles and mobile phones. Satellite technology also now plays a vital role in communication in remote locations.
The world is a large place and sometimes standard mobile phone technology isn’t sufficient due to a lack of cell masts in the area of transmission. This is true in areas such as deserts, jungles or at sea. This is where satellite phones come into their own. Unlike standard mobile phones, Satellite phones communicate using a number of satellites that orbit the earth. They pass signals between each other to ensure that communication can reach the recipient devices on the ground. It is still important, however, that the satellite phone handsets have a direct line of sight to the satellite. This means that use of the handsets in a dense area, such as a city centre with tall skyscrapers, or underground use such as a cave is often restricted.
A break in the line of sight to the satellite can mean that the voice signal can become distorted or even broken. Satellite phones have evolved somewhat in the last 20 years. The first phones were introduced in the 90’s and often found to be problematic. Since then the two satellite operators, Iridium and Globalstar have built up a client base of over 180,000 clients. So, in summary the biggest difference between the satellite phone and the mobile phone is the infrastructure that they operate on. Rather than using cell masts separated by relatively small differences the Satellite phones communicate directly with the network of Satellites that orbit the earth around 48,000km above the earth.
Over the last 20 years we have started to become more and more familiar with satellite technology as it plays its part in providing us with television and navigation in our vehicles and mobile phones. Satellite technology also now plays a vital role in communication in remote locations.
The world is a large place and sometimes standard mobile phone technology isn’t sufficient due to a lack of cell masts in the area of transmission. This is true in areas such as deserts, jungles or at sea. This is where satellite phones come into their own. Unlike standard mobile phones, Satellite phones communicate using a number of satellites that orbit the earth. They pass signals between each other to ensure that communication can reach the recipient devices on the ground. It is still important, however, that the satellite phone handsets have a direct line of sight to the satellite. This means that use of the handsets in a dense area, such as a city centre with tall skyscrapers, or underground use such as a cave is often restricted.
A break in the line of sight to the satellite can mean that the voice signal can become distorted or even broken. Satellite phones have evolved somewhat in the last 20 years. The first phones were introduced in the 90’s and often found to be problematic. Since then the two satellite operators, Iridium and Globalstar have built up a client base of over 180,000 clients. So, in summary the biggest difference between the satellite phone and the mobile phone is the infrastructure that they operate on. Rather than using cell masts separated by relatively small differences the Satellite phones communicate directly with the network of Satellites that orbit the earth around 48,000km above the earth.
Monday, 9 November 2009
What is the difference between a mobile phone and a satellite phone?
One question that often gets asked in the world of global communications is the difference between Mobile phones and a Satellite phone.
We have all become familiar with the use of Satellite technology as part of our day to day lives through the use of Satellite television in our homes and Satellite navigation in our cars and vehicles.
Satellite communication has played a very important part in space travel and discovery, however for the last two decades has also played a very important part in communication on earth, allowing communications to reach the most remote areas of civilisation both on land and at sea.
The two pieces of technology are ultimately designed to perform the same operation which is to provide a tool of communication between two parties.
However, the way that they operate based on the underlying technology platform couldn’t be more different.
The first Satellite phone was introduced onto the market in the early 1990’s. However mobile phones were found to be the more attractive proposition due to the fact that the satellite phone companies had problems with the satellite network meaning problems with coverage, dropped calls and the quality of the call.
There are two main satellite infrastructures that service Satellite phones. These are known as Iridium and Globalstar which between them no server over 200,000 clients.
The main difference between a satellite phone and a mobile phone is the infrastructure that they use to communicate with other devices. A satellite phone sits on a network of satellites that orbit the earth. This allows for global coverage as the signals pass from satellite to satellite to connect devices around the globe. A mobile phone however uses static transmitters installed on land. This means that coverage in remote areas or at sea is next to impossible. This is why mobile phones are not workable solutions when it comes to crisis management or remote workers. Very often a satellite phone is the only option to ensure communication between a base camp and remote workers.
Many Satellite phones utilize a network of Low Earth orbit satellites. This means that the signals have less distance to travel resulting in improved coverage and better quality of call. However, in some circumstances Satellites nearly as far as 50,000km above the earth are used to relay signals to other satellites.
Naturally, the huge difference in Infrastructure means that Satellite phones can be more costly to use than mobile phones and this is probably the reason they haven’t been more successful in the common market place, especially with Mobile Phone operators driving down the cost of rentals and call time to compete with the competition.
Perhaps the one downfall of the Satellite phone is that it requires a direct line of sight with the satellite. Therefore, in a dense area such as a rain forest or city central the quality of call may suffer or you may experience a higher dropped call rate than usual.
We have all become familiar with the use of Satellite technology as part of our day to day lives through the use of Satellite television in our homes and Satellite navigation in our cars and vehicles.
Satellite communication has played a very important part in space travel and discovery, however for the last two decades has also played a very important part in communication on earth, allowing communications to reach the most remote areas of civilisation both on land and at sea.
The two pieces of technology are ultimately designed to perform the same operation which is to provide a tool of communication between two parties.
However, the way that they operate based on the underlying technology platform couldn’t be more different.
The first Satellite phone was introduced onto the market in the early 1990’s. However mobile phones were found to be the more attractive proposition due to the fact that the satellite phone companies had problems with the satellite network meaning problems with coverage, dropped calls and the quality of the call.
There are two main satellite infrastructures that service Satellite phones. These are known as Iridium and Globalstar which between them no server over 200,000 clients.
The main difference between a satellite phone and a mobile phone is the infrastructure that they use to communicate with other devices. A satellite phone sits on a network of satellites that orbit the earth. This allows for global coverage as the signals pass from satellite to satellite to connect devices around the globe. A mobile phone however uses static transmitters installed on land. This means that coverage in remote areas or at sea is next to impossible. This is why mobile phones are not workable solutions when it comes to crisis management or remote workers. Very often a satellite phone is the only option to ensure communication between a base camp and remote workers.
Many Satellite phones utilize a network of Low Earth orbit satellites. This means that the signals have less distance to travel resulting in improved coverage and better quality of call. However, in some circumstances Satellites nearly as far as 50,000km above the earth are used to relay signals to other satellites.
Naturally, the huge difference in Infrastructure means that Satellite phones can be more costly to use than mobile phones and this is probably the reason they haven’t been more successful in the common market place, especially with Mobile Phone operators driving down the cost of rentals and call time to compete with the competition.
Perhaps the one downfall of the Satellite phone is that it requires a direct line of sight with the satellite. Therefore, in a dense area such as a rain forest or city central the quality of call may suffer or you may experience a higher dropped call rate than usual.
Friday, 16 October 2009
What is a satellite phone?
A satellite phone is effectively a mobilephone which uses satellites for communication, rather than cell like standard mobile phones. There are three satellite phone networks that are currently in operation:
•Iridium
•Globalstar
•Thuraya Iridium
The Iridium network uses 66 low earth orbit satellites in polar orbits 485 miles above sea level. The use of low earth orbit satellites helps minimize round-trip-time, which greatly improves the perceived quality of the phone call. The Iridum network is able to provide complete global coverage. There is no where on Earth where you can't receive a satellite phone call over the Iridium network.
Thuraya
The Thuraya satellite phone network provides coverage over Europe, the Middle East, Central and Northern Africa, Central Asia and the Indian subcontinent.
Thuraya offers dual-mode GSM and satellite mobile telephone services, transmitting and receiving calls through each satellite's 12.25-meter-aperture reflector.
The Thuraya geostationary satellites utilize on-board digital signal processing to create more than 200 spot beams that can be redirected on-orbit, allowing the satellite phone network to adapt to customer demand in real time.
Satellite phone calls are routed directly from one handheld unit to another, or to a terrestrial network.
The Thuraya network has the capacity for 13,750 simultaneous voice circuits.
Globalstar
The Globalstar network utilizes 40 low earth orbit satellites orbiting at an altitude of 876 miles.
The Globalstar satellite phone network provides coverage over most of the Earths land mass. This includes most of North and South America, Europe, the Middle East, Northern Asia, and Australia.
•Iridium
•Globalstar
•Thuraya Iridium
The Iridium network uses 66 low earth orbit satellites in polar orbits 485 miles above sea level. The use of low earth orbit satellites helps minimize round-trip-time, which greatly improves the perceived quality of the phone call. The Iridum network is able to provide complete global coverage. There is no where on Earth where you can't receive a satellite phone call over the Iridium network.
Thuraya
The Thuraya satellite phone network provides coverage over Europe, the Middle East, Central and Northern Africa, Central Asia and the Indian subcontinent.
Thuraya offers dual-mode GSM and satellite mobile telephone services, transmitting and receiving calls through each satellite's 12.25-meter-aperture reflector.
The Thuraya geostationary satellites utilize on-board digital signal processing to create more than 200 spot beams that can be redirected on-orbit, allowing the satellite phone network to adapt to customer demand in real time.
Satellite phone calls are routed directly from one handheld unit to another, or to a terrestrial network.
The Thuraya network has the capacity for 13,750 simultaneous voice circuits.
Globalstar
The Globalstar network utilizes 40 low earth orbit satellites orbiting at an altitude of 876 miles.
The Globalstar satellite phone network provides coverage over most of the Earths land mass. This includes most of North and South America, Europe, the Middle East, Northern Asia, and Australia.
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