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New Wi-Fi network proves critical in Minneapolis bridge disaster
By Larry Hendrick | August 8, 2007
This story from Computer World shines a positive light on WiFi networks in a time of crisis. The city of Minneapolis was able to utilize the newly started network for moving data files to and from the field as rescue efforts were mounted.
New Wi-Fi network proves critical in Minneapolis bridge disaster
A new Wi-Fi network in Minneapolis — only partially completed and just two months old — is nonetheless giving the city critical help in responding to this week’s collapse of the I-35W bridge. The network helped the city with communications, moving large mapping files to the recovery site, and is supporting wireless cameras that are being installed to help with recovery operations.The city is deploying the Wi-Fi network via a contract with US Internet Corp. throughout its 60 square miles. While only part of it is now up and running, one of those areas is in the downtown area near the scene of the bridge collapse Wednesday evening.
“Thank goodness we had it in and that this piece of the network was already up and operational,” said Minneapolis City CIO Lynn Willenbring. “We could not have been as effective if it were not for that.”
Topics: WiFi |