Communications

It's an exciting time for communications. Data over voice is changing to voice over data. System components are IP enabled so they connect over an IP network, providing many improvements and opportunities, while introducing all the complexities and security issues experienced by IP networks.

Developments in digital Land Mobile Radio (LMR) technology provide plenty of choices; P25, NXDN, DMR, or TETRA. Deciding which is the best solution depends on the situation.

Public Safety broadband, smart grid and other initiatives are pushing the bandwidth required to end devices and expanding the connectedness of networks, as well as data sharing.

While these new technologies provide interesting opportunities, they also bring new challenges. Encryption can secure voice communication, but ensuring that encrypted communications continues to work and remains secure requires comprehensive operations procedures. Public Safety broadband and NG911 will provide opportunities for information sharing, while connecting together networks that typically operated in isolation. IP network security will be important in the initial designs and in ongoing support.

There are also business benefits from the new digital radio technologies. Many radios include GPS receivers, so location data can be collected for dispatch coordination, emergencies and fleet management.

	Interoperability
	P25
	P25 vs LTE - The Future of Public Safety Communications
	Radio Forums & Information
	Public Safety Broadband
	Finding The Best Radio Solution
	Industry Canada (IC) - CDN
	Federal Communications Commission (FCC) - USA

Two Way Radio Is Still Important

On a good day there are few problems and there are multiple forms of communications available; radios, cell phones, smart phones, etc. But the radio system is not designed for good days, it’s designed for the bad days. Bad days are when there are life safety issues and someone’s life is depending on their radio, or there is a disaster and other communications systems are overloaded or failed.

Two Way Radio Is More Than Just Radios

It takes more than just radios to make a useful communications tool. There is the infrastructure that the radios communicate over, the supplier of the system and the capabilities and configuration of the radios themselves.

Radios are no longer a simple device. They are now software configurable with many options, menus, and capabilities. Having detailed requirements and knowing their priority is critical to ensuring that the radios selected, provide the features and functionality desired.

Include The Users From The Beginning

New radio systems are going digital, which brings new capabilities like GPS tracking and encryption, which may require some discussion to reach consensus on whether to implement them and how. Employees may see GPS tracking as a violation of their work agreements, or lack of trust. Introducing encryption may be important, but it brings new support issues. Discussion up front ensures that the required features are implemented and in a way that meets the organizations needs.

Get It Right At The Start

Getting it right the first time is critical. Radio systems last 10 to 15 years, and with standards based systems, components can be upgraded over time, so the system may last much longer. If it is the wrong solution, that's a long time for people to live with the flaws.

Where Does TETRA Fit In?

TETRA (Terrestrial Trunked Radio) is often referred to as the Public Safety standard outside North America. The first TETRA system was deployed in 1997.

TETRA is standards based, so equipment from different vendors will work together. With development taking place over a significant length of time, there are many specialized radios and interfaces available, providing depth to TETRA capabilities.

The move of TETRA into North America has created apprehension and confusion about the role of TETRA and who will use it. In North America, the recommended and preferred radio standard for Public Safety use is P25. The majority of Public Safety systems installed are P25, although some continue with Analog systems, while others have implemented DMR or NXDN systems.

With a clear preference for P25 in Public Safety, TETRA is left to compete with DMR and NXDN for the smaller Public Safety systems, as well as other markets such as utilities, transportation, mining and business.

Looking at the different equipment vendors and the systems they sell, it is clear that TETRA provides a non P25 solution for vendors who were typically not already active in the that market.

While not a comprehensive assessment, the WillowFalls white paper "Finding The Best Radio Solution", provides a summary of vendors and the 4 digital radio technologies.