Non-Traditional Communications to PSAP Equipment

Document Information
Full name: 

Non-Traditional Communications to E9-1-1 PSAP Equipment

Document type: 

Informational

Standard number: 

07-502 v1

Document description: 

This document will identify, define, discuss and offer potential solutions or alternatives to interfaces required to bring non-traditional sources of information into Enhanced 9-1-1 Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP)(?).

Traditional 9-1-1 signaling has been exclusively a calling party initiated event, i.e.: dialing 9-1-1 from a telephone. In the context of this document, signaling is intended to be related to the transmission of both voice and data. The introduction of such signaling should be conducted in such a manner that it does not interfere with the existing functions of a 9-1-1 system. As used within the context of this document non-traditional signaling is intended to be sources of incident notification other than those explained above and within the body of other NENA documents.

From the point of initiation non-traditional signaling takes two basic (e.g. “active” and “passive”) forms. Active signaling may best be described as that which is initiated by a reporting party. Active signaling may or may not include voice contact with the reporting party. By definition active signaling requires the reporting party to perform some action that advances the call for assistance to any networks involved and to the call taking station of a PSAP.

  • Passive signaling may best be described as that which is initiated in an automated fashion.
  • Passive signaling may or may not include voice contact with the reporting party.
  • When initiated, passive signaling advances the call for assistance to any networks involved and to the call taking position of a PSAP.

Another form of non-traditional signaling would be introduction of voice notification from sources outside of the normal PSTN (Public Switched Telephone Network). An example of this non-traditional signaling would be the transmission of voice over a packet network (VoIP over ATM, Frame Relay backbone or Voice over DSL (VoDSL)).

Some traditional PSTN resources are bypassed when using IP. Location identification is the problem with this mode of operation. Under current implementation, the 9-1-1 PSAP reached when dialing 9-1-1 is that of the POP (Point Of Presence) into the PSTN for the IP voice carrier. This poses a great problem for location identification.

Because of the unique and very specific needs of each of these non-traditional sources of signaling, standards for interfaces are required. Whether or not local government chooses to accept such signaling, its introduction cannot interfere with the day-to-day operations of a PSAP.

Committee Information
Committee Name(s): 

Technical – Non-Traditional

Committee type: 

Technical

Document Dates
Created: 

03/20/2001

Document Size
Non-Traditional Communications to PSAP Equipment 371.83 KB