Shaking things up

"We needed 802.11 wireless bridging technologies that seamlessly function with our radio network and address each tower's particular caveat," [Clancy Priest] said. "Basically, we needed a line drawn between public safety and emergency operations." Today, buildings and offices throughout the city use the network for general, day-to-day wireless activities, which has resulted in a more collaborative and mobile work force. "The fire and police departments, airport, library, and water pollution control plant are just a few of the sites that currently leverage the city's wireless network," Priest said. "These departments now have access to wider data bandwidth." "Obviously, it is better to be prepared for an emergency rather than wish technologies and solutions had been put into place," Priest said. "It is irresponsible and negligent for city officials to not address these issues prior to a drastic event occurring." As a precautionary measure, for example, each site and tower in Hayward is equipped with a generator that can survive for up to 24 hours.