In disasters and emergencies, first responders need communication tools that are tested and proven to work — consistently, securely, and reliably. That’s where the Boulder FirstNet Lab comes in.
Innovation for public safety’s dedicated network
The Boulder FirstNet Lab is a state-of-the-art laboratory in which the FirstNet Authority tests public safety functionality and features unique to the FirstNet network. These include quality of service; priority and preemption; enhanced situational awareness technologies and applications; and future public safety functions, services, and applications. The Lab is located at the technical office of the FirstNet Authority in Boulder, Colorado.
The Boulder FirstNet Lab is built with the Telecommunications Industry Association (TIA) standards in mind. It has all the electrical power and network connectivity needed for the FirstNet Authority to stage equipment and complete its own network validation and testing. The Boulder FirstNet Lab connects to the FirstNet network, including Band 14 and other AT&T bands.
State-of-the-art testing
Testing functionality and features for public safety in the lab allows FirstNet Authority engineers to validate that responders receive the prioritized user experience expected and as designed for them on the network. For example, using specialized load test tools in the lab, researchers can simulate congestion on the network to show how priority and preemption work for first responders on FirstNet.
Experts in the Boulder FirstNet Lab also look at new and emerging technologies to understand how they operate on the FirstNet network, such as:
- In-building solutions like the Cell Booster Pro
- High-power user equipment
- Land mobile radio to LTE integration
- Compact Rapid Deployables (CRDs) and miniCRDs
Engineers in the Boulder FirstNet Lab ensure the tools, features, and functions that first responders need work as expected on current and evolving generations of broadband.
See the lab for yourself
Experts at the Boulder FirstNet Lab are available to provide in person and virtual demonstrations to interested public safety agencies and officials. Lab tours are open to any public safety agency or first responder, whether they're a FirstNet user, considering using FirstNet, or just want to learn about public safety broadband technology. If you would like to set up a tour, please contact your local Public Safety Advisor.
The Public Safety Immersive Test Center (PSITC), managed by NIST’s Public Safety Research Division, is also located in the FirstNet Authority building in Boulder.
