In order to enhance communications between first responders and civilian agencies during a serious emergency, the Joint Task Force-Civil Support and Joint Forces Command (JTF-CS) are currently testing a system known as Wireless for the Warfighter (W4W) that allows for the establishment of wireless extensions for computer and phone lines in minutes.
The W4W can be used to set up networks on the fly and can accommodate up to 500 people. Project leaders say the system, which is based on the 802.11 standard, cuts down the time needed to set up a communications network during emergencies. Eventually, it will leverage higher wireless networking standards, including WiMax, 802.16d, and 802.16e standards, further increasing its mobility.
