Public Safety Networks from LTE to 5G

5Higher Generation of Mobile Communications and Public Safety

5.1 Introduction

The public safety sector has over the years undergone substantial changes that have affected its operations. In the past, the public safety sector supported its operations by using the narrowband services available and voice‐based communication (Department of Homeland Security [DHS] 2011, 2016, p. 1). With the advent of technology, including the growth of networks and the internet, there became a growing demand for the use of high‐speed broadband data services (DHS 2011, 2016, p. 1). Over the past few years, the industry has recognized the importance of implementing these features within the public safety sector, which has led to the rise of 4G Long Term Evolution (LTE) and the development of 5G networks. Broadband has become the future of critical communication through its powerful and innovative solution for better protection of public safety. It allows the delivery of real‐time information, reliability, and performance of the core goal found in mission‐critical technology. As important as the development of 4G LTE is to society, it is a stepping‐stone to something greater. Combined with other network elements and the new features as a result of the advancement of technology, LTE has transformed public safety communication. The improvements and features added have paved the way to innovative solutions toward the next generation of technology that can support the increasing need for bandwidth within ...