Trust that delivers in a crisis – LANCOM Systems in the service of public safety

Charming landscapes hide a serious challenge – how do you ensure an efficient and secure command system in times of crisis?

A modern network for operational command in our western neighbor

The Rhein-Hunsrück district, headquartered in Simmern/Hunsrück, is located in the heart of Rhineland-Palatinate. Between the Middle Rhine, the Moselle, and the Nahe rivers, nearly 104,000 residents live across 137 rural municipalities. The Hunsrück region captivates with its stunning natural beauty and high quality of life. Yet, despite the charm of its small towns and villages, ensuring adequate disaster protection for the entire region poses a significant challenge.

Restructuring the operational command

At the beginning of 2021, a decision was made to reorganize the existing technical components of the operational command (TEL) and the centrally managed infrastructure. The goal was to create a modern, integrated network of equipment for command units. The complete structure includes a command vehicle (ELW2), a mobile staff unit (TEL), and the fire brigade’s operations center as the rear command base. The project aimed to connect all these components via a secure VPN network. The command vehicle and the TEL unit communicate with the fire operations center using an IPSec VPN tunnel. However, regulations require a separation of networks (general and BOS – authorities and organizations with security responsibilities). Until now, this was achieved using physically separate hardware, which in practice resulted in high complexity and limited flexibility.

Interactive Flexibility in the VPN Network

The mobile units are already equipped with high-quality LANCOM routers featuring 4G or 5G modems, ensuring reliable communication during operations. Another challenge was the remote maintenance of mobile components to guarantee their constant readiness. This includes, for example, 12 laptops and other devices that require regular updates, license activations, and more. These functions are now managed via the VPN network.

As part of the new approach, networks are now segmented using VLAN (Layer 2) and routing/firewall policies (Layer 3). This allows preconfigured devices (e.g., phones) to be connected to any network port and automatically assigned to the correct network. Unconfigured devices are routed to a general network. All switches are fully equipped with PoE+ ports, and a Wi-Fi 6 access point is available for the mobile unit, enabling wireless communication. This allows staff members to begin working even before wired communication is established, and enables the use of mobile devices such as tablets.

If no mobile network is available at the mobile unit’s location, an existing wired connection on site can be used. Alternatively, the ELW2 – the command vehicle and mobile operations center – can serve as an internet access point. In addition to traditional network cabling, a radio link or a dedicated point-to-point VDSL connection via field cable can also be used.

The ELW2 is equipped not only with wired and mobile network connectivity but also with satellite communication. The entire system and its components are designed to provide failover capabilities – if one component fails, another can take over. This means that the mobile unit can still supply the ELW2 with internet access – for example, if the vehicle is located in a valley and the mobile unit is placed on higher ground.

Flexibility and Security

Thanks to LANCOM’s modern solutions, the following became possible:

• Remote management and maintenance of field equipment (e.g., laptops, terminals),

• Instant device configuration using VLAN and firewall rules,

• Redundant internet access – even via satellite or point-to-point links,

• Full control through LANCOM Management Cloud, without the need to dispatch technicians.

As a result, a network was created that operates independently of local conditions, ensuring mobile command units are ready for action at any time.

Trust Proven in Practice

For Kappa Data, this project is yet another confirmation that it pays to rely on a trusted manufacturer—one that not only delivers hardware but provides comprehensive, secure, and flexible networking solutions.

LANCOM Systems has been earning trust for years in the public sector, government institutions, and critical industrial environments. As a distribution partner, our mission goes beyond delivering technology—we work together with our clients to build their resilience against the challenges of today’s world.