Radios and Cell Phone Interoperability
/The concept of secure radio communication systems can be traced back to the 1800s. More than two centuries later, the use of two-way radios has become dominant across several industries — from the police workforce, emergency use, the military to businesses and academic institutions.
While this technology offers a number of advantages over more modern communication tools — including durability and reliability especially in remote locations — it can still be maximized through the concept of radio and cell phone interoperability. This breaks radio’s limitations and allows it to be operated along with other voice networks.
The Emergence of Network-Based Solutions
To connect radios with cell phone users, radio communication systems should be integrated with other types of networks. But how do these network-based solutions work?
The base of these solutions is an intelligent network composed of a server, a push-to-talk management center, routers and other components, and land mobile radio (LMR) gateways. The LMR gateway, in particular, is tasked to convert traffic coming from analog radios into Internet Protocol (IP) packets. With this, the network-based solution will be able to expand the traditional radio’s reach. In this network, radio channels are mapped to an IP multicast address — and any user that has access to IP-linked gadgets can join the previously closed-off push-to-talk network.
The Advantages of IP-based Radio System
The benefits of having secure radio communication systems has been proven the ability to have private, uninterrupted conversations that prevents hackers and malicious persons from misusing when is transferred by the two parties communicating.
Radios communications can be enhanced once they become interoperable with other voice networks, including cellular phones.
IP-based radio interoperability. which allows user to connect radios with cell phone user, offers the following advantages:
It is easy to install, deploy, and use. Compared to other alternatives, IP-based networks are easier and quicker to install than building out a high frequency radio infrastructure. They are also easier to use and deploy, further boosting their cost-effectiveness.
It makes communications more efficient. Once you make secure radio communication systems interoperable, it will be easier for you to make operations more seamless and communications, more efficient. With cellular network usage dominating communication traffic, the ability to connect radios with cell phone users allows for more efficient communications. Additionally, command-and-control features will become more streamlined — allowing you to save more of your resources in the process.
It is scalable and flexible. Communication needs change as time goes by. What makes IP-based radio interoperability a superior solution is its flexibility and scalability. Layering on gateways for RoIP systems has become very simple for the entities involved.
It offers security. Communication networks should first and foremost be secure. So should the network that allows the interoperability of two different voice networks. IP-based interoperability is known to offer more layers of security before a user gets access to a talk group.
It offers better access to crucial data. Once a user enters a network via an RoIP gateway, he or she can gain access to database information (e.g. Geographic Information Systems data) and relay that data to anyone who might be needing it. Ultimately, this will create a communication platform that’s more resilient, efficient, and collaborative.