Rapidly alert first responders and then keep incident commanders informed with real-time status updates.
SPARKGAP alerts first responders and then keeps incident commanders up-to-date regarding who is responding and when they will arrive. The system encrypts sensitive messages for operational security, and it delivers high-priority messages in approximately 4 seconds. SPARKGAP is a highly redundant, dedicated system, and pager batteries last 1-2 weeks between recharging. So the system stays operational, responders stay in communication, and agencies remain ready even during prolonged regional disaster scenarios such as hurricanes, earthquakes, and blackouts.
Cellular and other commercial radio services are shared with commercial users, exposing first responders to delays from non-essential voice and data traffic such as social media. Unlike cellular services, SPARKGAP operates under direct control of the dispatching authority using dedicated hardware and radio channels, meeting NFPA-1221 requirements for primary dispatch.
NFPA 1221 mandates a dispatch system must be located in the communications center, under the control of the dispatching agency (9.4.2.1-3).
SPARKGAP Benefits at a Glance
- A fast, efficient, dedicated, and reliable solution for primary dispatch
- Tracks who, when, and how recipients are responding
- AES-128 encryption and over-the-air rekeying
- Low cost of ownership and rapid ROI
- Simple to install, use, administer, and maintain
- Integrates directly with CAD
- Active redundancy maintains system readiness even under extreme situations
How does SPARKGAP work?
The SPARKGAP system consists of a centrally-located M4101 system controller and one or more M2101 site controllers at tower locations. The M4101 connects directly to CAD systems, E-MAIL systems, and SPARKGAP Dispatch Client software running on Windows PC’s. With the optional SPARKGAP Access Gateway, users may also connect with a web browser. Authenticated users send messages to the SPARKGAP system, which instantly relays the messages through base station antennas to individual recipients or groups of recipients. SPARKGAP then collects responses through base station antennas and relays them back to the sender. Thus dispatchers, incident commanders, and other authorized users send messages, receive responses, and optionally log all activity for historical purposes.