[EAS] Time to make the LP daisy chain an option

[Sean Donelan]

On Wed, 4 Sep 2019, Dave Kline wrote:
> While I understand the reasoning for Rod's priorities, it seems that 
> the practical uses for alerting are quite opposite.

The lack of a written statement of requirements.

> Typically, the most relayed alerts for broadcasters are weather related 
> alerts from NWS. This is followed by RMTs and Amber alerts which are 
> usually on a state or regional level. And then finally, the Federally 
> required relay(s) which usually only happen once a year.

Nomenclature can create confusion.

My understanding of the Washington State (and a few other states) is 
stations and cable systems must monitor NWS weather radio (or WeatherWire) 
directly. Each station makes its own decision what warnings to air 
directly from the source.

In those states, the LP isn't expected to relay local weather warnings 
to other broadcasters. Yes, that means stations need to buy their own 
weather radio and use an additional audio input on their local EAS box.

Relayed weather alerts: NWS transmitter -> LP-1(2) -> other broadcasters

Direct weather alerts: NWS transmitter -> other broadcasters

Yes, in both cases the end-broadcaste/cable system "relays" the weather 
alert. I think people are referring to in-the-middle relay when they say 
"relay."

If I was writting a state wide-area alerting plan, only official sources 
would be responsbiel for originating alerts. As much as possible, the 
alerts would be distributed via closed-circuit channels up to the 
last-mile public broadcaster, mobile wireless carrier or public warning 
system (local sirens, speakers, etc).  Sorry, I know "last-mile" is a 
telco term, and broadcasters are often the last 50-miles :-)

Primary wide-area notification channels:

    a. CAP-enabled distribution (IPAWS, PBS-WARN, state CAP servers)
    b. I hope NOAA/NWS gets CAP and EAS working someday.  In the mean time, 
there are several commercial weather alert systems broadcasters can use. 
Pretty graphics and everything.

Secondary wide-area notification channels:

     a. SRN/LRN via private networks, UHF/VHF narrowband, microwave, etc
     b. NPWS closed-circuit channels (satellite NPR, Premiere, SiriusXM)
     c. Digital multiplexed sub-channels (ATSC 3.0, HD Radio, etc).

Tertiary wide-area notification channels:

     a. Terrestrial broadcast channels (in-band signalling for the 
post-apocalyse message from the President)

My ideal classic EAS box would have five inputs:

     1. CAP internet source (IPAWS, State CAP server)
     2. NWS backup alert source (VHF weather radio)
     3. State/local backup alert source (UHF/VHF/Trunked radio network)
     4. Satellite EAN source (NPR, Premiere, SiriusXM)
     5. Terrestrial broadcast EAN source (PEP, NP/SP, SR, LP-1(2), etc)
     6. Open

99% of public alerts would be via the first 2 channels.

But everyone wants to save money, so only 3 inputs are mandatory (CAP and 
two analog).  State/local and weather are voluntary, so why do it?

> Maybe this is why there is so much confusion or misunderstanding  about 
> EAS. We seem to serve different masters differently for different 
> reasons. Not all of which drive us toward the goal of alerting the 
> public.

Why its important to document the requirements in writing, starting with 
FEMA, FCC and NOAA designated by Executive Order as the joint-managers of 
the national alert system.