Better Connecting First Responders When Every Second Counts

Zebra First-Response Mobile Devices and Technologies

Zebra has a long history of innovation in public safety technologies, but it’s also one of the world’s only mobile device developers to design and manufacture mobile devices with first response in mind.

For example, Zebra’s TC58 mobile computer is an advanced, military-grade cellular device that provides mission-critical voice and data multimedia communications, extensive wireless connectivity, and comprehensive security while supporting all the latest radio, wireless, and Bluetooth communication methods that first responders need on the front line. 

This includes interoperability with Mission Critical Communications (MCX) platforms for public safety communications over LTE/5G-based narrowband private and broadband public networks, including CBRS, Land Mobile Radio (LMR) devices, and support for Mission Critical Push-to-Talk (MCPTT).

It also has the power to run all of these capabilities and run all critical applications simultaneously while providing continuous power with a long-life PowerPrecision+ battery that’s also truly hot-swappable while the device is still running, so you can swap it for a spare battery for even more extended, continuous, and uninterrupted power.

If you’re familiar with Zebra from the world of barcoding and data capture, then it probably doesn’t come as a surprise that Zebra also offers world-class barcode scanning and data capture on board these devices. Its IntelliFocus technology reliably captures barcodes from up to 40 feet away, and its Zebra OCR Wedge utility, which is built directly into Zebra’s mobile software ecosystem, allows device users to read and capture visible letters and numbers from vehicle license plates and driver’s licenses, and its AI data capture SDK enables deep-learning optical character recognition via an advanced AI model that can handle complex text layouts and even handwriting.

The TC58 is also compatible with Zebra’s RFD90 Ultra-Rugged UHF RFID sleds, where you can slide your device into place onto a handled sled with a gun-style grip and use it read and locate RFID tags on first-response equipment and gear, so you can track equipment at a depot or on the scene. 

Importantly, Zebra mobile devices are also built and tested to exceed the official MIL-STD-810H durability standard, with the ability to withstand repeated drops to concrete from 8 feet with the optional boot accessory, even in more extreme temperature conditions. And it’s tested to exceed IEC tumble specifications and withstand 1,000 tumbles from up to 3.2 feet with the protective boot.

It can operate at temperatures from -4°F to +122°F (-20°C to +50°C) and has IP68 and IP65 sealing for water proofing and protection from dust and other contaminants. And it can even handle electrostatic discharge of +/- 15 kV air discharge; +/- 8 kV direct discharge; or +/- 8 kV indirect discharge.

Security and encryption are also uncompromising with support for WEP (40 or 104 bit); WPA/WPA2 Personal (TKIP, and AES); WPA3 Personal (SAE); WPA/WPA2 Enterprise (TKIP and AES); WPA3 Enterprise (AES) — EAP-TTLS (PAP, MSCHAP, MSCHAPv2); EAP-TLS, PEAPv0-MSCHAPv2, PEAPv1-EAP-GTC, LEAP, EAP-PWD); and other standards.

Similar Capabilities in a Rugged Tablet Device and Communication Platform

Similarly, Zebra’s ET6X rugged tablet is an extremely versatile Android or Windows tablet that’s built like a tank and ready for punishing first-responder environments. But they offer a larger 10.1” screen in a tablet-style device that’s great for command operations or wherever more screen space and the ability to view larger maps, data, and app screens is beneficial.

The ET6X also offers the same Wi-Fi 7, 5G, 5G private network, CBRS, MCX, LMR, MCPTT, and Bluetooth connectivity and interoperability, making it a comprehensive device for real-time and reliable first-response communication. 

It also provides extreme durability by exceeding the same MIL-STD-810H requirements for drops to concrete as well as shock, vibration, and thermal shock and it has IP66 waterproof and dustproof sealing as well as the ability to handle operating temperatures of -20°F to +145°F (-29°C to +63°C).

Importantly, Zebra doesn’t compromise security with the ET6x either, and it offers discrete TPM v2.0, is NIST BIOS compliant, FIPS 140-2 validated, and offers support for camera and fingerprint recognition, contactless NFC Smart Card reading, and Kensington cable lock slots to lock down the device.

Wireless security and encryption are also robust with support for WPA3 personal and enterprise including WPA2 transition mode; 802.1X EAP-TLS, EAP-TTLS/MSCHAPv2, PEAPv0 -MSCHAPv2 (EAP-SIM, EAP-AKA, EAP-AKA’), 128-bit AES-CCMP, and 256-bit AES-GCMP.

Need the Right Recommendation in First Response Technology?

If you’re looking for all-purpose mobile devices that can unify, streamline, and enable more effective real-time communication and first response, these two examples show why our team members at DCM are major champions of Zebra technologies for our first-response customers.

To learn more about these solutions, you can check out our TC58 and ET6x spec sheets, or feel free to reach out to us to schedule a consultation and walkthrough, so we can share more solutions and recommendations that might be an ideal fit for your public safety needs.

As leaders in communications and technology for over 65 years, we serve over 2,500 organizations across North America and have been helping public safety agencies find the right solutions for decades. So, feel free to connect with us, and we’d be glad to help.