AST July 2018 Magazine AST July 2018 Magazine Issue 24 | Page 16

Volume 25 July 2018 Edition MassAlert™ is ATI’s net-centric software that utilizes state-of-the-art technology to provide the most advanced, reliable, and secure Mass Notification System (MNS). It includes a user-friendly Graphical User Interface (GUI) to instantly alert the public and provide instructions during an emergency. It provides improved support for Ethernet/IP but also improves support for non-IP wireless com- munication. ATI has deployed MNS systems using wired IP (Ethernet, DSL, and fiber) which can be very reliable if attention is paid to proper security and battery backup on network elements. There are many benefits to IP communica- tion but we think it important to not over- look the benefits of some of the more tradi- Using wireless IP links (WiFi, Frequen- tional communication technologies. cy-Hopping Spread Spectrum (FHSS) or forms of IP radios) requires careful Wireless Trade-offs: IP vs non-IP other consideration of several factors: The wonderful world of IP supports many of the services and functions we take for granted in modern life. • Most IP radios work in the unlicensed ISM bands that are often very crowded with WiFi, Bluetooth, baby monitors, garage door openers, etc. The un- 16