Public safety agencies rely on clear, secure and adaptable communications, with systems that are capable of interoperability to accommodate various agencies that may use different products. With these specific needs in mind, certain technology stands out as the most efficient and effective for first responders.
Public service radio systems were once limited to traditional two-way radio systems that transmitted communications via radio waves. Improvements in technology led to Radio over Internet Protocol (RoIP), which helps transmit two-way radio communications over an IP network, such as the Internet. This Radio over IP technology converts radio signals into digital packets, which are then transmitted over the IP network. The packets are then decoded and converted back into radio signals at the receiving end. The use of an IP network for radio over IP allows users to communicate over greater distances and with more people than traditional two-way radio systems.
RoIP can also be used to connect a P25 radio network to other devices and systems, including analog equipment, smartphones, and other radio systems. The P25, or Project 25, technology was developed in 1989 by public safety groups and federal agencies to provide interoperability among different equipment manufacturers. The technology enhances radio power for first responders and security-sensitive public agencies, offering between five and 10 times the power of an LTE device. This allows expansion of radio communication networks without having to spend money on additional infrastructure. The technology also enhances the security of radio networks and allows users to configure systems that serve their organizations best.
How does RoIP serve P25 communications technology?
RoIP serves as the main link between P25 radios and different systems by connecting:
- Analog equipment: RoIP gateways connect analog devices like phones, consoles or radios to a P25 network, allowing communication between analog and digital devices in the same group.
- Smartphones: RoIP connects smartphone users with push-to-talk apps to those using other types of radios.
- Other radio systems: RoIP offers interoperability between different types of radio systems, such as P25, DMR, MOTOTRBO, and NEXEDGE.
What are the advantages of P25 radio systems?
P25 radio systems offer public safety agencies a variety of benefits, including:
- Expanded coverage: P25 systems are stronger, allowing greater coverage with less infrastructure.
- Improved reliability: P25 systems are less vulnerable to outages caused by natural disasters like storms than traditional radio network systems.
- Increased safety features: P25 systems offer expanded features that provide GPS location tracking and emergency alerts.
- Enhanced flexibility: P25 systems allow public safety agencies to host a variety of manufacturers on one system.
How do P25 systems maintain reliability?
P25 vendors must ensure that their products are certified as being compliant with requirements established by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. The agency produces a list of P25 compliant equipment that state and local agencies use to ensure the equipment they purchase meets the government’s standards. The P25 standard is critical to achieving interoperability among different manufacturers’ products. DHS ensures that equipment used by public safety agencies is tested for interoperability and meets the standards.
What P25 radio systems are the best?
Despite existing standards to ensure compliance, not all P25 radios are equal. This requires any agency considering purchasing these systems to evaluate certain criteria, including:
Available features
Many manufacturers offer additional features, including:
- AES-256 voice encryption
- Over-the-Air Encryption Re-keying
- GPS location determination capability
- Operational for at least 12 hours on a single battery charge
- Ability to transact group and private/individual calls
- Able to work with third-party microphone/earpiece accessories
Address specific communication needs
Agencies should first identify specific communications needs. If interoperability with nearby first responders and neighboring public safety agencies is a priority, identify the systems they use and features they prefer. Building similar systems could benefit all parties. If protecting communications from unauthorized listeners is a priority, focus on high-level encryption.
Boost buying power
Public service agencies have options when it comes to finding the best P25 radio system for the best price. With that said, consider purchasing radio equipment separately from the transmission infracture process. This will ensure you maintain flexibility in your selections, and you obtain truly competitive equipment bids that are not limited by infrastructure choices.
