National ITS Architecture and
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Telecommunications
Training
| ITS Deployment Support |
Telecommunications
 | Telecommunications Points-of-Contact |
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 | Telecommunications Section of the ITS Joint Program Office Website |
| This website is a compilation of resources related to the ITS telecommunications. A memo from FHWA's Executive Director and background discussion paper provide guidance on longitudinal telecommunications installations on limited access highway rights-of-way. A supplemental Notice of Proposed Rule Making (NPRM) on dedicated short-range communication (DSRC) responds to comments filed in the initial NPRM proposing to make a new DSRC specification a requirement for all commercial vehicle operations projects that use Highway Trust Funds. The site also contains frequently asked questions (with answers) on the supplemental NPRM. A white paper discusses how the phenomenal expansion of wireless broadband technology enables consideration of using wireless technology instead of burying cables on transportation rights-of-way. The site contains FHWA's comments on the case that went before the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) on the Minnesota Shared Resources program, plus background material on the Minnesota Department of Transportation's original petition to the FCC. The site also contains several documents concerning the U.S. DOT's petition to the FCC requesting a nationwide three-digit traveler information phone number. (The petition was granted in 2000. The number assigned is 511). The site also lists contacts in the ITS Joint Program Office and related links. Cost: Free To Access This Resource: Access the website address http://www.its.dot.gov/telecom/index.htm. | |
| Next Generation 9-1-1 Website |
| The Next Generation 9-1-1 Initiative aims to enable any communications device used nationwide to connect with the 9-1-1 system. The current 9-1-1 system is built on decades-old technology and cannot receive data from the text, data, image and video devices increasingly common in personal communications and critical in many safety and medical applications. This initiative will involve a fundamental reexamination of the technological approach to 9-1-1 used today. This website presents the goal, background, approach, milestones and points-of-contact for the initiative. Cost: Free To Access This Resource: Access the website address http://www.its.dot.gov/ng911/index.htm. | |
 | Telecommunications Handbook for Transportation Professionals: The Basics of Telecommunications (FHWA-HOP-04-034) (2004) |
| This handbook provides with basic descriptions of terms and technologies that are commonly used (or considered) in the deployment of freeway management and traffic signal systems, including both voice and data communications. The handbook covers telecommunications fundamentals, the relationship between telecommunications and the National ITS Architecture, a step-by-step process for developing a telecommunications system, field devices, maintenance, warrantees, and construction. The handbook also examines the Internet and cutting-edge technologies. Two case studies from Utah and Texas are provided. Cost: Free To Access This Resource: Access the website addresses:
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| Broadband Wireless, Integrated Services, and Their Application to Intelligent Transportation Systems (2000) |
| This paper introduces broadband wireless communications alternatives and describes how they can be used to provide high-speed connections between fixed, transportable, and mobile facilities. This paper also introduces integrated service technologies – devices used to bundle voice, data, and video services for transmission over a single broadband wireless link. This paper discusses how these broadband wireless options, when coupled with integrated service technologies, can be used to provide efficient, cost-effective, and flexible multi-service programming, including ITS applications. Cost: Free To Access This Resource: Access the website address http://ntl.bts.gov/lib/jpodocs/redirect/repts_te/13164.pdf, EDL# 13164. | |
| Communications for Intelligent Transportation Systems – Successful Practices: A Cross-Cutting Study (FHWA-JPO-99-023/FTA-TRI-11-99-02) (2000) |
| This report is one in a series designed to educate public sector managers about particular ITS technologies. Determining what telecommunications network is best suited for one's needs can be an intimidating task for a state or local department of transportation. Agencies require a telecommunications network that enables them to deliver all their desired services to the traveling public, both now and in the future. Furthermore, telecommunications infrastructure can be the single most expensive part of an ITS deployment. This report describes experiences from nine states on what processes work best and what factors they considered when making telecommunications decisions. Cost: Free To Access This Resource: Access the website address http://ntl.bts.gov/lib/jpodocs/redirect/repts_te/11488.pdf, EDL# 11488. To order a hardcopy, contact the Operations/ITS HelpLine, (866) 367-7487 or itspubs@dot.gov. | |
| What Have We Learned about Intelligent Transportation Systems? Chapter 7: What Have We Learned about Cross-Cutting Technical and Programmatic Issues? (2000) |
| This document is an excerpt from a compendium report that looks back on the 10 years of the National ITS Program to examine which ITS technology applications have been successful, which have not been successful, and what are the underlying factors that determine success versus failure. This section examines cross-cutting technologies for surveillance and communications, as well as programmatic issues, such as planning and analysis tools, archived data, standards, and architecture. Cost: Free To Access This Resource: Access the website address http://ntl.bts.gov/lib/jpodocs/redirect/repts_te/13323.pdf, EDL# 13323. | |
| DSL for Traffic Video (1999) |
| This brochure summarizes the results of an assessment of the application of digital subscriber line (DSL or xDSL) technologies to ITS. It provides background on the various types of DSL technologies, describes the concept of xDSL-based traffic video, and explains how a prototype was tested in a laboratory setting and then field-tested in two locations in Northern Virginia. The brochure also contains frequently asked questions (with answers) on implementation of xDSL-based video, testimonial quotes from city traffic engineers who used the system, a list of reference documents, and a list of contacts. Cost: Free To Access This Resource: To order a hardcopy, contact the Operations/ITS HelpLine, (866) 367-7487 or itspubs@dot.gov. For the online version, access the following website addresses:
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| The Application of Various Digital Subscriber Line (xDSL) Technologies to ITS (1999) |
| This series of two reports assesses the application of digital subscriber line (DSL or xDSL) technologies to ITS, particularly their use for traffic video. Traffic Video Laboratory Assessments discusses several types of DSL technologies and describes the concept of xDSL-based traffic video. Traffic Video Field Assessments documents the field testing of an xDSL-based traffic video prototype. Cost: Free To Access This Resource: To order a hardcopy, contact the Operations/ITS HelpLine, (866) 367-7487 or itspubs@dot.gov. For the online version, access the following website addresses:
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| The Role of Access Policies in Wireline Shared Resource Projects (FHWA-OP-99-037) (1999) |
| This paper provides background information for evaluating a possible relationship between the geographic extent of broadband telecommunications infrastructure available for general use and the degree and type of control exercised by the public right-of-way (ROW) owner over infrastructure placement in limited access highway ROW. In addition to exploring telecommunications infrastructure with regard to universal service, i.e., geographic coverage of a state, this paper also explores the extent and depth of telecommunications support for public sector activities, focusing on ITS and other transportation activities. Cost: Free To Access This Resource: Access the website address http://ntl.bts.gov/lib/jpodocs/redirect/repts_te/9907.pdf, EDL# 9907. To order a hardcopy, contact the Operations/ITS HelpLine, (866) 367-7487 or itspubs@dot.gov. | |
| Telecommunications Resource Guide (FHWA-JPO-97-0019) (1997) |
| This resource guide compiles, in a three-ring binder format, key materials related to telecommunications for ITS, particularly shared resource agreements. Shared resource agreements involve state departments of transportation (DOTs) allowing the longitudinal installation of telecommunications on freeway rights-of-way in exchange for some form of compensation. The resource guide contains a summary of key issues, a series of FHWA reports, case studies from Maryland and Missouri, guidance from the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO), memos from key FHWA directors outlining Federal policy, and a white paper advocating the use of digital subscriber line (DSL) technology. First published in 1997, the resource guide is updated as new material becomes available. Cost: Free To Access This Resource: To order a hardcopy, contact the Operations/ITS HelpLine, (866) 367-7487 or itspubs@dot.gov. | |
 | ITS Telecommunications Overview (NHI Course# 137005) |
| This course provides a broad introduction to the fundamentals of wireline and wireless telecommunications systems as they apply to ITS. The course covers key terms and concepts, requirements analysis, use of regional ITS architectures in telecommunications planning, and institutional and organizational issues. Target Audience: Transportation managers and engineers involved in policymaking, procurement, planning, program development and legal aspects of ITS infrastructure deployment. Course Length: Eight hours. Cost: $200 per participant To Access This Resource: Access the website address http://www.nhi.fhwa.dot.gov/training/brows_catalog.aspx and search for course number "137005." | |
| Introduction to Telecommunications Technology |
| This course introduces ITS telecommunications to those who have little or no previous exposure to the issues surrounding the deployment and use of telecommunications infrastructure. The course introduces participants to the fundamentals of wireline and wireless telecommunications systems and concludes with a brief discussion of the telecommunications technology acquisition process. Skill Level: Core learning. Target Audience: Transportation managers and engineers involved in policymaking, procurement, planning, program development, and legal aspects of ITS infrastructure deployment. A blended Web-based version provides online interaction between participants and instructors. The Web-based version is also available in Spanish. Course Length: Eight hours. Cost: $175 per participant for the Web-based version; $250 per participant for the blended version. To Access This Resource: Access the website address http://www.citeconsortium.org/courses/1mod3.html or contact Kathleen Frankle, Consortium of ITS Training and Education (CITE), (410) 414-2925, KFrankle@umd.edu. | |
| Advanced Telecommunications Technology |
| This course provides a system-level understanding of the operation of modern broadband transportation communications networks. This course focuses on how to plan and implement telecommunications networks to support major ITS infrastructure. Target Audience: Public sector transportation professionals including Federal engineers, planners, project managers, and field staff and others as appropriate. Transportation professionals from state, regional, and local agencies would also benefit from participation in the course. Course Length: Eight hours. A blended Web-based version provides online interaction between participants and instructors. Cost: $175 per participant for the Web-based version; $250 per participant for the blended version. To Access This Resource: Access the website address http://www.citeconsortium.org/courses/2mod8-blended.html or contact Kathleen Frankle, Consortium of ITS Training and Education (CITE), (410) 414-2925, KFrankle@umd.edu. | |
| Freeway Communication System Infrastructure Workshop |
| This workshop provides chief engineers, U.S. DOT field office division administrators, and transportation agency executives with a comprehensive analysis of the opportunities and limitations surrounding the deployment of a statewide communication infrastructure to support transportation needs. The workshop explores Federal laws and regulations; accommodation policies of different states; regional, interstate and international coordination; design and construction of long-haul telecommunications systems; stakeholder needs; and negotiation of shared resources. The outcome of this workshop is an executive-level, participant-generated action plan on how to meet the telecommunication needs of participants' organizations and regions. Follow-up support services are also provided on an as-needed basis. Course Length: Two and a half days. Cost: Free To Access This Resource: Access the website address http://www.pcb.its.dot.gov/news/2006-10_workshop.asp or contact Ron Giguere, ITS Joint Program Office, (202) 366-2203, Ron.Giguere@dot.gov. | |