General Dynamics' LTE Technology Achieves Distance Milestone

General Dynamics announced Friday that LTE cell-site of its Mission Systems has successfully communicated at a range of 67 miles during the test at Public Safety Communications Research Program (PSCR).

PSCR tested long-range operations by mounting General Dynamics' high-sensitivity eNodeB on a tower at the US Department of Commerce's Boulder Atmospheric Observatory in Erie, Colorado.

During the test, user equipment operated at two power levels, one is a standard 23dBm modem and another is a 31dBm vehicle modem.

Testing of the vehicle modems occurred at extended range in the northerly and easterly directions. The test took place during the fourth quarter of 2014 and first quarter of 2015.

Bill Weiss, vice president and general manager of Ground Systems for General Dynamics Mission Systems said, General Dynamics Mission Systems' boomer-cell technology extends the effective range of operations providing first responders with the ability to relay and report critical information when infrastructure is not built, has failed or when towers are down".

"It also provides greater flexibility and economic value for public safety system designers when determining tower locations.” he added.

Long-range operation is a technical requirement for FirstNet's National Public Safety Broadband Network. Long-range operation decreases operations expense and provides more coverage, capacity, and capability for public safety users.

“This type of technology is critical to our first responders to ensure they have all the tools they need when they need them," said Weiss.