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MFB Launches 'Next Generation Network'
The Metropolitan Fire Brigade (MFB), has launched it's own 'next generation network' as the last fibre optic link between Preston and Heidelberg Fire stations is connected.
Dubbed 'CommNet', the technology project adopted by the MFB is aimed at delivering a high-speed fibre network to 47 fire control centres, increasing efficiency and response times to emergency calls.
The network solution, first negotiated by fibre broadband specialist Uecomm, in 2003, is made up of 500 kilometres of dark fibre around Melbourne.
The network design is a first for any state Fire Brigade and according to Neil Wheeler, MFB's IT Manager, the network allows greater reliability and scalability.
"CommNet provides the platform that enables MFB the potential to: respond to emergency calls faster than ever before; communicate with operational staff more effectively; and provide a more reliable method of sharing information.
"CommNet is able to withstand a fault in the network, since the sites are equipped with back up power supplies and fitted with at least two fibre optic cables, linking the sites via multiple paths to the network hub at Eastern Hill, Mr Wheeler said.
Brendan Park, Uecomm's Director of Strategy said the solution created for MFB was to converge their disparate networks into one private network offering MFB full control.
