Firebar Questions
What is Firebar Conference?
Firebar refers to dial out Audio Conferencing. Such systems are deployed in Independent Telephone Company networks in rural US. The main application is to use them for bringing volunteer firemen onto a conference call quickly when handing an emergency situation. Traditional Firebar system provides direct Tip and Ring termination to dedicated emergency phones placed at first responders residences. The 911 dispatch personnel can call a pre-designated number and trigger dial out calls to first responder's residence. As first responders pickup their phones they are automatically placed into a conference.
Why do you call XOP Firebar an enhanced Firebar?
For multiple reasons:
XOP Firebar is typically deployed on the trunk side of a switch or PBX and consequently can be used to call out to any phone (landline or cell), so it is not limited to calling only the 'red emergency' phone. It has built in find-me capability. So it tries to locate people at their multiple numbers and then allows them to join the conference. It starts out as a dial out call but also allows people to dial into the existing conference also. Traditional Firebars are limited by the number of analog ports (usually 8 or 16). With USN, the entire available port count can be used to launch Firebar conferences.
How do I trigger a Firebar/ emergency conference?
The moderator will need to log into the web interface and set up a Firebar session. As part of setting up he/she can assign a) the users and groups and b) ‘Activation PIN’ and ‘User PIN’ for the Firebar conference. Next, when need to trigger a Firebar session, the moderator can call the dial in telephone number assigned for the Firebar and in response to an IVR enter the Activation PIN and record the emergency related message followed by a #. The system will then dial out to all members of the group. As they pick up their phones, they will first hear the message recorded by the moderator and then will be automatically connected into a conference. Additional participants can call the dial in number of the bridge and enter the ‘User PIN’ to join an on going Firebar conference.
How many people can be on a Firebar call?
The total number of participants (dial-out and dial-in) is limited to the number of ports available on the system.
What is a Ringdown Firebar Conference Server? A Ringdown Firebar Conference Server sends a constant (no cadence) 'Ring' signal down the analog telephone lines that are terminated directly on the equipment. This ringing signal alerts the first responder. Upon pick up, the person is placed into a conference. What is the difference between XOP Networks Ringdown Firebar Conference Server (RFCS) product and its Firebar application running on the USN platform? The RFCS is a dedicated standalone Firebar system that provides FSX ports for direct termination of analog loops. This system is also referred to as Crashnet system and is typically deployed in a campus setting for emergency conferencing between first responders. Such systems are typically deployed at Airports, Air Force bases, Army bases etc. The Firebar application available on the USN is typically used by IOCs to offer emergency conferencing capability to voluntary fireman in Rural United States. This equipment is deployed on the trunk side of the Central Office switch. The USN may support other applications besides Firebar. |
