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Home / M2M IoT Case Studies / Peplink Case Studies / High speed connectivity for the NSW Rural Fire Service

Case Study

Company

Hypha RFS

Website https://www.hypha.world/au/ Industry

Emergency Services

Location

Australia

Simon Hunter

M2M supports Hypha to create firefighting first technology using Peplink and Starlink

Communication during extreme weather events is critical but is often lacking – especially in rural regions. This is due to the fact that telecommunication networks are designed to operate most effectively in densely populated areas. For firefighters operating in these areas, communication blackspots present a significant challenge. This situation is compounded by the fact that in a fire zone, terrestrial networks are often the first to be destroyed. 

For this reason, the New South Wales Rural Fire Service (NSW RFS) awarded a significant project to Australian critical communications company Hypha. Working with Peplink distributor M2M Connectivity and leveraging, 4G, 5G and Starlink, Hypha developed a new solution called Vehicle as a Node (VaaN).

Connectivity anytime, anywhere

Hypha’s VaaN solution seamlessly transforms fire vehicles into mobile communication hubs. It integrates Peplink SpeedFusion technology with Starlink satellite, 5G and Hypha-Mesh connectivity. This enables high-speed data access for RFS personnel anytime, anywhere – eliminating communication black spots in rural and remote areas. It also enables the latest intelligence, including geolocation data, sophisticated data feeds, and livestreaming capabilities that were previously out of reach. 

SpeedFusion employs the concept of WAN bonding, which combines multiple WAN connections into a single, highly resilient virtual tunnel. This allows agencies to combine diverse connections, such as cellular networks, satellite links, and alternative internet sources, to create an integrated network infrastructure. SpeedFusion’s unique WAN Smoothing feature ensures that these transitions are smooth as emergency responders move from one coverage area to another.

Peplink Transit Pro E routers – supplied by M2M Connectivity – were assessed as part of the overall solution chosen by NSW RFS. The Transit Pro E is a versatile, fully certified and rugged mobile router designed for extreme conditions.

Key features that contributed to its effectiveness in this project include:

  • Multi-Net connectivity: The ability to support various WAN connections— 4G, 5G, eSIM and satellite — ensures that RFS vehicles maintain continuous connectivity even in areas with limited cellular service.
  • Rugged design: Constructed with a rugged metal and ventless case, the Transit Pro E is capable of withstanding extreme temperature ranges, from -40°C to +70°C.
  • Built-In Edge Computing: Powered by Docker software, the router includes edge computing capabilities, allowing data to be processed locally, which streamlines operations and eliminates the need for extra hardware.
  • Seamless Integration with Starlink: The Transit Pro E’s architecture supports seamless integration with Starlink, ensuring that RFS vehicles always have high-speed connectivity.
  • Built-In GPS: Integrated GPS and dead-reckoning capabilities facilitate precise position tracking, enhancing coordination in the field.
  • Wi-Fi 6 Connectivity: The router supports Wi-Fi 6 technology, allowing it to provide connectivity for up to 150 users at once, serving multiple firefighters and devices without compromising performance.

A safer future 

The collaboration between the NSW RFS, Hypha, M2M Connectivity and Peplink marks a significant advancement in firefighting technology. As the VaaN technology is rolled out across 5,000 vehicles over the next three years, it will facilitate:

  • Elimination of communication blackspots: The integrated communication solution addresses previous gaps in connectivity, allowing real-time updates and access to critical information during emergencies.
  • Enhanced situational awareness, facilitated by high-speed communication capabilities, empowers firefighters to make informed decisions in life-threatening situations.
  • Increased efficiency: The Peplink Transit Pro E router’s rapid data transmission capabilities optimise resource management during firefighting operations.

The hope is that this solution ultimately help to save lives during critical emergency situations. It would also enable crews the capability to live stream video of fires from anywhere in the State – providing command centres with the latest intelligence about an incident. 

This project showcases the partnership and capabilities of Hypha, M2M Connectivity and Peplink along with the vision of the NSWRFS setting a new bar for critical communication. Importantly, the benefits of this technology will flow into the broader emergency service community who can now leverage this Australian-first technology.

To discuss how you can leverage Peplink + Starlink, contact:

Josh Velling
M2M Connectivity Director
jo**********@m2*************.au

M2M is the master distributor of Peplink hardware across Australia and New Zealand. For more information, on how we can support Starlink with Peplink, please visit: https://m2mconnectivity.com.au/peplink-starlink/