Reliable communication is crucial in any emergency situation to coordinate rescue efforts, provide critical information to those affected, and coordinate response efforts among different agencies and organizations. The SHIELD SOLO public safety solution is a half-watt emergency radio communication system that ensures reliable communication for emergency personnel in any situation. It's an integrated public safety bidirectional amplifier (BDA) that provides 700/800 MHz land mobile radio (LMR) coverage and is an emergency responder communication enhancement systems (ERCES) solution that fully complies with current fire codes. This versatile system can be configured as a Class A or Class B device in the field and accepts DC power from either a certified third-party backup battery unit (BBU) device or the purpose-built SHIELD SOLO BBU to ensure coverage for up to 12 hours during power outages. SHIELD SOLO is easy to install, NEMA 4 rated, listed to UL 2524, and is compatible with other public safety systems.
“We’re honored to accept this award for SHIELD SOLO and appreciate the system being recognized for making it easier than ever before to deploy a half-watt ERCES public safety communication solution,” said Nextivity CCO Stephen Kowal. “From streamlined installation and system approval testing to reliable LMR connectivity for critical communication, SHIELD SOLO gives building owners, AHJs, and emergency personnel the peace of mind it will be installed and deliver trusted performance faster than any other solution.”
The research that went into SHIELD SOLO, is based on the same research that went into Nextivity’s CEL-FI cellular products — the creation and inclusion of Nextivity’s IntelliBoost technology. In CEL-FI cellular products, the IntelliBoost technology is built into a chip, while SHIELD products receive their smart features through software. With 16 years of experience in generating leading cellular connectivity products, Nextivity has created four generations of the IntelliBoost chip, which describes the collection of knowledge, technology, features, and functions that set Nextivity products apart from “dumb” repeaters. Nextivity makes “smart” repeaters or “smart” off-air signal boosters because of IntelliBoost. IntelliBoost is inclusive of multiple patented designs and processes, trade secrets, industry experience, and knowledge built up over the years.
"It is unique to Nextivity and unmatched in the industry, despite any such claims," Kowal said.
The performance improvements and other practical benefits of IntelliBoost technology, such as protecting the network, have been tested, certified, and well-documented.
The SHIELD SOLO delivers uncompromising public safety coverage with industry-leading ease of installation and speed of deployment, and also offers best-in-class talk-in and talkout performance with a no-noise guarantee. As the first solution in this class to monitor donor signal quality, SHIELD SOLO and the WAVE Portal enable system integrators and Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) bodies to detect common installation issues such as time delay interference (TDI) and building-to-building interference. The system also offers real-time, high site-to-server antenna monitoring and reports performance metrics through the WAVE Portal, ensuring the signal is transmitted to all first responders within a building. SHIELD SOLO simplifies the optimization of uplink gain for emergency communication systems by eliminating the need for additional equipment or guessing the calculations. The system calculates path loss automatically, allowing for different values according to network requirements and the option to set up a target range. While isolation is calculated in real time and automatically set at 20 dB per NFPA 1221, the system allows for different values according to local ordinances. Downlink gain is automatically adjusted to achieve the required value. This helps prevent signal interference and ensures quality communication.
Traditionally, deploying an emergency communication system — which is legally required in many municipalities — is oftentimes a time-consuming and costly undertaking for building owners. Not only do building owners need to work with system integrators to ensure optimal coverage within their building, but after the installation of the ERCES, it must be approved by the local AHJ to ensure the system meets local guidelines. This approval allows the business to receive its certificate of occupancy and open its doors. Business leaders want a solution that is cost-effective and can be installed as quickly and easily as possible. The SHIELD SOLO accelerates this timeline and sets new benchmarks for ease of installation and speed of deployment for public safety communication solutions by automating system settings and parameters that once required tedious testing and adjusting. This precision not only gives building owners peace of mind that their system will pass AHJ testing on the first try but also allows installers to get in and out of projects faster than ever before.
