The most recent development in telecommunications is wireless broadband, which provides Internet access from virtually any point within a particular signal range, eliminating the need for a physical connection. While there are nearly an infinite number of wireless technology vendors from which to choose, this article focuses on eight leading companies specializing in wireless broadband and the solutions they offer.

AirVisual

Founded by Tom Hansen in 2001, AirVisual specializes in the areas of security and surveillance, emergency response, transportation management, and public safety. The company offers flexible, scalable solutions by providing wireless devel- opment services that include Wi-Fi network integration and design, custom mobile solutions, and data center design and maintenance.

Its IntelliViewer Mobile Command System enables effective coordination between the command center and all mobile devices. This system allows police officers in the field to better protect their communities by providing real-time views and playback from all surveillance equipment, tracking GPSenabled vehicles and monitoring alarms, securely sending both live and stored images to handheld PDAs and laptop computers, enabling responder personnel to access display maps and floor plans on their mobile services.

To help law enforcement officers manage daily roadway travel, AirVisual offers its RoadViewer technology. Users are able to see live images of local traffic cameras on their wireless devices, allowing them to avoid delays and arrive at their destination without delay. Real-time video images from traffic camera networks can be captured and sent to a cell phone or PDA, in addition to in-vehicle telematic systems and desktops.

With AirVisual 's Trans Viewer software, critical information can be shared on a peer-to-peer user platform between vehicles and back to remote command centers. Designed specifically for in-vehicle use, this software sends and receives sensor information, audio and video, GIS/GPS, alarms and user updates. Its Content Delivery Platform manages network traffic while reducing costs for partner content distributors.

As executive director of business development, Fred Lardaro touts AirVisual's wireless technology solutions as reliable and completely scalable. Lardaro said, "AirVisual is delivering wireless command and control that includes location-based, live, and archived CCTV video on demand to the PDAs and MDTs of law enforcement and emergency responders over all wireless networks."