Emergency Communications Network Management — Pierce County, Washington
Client
- Pierce County Communications System Division
Project Value 
N/A
Market
Energy And Environment, Urban Development
Services
Digital Transformation
When faced with growing complexities in their communications networks, Pierce County Communications System Division (PC-CSD) turned to Parsons and our cutting-edge Cyberzcape Network Monitoring System (NMS) solution. Cyberzcape NMS is designed specifically to meet the needs of large, mission-critical communication networks like PC-CSD, offering real-time insights and a higher level of control over bandwidth management.
Why A Network Starts To Crack
For years, traditional tools have satisfied the needs of the PC-CSD. But as the network grew to support more agencies and manage millions of calls per month, the cracks began to show.
The tools that were once sufficient for maintaining the network became inadequate as the system faced increasing demands. Although they had served their purpose well by providing basic node monitoring and alerting for equipment failures at remote sites, the growing complexity of the system required a deeper level of visibility and control that the legacy systems simply couldn’t provide. With PC-CSD now managing over 3 million calls monthly and supporting more than 40 federal, state, and local agencies, the old solutions quickly became obsolete.
Unlike legacy tools, which rely on manual reports and basic alarms, Cyberzcape NMS provides an intuitive, user-friendly interface that presents all the key metrics at a glance. Whether it’s uptime, packet loss, jitter, or latency, PC-CSD now has a complete picture of their network’s health in real time. This deeper visibility allows engineers to identify issues long before they can escalate into network-wide problems. With Cyberzcape NMS, fluctuations in bandwidth caused by environmental factors are no longer hidden—they are captured continuously, providing the data needed to quickly diagnose and resolve issues.
Zero Room For Errors
Managing a network of over 16,000 active radios wasn’t just a technical challenge – it was a matter of life and death. Agencies like the FBI, border patrol, city police, fire departments, and emergency services rely on instant, uninterrupted communication. As the network expanded, so too did the need for more precise control over bandwidth across the system’s site-to-site backhaul links. However, these links experienced unpredictable bandwidth fluctuations due to environmental factors like desert fades and temperature variations, often creating blind spots that the old tools simply couldn’t cover.
For Communications Division Manager Tim Lenk, the limitations of the existing tools became clear: they were no longer enough to support the network’s growing needs. The system lacked the critical, real-time insights necessary to properly understand bandwidth utilization, especially during peak periods. Reports had to be manually generated—a process that was not only slow and cumbersome but also reactive rather than proactive.
“It was difficult to see the ups and downs on every single link with the tools we were using,” recalled Lenk. The problem was becoming obvious: without a more advanced solution, they couldn’t maintain the level of control needed to keep the network running smoothly. The risk of congestion, communication delays, or even network failures was looming larger each day.
The stakes were too high for guesswork. What PC-CSD needed was a solution that could evolve with the network, offering deep, continuous visibility into every facet of its performance. The system couldn’t afford to wait for problems to arise—it needed to anticipate them.
Cyberzcape NMS Provides The Visibility PC-CSD Needs
Beyond the data it provides, Cyberzcape NMS also simplifies network management. The interface’s color-coded graphs and displays make it easy for engineers—even those with less technical expertise—to quickly understand and address performance issues. This streamlined troubleshooting means that PC-CSD can respond to potential problems faster, minimizing any disruption to vital communication services.
Additionally, Cyberzcape NMS is vendor-neutral, which allows it to integrate seamlessly with PC-CSD’s existing infrastructure without the need for costly overhauls or additional equipment. This flexibility was key in ensuring a smooth transition and quick deployment, enabling the system to go live without interrupting critical operations.
Positioned For Continued Growth And Reliability
As the Pierce County Emergency Communications System continues to grow, Cyberzcape NMS remains a vital part of its infrastructure. The system’s ability to deliver real-time insights and predictive analytics ensures that PC-CSD is not only optimizing the present but can stay ahead of future challenges and scale their network with confidence.
With Cyberzcape NMS, the team can accurately forecast capacity needs and identify when and where infrastructure expansion is necessary, ensuring network reliability and adaptability to evolving demands of public safety communication and the community’s needs.
Its flexibility also enables the seamless integration of future technologies and provides the visibility and control needed to maintain operational excellence.
A Challenge Faced By First Responder Networks Everywhere
The challenges that Pierce County faced with network visibility and bandwidth management are not unique. Across the country, first responder networks are dealing with increasing complexity, growing demand, and evolving technology. These systems are the backbone of public safety.
Cyberzcape NMS has shown how it can transform networks like Pierce County’s, and we know it can do the same for you. Whether you’re responsible for a local system or managing communications across multiple agencies, our team is ready to help enhance your network’s reliability, optimize bandwidth, and ensure that your first responders have the tools they need to keep communities safe.
