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Data network to go broadband
Force communications will be greatly bolstered over the next few years thanks to the continuing enhancement of the Police Data Network (PDN).
PDN provides data communication among formations, and the initial scope in 1995 was to set up local networks in 65 Police premises and to connect 3,000 user workstations. But it has since grown to cover more than 90 premises and over 4,000 workstations, one of the largest networks in Hong Kong.
Since all major Force IT systems run on PDN, by taking advantage of new developments in broadband and wireless communication, the Information Technology Branch is enhancing the network service to cope with the digital transmission requirements to facilitate Police operations.
Increasing demand in network bandwidth to support the diversifying types of IT applications has been driving PDN to go broadband. The core backbones of Police Headquarters, and Kowloon West and New Territories North Regional Headquarters were interconnected in April 1999 using the Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM), the most advanced network technology that can support the transmission of multi-media traffic like data, voice, image and video at very high speed and with controlled quality. The Criminal Records Bureau's Photo Album Library (PAL) system now allows Regional Formation officers to have instantaneous views of suspects' photos stored in PHQ's central server.
A project to merge radio and voice telecom lines among the three Headquarters into the PDN's ATM core backbone is in progress and scheduled for completion by next month, bringing annual savings of $600,000, from 2000/01 onwards.
PDN now supports both wireless and fixed connections across Hong Kong greatly enhancing mobility and efficiency of police operations. Nonetheless, there is still a lot to be explored on the usability of wireless communication and mobile computing, especially for front-line officers. Although the existing mobile networks still have their limitations, like bandwidth, the technology is advancing very rapidly.
It's not difficult to foresee more applications becoming feasible when broadband transmission on the wireless network is available in the next few years.
ITB will be vigilant on technology upgrades and will continue to explore new areas to assist the Force in enhancing its services.