Wireless - Illinois Wireless Information Network (IWIN)
BCCS owns and manages the Illinois Wireless Information Network (IWIN) through a unique contractual partnership between the State of Illinois, Verizon Wireless, and Motorola. The networks' purpose is to provide a fast, reliable and secure wide area data network to Federal, State, County and local government wireless users within Illinois who require mobile communications. The largest use of IWIN is by the law enforcement community. With well over 5,000 units and 12,000 users spanning more than 400 communities, IWIN has grown to become the largest mobile data networks in the country.
Equipped with a laptop, portable computer or handheld device, a CDMA modem and Motorola's Premier MDC™ mobile data communications software, users can transmit and receive data using standard Internet protocol (TCP/IP). Through Premier MDC™ software, data from the mobile users is digitized, encrypted and compressed. The data is then transmitted in "packets" using cellular tower sites with special CDMA equipment to a Motorola message switch server maintained by the State of Illinois. This server links the remote user to the Law Enforcement Agencies Data System (LEADS) and other desired agency databases. The user receives real-time data in an easy-to-use Microsoft-Windows screen.
Improved field operations, management effectiveness and secure interagency communications are just a few of the benefits of using IWIN. Using IWIN as a secondary means of communication also reduces radio channel congestion and enhances personal safety.
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