The NSW-based Connectivity Innovation Network wants to push the boundaries of so-called vehicle-as-a-node technology, significantly expanding the Wi-Fi coverage available to emergency service organisations. The network is targeting a 5-7x improvement on the range that is delivered by the shark in antennas currently employed in NSW VaaN deployments.

The CIN is preparing to issue an official call for proposals next week, seeking to develop an antenna subsystem that can significantly extend the range of the 2.4GHz-based Wi-Fi delivered by existing VaaN systems. VaaN technology has been installed on NSW State Emergency Service vehicles. It is also being rolled out on NSW Rural Fire Service Vehicles, and NSW Police has previously trialled it. 

“The effectiveness of the current deployment is fundamentally constrained by antenna performance, which severely limits Wi-Fi coverage to well under 100 metres,” CIN technical director Jay Guo told CommsDay.

Guo, who is also a distinguished professor at the University of Technology Sydney and Director of the Global Big Data Technologies Centre at UTS, said that the CIN “brings together a rare combination of deep antenna and wireless systems expertise, proven university and industry collaboration, and operational understanding, placing us in a uniquely strong position to address this critical challenge.”

“Within the next three months, we will develop and demonstrate an advanced antenna solution capable of extending the Wi-Fi coverage radius to several hundred metres,” Guo said. “This will substantially enhance connectivity for frontline personnel, directly improving operational effectiveness.”

CIN is hoping the call for proposals will lead to antenna technology that can provide a retrofit upgrade path for the current VaaN deployments. VaaN technology provides a Wi-Fi bubble that can support connectivity for Motorola APX8000 portable radios when vehicles are beyond the range of the NSW Public Safety Network.

“Significantly extending the Wi-Fi coverage radius around VaaN-equipped vehicles would improve the return on investment of the existing system and enhance ESO capability and safety when PSN coverage is unavailable,” said material prepared by CIN ahead of the formal call for proposals opening.

“The core technical challenge lies in achieving this performance improvement within a vehicle-mountable antenna form factor suitable for rugged, field-based deployment.”