Telecommunications Technology and 9-1-1 Systems Flashcards

What is the purpose of a 'heartbeat' signal in PSAP equipment monitoring?

Answer: It is a periodic signal confirming a system or circuit is operational

A heartbeat signal is a routine status check sent between systems to confirm they remain active and functional.

Which type of 9-1-1 call originates from a VoIP service and may present unique challenges for location accuracy?

Answer: Nomadic VoIP call

Nomadic VoIP calls are made from internet-based phone services that can be used from any location, making registered address data unreliable.

In a 9-1-1 PSAP, what does CAD stand for?

Answer: Computer-Aided Dispatch

CAD (Computer-Aided Dispatch) is the software platform used to create, manage, and track incident records and dispatching.

A dispatcher notices the 9-1-1 trunk group shows all trunks busy. What does this indicate?

Answer: All incoming 9-1-1 lines are in use and new callers may receive a busy signal

When all trunks are busy, new 9-1-1 callers cannot connect until a trunk becomes available, risking delayed emergency response.

What is the function of a PSAP's logging recorder?

Answer: Records all incoming and outgoing telephone and radio communications

The logging recorder captures all voice communications for quality assurance, liability documentation, and incident review.

Which feature allows a PSAP to automatically transfer a 9-1-1 call along with its ANI/ALI data to another PSAP?

Answer: Selective Transfer

Selective Transfer sends the call and its associated ANI/ALI data to the receiving PSAP, preserving caller location information.

What does 'TTY' or 'TDD' allow in a 9-1-1 context?

Answer: Text communication for callers who are deaf or hard of hearing

TTY/TDD devices allow individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing to send text over telephone lines to communicate with a PSAP.