Wireless Radio Alarm Transmission System

About the Program

Category: Information Technology (Best in Category)

Year: 2014

The County of San Diego, Department of General Services (DGS) has developed and is currently implementing a program using a Wireless Radio Alarm Transmission System that has significantly improved transmission speed and accuracy of critical alarm system signals from County facilities. This program was initiated to ensure the continuous transmission of fire, security and other critical alarm signals from more than 550 County facilities spread throughout 4,000 square miles. The Wireless Radio Alarm Transmission System consists of existing off-the-shelf technology, a discrete County owned and controlled frequency, and is tailored in configuration to meet the County’s requirements for a dependable, high-speed and cost-effective alarm monitoring and reporting system. Reliability, cost and sustainability are major concerns in the transmission of critical alarm system signals. The goal was to improve the performance of the County’s existing alarm communication system, minimize/eliminate reliance on older analog phone lines and, where possible, reduce costs associated with the use of dedicated phone land lines. Finally, it was imperative that the system meet all compliance requirements in the State of California Fire Code, and the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA).