The U.S. public safety telecommunications network is an essential system that allows first responders—such as police, fire, and medical services—to communicate reliably and efficiently during critical situations. Ensuring this communication network functions seamlessly under all conditions is vital for public safety. Below, we explore the frequency bands used in these networks, their requirements, the challenges they face, and how MCV Microwave plays a pivotal role in addressing these challenges through high-quality, custom solutions.
Public Safety Network Frequency Bands
Public safety communication in the U.S. utilizes a combination of Land Mobile Radio (LMR) systems and the newer Long-Term Evolution (LTE) broadband network, primarily supported by FirstNet.
Land Mobile Radio (LMR):
LMR systems are widely used by public safety agencies for mission-critical voice communication.
Frequency Range:
- VHF: 150 MHz to 174 MHz (used in rural areas for long-range communication)
- UHF: 450 MHz to 512 MHz (widely used in urban environments due to better penetration through buildings and other obstacles)
- 700 MHz and 800 MHz: These bands are also used for LMR systems but are being phased out in favor of LTE-based communications.
FirstNet (LTE Network) – Band 14:
FirstNet is the dedicated LTE network for public safety, operating on Band 14.
Frequency Range:
- Downlink (Base Station to Device): 758 MHz to 768 MHz
- Uplink (Device to Base Station): 788 MHz to 798 MHz
Band 14 offers wide coverage and excellent signal penetration, making it suitable for both urban and rural communications.
Public Safety Network Requirements
Public safety networks must meet stringent performance criteria to ensure communication reliability during emergencies. The critical requirements include:
Reliability: These networks must remain functional under all conditions, including power outages, natural disasters, and high-traffic situations. Public safety cannot afford communication failures in critical moments.
Coverage: The network needs to provide robust coverage across urban, suburban, and rural areas. It should ensure seamless indoor and outdoor communication.
Capacity: Networks should be able to handle spikes in communication traffic, particularly during major emergencies, without degradation in performance.
Security: Public safety communication must be secure, with encryption and protection from unauthorized access to ensure that sensitive information does not fall into the wrong hand
Interoperability: Emergency response agencies across regions and different fields (police, fire, EMS) must be able to communicate effectively and seamlessly, regardless of the specific network or frequency band they are using.
Challenges Faced by Public Safety Networks
Despite their critical importance, public safety networks face several key challenges:
Rapid Deployment and Network Resilience:
Public safety networks need the ability to quickly deploy temporary or mobile infrastructure, such as **Cells on Wheels (COWs)**, to extend coverage in disaster areas or large events.
Interference and Passive Intermodulation (PIM):
PIM becomes a significant issue, particularly in the 700 MHz Band, where Band 14 (used by FirstNet) is colocated with AT&T’s Band 17 (DL 734-746MHz | UL 704-716MHz) and Band 29 (used for carrier aggregation DL 717 – 728MHz). The shared spectrum can lead to 3rd order intermodulation interference, which can degrade communication quality.
How MCV Microwave Helps: High-Quality RF Solutions for Public Safety Networks
MCV Microwave specializes in producing high-quality, low-interference RF components designed specifically to enhance the performance and reliability of public safety networks. Below are some examples of product and solution MCV offers that address the needs of public safety network designers.
MCC4-000016A1 Cavity Duplexer
Frequency Range: 483.0125 MHz to 487.7625 MHz, tailored for public safety communication systems.
High Isolation: 70 dB isolation between transmit and receive signals, preventing signal crosstalk and ensuring clear communication.
Low Insertion Loss: This helps maintain signal strength, reducing signal degradation over distance.
Rugged Design: Built for harsh environmental conditions with an operating range of -20°C to +65°C and compliance with IP-65 weatherization standards, making it durable and reliable in extreme conditions.
BCCD757-787-1A1 Dielectric Resonator Loaded Cavity Duplexer
Specifically designed for Band 14 applications in public safety LTE networks.
Frequency Range:
– Downlink: 757 MHz to 758 MHz
– Uplink: 787 MHz to 788 MHz
Key Features:
– Low Insertion Loss and high selectivity to minimize interference and ensure signal clarity.
– IP67 Rating: Designed for outdoor deployments, this duplexer can withstand extreme weather, making it ideal for both urban and rural settings.
Additional RF Accessories:
High-Quality RF Cables and Adapters: MCV Microwave also provides a range of RF cables and adapters, crucial for minimizing signal loss and ensuring durable, reliable connections between RF components.
Low PIM Components: These products are designed to reduce intermodulation interference, a key requirement in shared-spectrum environments like the 700 MHz band, where public safety and commercial LTE networks coexist.
Key Benefits of MCV Microwave’s Solutions:
Low PIM: All MCV Microwave products are designed to reduce passive intermodulation, ensuring that public safety communications remain interference-free.
High Customization: MCV Microwave offers custom solutions tailored to the specific needs of public safety network designers, ensuring that each component fits seamlessly into the network architecture.
Rugged Durability: With products built to withstand extreme environmental conditions, MCV ensures reliable operation even in the harshest of deployments.
Excellent Customer Support: MCV Microwave provides comprehensive support to help public safety network designers optimize and maintain their systems, addressing any challenges related to RF interference or network reliability.
Conclusion
As public safety networks continue to evolve and face new challenges, including interference in shared-spectrum environments and the need for rapid deployment in emergencies, MCV Microwave stands ready with high-quality, reliable RF components. By offering Low PIM solutions, rugged and customizable products, and exceptional customer support, MCV Microwave ensures that public safety network designers have the tools they need to maintain clear, reliable, and interference-free communication when it matters most.
Whether it’s through their duplexers, RF cables, or customized RF solutions, MCV Microwave is a critical partner in supporting the ongoing reliability and success of public safety communications across the U.S.
Let’s build a safer, more connected future—together.
Contact MCV to equip your public safety network with high-quality, Low PIM-rated RF components that ensure clear, reliable communication when it matters most.