[EAS] EAS CAP and some thoughts

[ed.czarnecki at monroe-electronics.com]

There is also the point to be made about hybrid systems.

1. Drop satellite downlinks for those sites that are funded (or can afford it).
2. Use Internet as a direct CAP relay for all other sites.
3. Should either or both of the above fail, the legacy EAS remains.

Good systems design could yield a highly robust and resilient meshed architecture.

An interesting point raised by Michigan in the NASBA webinar was how they funded their system - they got a grant covering 5 years of service for the satellite portion of the system.  I suppose that means no costs to the broadcasters/cable operators for at least the first 5 years, and the state intends to seek additional funding to cover subsequent years.

This is not just relevant for EMnet - other states have their own satellite systems that could be leveraged for this purpose.

Edward Czarnecki, Ph.D.
Senior Director - Strategy, Development and Regulatory Affairs
Monroe Electronics, Inc. / Digital Alert Systems
ed.czarnecki at monroe-electronics.com

www.monroe-electronics.com
www.digitalalertsystems.com

-----Original Message-----
From: Clay Freinwald [mailto:k7cr at blarg.net]

In response to the following -> My concern is this "change" in adding CAP to the EAS. The most> prominent aspect currently in my mind (and there are others) has to do> with the, what I would call, blind reliance on this ubiquitous entity> called the Internet.Let us pretend that you are in charge of getting EAS messages (all of whom must be in text so as to be able to support - Mobile devices, Broadcasters, Highway signs etc etc). Part of your job is to deliver considerably more information that is not possible by the SAME system....ie, you need a bigger pipe.You first do an asset survey - What systems are out there that could possibly function as a point-multi-point distribution system today?(Forget the Daisy Chain as no broadcaster wants to be a conduit for this volume of information)Yes, there is EMnet - However, apparently not everyone is willing to pony up the costs.Oh, one more thing -We have no money - We've spent it all on Social Programs and Wars here and there.What are you going to do ?You are going to have to look at using the Internet for several reasons -1- In many cases, it's the only -existing - system that can get the job done.2 - It works pretty darn well (as measured by the volume of data that is transmitted on any given day.3 - Minimal investment is required.4 - Just about everyone has it, or will soon.You, at least, must consider it!If you refused to use the Internet ....1 - You would probably be branded as stupid or short sighted.2 - You would be hard pressed to come up with an argument for NOT using it.So why use the Internet -In a couple of words -Because its there. And because other systems that could do the job cost more money, or are not thereIs it the best -Probably notCan we afford something betterYou must be joking !Clay FreinwaldWashington State _______________________________________________This is the EAS Forum Discussion ListPlease invite your friends to join our Forum!http://lists.radiolists.net/mailman/listinfo/easAnd, remember the main page: http://eas.radiolists.net