How Remote Device Management Helps First Responders

Like other Internet of Things products, public safety devices connected to cellular networks require monitoring and updates to keep them current.

Because these devices are used in mission-critical situations where lives are at stake, it’s essential for first responder service providers and agencies to be able to manage devices remotely.

They’re going into ambulances, fire trucks, and on first responder uniforms. Once they’re installed, you don’t want to have to touch them again to keep them up to date.

Below are just a few things you need to consider about remote device management when it comes to devices built for the first responder cellular network.

IoT Device Management for Public Safety

The ability to gather operating status data from end devices, send out commands, and manage updates remotely is an integral part of IoT functionality. Cellular is a dynamic technology and FirstNet will see an ever-expanding set of capabilities as well as the expectation that products will need updates and enhancements after their initial launch.

A device management platform can streamline the process and enable system managers to run diagnostics, provide provisioning and authentication services, update software, firmware and security policies remotely.

There are many such platforms on the market, so it’s important to find one that fits your immediate and future needs.

Here are some key features to look for in a device management platform:

• Enterprise grade performance, reliability, robustness, availability, durability
• Security features spanning provisioning, authentication, validation
• Connectivity management tools
• Pre-built device drivers for remote diagnostics
• Scalable design
• Easy-to-use interface

A Technology Based on Open Standards

The first responder network is based upon the 3^rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) standard, a set of specifications for mobile systems developed by a cohort of several telecommunications organizations. Open standards such as 3GPP are crucial for ensuring interoperability between various devices and networks—and in the realm of public safety, lives depend on this compatibility.

To ensure the development of the strong ecosystem and to enable scalability, device management platforms are required to take an open standards approach.

Telit’s device management platform leverages OMA SpecWorks, a set of standards developed to manage lightweight, low capability devices on a multiple networks.

Work with a Trusted Industry Leader with Proven Expertise

Telit’s versatile IoT Platform is used across industries from security to agriculture to automotive, and is readily adaptable for the first responder market. The platform includes device management, connectivity management and application enablement. Our library of pre-built drivers makes it easy to connect, monitor, diagnose, and fix devices remotely.

The platform is built upon open standards, which can easily utilize the functionality, drivers and apps to suit your needs. If you need advice along the way, our team of experts is on-hand to help you build the solution you need.

Being able to keep your device up-to-date with respect to new feature sets and requirements is going to be important in the first responder market as the System matures. With a proven device management platform, you can reach out and make sure you’re staying on track.

Ready to talk to our experts about your first responder device design? We can help you select the right module or data card for your public safety application.