Tag: Wireless Communications

Does Your Building Need a Passive or Active DAS?

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Does Your Building Need a Passive or Active DAS?

At RF Solutions, we design public safety and cellular enhancement distributed antenna systems (DAS) for high-rise buildings and other large venues. Cell DAS installations are almost always active solutions, but public safety systems can be passive, active, or hybrid. Before we begin to design a system, there are many factors to be considered. The optimal system design will depend on the unique characteristics of the building in which it will live and the communications requirements of local first responders. These factors include the coverage area, the design of the building, the building materials, signal source(s), and the project timeline. Once we’ve gathered the building particulars, we can determine whether the system should be passive, active, or a hybrid of the two. 

A passive system uses “passive” components like coaxial cable and splitters to distribute RF signals. Using coax to distribute the signal will produce a higher signal loss than an active solution. The further the antennas are located from the head end, the higher the signal loss, which results in lower downlink output power. These restrictions are the reasons why a passive system may not be appropriate for a specific building. 

An active system uses fiber optic cable to distribute signal between a centralized signal source (head end) and remote nodes placed strategically throughout the building. A hybrid solution is built upon an active system using fiber to distribute signal but relies on a passive DAS design for most signal distribution. Buildings with unique challenges might benefit from a hybrid solution. 

When determining if a building needs an active system, there is no magic size (square footage) number per se, but it usually falls around the 1million sq. ft. mark. However, there are many sub-1mm sq ft buildings where we’d choose an active system. You could easily have a 750,000 sq ft legacy hospital facility with dense walls and floors that will need to use an active system to meet the required coverage because RF signals will have poor penetration. Many older (pre-war) buildings present these same issues. A new, smaller building might require an active system if it’s steel reinforced. A warehouse with heavy shelving and dense stored materials may need one as well. Conversely, a +1mm sq. ft football stadium might not require an active system due to the open architecture. That’s why it’s so important to understand the propagation characteristics, like wall density, building composition, and building age, before starting the design. 

You might ask why not always use an active solution? The simple answer is cost. Active systems are expensive, but an added benefit of using a fiber DAS is that it’s future-proofed. Using fiber provides the unique ability to upgrade when new technologies or frequencies must be added to a system. Converting the radio signals to light over fiber allows the use of multiple distribution points (nodes) with little or no loss in the transport system.

So, you see, there isn’t a hard and fast rule you can use to determine which way to go with your public safety DAS but knowing all the building’s characteristics and technology requirements beforehand will steer you in the right direction. 

Superior Products Backed by Decades of Experience

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Superior Products Backed by Decades of Experience

An Auxiliary Radio Communications System (ARCS) provides first responders with a fail-safe method of communication via an enhanced two-way radio amplification system. The system allows firefighters to receive and transmit communications throughout a building during an emergency. There are three major components of an ARC System – the Dispatch Radio Console (DRC) at the Fire Command Center, a Radio Amplification Unit (RAU) that receives and retransmits the radio signals, and a Cable and Antenna Plant (CAP), which consists of antennas strategically placed throughout the building to ensure radio coverage. In addition to functional requirements, the FDNY has established precise standards for ARC System hardware and software and the approval of companies and technicians authorized to test and maintain these systems. 

And while all ARCS products essentially do the same thing, there are subtle differences that a client might not realize until after their building’s system has been installed. These variations in ARCS equipment relate to reliability and ease of use, directly impacting the long-term cost of operating the system. When our engineers first designed our products, they looked beyond the basic FDNY requirements to ensure that these critical, life-safety systems would be of the highest quality and reliability, while at the same time, intuitive and easy to use. Our products are built in the US by a manufacturing firm meeting ISO 9001 standards. We voluntarily complied with President Obama’s Executive Order 13636 (“Improving Critical Infrastructure Cybersecurity”) and chose to engage a certified, US-based developer. 

Our software development team understood that it was crucial to have a system that is easy to operate while maintaining exceptional reliability. All software systems are designed and supported by us here in the US.  We made sure that our user interface was intuitive so that the personnel tasked with using and monitoring our equipment, the members of the FDNY, and the building service staff, don’t need a background in software engineering to test and service them. 

As an example, all ARC Systems must indicate an alarm if the RAU door is opened. Other ARCS equipment requires a tech from the manufacturer to come on-site to reset it – an expensive and completely unnecessary task. With our equipment, if the condition that caused the alarm is remedied, it can be cleared with a push of a button. Some of our alarms reset automatically when the condition clears, such as AC Power Fail when the AC power returns. We have programmed our RAU Tamper Alarm to “latch” and stay on until manually reset by pressing the Test button on the DRC. These enhancements in our software significantly reduce the need for service calls. We know these variations in product usability exist because, as an FDNY ARCS-certified firm, we are often called in to test and service other manufacturer’s products. We believe that once an ARC System is installed and approved, a client should have the flexibility to call any ARCS-certified company to test and inspect the system and not be beholden to the manufacturer.

Our company’s experience and engineering prowess is a value-added ingredient, and we continually upgrade and refine our equipment. Recently, we enhanced our software to protect against cyber-attacks and malicious intrusions. Access is restricted to authorized personnel only. We’ve also included an event-logging feature that can be used for diagnostic and forensic purposes. Our manufacturing quality has been consistent since we first started our company five years ago. You will never see our engineers performing “field construction,” something that happens more often than you might think. Our proprietary ARC System electronics have been tested in an ETL facility to meet exacting UL standards. Simply put, all ARCS equipment may appear the same at the time of purchase, but, over time and with use, the differences will surface, costing the client valuable time and money.   

Grid Testing: You Can’t Get the Gold Without the Grind

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Grid Testing: You Can’t Get the Gold Without the Grind

Grid testing emergency responder radio communication systems is mandated in the International Fire Code 510.5.3 to ensure adequate signal coverage throughout a building, including areas not typically prioritized for cellular coverage, like stairwells, escape routes, cellars, mechanical floors, and rooftops. Once a system is installed, the building owner must have the radio system tested to verify that two-way coverage on each building floor is not less than 95%, or 100% in critical areas. Grid testing isn’t complicated. Each floor of the building is divided into a grid of 20 approximately equal test areas. Two technicians are required. One stands at the control center, and the other moves throughout the building to stand in each of the 20 grids on each of the floors. The test is conducted using a calibrated portable radio of the latest brand and model used by the AHJ (Authority Having Jurisdiction). In some jurisdictions, like NYC, we must record each grid test’s audio and submit each of these files to the FDNY for review and acceptance. 

Sounds simple, and it is. What doesn’t come across in the description is the absolute tediousness of the process. The tech exchange goes something like this:

            Tech 1 (on the 25th floor): “Floor 25 Grid 1 Area 10 Channel 11.”

            Tech 2 (at the command center): “Floor 25 Grid 1 Area 10 Channel 11 DAQ 4.5.”

            Tech 1: “Floor 25 Grid 1 Area 10 Channel 12.”

            Tech 2: “Floor 25 Grid 1 Area 10 Channel 12 DAQ 4.5.”

DAQ, or delivered audio quality, is the most common signal quality measure for public safety systems. Although the minimum DAQ code requirement is 3.0, the accepted objective is to provide DAQ 3.4 over the entire service area. DAQ 3.4 is defined as speech understandable with repetition only rarely required and with some noise and/or distortion. A lower DAQ may require excessive speech repetition, while a higher value may require a prohibitively expensive infrastructure investment. 

The back-and-forth exchange between the two techs can take over a week of 8-hour days, depending on the size of the building. The techs require laser focus to ensure the system works in every nook and corner.  Our techs know their work is critical, no matter how tedious, because first responders depend on it. Any deficiencies in coverage are identified and will require remediation, or the system will not receive approval.  Delays in approval can hinder the acquisition and maintenance of occupancy permits. Mandatory yearly inspections can uncover degradation or impairment that is not yet severe enough to trigger system alarms. This deterioration could result from partial equipment failure, damage to antennas or cabling, or changes and renovations within the building. Proper testing takes time and costs money, but these systems rely on it, as do the first responders who use them to save lives. You may have heard of Malcolm Gladwell’s theory that “ten thousand hours is the magic number of greatness.” To be considered elite and truly experienced within a particular craft, you must practice it for ten thousand hours. If that’s the case, our grid testing technicians set the gold standard.

Is Your ARC System in Compliance?

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Is Your ARC System in Compliance?

Building owners in NYC breathe a sigh of relief when their ARC System passes inspection because it’s one of the last steps before their building receives a Certificate of Occupancy. The 2014 NYC Building Code requirement for these systems has placed them top of mind for building owners. However, you might be surprised to find that many building owners overlook a critical section of the code that requires annual inspection and recertification. It’s important to note that when it comes to life-saving communications, they’re only as good as their last certification. A public safety system protects the public and the first responders who depend on its availability. Therefore, regular testing is vital to ensuring reliable service. A qualified public safety support team provides a building owner with peace of mind knowing they are covered in case “as and when” becomes “911, what is your emergency?” 

Just because you can’t see what lives in your building’s cable infrastructure doesn’t mean you should stop worrying about what’s in there. The space where your public safety cables live is shared with various voice and data system cables, mechanical pipes, HVAC equipment, and IT networks. All of these require ongoing maintenance and sometimes complete renovations. This buzz of activity over the life of a building significantly increases the chance that a public safety DAS cable becomes damaged. 

Many property owners might not know they are out of compliance or legally required to ensure their equipment never goes out of service, but more importantly, they might not realize this fact until it is too late. First responders rely on these systems in an emergency, but maintenance of these systems is sometimes ignored. Over time the active equipment, including the RAU and DRC, can require routine maintenance. That is why regularly scheduled maintenance and testing are so essential.  

In New York City by code, the ARC System components must be inspected and tested annually to confirm that the system is still in good working order. The certification document is then submitted to the FDNY for permit renewal. When an ARC System turns five years old, the system must be recertified. This process requires a radio coverage survey of the system, conducted in the same way the original commission test was performed. The results of the five-year recertification test are then compared to the initial commissioning test to determine whether there’s been any degradation to the system’s performance. Successful recertification results also require submission to the FDNY for permit renewal.

In many cases, especially in new construction projects, the building owner may not know about these annual maintenance and certification requirements. At RF Solutions, we are working to keep the building owner, and property managers informed to remain in compliance and ensure the system works when there is a real emergency. 

A Firehouse Chat

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A Firehouse Chat

Today, October 28th, is National First Responder Day. Congress designated the day in 2017 to honor the firefighters, police officers, and EMTs that rush into a crisis when the rest of us run out. Living and working in NYC, I have many opportunities to stand and watch in awe at first responders’ unimagined bravery. I’ve often wondered what they think when the alarm goes off. Do they worry about what they’ll encounter? 

“No, I don’t even think about it. It’s my job. It’s what I’ve been trained to do,” explained Pat Parrott, a member of FDNY’s Engine 54, Ladder 4, Battalion 9 in the heart of NYC’s Theater District. 

Pat was kind enough to meet me at the end of his shift to answer my questions about a NYC firefighter’s life. Firefighter Parrott started with the FDNY in 1995, assigned to a house in College Point Queens, but was transferred two months into his “probie” year to the “Pride of Midtown,” where he’s been ever since. His firehouse is well-loved in the neighborhood, and even received a Tony award in 2019 – The FDNY Engine 54, Ladder 4, Battalion 9 are more than deserving of the Tony Honor — they are an integral part of our industry, conducting inspections in our theaters, keeping thousands of theater fans and industry members safe every single day — and they have never missed a performance!

I asked Pat about two aspects of the FDNY that I’ve read a lot about; tradition and innovation. 

“Mealtime is very big in the firehouse. Everybody gets involved in cooking for the officers, and it brings everybody together. Dinner is the biggest, but we do lunch too.” I asked what was on tap for lunch, and he said he heard rumblings about sausage and peppers. Is everyone a great cook? “It depends on who’s on duty.” For Thanksgiving and Christmas, they go all out. Turkey, prime rib, the works. 

I was happy to hear that when asked about innovation, Pat mentioned that one of the most significant improvements, since he’s been on the job, is communication – namely, the Auxiliary Radio Communication Systems (ARCS) that the FDNY mandated after 9/11. “The new systems help a great deal, compared to what we worked with when I first started. Back then, you could have somebody a couple of floors above you, and you couldn’t communicate. You’d actually have to communicate with the firefighters in the street, and they’d relay the information to them. It gives us a better understanding of what we’re dealing with.”

I asked what affects the pandemic has had on firefighting, and he said, “Of course, there are the obvious changes, like wearing masks around the public, but fighting fires in NYC, we are always dealing with traffic. These days, the volume of traffic is nothing like it was so we can respond much quicker.”

Brandon joined us at one point in the conversation, a young member of the FDNY who started in November of 2016. I asked him his thoughts on his career choice. “It’s the best job in the world. It gets serious at times, but I like it. It’s great camaraderie, being part of a team, we’re really a family—great guys and girls. You can’t beat it. Other people might say, ‘I have to go to work today, I say, I get to go to work today.'” 

I asked Pat about the attributes that make a great firefighter. “Being outgoing helps a lot. You’re always interacting with the public. But being a good person is the most important thing. And being in good shape helps.” 

What does a typical shift entail? “We start with roll call in front of the rigs. We have three companies, and each company has five members and an officer working on the tour. We go over our assignments for the day; for example, today, I’m operating on the outside, so if there were a fire on the third floor, I’d go up the fire escape and vent the windows. There is also an interior team responsible for forcible entry. Then, we’ll do committee work, which is cleaning the house and washing the rigs. We’ll go food shopping and prepare for the meal. We do drills with apparatus on the truck, like the Jaws of Life. We’ll check all our tools to make sure everything is squared away.” 

Are there days when nothing happens? He laughed. “No. Around here, something is always going on.” “The Pride of Midtown” is one of the busiest firehouses in Manhattan. They answer around 14,000 calls a year from Broadway theaters to restaurants and hotels, skyscrapers, and even assist with rescues in the Hudson River. 

When our conversation was coming to a close, I asked about 9/11. “Everything seems to go back to that,” Pat said. The 2001 terror attacks took the lives of 15 members of the hook and ladder crew who were among the very first responders at the World Trade Center. Pat showed me the tribute wall in the firehouse with the images of the members they lost that day. No firehouse in the city paid a heavier price on 9/11. “The whole house. We lost every member that was working that day from this firehouse.”

I thanked Pat for his time and walked out of the firehouse into the busy midtown morning. I had an appointment at a nearby blood bank. Later in the day, I got an email thanking me for being a hero and a first responder. All I could think was “not even close.” 

Project Managers Are the Electromagnetic Force of Our Organization

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Project Managers Are the Electromagnetic Force of Our Organization

The hats our Project Managers must wear are many; the skills they must have are diverse. In-building public safety systems can take years to complete and include various sub-contractors and local authorities throughout a project’s lifecycle. They require consistent oversight over long periods, which is why excellent project management skills are so crucial in our business. Any delay in the timeline could mean a delayed Certificate of Occupancy for the building’s owner. Our rapid growth since our firm’s inception in 2016 wouldn’t have been possible without their technical expertise and steady hands on the tiller. 

Jude Fauteux, the first Project Manager we hired, started with RF Solutions in June 2017. Since then, he’s been responsible for getting many of our Auxiliary Radio Communication Systems (ARCS) over the finish line and receiving their FDNY Letter of Approval. Some of his recent successes include three projects in the Bronx, a mixed-use project in the Soundview neighborhood, an affordable senior housing rental apartment building, and the redevelopment of a long underutilized manufacturing district, overlooking the Sheridan Expressway and the Bronx River, as well as a 32 story tower in Brooklyn. 

Neil Shore started with us in August 2018, having spent decades working as a product specialist at Mercedes Benz, USA. Neil is known for surpassing expectations to receive the sought after FDNY Letter of Approvals. Some of his recent projects include a 10-story affordable housing building developed by L+M Development Partners and B&B Urban in Brooklyn, a distinguished new property with 11 boutique residences built by Extell Development Company in Manhattan, a 14-story building with 82 apartments, part of Locust Manor Estates in Queens, a new apartment development by Velocity Management in Brooklyn, a unique, state of the art office building in Noho developed by CBSK Ironstate, and a 25-story residential tower developed by SHVO, in the up-and-coming Hudson Square bordering Soho. Many of these projects are repeat clients. Neil says, “I will go to any length to get the job done. The show must go on!”

These are just two members of our project management team. Our PMs have many years of construction management experience and have acquired substantial knowledge of RF propagation and principles. They are well versed in NFPA, IFC, electrical and building codes required for in-building systems in public safety and cellular enhancement. Our PMs join a project at its inception and play an integral role over the project’s lifespan. The PM begins with a top-level project review with clients to discuss the design and the proposed implementation. They’ll ensure all of the system’s components on the Bill of Materials arrive safely at the job site. They take the time to train the installers on reading blueprints and proper cable installation. They return to the job site to confirm the installed system meets our firm’s expectations so that when the time comes for the inspection, there are no surprises. And finally, the PMs submit the necessary documents to the FDNY for filing. Our PMs are on the frontline, managing all aspects of the project, ensuring adherence to all regulations and requirements. They see the big picture, and they are excellent prioritizers. And, they almost always do it with a sense of humor and a smile. At RFS, we take pride in the work we do, and it’s incredibly rewarding for our PMs to know that they play a part in making NYC safe for the people who live and work there.

The Call for Robust, Reliable Communications for First Responders Nationwide

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The Call for Robust, Reliable Communications for First Responders Nationwide

In 2005, the US National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) issued its Final Report on the Collapse of the World Trade Center Towers (NCSTAR1). This comprehensive report included 30 detailed recommendations for improving the safety of buildings, occupants, and emergency responders. One of the essential elements addressed the need for robust, reliable radio communications for first responders. The general public had a misconception that such in-building coverage already existed when, in fact, it was inadequate in almost every circumstance.

National Standards Created for ERRCS

In response to this report two standards organizations, the International Code Council (ICC) and the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), created standards for the design and installation of Emergency Responder Radio Communications Systems (ERRCS). These standards are similar in scope and are incorporated into the statewide building “Fire Code.” A few major cities (such as NYC, Boston, Philadelphia, District of Columbia) have developed their own, more stringent requirements based on comprehensive planning for various response scenarios. Outside of these cities, the national codes empower local AHJs (Agencies Having Jurisdiction) – typically the local fire departments – to regulate specific in-building radio coverage. These regulations are based on planned first responder operations within their communities. Under the enacted codes, building owners are responsible for installing infrastructure within their buildings to meet the requirements set forth by the local AHJ.

A Failure to Communicate

Public Safety Agencies (PSA) typically have their own radio communications system for coverage throughout their area of operation. Unfortunately, radio signals do not penetrate buildings well. Large buildings typically have many “dead areas,” especially in the center of the building, on floors housing mechanical and electrical equipment, and in below-ground levels. These are critical areas where firefighters and other first responders must have reliable wireless communications, in addition to areas that have incidental coverage from transmitter sites outside of the building. It’s a fact; failure to communicate effectively puts lives at risk.  

We Have the Solution 

When RF Solutions starts a project, we begin by first consulting with the AHJ and any other known stakeholders. We identify the types of communication that may be required – internal communications between responders inside the building, and external communications to allow responders to talk back to their dispatcher. Once the specific requirements are confirmed, it is necessary to visit the actual building’s location and measure signal levels for each system to determine what enhancements (if any) are required. A 3-dimensional propagation model of the building is constructed to optimize antenna placement and determine what signal amplification is needed and where to locate the amplification equipment. Our experienced and certified engineers perform design work using iBwave software. iBwave is the global industry-standard technology for developing accurate wireless propagation. The result is an efficient design which complies with local, state, and national code requirements, and ensures that no “dead areas” will hinder effective communication. 

Leaders in the Public Safety Field

RF Solutions was founded in 2016 by experienced telecom professionals who wanted to use the best available technology and engineering services to make buildings safer and to protect critical infrastructure. Starting in the New York Metro area and branching out to adjoining states and beyond, we have received recognition for our leadership in the industry. In New York City and other locations with more stringent codes, we adhere to the established requirements and processes. In all other instances, RF Solutions takes a consultative approach because each municipality has a unique combination of first responder communications systems utilizing various frequencies and technologies. Additionally, every building has its requirements depending on the building’s construction and its location relative to transmitter sites of these systems. 

RF Solutions Serves New Jersey and Beyond 

As a result of our strict adherence to local and state ordinances, we have received many Letters of Authorization from FDNY as well as approval for numerous systems in New Jersey. Our systems are often approved on the first inspection, allowing the owners to obtain their Certificates of Occupancy without delay. RF Solutions currently has over a hundred projects underway in the Tri-State Metropolitan Area including overseeing one of the largest two-way radio projects in Manhattan and consulting on a large and complex Emergency Responder Radio Communications System in New Jersey.

Why Process Is Critical When Lives Are At Risk

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Why Process Is Critical When Lives Are At Risk

From Sub-Basement to the 104th Floor

When a fire alarm is activated, people rush from a building, desperate to escape. That’s when our end user, the brave members of the NYFD race inside. Providing the most robust, long-lasting, wireless two-way in-building communications systems is our company’s mission, and we take it very seriously. In New York City, new construction over seventy-five feet tall, and existing buildings undergoing a renovation of a legacy safety system require the installation of an Auxiliary Radio Communications Systems or ARCS. These systems provide in-building radio communications for the FDNY, ensuring vital connectivity between the Fire Chief in the Fire Command Center and his or her firefighters. The ARC system must function uniformly no matter where the firefighter is in the building from the sub-basement to the 104th floor.

RFS – Subject Matter Experts

That’s why RFS gets involved at the earliest stages of a building’s lifecycle, often requested by the engineering or consulting firms working on the project. They look to us as subject matter experts in the field of wireless communications. RFS will perform a complete building structure analysis to determine accurate radio frequency (RF) propagation. From there, we’ll discover the most cost-efficient antenna placement and cable routes, verifying coverage against code requirements. We’ll thoroughly review the plan with our client and installers for acceptance. Once installed, we return to the job to test the installed cable plant before commissioning, identifying any known issues or problems. Finally, we’ll commission the system as operational. 

iBwave 

iBwave is the global industry-standard technology for developing accurate wireless propagation. At RFS, we’ve raised the bar for engineered designs by using iBwave models since our inception. When we started our company, we specifically hired iBwave certified engineers that already had years of experience with the technology. We are proud to say that we are the most proficient ARCS users of iBwave, with the greatest experience in the business. We are not satisfied with providing estimates for placement of antennas, so we run propagation analysis, and provide heat maps that depict wireless coverage in a building. 

FDNY Approvals Through Teamwork

An ARCS project is a collaborative effort between a wireless system integrator, such as RFS, the electrical contractors responsible for the installation of life safety and security systems in a building, and at times the fire alarm and security company whose systems are installed simultaneously with an ARCS and follow the same strict code requirements from the Department of Buildings (DoB) and the FDNY. We take great pride in our high-level of communication amongst our strategic partners. We work together to assure a smooth and successful installation. Many of our ARCS are getting approval on the first inspection due to our eye for detail, which reduces problems and minimizes the time to completion of a project. 

Predictive Analysis Ensures Adequate Coverage

    At RFS, our ARCS pass inspections, allowing our building owners to receive their Certificate of Occupancy. We do this by using predictive analysis to ensure adequate coverage. Other companies without this level of sophistication risk not having their systems meet the stringent coverage requirements. They will try to overcome design deficiencies by turning up the power, in many cases making the situation worse. It’s always financially beneficial to do the right thing from the start; instead of taking the chance that a failed FDNY inspection delays the receipt of a Certificate of Occupancy.

What Happens When the Market Lacks the Tools You Need?

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What Happens When the Market Lacks the Tools You Need?

The need for reliable in-building radio coverage for first responders became imperative in the aftermath of September 11th. In the 9/11 Commission report, communication failures were a critical element that undermined the response to the attacks. The FDNY developed stringent requirements for newly constructed buildings, to support their high-rise firefighting model. Well over 100 firefighters may respond to an incident and ensuring their ability to communicate is of utmost importance. Every building has a “Fire Command Center” where the FDNY establishes onsite command and control. The newly mandated operations plan requires the installation of a wireless two-way building communications system to receive and retransmit firefighter communications throughout the building. 

What Is an ARC System?

There are three major components of an ARC System (Auxiliary Radio Communications) – the Dispatch Radio Console (DRC) at the Fire Command Center, a Radio Amplification Unit (RAU) that receives and retransmits the radio signals, and a Cable and Antenna Plant (CAP), which consists of antennas strategically placed throughout the building to ensure radio coverage. In addition to functional requirements, FDNY has established precise standards for ARC System hardware and for approval of companies and technicians who would be authorized to test and maintain these systems. 

Commitment to the Highest Standards

RF Solutions LLC launched in 2016 with a commitment to excellence in implementing in-building wireless communications systems including those for first responders. FDNY’s unique specifications meant no “off the shelf” equipment existed in the marketplace. Although a couple of companies were producing devices which did meet the published FDNY requirements, their offerings fell far short of our expectations for product design, stability, and overall quality. An entirely new system would have to be custom-designed and built for this application, and the resulting system would require proprietary software for proper operation as well as self-monitoring capabilities. We knew the only viable option was to design and produce our own ARCS equipment.

Designed and built in the USA

After making a list of what is considered to be essential system qualities beyond the basic FDNY requirements, we set out to ensure that these critical, life-safety systems would be of the highest quality and reliability. So it was not up for debate; we’d only build our products in the US by a manufacturing firm meeting ISO 9001 standard.  We decided to comply voluntarily with President Obama’s Executive Order 13636 (“Improving Critical Infrastructure Cybersecurity”) and chose to engage a certified, US-based developer.  The software development team understood that it was crucial to have a system that is easy to operate while maintaining exceptional reliability. Again, all software systems are designed and supported by us here in the US.  

Going Above and Beyond

Once we had a production-ready system, we submitted our proprietary equipment (the Radio Command Series – RAU and DRC) to a NRTL (Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory).  Here it was certified for full compliance with UL Standard 60950-1 (“Information Technology Equipment Safety”) as well as with FCC Part 15 (“Electromagnetic Compatibility”). We are the first (and so far the only) company whose ARC System components have been tested to these specifications. Our company is always thinking ahead, and with our approach and local teams, we will be quick to meet future requirements. Modifications to the NYC code are coming soon, and we are already implementing adaptations to our equipment, ensuring our equipment leads the way with best in class solutions. 

Setting the Bar for Life Safety

As of today, RF Solutions has installed (or are in the process of installing) our Radio Command Series equipment in over 100 buildings in NYC.  We are happy to report that our systems are getting FDNY approvals, often passing on the first inspection. The decision to manufacture our products provides us with complete control, and it is the foundation of our firm’s mission: to develop and install the highest quality wireless communications system so that first responders can do their job and save lives. 

A City Full of Heroes

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A City Full of Heroes

Although my title at RF Solutions is Director of Communications, I would prefer it was Chief Story Teller. I love a good story; I think most people do. Before this job, my writing experience focused on travel, culture, and global adventures. So, when an opportunity to work for a firm that installed in-building wireless solutions came about, I made sure there was a story to tell. And, after digging a little deeper, I found there were many. 

In Search of the Missing Link: an FDNY Firefighter

For the past few months at RFS, I’ve spent a great deal of time reading documentation, attending webinars, and asking a ton of questions. I wanted to ingest the world of in-building life safety systems; specifically, FDNY mandated ARCS (Auxiliary Radio Communication Systems) post 9/11. These are complex networks that require engineers with years of experience to undertake and design. As my knowledge increased, and I reached a point where I thought I was ready to write about the company’s accomplishments, it hit me. Some pretty essential people were missing from my stories: the firefighters themselves. That’s when I made it my mission to meet a few of the brave members of the FDNY. 

The Source: Facebook

I didn’t know any firefighters personally, so I went to my most trusted source: Facebook. My network hasn’t failed me yet, and I was excited to find many of my friends had connections to an FDNY firefighter. I was honored to sit and talk with two exceptional members of the force, to hear their stories, and share their wisdom. They have both been an FDNY firefighter for many years, and have seen the evolution of fireground communications. 

Bureau of Operations Deputy Assistant Chief Rich Blatus spoke to me about the changes he’s witnessed over the past four decades. He believes recent advancements in technology have led to safer environments for firefighters. 

We’ve Come a Long Way, Baby

“I started my career in 1980 as a firefighter in the Bronx. Back then, if you had a fire on the 32nd floor, they’d find a telephone number of a company located on that floor, and once upstairs, you’d use that phone to call down to the Chief Officer command in the lobby. That was the only method of solid communications available. From there we moved on to using a cross band repeater where we’d extend the range of our handheld radios by using a dual-band mobile or base radio located in the truck outside the building.”

The Days of Walkie-Talkie Relays are Coming to an End

After 9/11, there were changes made to the FDNY fire code regarding new high-rise construction 75 feet or higher, and existing buildings with fire alarm panel upgrades. A fire department fixed auxiliary radio communication system (ARCS) with multiple channel capability is now required. The days of relying on walkie-talkie relays are soon coming to an end. “I’ve been in fires in buildings with ARC systems. They are a more reliable way for firefighters to communicate in a building. I can get the information that I need to know. The code changes regarding communications are a tremendous step in the right direction. Anything that improves communications on the fireground and can help us effectively communicate our tactics, can help save lives,” said Deputy Assistant Chief Blatus. 

You Might as Well be on the Surface of the Moon

Deputy Assistant Chief Bronx Borough Commander Christopher Boyle, currently serving as Chief of Tactical Communication for FDNY, charged with coordinating and developing all tactical communication projects, and one of the writers of the ARC system fire code spoke with me about life before and after ARCS. “When fighting a fire in a building without an ARC system, as soon as you went above the 15th floor, depending on the size of the building it could happen sooner, the firefighters you are trying to communicate with might as well be on the surface of the moon. You can’t talk to them. Communication in a fire is critical, and if I can’t find out what they have or what they’re seeing – it’s very frustrating. Having an ARC system is phenomenal. It took us from having no communication to being able to talk to whoever I need to speak with.” It was an incredible opportunity to speak with one of the writers of the fire code. I had so many questions, and Chief Boyle patiently answered every one of them. Chief Boyle sits on an ARC system task force that works on continually improving the code specifications for the radio communication in-building systems. New changes to the code are expected first quarter 2020. 

Can You Hear Me Now?

It was a gift to be able to speak directly with the men who use ARC systems in their daily lives. My knowledge base expanded to include the perspective of the 32nd floor. I can see Chief Boyle and Chief Blatus picking up a 2-way radio handset and getting the information they need to make the most educated decisions. And I’m even prouder of the work we do at RF Solutions. And firefighters are modern-day warriors with the most incredible stories, and I feel privileged to have the opportunity to tell them.