RESCUE NET with SOS

Reliable Encrypted Safety Communications Using Existing Networks (RESCUE NET) with Secure Online System (SOS)

RESCUE NET uses Internet Protocol technology to provide real-time video, voice and text communications for emergency response. The service combines open source software endpoints that are compatible with widely used mobile devices and computers with a software defined network and automated call distribution platform to provide first responders with the ability to use existing mobile and fixed communications networks to securely send and receive encrypted video, voice and text communications.

The benefit of the RESCUE NET is that it allows emergency responders to utilize any available mobile or computer device and existing networks to provide emergency services in a disaster. The RESCUE NET Service enables 21st Century emergency communications without requiring construction of specialized facilities or the purchase of dedicated end user devices.

How RESCUE NET with SOS Works

RESCUE NET is comprised of three components that are based on international telecommunications standards (either ITU or IETF). The service uses Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) to establish communications and much of the software is also open-source, which allows for increased global participation and increased flexibility in meeting different needs.

The software endpoint used in  RESCUE NET is  the Personal Universal Communicator (PUC). PUC was built and expanded on the ACE APP that VTCSecure built under contract with the U.S. Federal Communications Commission to provide functionally equivalent voice, video and text communications services to Deaf and Hard of Hearing users in the United States. In addition to providing video and voice communications, PUC also enables users to send and receive real-time text, send and receive data files, and transmit their GPS coordinates to emergency services. CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT PUC

The communications network is a neutral, over the top Internet Protocol network called CONNECT that VTCSecure has developed to work with PUC. CONNECT is a self-contained, easily expandable Internet Protocol network that adjusts to the available communications bandwidth and endpoints to provide the best available video, voice or text connection using existing mobile and fixed communications carriers.

The CONNECT network delivers communications to VTCSecure’s SOLVES automatic call distribution (ACD) platform. SOLVES is a video conference bridge and call sorting system which can route users to the first available emergency response center, language specialist, video interpreter or video or voice conference room.

RESCUE NET works with PUC and CONNECT by using a Secure Online System (SOS). SOS ensures that only authorized users can access the emergency response network by requiring password authentication that can be assigned in advance or dynamically using random number chips. An emergency responder uses SOS by entering a password in the appropriate screen on PUC (in the case of devices that already have PUC installed) or by accessing a web page and downloading PUC onto the device being used. SOS allows emergency responders to use the existing base of deployed, commercial off the shelf mobile and computer devices to access the RESCUE NET rather than use ex-pensive, single purpose equipment that is provided in small quantities. Further, should emergency responders find themselves in a situation where their own equipment is not available they can use devices provided by bystanders.

When a user accesses CONNECT using SOS the communication is routed to a separate, secure data server that authenticates the user and then passes the communication to the user-designated destination. Destinations connected to the SOLVES platform can access a variety of options including video conferencing, routing to the next available agent based on the language or interpretation skills needed. Communications originating on PUC and passing over CONNECT can be encrypted for additional security.

Most importantly, PUC provides the GPS coordinates in the SIP call stream, allowing CONNECT to send location information directly to emergency call centers while using SOLVES to simultaneously bridge the call to a language interpreter to assist when needed.

Another advantage of RESCUE NET is that emergency response centers that have limited communications bandwidth can still benefit, even without special equipment. As long as an emergency response center has access to the Internet the location information, real-time text, and even video can be viewed by accessing a web site. RESCUE NET will send a text message to participating emergency response centers that will provide a unique, secure web page on which to receive the video, voice or text being transmitted.