Exploring the Plausibility of a National Multi-Agency Communications System for the Homeland Security Community: A Southeast Ohio Half-Duplex Voice Over IP Case Study

摘要

Since 9-11, it has become apparent that the Homeland Security Community consists of more than first responders, and is, in essence, a Megacommunity composed of three components: government, business, and nonprofit organizations. Unfortunately, this reality has not translated into a common communications strategy, which presently focuses on radios for first responders in an emergency. Many reasons exist for not addressing this gap, including the myths that it is impossible or would be too expensive. Computer gamers, however, have been utilizing low-tech versions of half-duplex VoIP since the 1990s to connect millions of players worldwide. A Southeast Ohio VoIP system, consisting of health departments, hospitals, emergency management agencies, and their partners, has been testing a similar system since 2003. This thesis defines the Homeland Security Community, presents criteria that are used to evaluate six communications systems for use as an integrated national system, and judges the plausibility of the Ohio system as a model. The thesis also proposes the concept of a 'Universal Communicator' software system that would address the shortcomings of the Ohio system, and provide an inexpensive solution to the nation's need for a national Homeland Security Community Real-Time Voice Communications system.