DEN (Distributable Emergency Network) - BlogOur hearts go out to the victims of Hurricane Ida. To assist anyone working in the affected regions we have added map layers for Louisiana and Mississippi DOT and are currently working on map layers for New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania DOT. If you or your agency is assisting in rescue or recovery in any affected areas, please let us know if there is anything we can help you with. Reach us 24/7 at 910-777-5256.
Today we are releasing an update to the Pelorus Mapping Software that includes a fuel availability layer. This layer will be useful to DEN users in the coming days as fuel deliveries resume from the Colonial Pipeline. We will leave this layer available after the current fuel shortage is over so that it can be used before, during, and after other incidents that deplete local and regional fuel supplies.
The layer displays fuel availability on a station by station basis. At higher zoom levels, stations appear as small dots and provide a heat map effect to show areas most highly impacted. At lower zoom levels, stations appear as easy to click icons which will open data collected about each station when clicked.
This layer will be included in your next DEN update. If you would like access to the layer immediately, let us know via email or phone.
For more information about DEN, it’s real-time situational awareness mapping capabilities, and how it can help your agency: https://www.densystems.com
Today we are very excited to publicly announce the release of DEN XL, the fastest and most capable DEN case yet! DEN XL runs the same DEN software suite but is capable of supporting twice as many simultaneous users. Designed to back up small to medium sized EOCs or support large command posts, DEN XL can provide online and offline services to up to 250 devices.
Upgraded Network Equipment
Cradlepoint IBR-1700 with MC-400 modem for load balancing and extended automatic failover capabilities. Supports 250 devices for super-fast cellular Internet access and blazing-fast local DEN software access.
Upgraded Server
The DEN XL contains our fasted mini-server yet, about twice as powerful as a Mac Book Pro. With the extra power comes faster access to DEN software and services and the capability of supporting more simultaneous users.
Massive Antenna Array
Not a single antenna is visible on the DEN XL, but that absolutely does not mean they are not there. Inside the lid are two antenna panels containing 8 cellular antennas, 2 GNSS antennas, and 6 WiFi antennas. The antenna panels are engineered to prevent interference between antennas providing better quality signals and faster connections.
Larger Battery
To support all of the upgraded hardware we added a bigger battery. Just like all DEN products the DEN XL uses a LFP (Lithium Iron Phosphate) battery that lasts longer than other battery types and does not develop a charging memory. This means that DEN products can run while plugged into the charger 24/7 without loss of storage capacity.
Mesh Networking Compatibility
DEN XL is compatible with Ubiquiti Unifi mesh network products which allow for massive expansion of the DEN network over large areas and to an even more connected devices and users.
Access to All DEN Software and Services
– Raptor User Management
– Pelorus Collaborative Mapping
– DEN Chat
– DEN File Server
– SARTopo Offline
– DEN VOIP Phone System
Today we are excited to announce support for SPOT trackers on DEN!
SPOT tracker locations can now be added to Pelorus as a live layer. SPOT trackers can be used for tracking units in the field through the Globalstar satellite network, making them perfect for areas where cellular service is unavailable.
SPOT devices are compatible with all DEN cases that run Pelorus. If your agency has SPOT trackers and would like to connect them to DEN, then please contact support at support@densystems.com. If you are interested in adding new SPOT trackers to your DEN case, contact sales at sales@densystems.com. As a SPOT dealer we are able to provide SPOT devices and accessories as well as protective cases.
We are extremely excited to introduce DEN Chat! Today an update is available on all DEN Cases that will offer new chat capabilities. DEN Chat is based on the popular open source Rocket.Chat software and has been streamlined for public safety use. Like all other software on DEN, it is accessible locally through the DEN Wifi network and over the Internet.
DEN Chat can be used for securely communicating with team members, logging events, and sharing information. During incidents, exercises, and special events, incident management teams are faced with a deluge of information. DEN Chat helps incident management teams digest and share information by separating it into different channels. Each channel is like a chat room. Users in a channel can talk to each other and share files, video, and audio. Access to channels can be controlled to only allow specified users for a private and secure environment, or expanded to all users so that updates can be easily broadcast to a large number of people.
In addition to information entered directly into DEN Chat, information can be automatically pulled from a variety of outside sources including various CAD systems, National Weather Service watches and warnings, news feeds, and much more.
DEN Chat is connected to Raptor so there is no need to create new user accounts or logins. Once the update is complete, a new button will appear under the “Services” menu labeled “DEN Chat”. Clicking this button will launch the application. No setup required – just start creating channels and sharing information!
©Copyright 2020 Politac LLC
Because DEN is housed in a ruggedized case and contains networking equipment and antennas, it is unfortunately, sometimes confused with other products like communications cases. Communications cases usually consist of a cellular hotspot and battery in a case which helps users within WiFi range connect to the Internet over a cellular network.
While DEN is capable of providing a large number of users with an Internet connection and VOIP phone service, this is only a small part of what it does. Unlike communications cases, DEN is built to provide local access to mission-critical applications without an Internet connection.
Built in to DEN is a tiny but powerful server that hosts software capable of chat and team communication, collaborative mapping, file sharing, and search and rescue planning. Users are able to securely and quickly access the software through a single sign on system. No installation is necessary because all software runs through a web browser and is compatible with almost any computer, tablet, or mobile device with WiFi.
DEN does all of these things for the same reason it has a 30 hour battery life, is housed in a waterproof, shock resistant case, and is fully managed and supported 24/7 – because it is built to operate under all conditions to support responses to all hazards. When the power goes out or when cellular networks go down, DEN keeps running.
Copyright 2020 Politac LLC.