The Boulder FirstNet Lab is a state-of-the-art laboratory in which the First Responder Network Authority tests public safety functionality and features unique to the FirstNet 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.

Located at FirstNet’s technical headquarters in Boulder, Colorado, the FirstNet Lab is a state-of-the-art laboratory in which the First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet) and its future partner will test public safety functionality and features unique to FirstNet’s mission-critical broadband network, including quality of service; priority; pre-emption; and other future mission-critical services and applications. The FirstNet lab is a premier telecommunications technology innovation and test lab, built with the Telecommunications Industry Association (TIA) standards in mind.

Grand opening of the FirstNet Boulder Innovation and Test Lab

In this video tour of the FirstNet Innovation and Test Lab, Michael Van Zuiden, Senior Director for the Lab, walks through the state-of-the-art facility to explain the Lab’s pivotal work supporting public safety.  The Lab operates as a plug and play environment for the FirstNet Authority team to test the standards based mission critical functions and features of the FirstNet network.