A smooth migration of existing PMR networks, leveraging existing sites and customer investments, is becoming possible
During the last few months, Cassidian, together with its partner Alcatel-Lucent, successfully conducted extensive Long Term Evolution trials in 4G LTE pilot networks in France, Spain, the Middle East and Mexico. The partnership of Cassidian and Alcatel-Lucent aims to provide field radio communications systems with mobile broadband data capabilities, whereby Cassidian is using its know-how in the design of PMR solutions and products in the 400 MHz range and control room applications, and Alcatel-Lucent is leveraging its expertise in LTE. All tests clearly showed the benefits of using LTE to improve public services while using existing infrastructure.
The objective of the 4G LTE pilots was to validate the performance of the new technology in terms of coverage and capacity and to define future operational needs for applications. All tests proved that by leveraging existing sites and using neighbouring frequency bands, new 4G mobile broadband capabilities can be added to existing Tetrapol and TETRA networks in a non-disruptive and cost-effective way. The broadband services tested complied with the required levels of availability, reliability and resilience, all of which are imperative for public safety organizations’ mission communications. The new dual-mode base station developed by Cassidian and Alcatel-Lucent was used to support both Tetrapol and TETRA and LTE services.
Public safety organisations (e.g. police, fire brigades and emergency organisations) are facing an increasing need for data capacities in order to be able to minimise the impact of new threats like international crime and terrorism. The LTE standard has not been designed with the needs of public safety users in mind. Thus, traditional PMR technologies like Tetrapol and TETRA are evolving to cope with such needs, aiming for new, very high-speed broadband capacities that are required by public safety and emergency users. The implementation of broadband services and applications aims to increase the efficiency and speed in decision making and mission planning, thanks to improved situational awareness.