Goffstown Fire Department

 

 

Communication’s Division service techs have been spending time at the Goffstown Fire Department, helping with the building renovation.

Work included moving the old antenna tower, setting up a temporary one, then reestablishing the former tower once the renovations were done. Mounted to the tower were two antenna and one microwave link. A new brace and guy wires were added to keep the tower in place. Finally, all the wiring was run through a  of conduits on the roof to keep them dry and out from underfoot.

There’s still a lot that needs to be done in the radio room, but it looks like the exterior work is close to done. Chuck and Dan were on site today, and Andrew and Tom contributed to the team effort as well.
We’ll go back once the project is complete for a couple of final shots, and maybe a walk-around with one of the senior tech for an explanation.

Network Upgrade for Spruce Point Inn

The Network Division of 2-Way Communications Service has been providing wired and wireless LAN service to Spruce Point Inn since late 2011. Over time the initial installation has been expanded upon, allowing the company to take advantage of improved wireless technology to meet the demands of their customers. The sprawling property had no Ethernet infrastructure so multiple DSL links over existing telco lines were utilized to create zones of wireless coverage which were ultimately expanded to cover the entire property, although throughput was an issue. 

The nearly completed expansion represents a significant investment in time and new technology which will produce a very positive on-site WiFi experience for customers for years to come.

A new backbone composed of both aerial and trenched Cat6 cable and fiber optics will
connect 6 new core switches, and 15 new access switches.  The new backbone will provide high speed connectivity to 30 new dual band high speed MIMO access points. MIMO (Multiple-Input Multiple-Output) is a wireless technology that uses multiple transmitters and receivers to transfer more data at the same time. All existing access points have been rewired to Gigabit speeds, and redundancy has been built into the system as well. The final hardware count will include 21 Ubiquiti Unifi Gigabit smart POE switches powering 55 Ubiquiti Unifi multi radio wireless access points. 

Management of the new network will be accomplished by 2-Way’s Network Division from the Newington office as part of a remote managed services contract which includes 4-hour response time on-site support. Lyle McIntire said he is confident in the success of the project and appreciates the opportunity to play a small role in the success of the Spruce Point Inn.

Motorola’s MCD 5000 Deskset System

Introduced in 2015, the Motorola MCD 5000 Deskset is a powerful and easy-to-deploy VoIP solution for your radio system.

The device uses IP technology to allow installation of desksets wherever needed – dispatch environments, back-up sites, alternate locations, special events and will allow call monitoring. The result is expanded communication capabilities throughout an organization for increased safety, awareness and coordination. The MCD 5000 radio gateway unit (RGU) allows connection of to up to 4 radios over an IP network and the deskset dynamically switches between RGUs, expanding an organization’s communications capabilities.

Additional features include programmable soft keys, an automatic security time lock, and the orange emergency activation button present on many Motorola radios. The deskset allows for remote operation of all the functions of a connected radio, permitting tailored configuration of multiple resources from a single deskset/location. The automatic time lock feature is used to keep the unit secure if it’s in a location not staffed continuously or open to the public. Each deskset allows users to manage incoming alerts from Astro 25 systems and other types of subscribers. Finally, supervisors receive priority over traffic.

The system is scalable from small operations to large control centers. It seamlessly integrates a wide variety of radios, and with an intuitive layout and adjustable view angle is easy to use.

For more information email the sales team or give them a call at (603) 431-6288.

Phishing Attack Results in $400,000 HIPAA Breach Fine

 

A Denver, Colorado area network of public health clinics paid a $400,000 HIPAA breach penalty after a phishing attack let a hacker gain access to employee email accounts and obtain electronic protected health information of 3,200 patients.  Investigators found the organization violated the HIPAA Security Rule by failing to do proper risk assessments or implement adequate cyber security measures and procedures. The official resolution agreement noted in part ” … The clinics have failed to implement security measures sufficient to reduce risks and vulnerabilities to a reasonable and appropriate level.”

Across the country employees are frequently exposed to advanced phishing and ransomware attacks. Your employees, then, may be the weak link in your IT security.
From worst to best, these are 5 ways often used to train end-users:

“Do Nothing”: rely on filters and count on users to not click on phishing links. 25% of organizations still use this tactic. No kidding.

“The Break Room”: herd all users once a year into the break room. Keep them awake with donuts and coffee during the death by PowerPoint slide deck.

“The Monthly Security Video”:  users are given short videos that each cover a topic related to keeping the network secure, but causing training fragmentation.

“The Phishing Test”:  select a group of high-risk users and send a mock phishing attack. Employees that fail are asked to do a short remedial training.

“The Human Firewall”:

1) Pre-test all users to find out your organization’s Phish-prone percentage and  get your baseline.
2) Train all your employees on-line, on-demand to resist important attack vectors.
3) Schedule monthly phishing attacks to all users year-round — Fully automated, super simple, highly effective, and very little time required.

What’s best? The Human Firewall. How do you create it? Baseline testing, training, simulated phishing attacks, reports and data analysis. But you don’t do it … you call The Network Division at 2-Way Communications.

We’ll provide you with the integrated Security Awareness Training and Simulated Phishing platform used by more than 8,000 customers nation-wide. Included in the training is world-class, user-friendly Security Awareness Training, along with self-service enrollment, pre-and post-training and a phishing security tests that show you the percentage of end-users that are Phish-prone. Additionally there are effective, frequent, random Phishing Security Tests with several remedial options in case an employee falls for a simulated phishing attack. The result is a platform to better manage the urgent IT security problems of social engineering, spear-phishing and ransomware attacks.

Contact The Network Division for more information or to set an appointment today. Give them a call (603-431-6288) or send an email to NetworkSolutions@2-way.biz.

 

 

The XPR 7000e Portable Radio

 

The XPR 7000e Series is designed to keep the skilled professional better connected, more safe and more productive. With high-performance integrated voice and data and advanced features for efficient operation, these next-generation radios deliver superior two-way portable radio performance to your organization. The radio is tested to tough military standards and is waterproof to IP68. It won’t let you down.

Here’s a partial features list for these next-generation radios:

• Integrated Wi-Fi
• Over-the-air software updates
• Bluetooth® 4.0
• Indoor location tracking
• Integrated accelerometer for optional Man Down
• Enhanced audio quality
• Improved expand-ability
• Better battery life (up to 29 hours)
• Better range (up to 8%)
• Better waterproofing (IP68)

Bluetooth® audio lets you talk without wires, integrated Wi-Fi enables remote software upgrades. Total visibility of your resources is provided by indoor and outdoor location- tracking capabilities. Your organization stays connected as it grows via support for trunking and legacy analog technology. Text messaging and Work Order Ticketing simplify complex communications, and data capabilities support advanced applications. 29 hours of battery life is available via the latest energy technology, and range is boosted because of the improved receiver. The audio amplifier and industrial noise cancellation delivers loud, clear speech. The orange emergency button on XPR 7000e Series radios summons help with one touch, and the integrated accelerometer automatically calls for assistance should you fall.

The XPR 7000e Series radios include:

• XPR 7550e: Color display, Full keypad, VHF and UHF
• XPR 7580e: Color display, Full keypad, 800/900
• XPR 7350e: No display, No keypad, VHF and UHF
• XPR 7380e: No display, No keypad, 800/900

Connect with your account manager to learn more, or to set up a demo.

Cloud Services

 

The Network Division utilizes the Cloud when it is the best solution.  For many things Cloud solutions are wonderful, but for many they are not.

If you need rapid scaling and geographical diversity, the cloud may be the way to go.  But remember, the cloud is really just someone else’s server, it’s not magic!

Cloud-based solutions provide:

1. Redundancy – When there is a hardware (RAM, CPU, motherboard etc.) failure in a server, it will route traffic to a backup server.
2. Scalability – In Cloud servers, you can increase/decrease resources (RAM, CPU, storage etc.) anytime as you see fit.
3. 100% Uptime – Whatever application, files, images, videos are there on the Cloud, they’re all accessible all the time.
4. Hosting – Your business website needs to be stored somewhere and be accessible to other computers. Hosting allows you to use another’s rack space to accomplish this.

 

The benefits for business are:

 

1. Data protection
2. Regulatory compliance and data residency requirements
3. Scalability and flexibility
4. Cost efficiencies
5. Access to data anytime, anywhere.

 

Sometimes cloud solutions are not the way. Depending on your company’s requirements, you may notice connection issues or network latency. Additionally, given enough operating capital, you may be able to save your business a lot of money down the road by creating your own business network.

What’s best for your organization?  Let the team at 2-Way’s Network Division help create and execute a road map for the IT solution that’s best for your business. Give them a call (603-431-6288) or send an email to NetworkSolutions@2-way.biz.

Whelen’s Avenger II

 

 

Whelen’s all-new Avenger II dash lights are simple to transfer from vehicle to vehicle. The newly designed combination Linear/TIR optics provide high intensity warning and illumination and a smaller, inconspicuous profile maximizes space for optimal versatility. The Avenger II builds on the Avenger’s reputation for excellent functionality and efficiency.

These lights, manufactured in the company’s New Hampshire facility are SAE Class 1 Certified. The DUO™ (two color) models available in single or dual models and the hardcoated lenses minimize UV damage and resist scratches. Housed in black polycarbonate with a universal swivel bracket with three suction cups, the Avenger II lights will fit the contour of any windshield or can be used for permanent mount.
Included is a 10′ straight cord with cigar plug featuring two On/Off switches for color one and color two. Also featured are two recessed buttons in the housing, a ScanLock™ button for flash pattern selection and a mode button for color combination selection. Multiple flash patterns are available with the Avenger II.

Take a look at this new Whelen product.

Motorola’s CP200d Portable Radio

The CP200d radio is a simple, affordable  radio which connects your workforce efficiently and has the flexibility to grow with your business.
The radio combines the best of two-way radio functionality with the latest analog and digital technology. With this technology the CP200d is perfect for the everyday user who wants to stay connected. It is fully compatible with the MOTOTRBO family of radios and has superior audio quality, outstanding coverage, long-lasting battery life and more. The analog-only model provides great voice communications today with the option to migrate to digital when you are ready. Whatever your needs, the CP200d provides a simple, reliable, cost-effective communication solution to help work crews connect, coordinate and collaborate to get the job done right.

Features

Analog/Digital Capability

Get all the benefits of digital, including better voice quality, better range and better battery life—but retain compatibility with your existing radio fleet. With analog and digital capability, you have the freedom to migrate to the latest technology at your own pace.

Transmit Interrupt Capability (decode only)

Enables a supervisor to interrupt a CP200d user to deliver critical communication exactly when and where it’s needed.

Dual Capacity Direct Mode

Utilize the power of the 2-slot TDMA DMR standard to double the capacity of your 12.5 kHz channel—without the need for a repeater.

Analog only

Purchase analog capability now and transition to digital capability when you’re ready. All you will need is a simple software upgrade.

Compatible with Radio Management Suite

Program your radios quickly and efficiently, with the Radio Management tool. Radios can be programmed in batches to a standardized template, giving error-free results and optimized performance.

IP54 Rated

Dustproof and splashproof, allowing you to work with confidence in challenging environments.

Connect with your account manager to learn more, or to set up a demo.

Visit our library of Motorola pdfs to view the CP200d Accessory Catalogue and the Why Digital whitepaper.

Cambium Networks – The Wireless LAN Go-To

Considering their years of experience, it’s a given that the team at the Network Department is familiar with the application and installation of a wide variety of manufactures’ wireless LAN and WAN products. Even so … they do have their go-to devices based on reliability , scalability, and the ROI the devices provide the customer. The go-to company for internal and external access points and accessories for wireless LAN networks is Cambium Networks. Here’s why …

Cambium Networks is a leading global provider of wireless broadband solutions that connect people, places and things. The company’s sizable product line includes reliable, scalable and secure WiFi products, as well as fixed wireless broadband point-to-point (PTP) and point-to-multi-point (PMP) platforms
managed by cloud-based software. Through this extensive portfolio Cambium Networks makes it possible for public safety networks to build
powerful communications networks, reach users and intelligently manage their infrastructure.

Cambium Networks builds quality in through design, manufacturing, testing, partner selection, and support. Customers choose Cambium Networks solutions
over other systems because they “just work” the first time – and don’t stop. The company’s Point to Point Networking and Point to Multi-point solutions
offer scalable, high speed, secure networking solutions that are used the world over.

Add to all of the above multiple levels of support, the option of extended warranties, and an easily navigable website, and it’s easy to understand why Cambium is a favorite.

Here’s what they have to say on product quality: Cambium Networks Quality Video

Vertex Series Lights by Whelen

One of the more recent builds done on the shop floor used plenty of Whelen’s Vertex Series lights. These small interior or exterior lights are certainly worth a closer look – they use Whelen’s Super-LED® technology and have a great set of options.

The Vertex Series offers three different optical light output models to direct light anywhere it’s needed. Only 7/8″ in height, the hemispheric light head is perfect for most applications where size and intensity are critically important. They are a self-contained unit using an in-line combination lamp driver and flasher. Requiring only a one inch hole in any composite style head light, cornering light or tail light assembly these small Super-LED® light heads deliver true wide angle warning to the front, side and rear of a vehicle without interference to your vehicle computer and warning equipment!

Vertex Series lights are available in single color or split color Amber, Blue, Red, and/or White. Smoked lenses are also an option for use with covert vehicles. Users can select from 25 Scan-Lock™ flash patterns, and the lights are synchronizable to other Whelen sync products. The lamp and in-line lamp driver are fully encapsulated for moisture and vibration resistance. Optional surface mount flanges available in Black or Chrome for models VTX609 and VTXD609 allow for mounting virtually anywhere. The lights are installed simply, with no separate lamp drivers, flashers, ballast, or power supplies, and the 1″ hole required makes this LED module backwards compatible to HA238 and standard 1″ Hide-A-Way strobe style lamps. Included with the light are a 9′ pre-wired and sealed 4-C/22 gauge cable with power, pattern, and synchronize wires. Mounted Vertex Series lights emit virtually no RFI/EMI noise, and they meet SAE J1113-41 Class 5 standards. The light comes with a five-year warranty.

The models within the Vertex Series are:

VTX609/XTX609

• Omni-directional lighthead
• Produces light in a hemispheric pattern
• Mounts internally within composite headlight and taillight assemblies

VTX3609

• Side emitter lighthead
• Produces light in a 360° side emitting pattern
• Mounts internally within composite headlight and taillight assemblies

VTXD609/XTXD609

• Directional lighthead
• Produces light in an upward pattern
• Includes side emitting reflector for use internally within composite headlight and taillight assemblies

If you’d like to learn more, visit the shop or give them a call(603.431.6288). They’ll be glad to help with a demo or quote!

You can also take a look at the WeVision video on Vertex Lights: