Technological breakthroughs in emerging markets are expected to serve as the catalyst for the next billion internet users going online. As such, it is important for companies to be engaged and involved and come up with a product or service that solves a real problem and makes people’s lives better. At Ruckus (now part of CommScope via acquisition), we are dedicated to doing just that. This is precisely why we are working with companies and organizations like the Information Technology Disaster Resource Center (ITDRC) and Google to bring connectivity to developing nations and hard-hit disaster areas. Let’s take a closer look at some of our initiatives below.
ITDRC Deployments
We recognize that Wi-Fi connectivity is especially critical in the aftermath of disasters such as fires, flooding or strong winds that destroy cellular towers. This is because Wi-Fi is one of the best ways for first responders to establish command centers, share updates and enable victims to check in with their loved ones. We are proud to work closely with the Technology Disaster Resource Center (ITDRC) to jointly deploy wireless connectivity in disaster zones around the globe.
Recent ITDRC Wi-Fi deployments include California’s Camp and
Woolsey Fires, as well as Hurricanes Harvey, Irma and Maria. The organization,
which is known for configuring network infrastructure from the WAN to the LAN
as soon as 24-hours after a natural disaster, also provided communications for
evacuation centers and bases of operations for disaster recovery organizations
such as FEMA, the Red Cross, Team Rubicon and AmeriCorps. Moreover, the ITRDC
helped establish communications in remote areas cut off by landslides and
enabled hospitals to contact FEMA after Hurricane Maria in Puerto Rico.
Together with the ITDRC, Ruckus, and our channel partners participate in disaster relief work by donating wired and wireless network equipment. More specifically, our ‘modularized kits’ stand ready for rapid deployment during times of disaster. These ruggedized kits contain a range of Ruckus networking equipment including indoor and outdoor APs, PTP bridges to deliver connectivity and easy access to our remote management Virtual SmartZone …