New Developments in Wireless Coverage Technology

New Developments
in Wireless Coverage:
Technology | Policy | Applications
RadioResource TM
C O M M U N I C A T I O N S
Educational Series
Sponsored by
2 I New Developments in Wireless Coverage: Technology | Policy | Applications
Coverage Proves Critical

During a Challenging Year
By Danny Ramey
Coverage is critical for all communications systems. If you
can’t receive a signal, you can’t communicate.
Coverage has become even more complex in recent years
as public-safety agencies continue to employ a variety of tried
and true communications such as LMR, alongside new and
evolving technologies such as LTE and 5G. While LMR remains
the key tool for public safety, most agencies are adding LTE to to provide
first responders additional options to deal with the challenges they face.
Since the last time we explored coverage in an ebook, AT&T in partnership
with the First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet Authority) launched the
FirstNet network, giving first responders a dedicated nationwide public-safety
broadband network offering key benefits such as priority and pre-emption.
AT&T’s competitor Verizon has also launched a dedicated public-safety core
offering similar benefits. These new public-safety broadband communications
networks offer first responders advantages such as increased situational
awareness and access to video and other data. This combination of LMR
and LTE technologies has proven critical to first responders in what has
been an unrelenting year of emergency events.
Another major challenge facing first responder communications is in-building
coverage. As cities continue to grow and more large buildings go up, it is
essential to ensure that first responders have coverage within buildings when
disaster strikes. Loss of in-building communications puts both residents’ and
responders’ lives in danger. In-building coverage is a complex topic, and
ensuring the best possible coverage requires selection of the right components
for your mission, as well as diligent signal mapping. The second section of
this ebook will help you achieve excellent in-building coverage.
This year, the COVID-19 pandemic, fires and hurricanes challenged first
responders. The fourth section of our ebook offers insights on preparing your
system to ensure coverage during a disaster, as well as how organizations
around the country have dealt with disasters such as COVID-19, hurricanes
and wildfires. We hope the section is useful in helping prepare you and your
emergency organization for whatever challenges lay ahead.
This ebook is packed with a wealth of information that provides critical
analyses for both LMR and LTE systems, as well as in-building coverage. We
hope you find it helpful to your network enhancements and buildouts.
MissionCritical Communications I www.MCCmag.com

New Developments in Wireless Coverage: Technology | Policy | Applications
Contents
Foreword: Danny Ramey, Editor, MissionCritical Communications .........................2
Section 1: LMR Coverage

Frequency Sharing in Today’s LMR/SMR Networks..............................................8
A Case Study on Jurisdictional Coverage for Public-Safety Systems .................14
How Wireless Mics Can Improve Coverage ........................................................18
Connecticut’s P25 ISSI Applications ...................................................................23
An Overview of Current Industry Interference Concerns ....................................29
Section 2: In-Building Coverage

How Signal Mapping Tools Ensure LMR and LTE In-Building Coverage ............34
Determining the Best In-Building Configuration for You ......................................40
In-Building Coverage Verification ........................................................................44
How to Choose a Battery Backup for Public-Safety Communications ................52
Overcoming Public-Safety DAS Design and Coverage Monitoring Challenges ..58
In-Building Market Expects to See Changes from New UL Standard .................64
Section 3: LTE and FirstNet Coverage

Six Critical Questions About MCPTT for ECCs...................................................70
The PTT Interoperability Challenge ....................................................................76
An Updated Interoperability Framework ..............................................................84
LTE Interoperability Across Borders....................................................................92
Off-Network Communications Revisited ...........................................................101
Section 4: Disaster Response

Maintain Communications During Disasters with Satellite ................................110
New Backhaul Demands ...................................................................................112
Mesh Networks Provide Public-Safety Coverage When Networks Go Down....117
COVID-19 Coverage Impacts............................................................................120
Disaster Response with Satellite ......................................................................125
Sponsors
Thank you to the following sponsors for making this e-book possible!
STI-CO Industries, Inc. ...........3 Wireless Corporation Ltd. .....19 Microlab ................................59
VIAVI Solutions LLC................5 Sinclair Technologies ............33 Zetron, Inc.............................71
EF Johnson Technologies .......7 Get Wireless .........................41 SLA Corporation ...................77
Damm Cellular Systems .........9 PCTEL, Inc. ..........................45 Icom America Inc. ...............109
Softwright LLC ......................15 Newmar.................................53 Sponsor Profiles..................130
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Website: www.MCCmag.com
Section 1: LMR Coverage
Frequency Sharing in Today’s LMR/SMR Networks..................................................8
A Case Study on Jurisdictional Coverage for Public-Safety Systems .....................14
How Wireless Mics Can Improve Coverage ............................................................18
Connecticut’s P25 ISSI Applications .......................................................................23
An Overview of Current Industry Interference Concerns ........................................29
RadioResource TM
Educational Series
Frequency Sharing in
Today’s LMR/SMR Networks
When planning a
radio communications
network, two key
challenges facing net-
work planners are
ensuring coverage and
capacity and reducing
network complexity.
These are issues that
impact both the quality
of the radio communication network and the total cost of ownership (TCO).
In this article, DAMM Cellular Systems Inc. CEO Dave Thuringer examines
these challenges and looks at specific ways to overcome these challenges.
What issues prove most challenging to owners and operators of

today’s LMR/SMR networks?
Acquiring spectrum. Acquisition of spectrum is a key challenge. In
some jurisdictions, accessing sufficient frequencies can be difficult, while
in others, the cost of frequencies can drive decision-making. In both
instances, this can lead to limited options for delivering a functional,
available network.
TCO. Optimizing costs can be a big challenge when it comes to spectrum
requirements. One not only needs to obtain licenses that are optimal to the
immediate network needs, consideration has to be given to the spectral
requirements as the network grows and scales. In addition, the availability
of frequencies at a future date can never be guaranteed.
The density of the network also plays a huge role; low-density areas tend
to be more costly than higher density areas, as frequency licenses that may
not serve many users must be paid for. Therefore, balancing the spectral
needs for coverage/capacity can have long-term implications for TCO.
Availability and coverage. In critical communications networks, whether
serving a commercial or public need, high availability of network services is
imperative. This involves not only engineering the network for adequate
coverage but also building into the design resiliency in the coverage by
overlapping base station footprints and also employing a technology that

10 I Frequency Sharing in Today’s LMR/SMR Networks Frequency Sharing in Today’s LMR/SMR Networks I 11
guarantees fast call-setup times and call priorities. loses network connectivity and/or how to engineer redundancy.
Furthermore, parts of the network may have special coverage needs such Distributing network intelligence and services. Typically, communication
as in-building, subterrain and in-tunnel settings, all of which challenge a networks rely on a centralized subscriber/group database, which by
network designer by increasing the complexity of the deliverables. design can be a potential single point of failure. This highlights two more
Complex network management. Finally, networks are often very considerations: how to distribute networkwide information to ensure all base
complex, and network elements are quite costly. When designing business- stations and gateways have the data available to users, and how to protect
critical radio networks, it is not uncommon to rely on a number of systems to against backbone transmission breaks, which are common failure sources.
achieve a result. Consider optical distributed antenna systems (DAS) and Anticipating capacity requirements to futureproof the investment.
network monitoring elements. Today, having two or three stand-alone Careful planning of current and future capacity requirements is essential to
systems integrated to meet requirements invariably drives up the complexity create the most efficient cost-effective network possible, both now and in
and leads to increased operational expenses relating to training, installation, the future. When planning a network, it is therefore important to consider
management, monitoring and maintenance. scalability and how easy it will be to expand system resources. Another
factor that needs to be taken into account is how the network will be able
What considerations should be made when designing an to interoperate with adjacent networks, including broadband/LTE, which
LMR/SMR network? increasingly will play a larger part in the radio communication networks of
User details. One of the first considerations is the number of users and the future.
the location(s) of these users, as this will establish the density profile of the
network and the topology specifics. Is the coverage area a wide, open space How does DAMM address these challenges?
with relatively few users; a highly populated environment with lots of structures The DAMM MultiTech Outdoor BS422 base station was developed to
and a significant number of users that require indoor coverage; or is it a address a lot of the challenges facing modern-day network designers and
hybrid of both? operators. It has the unique ability to enable adjacent base stations to share
Optimizing spectrum usage. For low-density networks characterized by frequencies and create RF zones that are groups of synchronized coverage
a coverage setting with few users, the main consideration will be the cost areas.
of frequencies needed to serve the number of users. Consider a linear Fewer frequencies, same coverage and capacity. This provides a
application, such as a pipeline or a rail line. Here, coverage is paramount, solution that addresses the problems of frequency scarcity and costs by
and capacity of the site is secondary, whereas the opposite would be allowing operators to configure base stations to share frequencies and des-
paramount in a refinery or industrial plant setting. ignate BS422s as repeaters.
Reducing network complexity. When transitioning from a macro net- Full redundancy. In turn, the solution introduces redundancy to your
work to an indoor or tunnel setting, the issue facing network designers is network design on two levels: by radio cells overlapping sufficiently to cover
selecting the least complex option that ensures sufficient signal strength even if one base station fails and by enabling any of the repeater-configured
and capacity. In these scenarios, it easy to add complexity by using optical base stations to take over as master base station if the master base station
and off-air repeater systems and DAS. This approach adds additional fails. Additionally, frequency sharing minimizes TCO as the system can be
layers of network operations and management, which also translates into kept running during maintenance as all information is replicated to all base
increased cost, so particular attention has to be paid to ways of reducing stations.
these costs. One type of hardware only. Consider an indoor coverage requirement.
Engineering for redundancy and availability. Critical communications Replacing optical or RF repeaters and associated DAS infrastructure with
networks demand high availability and redundancy. These important base stations means instant benefit from a single type of hardware, with
elements have to be designed into the network architecture. It is important operational and maintenance spares and parts being reduced.
to consider how to ensure communications if a base station breaks down or Additionally, using the same type of hardware means there is only one
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New Developments in Wireless Coverage: Technology | Policy | Applications New Developments in Wireless Coverage: Technology | Policy | Applications
12 I Frequency Sharing in Today’s LMR/SMR Networks Frequency Sharing in Today’s LMR/SMR Networks I 13
network management software platform to deploy, simplifying the way the railway/pipeline applications.
network is monitored and managed. Furthermore, this simplified setup n Coverage in limited geographical area for mining/industrial complexes.
requires less training.
Full availability at lower costs. In an outdoor setting with few users, the If you are operating within any of these setups, a frequency sharing
number of frequencies used is often disproportionate to the number of users, solution is a simplified, cost-efficient solution to consider. The solution can
creating unnecessary license costs. Consider the linear example referred to deliver optimized spectrum and reduced network complexity, with a markedly
earlier. A rail line would normally need around five or six frequency pairs, improved TCO.
depending on propagation conditions to cover the line from end to end.
Using DAMM’s frequency sharing, the same availability can be accomplished
using just two frequency pairs, leading to a reduction in cost of at least 60%,
when considering the costs of licensing.
Minimizing TCO. With the frequency sharing solution, total cost of sharing
is markedly improved on a number of parameters:
n Licenses: Fewer frequency licenses are needed to cover the same area.
n Installation: There is no need for dedicated optical fiber for a separate
DAS system.
n Maintenance: It is less expensive to maintain one system instead of two.
Additionally, with a fully redundant system the system can be kept running
during maintenance, avoiding costly downtime.
n Training: Training costs are reduced, as staff only need to be trained in
one type of hardware and software.
n Hardware configuration: A repeater can be reconfigured as a base sta-
tion with a simple software license.
Better RF performance. Unlike DAS repeaters, the BS422 base station

does not degrade receiver sensitivity. Also, in a typical mast-mounted setup,
the close proximity of the base station to the antenna reduces the loss of
transmitted power. Apart from the obvious advantages of maximum
transmission (TX) power, this also means that the base station consumes
less DC power, leading to reduced operational costs.
What network applications would benefit most from frequency sharing?

There are a number of scenarios for which frequency sharing would be the
ideal solution.
n Tunnel coverage for transit/transport, instead of optical repeater DAS.
n Coverage in a building/structure, using the same frequencies as the
adjacent outdoor base station for areas such as utility/refinery/windfarm,
instead of off-air repeaters.
n Coverage along a straight line with towers of similar height for

A Case Study on Jurisdictional

Coverage for Public-Safety Systems
By Todd A. Summers
ACCEELERATE YOUR RF DESIGN
Figure 1
SoftWrig
ght, LLC is the developer of the Ter
e rain Analysis Package
Jurisdictional coverage for (TA
AP™) terrestrial RF propagation software. TA
AP™ is used worldwide
public-safety systems can
by privatte and public entities to design and analyze critica
al wireless
be assessed as a function of
commun
nication systems.
service level and reliability.
A typical system coverage Discoverr how TA
AP™ 7 can accelerate your RF design.
requirement for a particular
system configuration
including indoor/outdoor, mobile/portable and/or talk out/talkback, could be
a defined digital audio quality (DAQ) level X% of the time over Y% of a
defined area. This is a basic requirement definition; there are several other
coverage measures that could also be used.
Let’s look at an example. In this example, we perform a case study of
outdoor mobile talkback coverage to DAQ 3.4, at 95% reliability, or 95% of
the time, from nine base stations within Douglas County, Colorado. Note that
this example is for illustrative purposes only. When performing this type of
analysis, you should use the system configuration information and RF
settings appropriate for your system and your RF environment.
A service jurisdiction could be a state, a county, a municipal area or other
defined service area. For this example, Douglas County, south of Denver,
was selected. We use the county boundary, defined within a shape file, as
the boundary for our case study.
Fixed Facility Parameters

The statewide Colorado Digital Trunk Radio System (DTRS) has two
simulcast subsystems within Douglas County operating in the 800 MHz
PAT
ATH DESIGN:
band: the six-site North system and the three-site South system. Each • VHFF//UHF Links
subsystem utilizes a common set of frequencies. The locations and antenna • Microwave Links
heights for the sites were retrieved from the FCC database for use in the • Reliabilitty Studie
es
study. All other parameters for the study were approximated and the result
of this case study should not be considered representative of the system,
in practice. Coverage from sites in adjoining counties and the spillover from COVERAGE STUD
DIES:
these sites into other counties were not considered. For the case study, • Land Mobile Rad
dio
North sites transmit at 70 watts (W) effective radiated power (ERP), and
• Ground-to-Air
• Terrain Shadowin
ng
SoftWrightt.com | 800.728.4033 | sales@softwright.com

16 I A Case Study on Jurisdictional Coverage for Public-Safety Systems A Case Study on Jurisdictional Coverage for Public-Safety Systems I 17
South sites transmit at 90 W ERP. For all sites, an omnidirectional antenna is bilinear interpolation of the four closest points. Talkout frequencies are
assumed, with 10 dBd gain. Implementation loss, including connector losses, 858.5875 and 858.5375 MHz for the North and South sites, respectively.
transmission losses and more, of 4 dB is assumed as well. We assume a Talkback frequencies are 813.5875 and 813.5375 MHz for the North and
receiver with a digital sensitivity of -123 dBm for 5% bit error rate (BER). South sites, respectively. The span of the frequencies in the individual groups
is less than 10 megahertz, so there is little difference in the propagation
Subscriber Unit Parameters effects over the band; thus, which frequency within the band is used for the
Mobile and portable units were configured, each with antennas at 5 feet study has little impact on the study itself. The study is run over a grid with
above ground level (AGL). Mobile units transmit at 15 W, with a 3 dBd points spaced every 100 meters in the north-south and east-west directions.
omnidirectional antenna; portable units transmit at 1 W, with a -2 dBd
omnidirectional antenna. Mobile and portable receiver digital sensitivities are Coverage Aggregation
assumed to be -121.5 dBm and -120.5 dBm, respectively, Studies were performed for each of the nine sites for mobile and portable
for a 5% BER. configurations and the talk out and talkback directions. The results were
combined in a post-processing step to determine the total, composite
Propagation Model coverage for each configuration. Figure 1 shows the composite talkback
The most widely-used terrestrial propagation model is Longley-Rice. coverage for mobile units. Each color corresponds to the best-serving fixed
For this study, we use LR(50,50), Longley-Rice in “individual” variability facility for each study point; white study points indicate points that do not
mode, with situation and time percentages each set to 50%, and no location have service from any of the nine sites that meets the design requirements.
variability. This configuration outputs the median predicted RF propagation Remember, as mentioned above, this study does not include coverage
loss due to terrain, which allows for the link variability to be handled from adjoining counties, nor coverage from other systems, such as those
separately. We use K=4/3 for effective curvature, continental temperate supported by federal and other agencies. These nine sites provide robust
climate, and average ground for permittivity and conductivity. coverage over the northern and central portions of the county, while
supplemental coverage would be needed for the southwestern section of
Sensitivity Thresholds the county, which is particularly rugged terrain. For this configuration, and
The modulation is C4FM, which has CS/N = 7.6 dB. For DAQ 3.4, CF/N = the selected parameters that were used, these nine sites cover 83.2% of the
17.7 dB. The faded performance threshold (FPT) is calculated by adding county, to a DAQ 3.4 and 95% reliability. n
CF/N - CS/N = 10.1 dB to the receiver’s 5% BER sensitivity. The FPT values
for the fixed facility, mobile and portable are -112.9 dBm, -111.4 dBm and Dr. Todd Summers holds bachelor’s of science, master’s of science and
-110.4 dBm, respectively. We assume log-normal fading with a standard PhD degrees in electrical engineering from the University of Virginia.
deviation of σ = 6.5 dB. For 95% reliability, the standard deviate is Z = 1.645, Summers has developed, analyzed and supported satellite and terrestrial
so the reliability margin is Z*σ = 1.645*6.5 = 10.7 dB. Including an additional RF communication systems for commercial and Department of Defense
1 dB of uncertainty margin, the sensitivity thresholds are calculated by (DoD) applications for more than 20 years. He has served as SoftWright
adding 11.7 dB to the FPT values. The resulting sensitivity thresholds — director of research and development since 2012.
corresponding to DAQ 3.4, 95% reliability — for the fixed facility, mobile and
portable are -101.2 dBm, -99.7 dBm and -98.7 dBm, respectively.
Study Setup
For the study, 1/3 arc second, approximately 10-meter resolution, United
States Geological Survey (USGS) National Elevation Dataset (NED) terrain
data is used. For each path, terrain data is sampled at 100-meter step, from

How Wireless Mics

Can Improve Coverage
By Martin Cahill
In the past, productivity

was chiefly the domain of
office or factory workers,
but in recent times, all
workers, whatever their
calling, are being pushed
to deliver much more in
their available work
hours. For those who
provide their services throughout the nation, responding wherever the public
demands, they need to deal with not only a more complicated world but one
that is not always friendly.
In tune with evolving Occupational Safety and Health Administration
(OSHA) requirements, employers realize the moral and fiscal need to
continue to step up to the plate to prioritize the safety and security of all their
staff wherever their work duties take them. Couple that with the escalating
“ambulance-chasing” legal community and its inherent thirst to litigate any
lack of performance by a government or corporate service provider and
the demands of how we manage our response teams are even more
heightened.
We are now well into the 21st century, and Apple is now producing
dedicated computer chips with 16 billion transistors on board and iPhones
that can do just about anything imaginable. In contrast, the staid but steady
two-way radio industry is still hanging on to RF coverage methodologies that
have withstood the test of time but have been with us for 90 years and surely
warrant a considered rethink.
All of us who “live and breathe” two-way radio know that getting enough
coverage is always the challenge. The development of wide-area trunked
networks like SmartZone, Open Sky and TETRA incited great hopes that
these trunked, pooled frequency networks would deliver all the mobile
coverage we would ever need. Alas, like traffic lanes on the latest interstate
highway, they have quickly outgrown initial capacity with demands for more
and more on-the-ground handheld portable coverage. Furthermore, the

20 I How Wireless Mics Can Improve Coverage How Wireless Mics Can Improve Coverage I 21
expansion cost for training and the operational perplexing issue of not hearing the trunk system
just “a little more” access tones in times of urgency.
portable radio cov- Many seasoned players know only too well these realities after trying
erage on these these solutions out of necessity. Naturally, there are times when these
monolith propri- solutions do pass the financial and operational approval checklist, especially
etary infrastructure for those who often need to walk miles from their vehicle off-road into the
backbones, as wilderness, whereas most of us will generally just get back in the vehicle and
many have finan- drive where we need to be. If considering such a solution, then it is always
cially weathered, well exceeds what in the past would have been budgeted a good idea to go and talk to real end-users and perhaps not just take the
for a complete system replacement. referral endorsement as gospel. After all, you are going have to deal with
After 70-plus years, we still are struggling to talk to a person in a vehicle to how your field teams respond to your new coverage choice. Luckily, an
inform them of a location where they are needed to fulfill their duties. The alternative exists.
question remains: how best do we talk to our staff when they get out of their In 2012, Wireless Pacific created and introduced the X10DR, a mobile
vehicle? Today’s full-featured, high performance, digital portable radios are wireless remote speaker microphone (RSM). The RSM was a new and
perfect other than one small detail: they need a doubling or tripling of the innovative concept to address the issue of network coverage. The mic
base station infrastructure, especially for in-building coverage. If you have challenged the proposition that one needs to spend big money on infrastructure
the funding, fine, but for the other 85% of the real two-way community, what expansion to ensure portable, on-ground coverage when an at-scene high
are their options? power vehicle-mounted mobile can be readily harnessed to provide solid
Sadly, the reality is that most organizations do nothing, simply leaving the coverage back into the network without exorbitant cost and complexity.
field worker to make do. There is always the public address system option The X10DR’s out-of-vehicle solution was designed using two trusted
that broadcasts radio traffic all over the district, but that doesn't quite meet communications truisms: human-operated devices should be simple to use
the privacy or noise abatement requirements of today. Alternatively, a call on and require minimal or zero user training. The best of these devices provide
the employee’s private cellphone is more often than not used. a reliable open-space bubble of 30 to 500 meters around the vehicle.
People buy two-way radio systems so a dedicated group of workers can The solution provides coverage only in the areas that users are most likely
instantly share information. So all team members are aware, at all times, of the to move, predicated on the idea that users will always move their vehicle
well-being and demands of the work team as a whole. If that’s not the reason closest to where they perform their duties.
you use your radio then stop reading now, throw your radios in the trash, head So, how are wireless microphones different than the past vehicular
to your local T-Mobile or AT&T store and buy the latest cellphone wizardry from repeater systems? From a financial perspective, you can typically equip a
Apple, Samsung and others. Enjoy the communications magic that can be vehicle with a wireless speaker microphone for a lone park ranger for under
achieved on these “best supported” radio backbones in the country as you are $500, or two police in a vehicle for $1,000, or three electrical workers in a
welcomed to the world of one-on-one individual calls, where no one knows bucket truck for under $1,400. That’s around 10% of the traditional approaches.
what’s really going on, other than on Facebook, of course. Ultralight and often IP67 rated, these wireless speaker microphones are
Did someone say why not invest in a mobile repeater? Invest indeed. usually worn on the shoulder for peak coverage. In-vehicle charging and
Your average Project 25 (P25) mobile might set you back $1,500 to $4,000, high-capacity batteries ensure users never need to worry about the charged
depending on your access to a Government Services Administration (GSA) condition. Audio performance is generally outstanding and provides
contract; however, that fades in comparison when also providing two officers handheld-like sound pressure level (SPL) output. Many feature the
with a digital mobile repeater and P25 encrypted portables. It’s another industry’s best noise-cancellation technology, so even conversations next
$14,000 later and this is in addition to the issues of frequency availability, to a fire pump are loud and clear. Installation packages typically include
licensing, multivehicle collision, receiver filters, shared channels, extensive multipolarity antennas for enhanced multipath performance. This enhances

22 I How Wireless Mics Can Improve Coverage New Developments in Wireless Coverage: Technology | Policy | Applications I 23
non-line-of-sight communications in areas such as out-of-building lobbies,

suburban homes, local power substations or the local Starbucks.
Connecticut’s P25
Wireless speaker microphones provide lone workers with an all-important ISSI Applications
instant link to call for help in times of crisis. However, it’s in the area of
vehicle-based work teams that sets this technology apart, as they deliver By Scott Wright
on the promise of two-way radios’ group communications baseline and more.
Some advanced models allow two or three users to share one common Public-safety communications
gateway device. Their RF architecture permits each handset user to professionals often refer to a
communicate privately with each other on site, via a totally exclusive, system-of-systems approach to
Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) secure, license-free, virtual private improve LMR coverage and
channel. Users are free to talk locally as much as they desire anywhere in interoperability with neighboring
the country, without any concern for co-channel users. Due to their inherent jurisdictions. First responders
full-duplex capability, conversations can transpire whilst never missing a operating across multiple local
spoken word over the host mobile radio channel. Any user can respond jurisdictions and large geographic
Photo courtesy Town of Stonington Police Department

instantly by pressing the microphone’s radio push-to-talk (PTT) button, and if areas, such as state and federal
two users respond simultaneously, they both hear each other, so confusion law enforcement, require both
of who said what is a thing of the past. coverage and interoperability when
Wireless speaker microphones, for a small incremental increase in vehicle they roam between systems to
fit-up cost, maintain the “always informed, team-based” integrity of two-way ensure their safety and the suc-
radio. Network design remains purely for high-powered mobile radio cess of their missions.
coverage, except perhaps in built-up metro downtown areas where high-rise When conventional systems
buildings and traffic density mean portable radios are a more viable solution. dominated the public-safety world,
The significant infrastructure and portable radio cost savings easily fund the system managers could simply
microphone purchase cost many times over. Leftover system funds can then program the channels of nearby jurisdictions into a user’s radio and tell the
be spent more effectively on expanding the network as a whole for greater user to switch to a channel belonging to the local system as they moved
mobile radio coverage, rather than inefficiently trying to backfill for low power across jurisdictions. However, as communications technology has evolved
handhelds. and provided additional features such as trunking and data transmission, the
As many users testify, “It's a practical and proven answer to extended task of creating an integrated system-of-systems architecture that allows a
coverage as it allows you to only pay for coverage where and when it’s user to switch seamlessly between systems has become significantly more
operationally needed, and that changes everything.” n complex. The interoperability of consoles — particularly consoles from
disparate manufacturers — also became a challenge that, initially, was often
Martin Cahill is founder and CEO of Wireless Corp. Ltd., the inventors and addressable only with a complicated and expensive ad hoc solution.
manufacturer of Wireless Pacific’s X10DR Secure Wireless Microphones. His Fortunately, the user-driven Project 25 (P25) community has made great
career in two-way radio has spanned almost 50 years, half of which was at strides in facilitating the standards-based interoperability of LMR systems
Motorola Solutions, joining as a field service technician and culminating as and consoles, regardless of manufacturer. This work has reduced costs to
director of systems integration and engineering for its radio network systems public safety by increasing competition between manufacturers in the
group in its Asia Pacific Division. market and has improved first responder safety and operational efficiency
by facilitating more rapid and reliable interagency communications.
Particularly relevant to the system-of-systems approach is

24 I Connecticut’s P25 ISSI Applications Connecticut’s P25 ISSI Applications I 25
TIA-102. BACC-B, the primary document in the P25 suite of standards that government services to taxpayers.
addresses the Inter RF Subsystem Interface (ISSI), as well as TIA-102.BAGA, Connecticut faced a variety of challenges with the implementation of the
which outlines the Console Subsystem Interface (CSSI). Using these P25 ISSI and CSSI, but many were overcome by working with manufacturers
standards, several manufacturers have built equipment that can connect and other users through the FPIC ISSI/CSSI focus group and other forums.
directly to other consoles and systems, including trunked systems produced The use of the P25 ISSI and CSSI interfaces with Connecticut’s statewide
by different manufacturers. system has become important in a number of areas. Three applications in
the state serve as examples.
Implementation Challenges The regional rail transportation provider covers a large area, spanning
The ISSI/CSSI standards may be the most difficult P25 interfaces to multiple states. To support its law enforcement operation, the provider
implement. The task of interconnecting disparate systems and consoles is operates a legacy simplex radio system that has become problematic be-
analogous to building a vehicle with components from multiple manufacturers cause it does not provide adequate coverage to meet mission requirements.
and expecting it to work in a mission-critical environment where a system The provider is building a new P25 system to rectify these issues. After
failure would put lives in jeopardy. In other words, it is possible, but it takes looking at the options, it became clear that it would be less expensive to
extensive planning and coordination between manufacturers and users to be supplement the statewide system than to construct a new, parallel system.
successful. However, the system being constructed is from a different manufacturer than
Recognizing the challenges of ISSI and CSSI implementation, the Federal the Connecticut statewide system. Furthermore, law enforcement officers
Partnership for Interoperable Communications (FPIC), with support from the on a moving train must be able to switch seamlessly between their own
Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Cybersecurity and Infrastructure system and the statewide system while maintaining contact with dispatchers
Security Agency (CISA), formed an ISSI/CSSI focus group to discuss and and fellow officers.
seek solutions to the challenges that users — and manufacturers — face A regional dispatch center was contracted to provide services to one of
when procuring and implementing these interfaces. This focus group has the cities in the state. Simultaneously, the dispatch center was upgrading its
held several meetings and produced several documents to assist console system and moving to a new location. The center wanted to harness
implementation of the standard. Manufacturers have played a key role in the power of the state’s infrastructure, including the fiber network, to support
these meetings and have greatly improved the understanding of their its console system but was using a P25 trunked system from a different
implementations. Their continued involvement in the focus group is important. manufacturer than the statewide system.
A town needed to upgrade its law enforcement communications system.
Case Studies from Connecticut Adding one site to the existing statewide network dramatically improved its
The state of Connecticut has 169 municipalities and two tribal nations. coverage at a significant cost savings compared with building its own system,
There are no county governments in the state, so municipal agencies while improving interoperability and allowing for communications outside the
communicating on small-scale, locally owned systems provide the vast town’s area. However, the town had just installed a console from a different
majority of public-safety services. Until recently, the state operated a legacy manufacturer, and replacing it would waste a significant recent investment.
proprietary radio system, and many of the LMR systems in the state dated In each of these cases, the Project 25 ISSI/CSSI standards provided the
back to the late 1990s and early 2000s. solution. The first two required the ISSI, while the third required the CSSI.
At the state level, Connecticut now operates a statewide P25-based radio The CSSI worked so well for the town that the state is working to implement
system from a single manufacturer that provides better than 98% mobile the interface with others.
coverage throughout the state. The system was designed and built to be The road to success in Connecticut was not always smooth. Anyone
interoperable with other manufacturers. The new system has increased contemplating implementation needs to understand from the outset that
capacity and created opportunities to improve interoperability, share resources successful implementation will require patience and a solid understanding of
and reduce costs — all facilitating the delivery of more efficient and reliable the standards. All manufacturers must be involved from the beginning, and

26 I Connecticut’s P25 ISSI Applications Connecticut’s P25 ISSI Applications I 27
specialized LMR skill sets are required. Additional Information

Individuals interested in joining the FPIC ISSI/CSSI focus group can email FPIC@hq.dhs.gov
Keys to Success for more information. Additional ISSI/CSSI information from the focus group is available at
Build and maintain relationships. While standards-based technology https://www.dhs.gov/safecom/blog/2019/05/22/issi-and-cssi-implementation-guidance.
In addition to the P25 standards available from the Telecommunications Industry Association
can provide the conduit for interoperability, relationships are critical to the
(TIA), FPIC has worked with SAFECOM and the National Council of Statewide Interoperability
successful implementation of these solutions. Relevant parties must want to Coordinators (NCSWIC) to produce several documents, including an ISSI/CSSI primer and best
communicate with each other and be willing to work together for the desired practices guide. These documents are available at https://www.dhs.gov/publication/p25.
outcome. The Project 25 Technology Interest Group, a group consisting of manufacturers, consultants and
users, has information on ISSI/CSSI at http://www.project25.org/index.php.
Practice good governance. Who is technically and financially responsi-
The Project 25 suite of standards is available free to eligible public-safety entities by completing
ble for which elements of the connections between systems? These ques- the form at http://standards.tiaonline.org/all-standards/p25-downloads-application.
tions should be discussed and answered early in the process to avoid
conflicts down the road. implement these interfaces. Even the most skilled local vendors may not
Know the standards. Know ahead of time what the standards call for have the highly specialized skill sets required for successful implementation.
specifically, which features the standards will enable, and which decisions This approach can save time and reduce frustration while providing valuable
are left to the manufacturers and users directing the implementation. training to the local vendor.
Understand the technology. Know the difference between manual and Manufacturers should develop a checklist of required settings for their
automatic roaming, and understand the implications of each. system(s). What should and shouldn’t be checked?
Involve the manufacturers. These interfaces are complicated and situa- A menu-type interface to choose what the “foreign” interface is might be
tionally dependent. Know which parts of the standard your system supports helpful. Manufacturers make advancements in their software on a routine
and which parts of the standard the other system supports. Which will work basis and spend considerable time testing their interfaces at what can be
and which will not? Unless your local vendor is deeply knowledgeable of all considerable expense. A method to indicate the foreign interface — thus
elements of the implementation, the product support teams of the manufac- implementing optimized settings — may be helpful.
turer(s) need to be involved from the beginning. The ability to share analog and IP-based conventional resources needs to
Involve your system managers and administrators. These individuals be further developed.
know the system best and can help you understand the parameters required There are several areas of the standard that may or may not have been
by the manufacturers. Words such as firewalls, bandwidth, jitter and packet implemented by the manufacturers. At least two were directly applicable to
loss will become familiar. the implementation in Connecticut:
Understand your network security. What is the impact on your system? n Aliasing. Delivering the wide-area communications network (WACN)
Test, test, test. When you are done testing, test again. When you are ID, system ID and unit ID of the foreign subscriber is not an acceptable
done testing, monitor performance. replacement for aliasing. When a firefighter or police officer activates a
Be patient. Budget time to ensure administrative and technical personnel distress button, is there time to look up ABC12-001-1234567 to identify
are involved throughout the process. that it corresponds to Officer Smith or Ladder 1 Roof? Furthermore, the
coordination and effort required to maintain separate subscriber databases
Best Practices in each individual system with every unit that might roam onto a system
From the implementation process in Connecticut, several best practices would be prohibitively cumbersome and likely lead to inaccuracies.
became evident. Ensure deliverables and expectations are clearly spelled n Site Adjacency. Different manufacturers have different methods for
out in the procurement and contract documents. What will be the measure handling site adjacency. In many cases, personnel transition between
of success? systems on a daily basis. The ability to roam automatically and seamlessly
The relevant manufacturers should consider providing dedicated teams to between systems is critical to their ability to safely execute their duties.

28 I Connecticut’s P25 ISSI Applications New Developments in Wireless Coverage: Technology | Policy | Applications I 29
While implementation of an ISSI and/or a CSSI can be a challenging and

time-intensive process, the improved operability and interoperability is worth
An Overview of Current
the effort because it has a notable impact on public safety. Those jurisdictions Industry Interference Concerns
that have already implemented ISSI or CSSI connections should continue to
share their challenges, lessons learned and best practices to continue to By Danny Ramey
make the process easier for others. In doing so, they can help facilitate the
evolution and expansion of system-of-systems architecture, making our first During 2020, the FCC took a
responders and other public servants safer and better able to protect the variety of actions aimed at opening
public. n spectrum for new uses, but many
of these actions led to concerns
Scott Wright has worked for the state of Connecticut for more than 29 from critical communications
years, the last 18 as a telecommunications engineer with the Connecticut entities over potential interference.
Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection, division of The concerns focused on two
statewide emergency telecommunications, CTS unit. Wright is vice chair specific bands that the FCC made
Photo courtesy Washington State Department of Transportation

of the P25 User Needs Subcommittee, chair of the Connecticut Statewide changes to: 6 GHz and 4.9 GHz. In
Interoperability Executive Council (SIEC) technical committee and the 6 GHz band, the FCC revised
co-chair of the Regional Planning Committee 19 technical subcommittee. its rules to allow unlicensed devices
Email feedback to editor@RRMediaGroup.com. in a band that in the past had
been reserved mostly for critical
infrastructure and public-safety
microwave operations. When
revising the rules, the FCC said
that it will help usher in Wi-Fi 6, the
next-generation of Wi-Fi, and play
a role in the growth of the internet of things (IoT). Opening the 6 GHz spec-
trum for public-safety use increased the amount of spectrum available for Wi-
Fi by a factor of nearly five and should help improve rural connectivity, the
commission said.
The revised rules authorize indoor low-power operations over the full
1,200 megahertz and standard-power devices in 850 megahertz in the
6 GHz band. An automated frequency coordination (AFC) system will prevent
standard power access points from operating where they could cause
interference to incumbent services. In passing the rules, the FCC
determined that an AFC was not necessary for low-power devices but put
rules into place that limit low-power access points only at indoor locations
across the band.
The passage of the rules led to outcry from public-safety and critical
infrastructure organizations as the Association of Public-Safety
Communications Officials (APCO) International and others filed lawsuits

30 I An Overview of Current Industry Interference Concerns An Overview of Current Industry Interference Concerns I 31
seeking reconsideration of allowing unlicensed use in the band. APCO and would expand their operations.
the Edison Electric Institute (EEI) also filed petitions for stays of the rules The three commissioners who voted in favor of the rules at a September
while the lawsuits moved forward, but the FCC denied both of those petitions. meeting argued that the band was currently underused and that by allowing
APCO and other public-safety and critical infrastructure organizations states to lease the spectrum, it would open up more spectrum for innovation
argued that unlicensed use could lead to interference to critical microwave in wireless communications
links in the band, which could prevent public safety and other critical Critics of the new rules argued that allowing states to lease the spectrum
organizations from communicating during times of need. The organizations out to other entities would lead to confusion and interference in the band.
argued that nearly 97,000 links rely on the 6 GHz band for applications They argued states do not have the experience to properly coordinate
including 9-1-1 dispatch and first responder communications, safe coordination spectrum and argued that unless all states leasing spectrum follow the same
of train movements and management of the electric grid, among other coordination requirements, there would be confusion and interference from
critical uses. inconsistent coordination procedures. As with the 6 GHz band, the groups
In its petition for a stay and lawsuit, APCO argued that among other argued that this interference could endanger life and property by preventing
things, the FCC had not adequately addressed public safety’s concerns that first responders from communicating during emergencies.
the rules as written would not prevent harmful interference and that the FCC APCO and others argued that it and other organizations had presented a
had not established location-accuracy requirements for standard power variety of solutions to better use the band for public safety over the years but
access points that would enable the AFC systems to define exclusion zones. the FCC had ignored all of those proposals. n
EEI’s petition focused specifically on the FCC’s lack of an AFC for
low-power devices. The organization argued that the rules conflicted with Danny Ramey is the editor of MissionCritical Communications.
the Communications Act by not requiring the use of an AFC system given Email feedback to dramey@rrmediagroup.com.
that the public comment record indicated harmful interference would be likely.
The lawsuits asking for reconsideration of rules had not been ruled on as
of December 1, 2020.
Meanwhile, in the 4.9 GHz band, the FCC revised rules to allow states to
license spectrum in a band previously devoted to public safety to other uses.
That spectrum was given to public safety in 2002, but in recent years, the
FCC had begun exploring ways to increase use of the band, arguing that it
was underused.
Public-safety groups, including the Public Safety Spectrum Alliance
(PSSA), pushed the FCC to keep the band specifically for public-safety use
and argued that the spectrum was only underused because of outdated
coordination practices. Specifically, the PSSA asked the FCC to give the
band to the First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet) to be used to meet
future public-safety demand for LTE and 5G spectrum.
The FCC instead decided to allow states to lease open 4.9 GHz spectrum
to commercial entities. States are not required to lease spectrum. States that
do lease the spectrum can designate a single statewide 4.9 GHz licensee as
the state lessor. That lessor would have the ability to lease the spectrum for
non-public-safety operations. The rules grandfather existing public-safety
licensees in the band, but those licensees cannot modify their licenses if it

Section 2: In-Building Coverage
How Signal Mapping Tools Ensure LMR and LTE In-Building Coverage ................34
Determining the Best In-Building Configuration for You ..........................................40
In-Building Coverage Verification ............................................................................44
How to Choose a Battery Backup for Public-Safety Communications ....................52
Overcoming Public-Safety DAS Design and Coverage Monitoring Challenges ......58
In-Building Market Expects to See Changes from New UL Standard .....................64 DAS SOLUT
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34 I New Developments in Wireless Coverage: Technology | Policy | Applications How Signal Mapping Tools Ensure LMR and LTE In-Building Coverage I 35
How Signal Mapping Tools Ensure when enacting the requirements from IFC or NFPA, it is often not known
where in-building gaps in LMR and First Responder Network Authority (First-
LMR and LTE In-Building Coverage Net) LTE coverage exists across all buildings in the area served by a public-
safety agency. It is key for first responders to know a specific building’s
communications coverage and to prioritize investments for in-building solu-
tions to address these gaps.
A variety of different things can affect signal strength coverage in buildings,
and it’s also important to note that signal coverage within buildings is always
changing. The type of technology that is used within the building can also be
a factor. Project 25 (P25), Digital Mobile Radio (DMR), TETRA, LTE and 5G
all have different signal characteristics that affect the performance of the
device used to transmit information. Although using a radio or cellphone in
certain areas of the building will indicate whether you have coverage or not,
the root cause of low coverage is not known.
In-building LMR and LTE coverage verification is often performed by a
technician who walks through every part of a building while taking readings
intermittently with a spectrum analyzer. This common methodology requires
a highly trained technician to manually record his location in the building
By Eduardo Inzunza and Chad McAsey and to manually document signal readings. This can be a laborious,
time-consuming, error-prone and expensive process that must be undertaken
In-building signal strength coverage for emergency responder radio separately for LMR and LTE networks and is typically repeated when a
communications (ERRC) has become a popular topic within the public-safety building is renovated to verify that nothing has changed inside or outside the
sector. As the enforcement of ERRC requirements of both the National Fire building that would affect the performance of either network and to measure
Protection Agency (NFPA) and International Fire Code (IFC) becomes more the impact of investments in communications infrastructure. However, signal
prominent, the demand for testing is at an all-time high. power is only one of the measurements used to determine the quality of the
LMR and wireless/cellular signals can have vastly different signal strengths signal as other measurements must be made to assess true performance of
and coverages within the same building. In mission-critical situations, weak the communications networks.
coverage areas are of great concern for firefighters, emergency responder
personnel, police officers and building occupants. Tools to map indoor sig- LMR Signal Analysis and Coverage
nals can assist with identifying problem coverage areas so building owners, Often, we tend to focus on signal strength as the defining factor in verifying
fire marshals or authorities having jurisdiction (AHJ) can develop both if a building will have adequate coverage. While signal strength is certainly a
contingency and remedy plans accordingly. Indoor signal strength mapping key component to having quality signal coverage, there are other important
solutions can help public-safety personnel and building occupants avoid measurements that come into play as well: modulation fidelity is one, and
problem coverage areas when there is a critical issue taking place within received signal strength indication (RSSI) for analog systems and bit error
the building. rate (BER) for digital systems are the others. While each of these measurements
IFC specifies minimum signal strength inside buildings with a delivered is taken individually, VIAVI Solutions has taken it one step further by combin-
audio quality (DAQ) of 3 in 95% of all areas; the NFPA requires 90% ing all three tests into the appropriately named signal quality measurement.
coverage in general building areas and 99% in critical areas such as fire This measurement takes the above-referenced test results and calculates an
command centers, elevator lobbies, exits and fire equipment rooms. Even overall signal quality measurement, giving the end user a confidence that

36 I How Signal Mapping Tools Ensure LMR and LTE In-Building Coverage How Signal Mapping Tools Ensure LMR and LTE In-Building Coverage I 37
the overall quality of the signal, not just the signal level, is adequate or not and broadcast (SSB) channel. The number of beams available is defined by
within their building. the frequency range of the base station:
LTE Signal Analysis and Coverage

There are two main considerations for coverage of LTE signals: the signal
strength of LTE pilot signals and the signal quality or potential interference in
LTE spectrum that can negatively affect cellular transmission or even cause
call drops.
LTE pilot signals include the synchronization signals that play a critical role The UE initiates its cell attachment by performing a cell search of beams
in establishing connectivity between user equipment (UE) and base stations, or SSBs from which it will acquire synchronization and obtain the physical
as well as the reference signals that are delivered by each LTE multiple cell identity (PCI). Therefore, SSB beam power level is a relevant indicator of
input, multiple output (MIMO) antenna. cell coverage, and beam quality or constellation and error vector magnitude
Interference affects all wireless communications systems, and the UE of the SSB is a relevant indicator of cell throughput.
particularly is more susceptible to interference impairments since its
transmission power is significantly lower than the base station’s. Therefore, Signal Coverage Solutions
any interfering signal in the uplink, even transmitting at a low power level, VIAVI Solutions ensures LMR systems are operating at the highest quality.
can cause retransmissions or call drops, ultimately degrading mobility The 8800SX digital radio test set and the 3550R radio test system portable
services. test solutions can perform the measurements easily. Supporting analog and
For LTE-frequency division duplex (FDD) radio access, the process of all digital radio protocols, they are battery operated and small enough to fit in
detecting uplink interference is straightforward because the uplink has a a backpack, which makes mapping buildings a breeze. The 8800SX and the
defined frequency range dedicated for UE transmission. In the case of 3550R provide the measurements for signal quality, which correlates to a
LTE-time division duplex (TDD) radio access, the process of detecting uplink weak or strong coverage area. By utilizing these test instruments with the
interference is more complex because the downlink and uplink are being NEON Signal Mapper application, two-way radio signals can be recorded and
transmitted at the same frequency. Therefore, the most effective methodology analyzed to pinpoint coverage areas that need an increase in signal strength.
to detect interference in LTE-TDD radio access is with gated spectrum, VIAVI Solutions and TRX expanded their partnership to integrate the
conducting spectrum measurements only in the transmission time of the NEON signal mapper with the VIAVI CellAdvisor 5G and OneAdvisor-800
uplink. real-time spectrum analyzers to provide an automated solution that simplifies
and dramatically reduces the time required for 4G-LTE and 5G-NR cellular
5G Signal Analysis and Coverage coverage testing. The availability of this combined solution provides automatic
5G New Radio (5G-NR) access incorporates more flexibility than LTE georeferencing and cloud data storage with innovative 3D visualization and
signal structure, including the following features: reporting to validate 4G and 5G coverage and performance.
n Channel bandwidth: Flexibility for wider channel bandwidth configurations. The signal mapper solution simplifies and automates the process of
n OFDMA structure numerology: The signal frequency components or georeferencing RF coverage data and makes it easier for technicians to
subcarriers can be configured at different bandwidth. generate LTE and LMR building coverage reports. Available for nearly five
n Beamforming: The ability to generate and shape multiple beams based years, the product is in use by hundreds of organizations throughout the
on phase and amplitude to direct radiated power to the user’s serving area. world. The cloud-based system is deployed with the signal mapper app
mobile data collection application and the NEON Command 3D visualization
Coverage in 5G networks includes the signal strength of the pilot signal and reporting toolkit NEON Command integrated with LMR and LTE test
which the base station periodically transmits via the synchronization signals equipment from VIAVI. This makes it easy to generate building coverage

38 I How Signal Mapping Tools Ensure LMR and LTE In-Building Coverage How Signal Mapping Tools Ensure LMR and LTE In-Building Coverage I 39
maps from the signals collected by the test equipment. Completed reports
can be validated and then uploaded to a central database of buildings along
with time-stamped coverage reports in the form of NFPA-compliant grid maps.
When using the VIAVI Solutions test equipment in conjunction with the
NEON signal mapper application, these coverage maps can be generated
with just one walkthrough. The new dual-mode signal mapper capability
shown at the start of the story allows for selection of any two signals that are
available from the test unit or directly from the phone. LMR RSSI coverage
data can be generated from VIAVI LMR test equipment and sent to the THANK YOU
new dual-mode signal mapper application on the phone, automatically
georeferenced, stored and shown on the application user interface (UI) to all the sponsors for
simultaneously with the LTE reference signal received power (RSRP) coverage
indication directly from the phone. These two signals are displayed making this e-book possible!
simultaneously, and show up in real-time, on the floorplan; one as “dots”,
the other as “squares”. Sponsored by
Signal mapping is an important topic, especially when first responders and
frontline personnel are part of the conversation. Whether the communications
network is analog, digital LTE, or 5G, coverage is an element that can be
measured and mapped. Public-safety officials can now visually identify areas
of adequate signal strength and signal degradation, ensuring everyone’s
safety. With VIAVI Solutions and TRX Systems, complete coverage analysis
is a possibility. n
Eduardo Inzunza joined VIAVI in August 2012 as global market

development for RF-Test solutions. He has more than 25 years of experience
in telecommunications and has held a series of positions in international
sales, marketing and business development at GenComm, Symmetricom
and Hewlett-Packard. Eduardo holds a bachelor’s degree in electronic sys-
tems engineering and a master’s of business administration (MBA) from
Tecnológico de Monterrey.
Chad McAsey joined Aeroflex, which was acquired by VIAVI Solutions in

2018, in 2005 as a technical sales engineer. After holding several different
positions within the sales organization, McAsey joined the radio test product
management team in 2010. Since joining the product team, McAsey has
been a part of many product development efforts for both the commercial
and military radio test set markets, domestically and worldwide.

Determining the Best

In-Building Configuration for You
By Michiel Lotter
Generally, the design of emergency responder radio communications

systems (ERRCS) is not a one-size-fits-all solution. Factors, such as
regulations and building size, play a significant role in determining which
solution is the best fit. There are four main configurations that can be used
depending on specific needs.
First, a bidirectional amplifier (BDA) configuration can use a single
coverage unit (CU), such as Nextivity’s Cel-Fi Quatra Red CU, to cover up to
400,000 square feet. The unit supplies 1 watt (W) of power per band and can
deliver combined First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet) and LMR
signals. Additionally, two CUs can be attached to a single network unit for a
1 to 2 W configuration, powered by a small version of a monitor and backup
battery unit (MBBU) that can support 12 or 24 hours of backup requirements.
A distributed antenna system (DAS) configuration can provide up to 1.2
million square feet of coverage and can be installed right where coverage is
needed. The Cel-Fi Quatra Red has power, and RF over Ethernet capabilities
provide virtually zero cable loss. In this configuration, no additional battery

42 I Determining the Best In-Building Configuration for You Determining the Best In-Building Configuration for You I 43
backup power is required at the remote location, drastically reducing time around network performance and National Electrical Manufacturers
and cost of installation. Association (NEMA)-4 ratings.
The campus configuration can use fiber to connect network units (NUs) As an easy-to-install, integrated solution for in-building environments,
to configure a system that covers a campus up to 3 million square feet. The Quatra Red helps developers and building owners resolve the communications
configuration can be expanded with a scalable, up to 12 W, solution by obstacles public-safety professionals face today, while futureproofing their
adding a fiber hub to connect different buildings. systems. n
The final configuration of a cellular and/or public safety system will help
ensure that first responders have working public-safety communications as Michiel Lotter has 25 years of experience in the field of wireless
well as reliable in-building cellular coverage. Combining Cel-Fi Quatra Red communications. Prior to joining Nextivity, he was the senior director
and Cel-Fi Quatra systems in one building ensure that both critical responsible for platform development in the mobile communications
communications systems are covered. business unit at Broadcom, which he joined as part of the firm’s acquisition
Beyond the type of area served, there are some other considerations to of Zyray Wireless where he was a co-founder and vice president of
look at when determining the right in-building setup. One such consideration engineering. Prior to Zyray, he spent eight years with Alcatel Networks.
is booster class. Signal boosters and DAS come in Class A or Class B
classifications. Class A devices typically perform better because narrow
filters reduce the amount of noise bleeding into other channels and systems.
Class B equipment has wider filters, meaning it can transmit into unintended
or unwanted channels and create unnecessary noise and potential interference
with other systems. Class A equipment has historically been more expensive,
so it has not been generally required by jurisdictions. However, the costs
between Class A and Class B are now much closer.
The Cel-Fi Quatra Red NU’s are available in both Class A and Class B
versions. The NUs support 700/800 MHz LMR as well as FirstNet bands 2,
4, 12 and 14. Up to six CUs can be attached to a single NU. The Class A
CUs have 56 channels and the Class B unit has 28 bandwidth variables for
both 700/800 MHz bands.
Other elements of a scalable in-building solution include an emergency
power-off (EPO) that can shut off the radio system in case there is a risk of
explosion or interference with the network. Both MBBU and remote annunciator
(RA) can support up to 12- or 24-hour battery backup configurations. Both
the MBBU and RA have a front-panel alarm with built-in LTE modem. The
MBBU comes in two sizes for small and large configurations, while the RA
comes in three sizes for small, large and extra-large configurations.
Cel-Fi Quatra Red bridges the challenges experienced in public-safety
communications systems. Built on Nextivity’s technology that has been
deployed globally, Quatra Red is designed to serve both LMR and FirstNet
environments and ensure the safety of emergency workers and the citizens
they serve. It provides a flexible, one-stop approach to addressing the
complexity of existing environments, while meeting the evolving standards

In-Building ENSURE CRITICAL

Coverage Verification IN-BU
UILDING COVERAG
C GE
By David Adams
and John Johnson PCTEL ® PUBLIC SAFET Y NETWORK TESTING SOLUTION
For years, public-safety radio
systems have been built to
provide reliable mission-critical
POLICE
communications with sufficient
outdoor coverage; however,
in-building radio coverage has
posed many challenges for system
operators. This issue has become EMS
Photo courtesy Lafayette Group

more urgent. First responders
expect in-building radio coverage
to be at least equal to their
cellphone coverage, prompting FIRE
governmental and first responder

organizations to rapidly adopt in-building coverage requirements. These
requirements are frequently based on codes developed by the National Fire
Protection Agency (NFPA) and the International Code Council (ICC). New LTE / FIRSTNET
testing methods are crucial for implementing these requirements and making
reliable in-building radio coverage the new norm.
Locally Adapted Standards

Following the September 11 terrorist attacks, in-building coverage became
an issue of national urgency in the United States; however, it is up to local
officials in cities, counties and states, referred to as authorities having juris- Auttomated Grid Te
Testing
s
diction (AHJ), to create and enforce regulations. Early AHJ requirements var- for Mission Critical Radio
ied widely in the absence of national and international standards.
d Cellular Networks
and
In the early 2000s, the NFPA and the ICC, two organizations that provide
leadership in various public-safety areas, began to add requirements for • Red
duce testing time by more than 50%
indoor network performance. The NFPA developed the NFPA 1221 standard, • Auttomatically generate reports
reporrts in minutes
• Acc
currately measure signal quality
originally in NFPA 72, while the ICC developed the International Fire Code
• Com
mply with NFP
PA, IFC and local code
(IFC). Essentially, these codes state that building occupancy requires proof
req
quirements
of meeting indoor coverage performance standards, following specific testing
• Sim
Simplify network design, commissioning
oning
and reporting requirements. NFPA and IFC standards are typically updated
an
and
nd
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t ouble
troubleshooting
ouble
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u lesh
shooting
tin
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g

> pctel.com
pct
ctel
el com
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46 I In-Building Coverage Verification In-Building Coverage Verification I 47
every two to three years. Code Variations

There are more than 20,000 AHJs in the U.S., and about 50 percent have Despite their similarities, NFPA and IFC standards have significant
some regulations in this area. Most AHJs initially start with NFPA 1221 or differences. When an AHJ adopts a standard, often two to four years after
IFC 510 but often adapt them. A requirement for annual retesting is common. its release, the AHJ makes changes. For example, the Office of Unified
Most agencies apply regulations only to new buildings or existing buildings Communications (OUC) for the Washington, D.C., area published a list of
with major renovations. Some jurisdictions adopt codes that apply to existing changes it made to the IFC recommendations. An AHJ may also adopt
buildings that have not been renovated as well. requirements based on TSB-88 LMR reliability and performance standards
“In many cases, the local jurisdiction may enforce more stringent created by the Telecommunications Industry Association (TIA). Those
requirements than the ones outlined in NFPA 72, NFPA 1221 or IFC 510,” responsible for testing may encounter a range of differences.
said Javier Herrero, a professional engineer at SmartRF Engineering. “It is Both the NFPA and IFC call for a grid of 20 areas of generally equal size
very important for engineers and system integrators to engage with the local — 20 to 80 feet per side. However, if a floor is larger than 128,000 square
AHJ early in the process and learn the specific requirements within that feet, add 20 more areas. If tests in two adjacent areas fail, the NFPA says to
jurisdiction.” use 80 areas, while IFC calls for 40 areas. Some jurisdictions focus on the
Under NFPA and IFC standards, the building owner/property manager is size of the areas and even call for them to be close to square.
responsible for conducting testing and producing reports. Owners need to IFC states the test must be in the center. The tester is not allowed to move
understand the testing requirements and implement a plan for verifying or retest. By contrast, the NFPA instructs the tester to move in an “X” through
coverage to acquire and maintain occupancy permits. the center of the area, averaging five samples per side of the X. NFPA also
states that the measurement device should be 3 to 4 feet off the ground with
Test Requirements a vertical antenna. Some jurisdictions call for the device to be “on hip,” where
NFPA 1221 and IFC 510 provide significant detail on how to evaluate others want the antenna to be above shoulder height.
in-building radio performance, and requirements evolve. These documents Test the network, but which frequencies and channels? AHJs must make
and other standards adopted by AHJs should be consulted to determine the list of channels that must be tested available; however, in real life these
specific requirements, although NFPA and IFC requirements frequently lists can be difficult to obtain. Multiple tests are usually required. For example,
adopted by AHJs have much in common. there might be several LMR systems and technologies in use by different
Measurements are conducted in a manner that can be readily evaluated to agencies in an area, and public-safety Long Term Evolution (LTE) is starting
determine if a building passes. The testing process begins by creating a grid to be included.
of areas on a building’s floor plans. Measurements are conducted in each Signal strength has been included in different versions of NFPA and IFC
area for each channel (frequency) of interest to the AHJ. These measurements requirements, but thresholds vary. For example, NFPA requires 90 percent
are compared to thresholds to determine whether each channel passes for of the areas be greater than -99 dB but not two adjacent, and IFC requires
that area, and a certain percentage of areas must pass for the overall 95 percent of the areas be greater than -95 dB. NFPA also includes critical
building to receive a passing grade. areas of 99 percent of the points, but IFC does not. Some AHJs use different
Critical areas such as fire pump rooms, lobbies, elevators, stairwells and values for areas or critical areas.
equipment rooms must also be tested. Critical areas typically have tighter Recent NFPA and IFC releases added voice-quality testing requirements
thresholds and passing percentage requirements that contribute to the and specify using DAQ as a grading mechanism. Approaches to voice-quality
overall grade of the building. testing vary, including how often voice quality must be checked, whether the
Recent standards require measuring signal power and voice quality for the testing applies while walking the X in the grid and whether an averaging
downlink from network to radio and uplink from radio to network. Power requirement applies. Some AHJs call for the fire marshal to conduct quality
measurements are compared with some fixed level in decibels, and the voice tests, although most allow wireless service shops to do it. New York City
quality is compared to the digital audio quality (DAQ) grading scale. and Washington, D.C., among others, have approved certain companies to

conduct these tests. New York City requires a recording of the audio from the States, and
tests for review by the government agency. about 50,000 NFPA 1221, AFC 510
While recognizable speech is an important point, DAQ testing is subjective, new buildings and AHJ Common Requirements
time intensive and not easily reproducible. In 2018, IFC added an alternative are built
— testing signal to interference and noise ratio (SINR) equivalent to DAQ annually. Divide each floor into a grid of 20 generally equal areas
3.0. Some AHJs have also adopted bit error rates (BER), another DAQ Considering Test each area in the center
alternative. These alternatives are attractive because SINR and BER most AHJs Conduct tests with radio or other AHJ-approved equipment
measurements are fast, accurate and repeatable. They can be conducted in require an Grade each area pass/fail based on thresholds for test
every grid area without being burdensome and can be automated. annual retest, items, including
Recent releases added uplink testing requirements; however, neither NFPA soon more • Minimum signal strength level
nor IFC standards document where the measurements are to be taken or how than 1 million • Signal quality sufficient for DAQ 3.0, or equivalent
the test should be executed. Uplink testing can also be difficult and expensive. buildings will SINR in and out
As a result, many AHJs do not include or enforce uplink requirements. need to be Test additional critical areas (stricter criteria)
NFPA requires an average of five samples per side of the X, which works tested every Grade a building as pass/fail based on percentage of areas
for testing control channels, but what about traffic channels and DAQ? year. and critical areas that passed
TSB-88 calls for a sample rate for confidence. IFC calls for a near/far test, Most tests Record must be signed by AHJ-approved person
and NFPA uses a similar two-radio test. Do requirements address multipath are conducted
fading and its effect on measurements? Calibrated test equipment may be with a time-consuming manual approach using a radio, pen and paper.
required, and annual retest requirements vary. Typically, before testing begins, test planners print out floor plans and mark
them with grids and critical areas. At each testing area, skilled personnel
Why Grid Testing? individually collect signal strength and DAQ measurements from a radio
The grid-based approach used in the public-safety industry has distinct and mark them on the floor plan. After testing is complete, results must be
differences from testing that cellular operators have developed during recent compiled and formatted into a report that satisfies AHJ requirements. This
decades. The cellular industry typically uses path-based testing to conduct process can take about six hours or more per floor — about two weeks
tests. Path-based testing focuses on a wide range of technologies and per 12-story building. Testing 1 million buildings per year would require
services; coverage, capacity and handoffs; voice, data throughput and approximately 40,000 testing personnel, which is probably not feasible.
interference; and a finer granularity of measurements for deep analysis. This With the introduction of an automated solution, the time to plan, execute
approach requires a higher degree of engineering capability and time but and report results can be reduced to less than two hours per floor. A typical
contributes to better-engineered network performance. commercial building can be a three-day project start to finish. This allows for
Public safety’s grid-based testing is primarily used for emergency voice a typical tester to conduct 100 tests per year, conservatively increasing to
service, is primarily for coverage and tests a minimum voice quality level. 200 with efficiencies. Nationally, the scale is large but manageable. It will
The main advantage of the grid-based testing is the standardized approach likely require from 1,000 to 3,000 people to be involved in testing in the near
to conducting measurements and assessing pass/fail while presenting the term, increasing to 5,000 or more if 1 million buildings are tested yearly.
results in a format that is readily accessible to the governing agencies.
An Ideal Test Solution
The Big Challenge — Scale To address the many challenges of in-building public-safety communications
AHJs are increasingly enforcing coverage and associated testing and testing, new solutions that enable a cost-effective use of personnel are
expanding beyond new buildings. The number of tests required will be required. Some of the characteristics that should be included are:
significant. There are about 6 million commercial buildings in the United n Fast, simultaneous, accurate and consistent measurements across

multiple bands/channels/technologies in a single test; services. Where requirements allow, subjective manual DAQ measurements
n Flexible approach to recording measurements in any required combination should be replaced with objective automated BER or SINR equivalents. With
in one test, including customizing grids and test parameters; and the right tools, jurisdictions across the United States can effectively enforce
n Automated test execution, including all parameters and reporting. standards that ensure high-quality indoor coverage for first responders. n
Case Study David Adams is director of business development for PCTEL. His career has
Service company Day Wireless Systems compared a widely used manual focused on solutions for service quality and performance management of
testing approach to an automated public-safety network testing solution from mobile networks. Adams’ recent concentration has been on public-safety
PCTEL. networks, both Project 25 (P25) and LTE technologies. He focuses on
“This project came up around the time we learned of a new automated in-building coverage and performance.
solution,” said Jason Chambers, service manager at Day Wireless. “We knew
we needed something like this if we were going to grow our business and still John Johnson is retired from the state of Tennessee after working over 31
make money.” years with both the Department of Safety and Emergency Management
The project involved two sister tunnels with three lanes of traffic per Agency. He currently works with Lafayette Group as a subject matter expert.
tunnel and two independent public-safety bidirectional amplifiers (BDAs) and Johnson is an Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials
distributed antenna systems (DAS) fed by five donors. Baseline and fire (APCO) International life member and served as the Tennessee APCO
code compliance are required for each system. local frequency advisor for more than 20 years. Email feedback to
The team used a manual approach in tunnel 1, with three technicians and editor@RRMediaGroup.com.
five test devices per shift for two shifts. The process required lane closures
on a major highway, 36 man-hours for on-site coverage testing, manual
handwritten recording of 600 signal levels for test grids and 20 administrative
hours to create a report.
Using the automated testing solution for tunnel 2, two technicians during
one shift spent seven man-hours for on-site coverage testing. No lane
closures were required. About 600 signal levels were auto-recorded for test
grids. Multiple frequency bands were tested simultaneously, and the report
was automated. Benefits of using the new solution included the accuracy of
the data and quality of reporting that far exceeded requirements, as well as
a 20 percent reduction in time and costs.
“In order to be truly successful and fully engaged in providing the best
DAS service to our customers, we had to invest in the best tools and software,”
said Scott Umemoto, director of strategic technologies at Day Wireless
Systems. “We did our research, and it was the best decision we made.”
The demand for ensuring in-building public-safety radio coverage is
increasing rapidly. Leading public-safety agencies have strict requirements
for testing and demonstrating satisfactory performance. New tools are
required to enable organizations to cost effectively meet these requirements.
Testing and reporting processes should be automated as much as possible,
using tools that can simultaneously measure multiple channels, bands and

DCC+AC
52 I New Developments in Wireless Coverage: Technology | Policy | Applications EST
S
How to Choose a Battery Backup YEARS
POOWER
for Public-Safety Communications Protect people, equip
pment and infrastructure in all
types
yp of environmen ntts – inbuildingg or outdoo
or – with
²t¬_t¬²_p¬²«t_kt¬¶²¬¬¨tmÈm_À
By Jeff Patrick
designed for mission critical applications.
Communications systems are

critical to ensuring public
safety, but they are not enough
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54 I How to Choose a Battery Backup for Public-Safety Communications How to Choose a Battery Backup for Public-Safety Communications I 55
It is also critical to understand the surge capacity. Many backup power apply to the batteries, accounting for gradual loss of capacity due to age and
system manufacturers claim surge capacity at double the continuous output, cycle life reduction.
but the key question is for how long? The Newmar AC UPS has a surge Another aspect to consider when specifying a backup power solution is in-
rating of two times continuous output for five seconds or more. When a stallation. Choose a system that is lightweight and simple enough to be in-
manufacturer doesn’t specify the duration of power surge, it should raise a stalled by a single person. Physical size should also be considered,
red flag. especially when the installation site space is limited.
Batteries and run time. Batteries are the next major component in a
backup power solution. Sealed valve regulated lead-acid (SVRLA), absorb Selecting Features
glass mat (AGM) type or sealed gel batteries are common choices for Along with determining application requirements, it’s important to select
backup power systems because of the relatively reasonable price point and features that fit the application you are using the backup for. When it comes
five-to-seven-year life expectancy in controlled environments. However, to powering critical communications systems, don’t skimp on the feature set.
NiCad or lithium-ion batteries may also be suitable with benefits including Key features to look for are detailed below.
extended life expectancy, higher energy density and operability in higher Alarms and sensors. A UPS or charger/rectifier with a temperature
temperatures. These features come at a cost, though, which is usually a compensated charging sensor option should be employed whenever the
significantly higher price point. If NiCad or lithium-ion batteries are being system will be installed in an outdoor cabinet or environmentally uncontrolled
considered, ensure the UPS unit is compatible. indoor space.The National Fire Protection Association (NPFA) determines
Battery size is determined by the required backup power run time. many requirements for public-safety equipment. NPFA’s code 1221, the
Different applications and system setups will require different run times. For standard for the installation, maintenance, and use of emergency services
example, a large stadium or hospital with emergency generators only needs communications systems, requires backup power systems to include a
backup power to run for a few minutes, just long enough for generators to variety of alarms, including AC failure, rectifier failure and low battery.
come online. Conversely, a remote site in an unpopulated area may need up Newmar’s DC backup power systems have all three of these alarms built in.
to 24 hours of backup power. Ensure your backup power system includes any required alarms or contacts
The run-time may also be established and/or enforced by the local to implement them.
authority having jurisdiction (AHJ). Understand your application and local Install location and system enclosure. Some applications require
mandates to determine appropriate run time and the corresponding battery installation in an outdoor or uncontrolled indoor environment, which will
bank capacity in terms of amp hours required. It is also best to consult the require the power supply to be rated as such. In some instances, an
battery manufacturers’ run time charts for amps or watts to final voltage for enclosure may also be appropriate.
the most accurate run times. Also, remember these run times are at best Know your installation location and seasonal ambient temperature
case 77 degrees Fahrenheit room temperature. extremes where the equipment will be installed. For outdoor installs, a
Power and sizing. Once the amp-hours, load current and voltage for the National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA)-3R enclosure is
application are determined, size up. Most backup power solutions are not common and allows filtered forced air cooling. In extreme environments, an
designed to be upgraded, so plan for expansion and choose a backup power enclosure employing environmental controls such as heat exchangers, air
solution that will continue to meet the needs of the application a few years conditioning or thermoelectric coolers may be appropriate.
down the road. For example, a typical 20-story commercial office building Backup power system enclosures specific to public-safety DAS applications
with a standard distributed antenna system (DAS) system may consume are generally regulated by “NFPA1221, UL50E: Standard for Safety
1,200 watts (W) of power. To account for any future upgrades or additions to Enclosures for Electrical Equipment, Environmental Considerations;” and
the load, add 15% to the current power requirements for a 1,380 W system. “NEMA type 4: Weathertight enclosures for protection from dirt, rain, sleet,
In this scenario, a Newmar Power AC-UPS-48-2000 with its 1,600 W snow, dust, splashing water, and hose-directed water.”
continuous output would be a solution. The growth constant should also In addition to AHJ standard compliance, proper ventilation on weathertight

56 I How to Choose a Battery Backup for Public-Safety Communications How to Choose a Battery Backup for Public-Safety Communications I 57
enclosures is imperative. Without ventilation, the system is at risk of myriad

issues including fire and even explosion. Ensure the enclosure meets the
demands of the application and includes the necessary features to allow the
system to function smoothly and safely.
Critical applications require products made by experts in the field of power
solutions. Choose a backup power solutions manufacturer with many years
of experience and a solid reputation for quality products. Manufacturers
should show thorough understanding of AHJ regulations and public-safety
applications. THANK YOU
Access to technical support is also key to implementing a reliable battery
backup system. Ensure the manufacturer is accessible and responsive in the to all the sponsors for
event technical support is required. n
making this e-book possible!
Jeff Patrick has more than 40 years experience in the telecom and marine
power industries, from manufacturing and technical support to design Sponsored by
engineering and product development. Patrick is responsible for the design
of Newmar’s public-safety-oriented battery backup units and leads Newmar’s
engineering team as director of product development.

Overcoming Public-Safety
DAS Design and Coverage
Monitoring Challenges
By Tom McCabe
The extreme importance of reliable,

in-building communications among first
responders during a crisis is paramount
to upholding the safety of building
occupants and first responders and
effectively coordinating emergency
response operations. Emergency responder
radio communications systems (ERRCS),
also known as public-safety distributed an-
tenna systems (DAS), are the specialized
wireless networks tasked with realizing
these high-integrity, mission-critical Typical installation of an active DAS
communications. Public-safety DASs must monitoring solution
attain uncompromising RF and delivered audio quality (DAQ) performance
standards and at the same time meet the complex implementation standards
of fire and building codes.
Organizations such as the International Code Council (ICC) and the
National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) preserve public health and
safety by establishing rigid yet necessary RF and DAQ benchmarks for
sufficient in-building emergency responder radio coverage. Standards, such
as IFC Section-510 and NFPA 1221, are mandated and enforced by many
authorities having jurisdiction (AHJ) for new buildings around the country.
According to the NFPA, for example, critical areas such as emergency
command centers, fire pump rooms, areas of refuge and fire exit stairwells
must maintain 99% radio coverage, while the remaining general areas of a
building must satisfy 90% or better radio coverage. Although these rules and
regulations ensure public-safety DAS integrity at the date of commissioning,
it can be a year or more until the next comprehensive, floor-by-floor grid test
of RF and DAQ values validates proof of performance of the commissioned
system or catches a catastrophic fault, such as disconnected antennas and
cut or shorted cables.

60 I Overcoming Public-Safety DAS Design and Coverage Monitoring Challenges Overcoming Public-Safety DAS Design and Coverage Monitoring Challenges I 61
The Keys of DAS Design vital to ERRCS DAS system performance and RF coverage throughout a
A lot can happen over the course of a year that threatens the integrity of building over time. The vast range of performance metrics may be accessed
public-safety ERRCS DAS infrastructure. For example, building renovations via a graphical user interface (GUI), where users can carefully analyze DAS
including security system installation; plumbing maintenance; laying performance to prevent outages altogether. Relative signal strength indication
structured cabling; and electrical, lighting and HVAC repair can all easily (RSSI) may also be monitored throughout a building, affirming quality radio
disconnect or damage DAS cabling, RF components and antennas, which is coverage without dead zones. Any identified anomalies, such as open or
apt to compromise network integrity. A lapse in performance for wireless short circuits, will indicate a catastrophic failure has occurred in the network.
networks delivering life-safety radio coverage requires immediate action to Alert notices with the failure’s approximate location may be routed to the
remedy issues. But, what happens if a catastrophic failure goes unnoticed? appropriate parties responsible, such as building owners, system integrators,
Considering emergencies can arise anywhere at any time within a building, AHJs or monitoring centers. This will ensure urgent action is taken to
an undetected failure in DAS performance poses a significant safety risk for minimize time to DAS restoration.
first responders and building occupants. Real-time diagnostics of an in-building, mission-critical DAS reduces the
An approach to mitigating the detrimental effects of DAS downtime is to risk of poor system performance. Choosing a DAS design with active DAS
integrate a real-time public-safety DAS monitoring solution that consistently monitoring deep into a building will boost first responders’ confidence in
verifies the integrity of critical DAS infrastructure. There are several ERRCS reliability, knowing they can rely upon the proper operation of their
methodologies to achieve DAS monitoring, each with varying capabilities, life-safety communications. However, different techniques deliver minimal to
design and price. One technique for ERRCS DAS monitoring uses simple, comprehensive data, trading price for overall DAS monitoring capabilities.
passive foil-like RF identification (RFID) tags, which are better known for
their widespread use in device tracking and theft deterrence applications. In DAS Deployment
a public-safety network, RFID tags can be placed on antennas where a Designing an innovative, dependable public-safety communications
coverage branch terminates to merely confirm DAS cabling and/or antenna network sets essential, life-safety network performance and radio coverage
continuity. To achieve this, the main RFID unit is placed at the DAS headend, up for success. However, these systems must also be deployed on time and
where it sends RF signaling to the RFID tags. During this process, the RF on budget, which is no small feat.
energy is harvested to DC to power the RFID tag, which sends an Inadequate component availability can reduce meeting the strict
acknowledgement signal back to the main headend unit. Battery-powered commissioning deadlines of ERRCS, triggering unrecoverable deployment
lithium-ion RFID tags offer more information than a simple foil RFID tag’s and commissioning delays that increase both total project cost and time
acknowledgment signal. However, they are frowned upon by AHJs for to market. Quick deployment times can be seamlessly executed with
ERRCS due to long-term battery checks and replacement. While a foil cost-effective, robust solutions obtained directly from the manufacturer or
adhesive-backed RFID tag approach may be more economical than via its broad, multitiered distribution network with substantial inventory. A
alternative DAS monitoring solutions, they only alert in the event of a system company’s most popular products should be accessible from its in-house
failure, such as loss of continuity, with no indications of a deterioration in stock, ready to ship within a few days’ time. By utilizing sources with local
DAS performance, ultimately lacking robust, real-time preventative headquarters backed by the support of a large distribution strategy, each
monitoring of mission-critical communications systems. customer’s tight deployment timelines will be satisfied with ample and
Other DAS monitoring methodologies include internet of things (IoT) convenient component availability.
devices that are DC powered by the headend over the DAS coaxial cabling When deploying mission-critical communications systems, the quality of
with a full suite of RF diagnostics: VSWR, forward and reflected power, signal interactions between the consumer and supplier is a fundamental step for
strength, media access control (MAC) address and more. In this technique, sticking to timelines and budgeting constraints. For example, an individualized
passive DAS components are replaced with hybrid passive and active IoT design consultation with skilled application engineers may include a bill of
units that monitor and compare cabling, antennas and other components materials (BOM) review, which can optimize lead times, system design and

62 I Overcoming Public-Safety DAS Design and Coverage Monitoring Challenges Overcoming Public-Safety DAS Design and Coverage Monitoring Challenges I 63
RF link budgets while also futureproofing DAS designs for additional Tom McCabe is manager, business development at Wireless Telecom Group
public-safety bands and services. BOM design consultation may also reveal and has more than 25 years of telecommunications industry experience
that some components have lengthy lead times, which can prompt informed within cellular, LMR, DAS and the public-safety markets. McCabe earned his
suggestions of alternate, shorter lead time components with similar master of science at Polytechnic University-NYU and bachelor of science at
performance and price that preserve schedules, cost and DAS operation. NYIT, and holds FCC licenses and numerous industry certifications. He can
Swift procurements of replacement components expedite the resolution of be reached at tmccabe@wtcom.com.
component-related concerns at existing sites. However, in order to reduce
the chance of costly system redesign after deployment, components
intended for public-safety networks must be accurately designed and deliver
leading-edge performance. Real-time diagnostic capabilities should be
considered in designing reliable public-safety communications systems, as
defined by each AHJ along with the required frequencies and services.
Additional component specifications can ensure various performance metrics
that are crucial in delivering long-lasting, high-quality radio coverage, such
as minimal RF insertion loss, VSWR and low passive intermodulation (PIM).
Furthermore, components that are supported by industry-standard software
prediction tools, such as Ranplan and iBwave, provide fast and efficient
modeling of intended radio coverage. Overall, high-performance products are
able to achieve the desired radio coverage as modeled, alleviating the
chance of failing AHJ floor-by-floor grid tests and minimizing the risk of
expensive redesigns.
Sometimes high-priced, rip-and-replace upgrades may be necessary as
technology and service offerings improve over time. Converging LMR and
cellular networks providing voice, data and video services to first responders
are being offered by cellular carriers, such as AT&T/FirstNet, T-Mobile and
Verizon. To reduce the occurrence of component replacements required to
meet emerging technologies and services, choose wide bandwidth products
centered around a resilient, futureproof design, covering all key commercial
wireless and public-safety bands, including VHF, UHF, FirstNet’s band 14,
and T-Mobile and Verizon’s public-safety frequencies.
The dependability of your public-safety ERRCS DAS should never be
doubted, especially when first responders rely on it during an emergency.
Therefore, real-time diagnostics of a public-safety DAS should be considered
and reviewed with the AHJ. This, in combination with other key considerations,
including integrating superior components, customization, design consultation,
component availability and futureproof resilient products, among others, can
all work together to create a robust DAS design. Overcoming these important
design and deployment challenges can mean all the difference in delivering
leading-edge mission-critical radio coverage and performance.

64 I New Developments in Wireless Coverage: Technology | Policy | Applications In-Building Market Expects to See Changes from New UL Standard I 65
In-Building Market Expects to See Northern California and Washington state have also either begun adopting
the standard or announced intentions to do so.
Changes from New UL Standard The burden of complying with the standard falls on manufacturers and not
the building owners, as the manufacturers must certify their products to the
By Danny Ramey standard, Burns said. “It really puts the onus on us as an OEM.”
Henry said that he is concerned that initially the new standard could leave
Several jurisdictions building owners with an in-building product that is not best suited to their
around the country are needs because of the deadlines some jurisdictions have set for requiring
beginning to adopt a new UL-2524-compliant products.
UL standard for in-building Because so few vendors have completed the certification process for
communications that UL-2524, only a few products comply with the final version of UL-2524,
could change the Henry said. If a building owner in a jurisdiction such as Broward County is
in-building market. seeking a product, that building owner could be shoehorned into purchasing
UL-2524 covers a the few products that comply with the standard, he said.
variety of components Many of the requirements in the new standard are related to electro-
and products used mechanical performance or water ingress, and the standard has little impact
in in-building two-way on the system’s RF performance, Henry said. “Just because the product is
radio communications UL-2524 compliant, doesn’t mean it’s the best product for the job.”
systems, including repeaters, transmitters, signal boosters, bidirectional Henry said that he feels that standard was pushed out quickly by UL
amplifiers (BDAs), power supplies and charging system components. and several jurisdictions rapidly adopted it after the final version was
The focus of the standard is on certifying the products as an overall published. He pointed to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)
in-building system and not just as individual components, said Dennis Burns, and International Fire Code (IFC) standards and how those codes generally
public-safety service manager for Advanced RF Technologies (ADRF). do not go into effect until two years after they’re published.
Because the standard looks at the system as a whole and not its individual “We think the UL-2524 thing, honestly, happened too quickly,” Henry said.
components, it should help provide a higher level of reliability throughout the The biggest challenge in the certification process isn’t making the changes
system, Burns said. to the product, but in getting the product approved by UL because of how
“I think it’s a good idea,” said Jim Lilienfeld, southeast regional manager for many companies are going through the process, said Henry.
ADRF. “It will force people to buy products that have gone through this testing, “That’s going to be the bottleneck because now you’re going to have
and it will make sure that municipalities have radios that work in-building, everyone standing in line with their grandmother, saying ‘Pick me, pick me,
and if they’re in a situation where they have to kill the power, the BDAs and pick me,’ ” he said.
battery backups will do their job and provide service to first responders.” Lilienfeld and Burns said they don’t think the new standard going into
UL officially published the UL-2524 standard in October 2018, and it is up effect was rushed. For example, Broward County put out a notice in October,
to local authorities having jurisdiction (AHJs) to adopt the standard. Many around when the standard was published, about its intentions to require
AHJs are beginning to do so. compliance.
“There are a couple of jurisdictions that have embraced and adopted it, “The counties are giving everyone an opportunity to get certified to this,”
and a couple have deadlines coming up,” said Don Henry, North America said Lilienfeld. “I think the counties are being very fair when it comes down
vice president of sales for Comba Telecom. to this.”
In Broward County, Florida, all BDA systems submitted for approval in the Shortly after requiring compliance to the standard, Broward County's
county must comply with the UL-2524 standard. Jurisdictions in Wisconsin, Board of Rules and Appeals released a supplement to its UL-2524 decision

66 I In-Building Market Expects to See Changes from New UL Standard In-Building Market Expects to See Changes from New UL Standard I 67
that allows the use of equipment approved to either UL-2524 or UL-60950.

The supplement notes that UL-2524 says that if a product meets UL-60950,
the product meets most of the construction requirements of UL-2524.
Find more information about the UL-2524 standard here.
Danny Ramey is the editor of MissionCritical Communications. Email

feedback to dramey@rrmediagroup.com.
THANK YOU
to all the sponsors for
making this e-book possible!
Sponsored by

Section 3: LTE and FirstNet Coverage
Six Critical Questions About MCPTT for ECCs ......................................................70
The PTT Interoperability Challenge ........................................................................76
An Updated Interoperability Framework ..................................................................84
LTE Interoperability Across Borders........................................................................92
Off-Network Communications Revisited ...............................................................101
RadioResource TM
Educational Series
Six Critical Questions

About MCPTT for ECCs
By Randy Richmond Table 1: P25 LMR Capabilities vs. MCPTT
Push-to-talk (PTT)
communications has
been around for
decades in mission-
critical applications,
available primarily
through dedicated
two-way radio networks
to provide real-time group communications between centralized control
rooms and teams in the field. It is also used by first responders, linemen, rail
service personnel and others when the job takes them to areas where other
forms of communication are difficult or otherwise impossible.
PTT has evolved in concert with LTE advancements to provide a more
powerful, flexible and capable mechanism for mission-critical communications.
So, understanding what is available to emergency communications centers
(ECCs) as an alternative to traditional LMR is important to public-safety
and other mission-critical communications functions. Most notable in this
evolution are the new global LTE mission-critical PTT (MCPTT) standards
published by the Third Generation Partnership Project (3GPP).
With all the major cellular carriers supporting the advancing MCPTT
technology, understanding the challenges ECCs will encounter during the
transition can help save time, overcome hurdles, and avoid mistakes in
environments where the margin for error in communications efficiency and
uptime is razor thin. While FirstNet may be first to market with MCPTT, it is
not your only option.
There are several issues to be addressed before implementing MCPTT in
an emergency communications center.
How do MCPTT capabilities compare to LMR?

This question is relevant for ECCs because today’s dispatch consoles
are typically designed for LMR. Table 1 presents a comparison between the
high-level Project 25 (P25) LMR capabilities and MCPTT. Apart from a few
nomenclature differences, you’ll see that MCPTT can do virtually everything

72 I Six Critical Questions About MCPTT for ECCs Six Critical Questions About MCPTT for ECCs I 73
P25 does, with the exception of a few minor, seldom-used features not What if an ECC needs to connect to multiple carriers?
shown in the table. Additionally, because MCPTT has the advantage of being If a communications center serves multiple agencies, there may be
broadband, it provides capabilities that P25 LMR cannot, as indicated in the situations where one agency has selected one carrier, and other agencies
bottom half of the table. have selected others. Even if an ECC handles just one agency, that agency’s
jurisdiction might not be entirely covered by any single carrier, which may
Can an existing LMR console be updated to support MCPTT? lead that agency to subscribe to two or more carriers. This is when
It depends on the console manufacturer and its MCPTT plans. There is connecting to multiple carriers would likely be needed.
the possibility that existing consoles capable of interfacing to the P25 A properly designed dispatch console system can simultaneously connect
console subsystem interface (CSSI) may be able to connect to a carrier’s to multiple MCPTT carriers. This scenario is most easily achieved if all of
LMR/MCPTT interworking function (IWF). In those cases, the console may the connected carriers adhere to the 3GPP MCPTT standards. Be aware
be able to communicate with MCPTT users whose talkgroups are linked to that there are some emerging console solutions that are designed to only
LMR; however, the console’s capabilities will only be restricted to that of P25, support one particular MCPTT solution using that solution’s proprietary
and won’t have the MCPTT-only capabilities. interface. These are unlikely to work across carriers unless all of the carriers
Console vendors with a true commitment to MCPTT will provide ways to are using the same MCPTT solution.
upgrade existing late-model LMR consoles with direct MCPTT interfaces that
support all of the carrier’s MCPTT capabilities and enable talking to all of an What about next-generation 9-1-1 (NG 9-1-1) and MCPTT integration?
agency’s MCPTT users. MCPTT is just now emerging on the market (e.g., FirstNet PTT) and it is
important to consider the pros and cons of being an early adopter:
Can a MCPTT console support LMR-to-MCPTT integration? n Deployments by carriers are currently being done with only one or two
LMR-to-MCPTT Integration allows users on an LMR system to selected vendors with their solutions required at the device level; so,
communicate with designated talkgroups among MCPTT users. Consoles adopting now will severely limit choices.
that have connectivity to both LMR and MCPTT should be able to patch n Deployments are providing only core capabilities, and some of those
traffic between talkgroups on both sides. may not yet be compliant with the 3GPP MCPTT standards. Adopting now
Some consoles might allow patches to be permanently nailed up, but may require using proprietary solutions, which could lock in an agency for
most consoles put patching under dispatcher control. There have been the long haul.
incidents where protesters illegally played music over public-safety LMR n Carriers don’t yet have a clear process for testing and certifying MCPTT
systems, making the LMR system unusable during protests. In some cases, solutions, let alone communications center solutions that use MCPTT. There
public safety has reverted to FirstNet for communications. If those agency’s can be little assurance as to the level of 3GPP compliance for today’s solutions.
LMR systems had been permanently patched to MCPTT, it would have n The actual end-to-end performance of the solutions has yet to be
made both systems unusable. The advantage of dispatcher-controlled completely analyzed, and early deployments are not yet past the teething
patching is that it allows dispatchers to decouple LMR and MCPTT systems pains. Lots of lessons are still yet to be learned about being able to meet
in such situations. the target use cases.
Depending on the solution, patching may cause issues with latency (the
mouth-to-ear delay may greatly increase), floor control (cross-system traffic However, even with all these hazards, there is an advantage to being an
may have occasional undetected collisions), talker ID (the ID shown on the early adopter. It provides a head start on figuring out the use cases of the
recipient devices may not be the ID of the originator), and translation of MCPTT features and creating standard operating procedures (SOPs) for
features between systems (for example, emergency may not cross between them. Such learning can be hastened by gradually but increasingly making
LMR and MCPTT). Less sophisticated solutions may only be able to patch use of MCPTT during planned events.
group voice between systems.

74 I Six Critical Questions About MCPTT for ECCs Six Critical Questions About MCPTT for ECCs I 75
Are there advantages to integrating CAD and GIS Systems?

Most ECCs have a professional geographic information system (GIS) to map
the location of incoming 9-1-1 calls. Today, most agencies are not showing
the location of their first responders; it is difficult or expensive to obtain from
LMR systems. But with MCPTT, location is ubiquitous and can be delivered
to GIS, allowing ECC staff to see where both incidents and responders are in
relation to one another.
Virtually all ECCs use a CAD system to create and track incidents. The
CAD system indicates existing incidents and which first responders are THANK YOU
assigned to each incident. If you marry this knowledge with the MCPTT
group management capabilities, CAD systems can automatically create a to all the sponsors for
new incident talkgroup, and remotely assign field users to that group. This
level of automation frees dispatchers up from that duty. making this e-book possible!
For more information about integrating an emergency communications
center with MCPTT, watch the 15-minute Tech Talk video. n Sponsored by
Zetron’s Randy Richmond is a veteran of National Emergency Number

Association (NENA) customer premise equipment (CPE), APCO AIS,
APCO Project 43, APCO Project 25 Interface Committee (APIC), TIA, and
National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 1221 and National Public Safety
Telecommunications Council (NPSTC) broadband console requirements
work. He is presently active in the NPSTC and Public-Safety Technology
Alliance (PSTA) LMR-LTE committees and closely monitors the development
of global 3GPP mission-critical LTE standards with a special interest in
control room integration.

The PTT
Interoperability Challenge
By Josh Lober
During the past 10 years,

broadband push-to-talk (PTT) Se
ecure Pus
sh-to-Talk over
o Broadband
solutions have experienced
widespread adoption throughout A
Advanced Co
onsole & LM
MR Interope
erablity
government and commercial
markets. The availability of Su
upporting the
e US Military a
and First Resp
ponders
broadband data rates and the
open application distribution
platforms for smartphone and
tablet devices have fueled this
growth. Some believe that
broadband PTT solutions are now
positioned to replace traditional LMR solutions entirely. However, there are
vast architectural differences between LMR network infrastructure and the
commercial wireless carrier network infrastructure that hosts most broadband
PTT solutions.
LMR and broadband PTT technologies each include features that the
other does not. Perhaps the question of using broadband PTT as an LMR
replacement is the wrong question. Why not leverage both technologies,
integrating the two into a hybrid network that allows users to communicate Secure Push-to-Ta
alk with
w Integrated
d GPS Location
n Tracking
across networks while taking advantage of the features that allow public-safety • Instant Secure
S Push-to-Ta lk Voice and Groupp Teext Communicatiions
users to best meet their mission? This hybrid model is rapidly gaining traction
in the public-safety market.
• IWF Inteeroperability Servic
ces
The viability of broadband PTT for mission-critical public-safety users • P25 In
nteroperability via ISSI
I w/ TIA-102 KM F OTAR
A Encryption n Re-Keying
depends on the mission itself. Certain disciplines within the public-safety • DMR and Zetron Consol e Interoperability via
v AIS
sector are best served by LMR technologies, while other disciplines are
better served by broadband PTT solutions. For example, undercover and • Quality of Service (QoS), Priority
P & Preemptio
on on FirstNet & Verizon
e
investigative units within military, as well as federal, state and local law • Amazon n GovCloud hosted meeting governme ent security require ments
enforcement agencies, have adopted broadband PTT service. These
• Live andd Historical (Bread Crumb) Tracking & Mapping
typically include narcotics, robbery, anti-crime, vice, gang and auto-theft
units, whose mission is better served by discreet smartphone devices rather • Mission Critical Recording//Logging via SIPRE EC
than LMR radios, which are better suited for officers performing patrol and • Compattible with Future 3G GPP MCPTT Netwo orks
traffic duties and firefighters. Some benefits of the broadband offerings
• Cloud and
a Customer Hoste ed Server Options
ESC
Chat ®
New Developments in Wireless Coverage: Technology | Policy | Applications Read Andy Seybol d’s White Paper “Flavors of Push h to Ta
alk over
Cellular,”
, ” a comparrison of Carrier Integrated
Integrated, Over the To
op and
MCPTT Architecturres. Download available at www.eschat.com
.
To start your free trial, visit www.eschat.com or call 805-541-5044 Ent erprise Secu re Chat
78 I The PTT Interoperability Challenge The PTT Interoperability Challenge I 79
include smaller handset size, enhanced coverage area, improved voice and capacity to support an increasing user base and an expanding set of
quality, and integrated features such as real-time location services and data-intensive applications.
multimedia messaging that provide an enhanced common operational
picture for improved situational awareness. When public safety uses PTT Connectivity
broadband PTT on a hybrid network, officials can still communicate directly The 9/11 Commission report, which identified LMR challenges, recognized
with LMR users and dispatch. that a lack of interoperability between public-safety agencies impacted
In the public-safety space, hybrid Project 25 (P25) and broadband PTT responders’ ability to effectively communicate during a major multiagency
solutions are being deployed using the P25 Inter Subsystem Interface (ISSI) response. Today’s challenges are even more complicated with the
for integration. The ISSI was designed to connect multiple P25 systems; widespread adoption of broadband PTT. We must ensure that all PTT
however, it can also be used to connect P25 and non-P25 systems. In this technologies, whether LMR or broadband, regardless of agency, technology,
model, broadband PTT users are assigned P25 unit IDs, and while the frequency band and vendor, all work together. To enable ubiquitous
users talk on P25 channels, the P25 system manages floor control, priority cross-agency communications, we must focus our efforts on two critical
and pre-emption. ISSI-integrated hybrid networks also support passing unit categories: connectivity and interoperability.
IDs, private calls, group calls and emergency calls, as well as transparent All PTT systems, whether broadband PTT or LMR, require wireless
integration with Console Subsystem Interface (CSSI)-connected dispatch connectivity. LMR networks are engineered to provide connectivity across a
consoles and call-logging systems. End-to-end encryption between limited coverage area. Broadband PTT solutions leverage commercial and
smartphones, radios and consoles is also supported, including key private networks for their connectivity. The connectivity problem can be
management via the P25 key management facility (KMF). distilled into two key elements: coverage and capacity.
For public safety, interagency, intersystem, intervendor and intercarrier Coverage is a function of the quantity, location and radiated output power
interoperability must all be supported. of the LMR or broadband radio access networks (RAN). LMR networks are
engineered to provide coverage in a specific area or region, while broadband
A Little History PTT solutions take advantage of commercial wireless networks that are
The success of cellular-based PTT goes back to iDEN products, deployed engineered to provide a nationwide coverage footprint.
in the United States by Nextel. iDEN’s PTT feature was successful, mainly Because coverage is determined by a fixed set of parameters, it is
because the network was built more like an LMR network than a cellular consistent and reliable unless the wireless infrastructure has been impacted
network. The architecture established iDEN’s PTT performance as the by technical or environmental factors. Users generally learn where they do
benchmark for future cellular PTT offerings. This was also the downfall of and don’t have sufficient wireless coverage.
iDEN because it was feature limited compared with traditional cellular services, Capacity is a function of data throughput, which requires RF channel
particularly as cellular data rates increased with the 3G upgrades of the day. availability and sufficient backhaul between the RAN and site controllers or
Commercial wireless network architectures are different from LMR the network’s core. Unlike coverage, capacity will vary based on usage patterns.
networks, regardless of LMR technology. Each LMR network is designed to At its core, the challenge of operating public-safety PTT voice
meet specific requirements for its user base. LMR networks have a more communications over a commercial wireless network is bandwidth. It seems
limited feature set than commercial wireless networks but provide efficient intuitive that broadband networks would have sufficient bandwidth available
and reliable channelized communications over a limited but dedicated to carry narrowband voice traffic, which is true more than 99% of the time.
regional block of spectrum. Commercial cellular networks, which began However, during planned public events and unplanned emergencies, when
as narrowband and evolved into broadband, are designed to provide commercial users are live-streaming video and using other data-intensive
nonchannelized voice and data services to customers who use a wide applications, bandwidth becomes the limiting factor for real-time PTT voice
variety of handset devices over a nationwide coverage area. Commercial communications.
wireless networks are continually evolving to provide improved throughput For a number of years, to resolve both coverage and capacity limitations,

Verizon and AT&T have offered their commercial and public-safety customers starting wildfires during windstorms, power utility PG&E cut electricity to
enhancements including quality of service (QoS) and priority on their RANs. large areas of the state. This meant all cell sites in those areas, many with
Verizon’s Private Network Traffic Management (PNTM) and AT&T’s Dynamic no or limited access to backup power, went off the air for potentially weeks
Traffic Management (DTM) enhancements help customers access and at a time. If public safety is to rely on commercial broadband infrastructure,
communicate over their networks during bandwidth-limited times, as well as wireless networks must be capable of operating in the absence of power for
when users are at the edge of the wireless coverage area. the duration of any planned outages.
As part of its First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet) offering, AT&T All that said, the commercial cellular networks generally provide better
added a dedicated core specific to public-safety users. FirstNet also added wide-area coverage than LMR networks, and they have sufficient bandwidth
pre-emption to its DTM offering, allowing the network to “move” noncritical available for broadband PTT service most of the time. However, during
users during times of extreme capacity limitation. Verizon’s public-safety critical moments when public safety needs it most, broadband service may
offering includes a host of options that also include pre-emption and a be impaired.
dedicated virtual core network.
As agencies look to migrate more users to broadband-enabled PTT PTT Interoperability
solutions, the largest factor that affects the capacity problem goes back to The original interoperability problem can be broken down into two groups:
the wireless network architecture itself. Commercial wireless networks use intervendor interoperability and intersystem interoperability. The widespread
unicast transmissions between cell sites and phones, whereas LMR adoption of broadband PTT technologies has introduced a third interoperability
networks use multicast transmissions. Therefore, if you have 100 broadband problem, intercarrier interoperability.
PTT users on the same channel (group) all within the range of a single cell Intervendor interoperability has mostly been solved by third-party
site, you are bridging 100 individual data calls using 100 broadband channel interoperability products and standards-based protocols or interfaces between
resources. In the multicast LMR architecture, the same scenario will only use various system components. Some examples of standards-based protocols
a single LMR channel resource. The Third Generation Partnership Project from P25 include the Common Air Interface (CAI), the ISSI and the CSSI.
(3GPP) MCPTT architecture specifies support for multicast, but this feature The CAI allows agencies to use radios from any vendor with infrastructure
is years away from availability on commercial wireless networks and from any other vendor, while the ISSI supports communications between
smartphone devices. Setting aside all other differences between broadband multiple P25 systems regardless of infrastructure manufacturer. Some
and LMR systems, a full rollout of broadband PTT as a complete replacement broadband PTT solutions, including Motorola Solutions’ WAVE and ESChat,
for LMR would not be practical until multicast and a direct mode option are have implemented the ISSI to provide advanced interoperability between
available throughout the coverage region. broadband PTT users and P25 LMR users. CSSI ensures that compliant
Another major factor that makes MCPTT over broadband a challenge is console solutions can connect to any compliant P25 network, enabling
the device landscape. LMR handsets, whether portable or mobile, are communications with P25 radios and ISSI-connected broadband PTT devices.
deployed as a tested set of hardware, operating system (OS), application Intersystem interoperability issues require connecting disparate LMR
software and accessories. Broadband PTT handsets operate on a wide technologies, including analog trunked, P25 and other digital LMR
range of commercial handsets, with multiple OSs, a nearly unlimited range technologies including Digital Mobile Radio (DMR), TETRA and NXDN. This
of apps and a broad range of accessories. This makes broadband PTT also includes connecting across multiple frequency bands, such as VHF low
solutions prone to failure if the agency’s device ecosystem is not carefully and high, UHF, and 700 and 800 MHz. Intersystem interoperability issues
managed using a mobile device management (MDM) platform. This became have mainly been solved using appliance-based third-party solutions. These
an issue in mid-2019, when Apple’s 12.4 OS update broke background solutions, from companies such as JPS Interoperability Solutions, are
operations for iOS users across all commercial broadband PTT solutions. effective at providing communications across LMR networks, regardless of
In California, during the third and fourth quarters of 2019, a new issue LMR technology and frequency band.
threatened broadband PTT service. As a pre-emptive measure to avoid Intercarrier interoperability problems are the result of the widespread

adoption of broadband PTT technologies in the commercial and government on this level is no small task, but most of the pieces exist. Advanced
marketplace. Carrier integrated and over-the-top (OTT) technology are the broadband-to-LMR interoperability must be coordinated at the mutual-aid
two basic categories of broadband PTT solutions. level, extending the efforts for ISSI interoperability between P25 networks.
Carrier-integrated solutions use an architecture where the broadband PTT The broadband PTT intervendor interoperability problem is the newest and
server is tightly integrated with the wireless carrier’s core network. However, needs to be addressed, and perhaps the ISSI is the answer here too. Either
in North America, the wireless carriers that offer a carrier-integrated PTT way, the community that provides communications solutions to public safety
solution, including AT&T, Verizon, Sprint and Bell Mobility, block the ability must be willing to work together for the benefit of those who risk their lives
of their PTT users to communicate with PTT users on other carriers. The for us. n
remaining wireless carriers, T-Mobile USA, TELUS Canada and Rogers
Wireless, offer broadband PTT service based on the OTT architecture, Josh Lober is president and CEO of SLA, parent company of ESChat. Since
which supports cross-carrier interoperability between all wireless carriers 1991, SLA has developed numerous wireless solutions for government,
and Wi-Fi throughout the world. The MCPTT architecture previously commercial and military applications. Prior to founding SLA, Lober held
discussed falls in the carrier-integrated model, and as such, will not provide positions at 3dbm and Biocom, where he worked on the company’s orange
PTT communications across wireless carriers. paramedic radio made famous in the TV show “Emergency.” Email feedback
In an October 2019 filing with the FCC, AT&T said its FirstNet MCPTT to editor@RRMediaGroup.com.
offering is not required to provide intercarrier interoperability per its contract
with FirstNet. This position is troublesome because one reason that FirstNet
was created was to provide a nationwide, fully interoperable network
available to all public-safety agencies. With the status quo, the only viable
option for intercarrier broadband PTT communications are from the OTT
solutions. FirstNet has granted FirstNet Certified status to five OTT PTT
solutions, including AT&T Enhanced PTT (EPTT), ESChat, Tango Tango,
Orion and MODULO, which are available to FirstNet subscribers in the
FirstNet App Catalog.
The intervendor interoperability problem between infrastructure and
handsets is a non-issue on commercial broadband networks. Smartphone
and tablet devices purchased for wireless carrier use are guaranteed to work
on the carrier, regardless of device vendor.
While this article focused on public safety, commercial markets are also
seeing widespread success with hybrid networks. In January 2019, Tait
Communications announced its hybrid broadband PTT and DMR network
built for Transport for London, connecting more than 9,500 buses, was
operational. The Tait broadband PTT solution uses DMR’s Application
Interface Specification (AIS) interface to provide intersystem interoperability.
AIS is an IP-based interface, akin to P25’s ISSI interface.
Leveraging all the available technologies, public safety has a broad set of
tools available to facilitate cross-system, cross-carrier communications to
support mission-critical users. The hybrid broadband PTT and LMR networks
can solve issues that have plagued public safety for decades. Interoperability

84 I New Developments in Wireless Coverage: Technology | Policy | Applications An Updated Interoperability Framework I 85
An Updated multiple devices that are not integrated with one another. These different
devices are typically not interoperable, especially among the various
Interoperability Framework agencies that may need to respond to large-scale incidents.
The ongoing proliferation of data and communications technologies
By Robert Dew, Steven Babin, increasingly places demands on public-safety answering points (PSAPs).
John Contestabile, Mark Gabriele Data interoperability among jurisdictions and agencies is limited or
and Daniel Syed nonexistent. This interoperability is critical for public-safety mission success,
especially when incidents are dynamic and increasing in scale. Solutions to
The Cybersecurity and assist in integrating all the incoming information, prioritizing it and providing
Infrastructure Security Agency the most mission-relevant information to first responders are needed.
(CISA) sponsored an analysis by The focus of the JHU/APL report was on near-term critical challenges
the Johns Hopkins University to be addressed as part of an emergent 2024 telecommunications
Applied Physics Laboratory architecture. This article summarizes the most recent report, provides
(JHU/APL) to evaluate the existing guidance on issues to address in the near term if the vision of ubiquitous
public-safety telecommunications first responder access to information based on need to know is to be
architecture, identify gaps and achieved, and recognizes the difficulty of predicting the telecommunications
present a framework for environment of the not-too-distant future.
addressing those gaps. During
the initial phase, JHU/APL A Communications Concept
presented a layered model of Thousands of public-safety incidents occur every day in the United States.
interoperability and leveraged The public-safety telecommunications architecture of the future must scale
Photo courtesy CISA

National Public Safety to support complex and extra capacity associated with regional or national
Telecommunications Council emergencies without sacrificing support for everyday local events.
(NPSTC) use cases and Achieving a telecommunications architecture that meets first responder
requirements to identify key shortfalls to address in the near future. This needs is not solely a technical problem. There are five critical success
article presents the layered model proposed by JHU/APL and the key elements — governance, standard operating procedures, technology,
findings from this phase of the analysis. training and exercises, and usage — described in the SAFECOM
Public safety and allied agencies such as transportation, public works and Interoperability Continuum required to achieve interoperability solutions for
utilities are served by an ad hoc telecommunications architecture consisting voice and data communications.
of databases, networks, computers, software applications and devices that To achieve these goals, JHU/APL envisioned the public-safety
were not explicitly designed to work with one another. For decades, LMR has telecommunications architecture depicted in the figure on Page 86. The
been the primary technology providing mission-critical voice communications three layers in this conceptual interoperability model have different functions.
for the public-safety community. Adoption of Project 25 (P25)-compliant The data layer houses the data or data sources. These data are disparate
systems has enhanced first responder communications with digital voice types in different formats provided by different content owners. The integration
technology and interoperability with other P25 systems and legacy analog layer functions to organize, integrate and merge these data into a standardized
systems. and consumable format, so relevant data can be displayed and used by
However, P25 radio systems provide limited capacity for transmitting data. the applications represented in the presentation layer. The specific
Many public-safety agencies augment their LMR voice systems with data communications system design, standards and applications used to improve
over commercial cellular networks. Consequently, many first responders use interoperability will vary depending on the data source (content), networks

86 I An Updated Interoperability Framework An Updated Interoperability Framework I 87
n Improved storage and retrieval capabilities, which have dramatically

Public-Safety Communications Conceptual expanded the content in the data layer
Interoperability Model: Functions by Layer n Increased access and ability to exchange real-time video streams.
Presentation Layer: Distributes to public-safety end users integrated data relevant to Ubiquitous camera systems monitor and manage traffic and secure public
their Mission, includes information display and analysis tools that are interoperable and private property. Unmanned aerial systems (UAS), with corresponding
and can be used regardless of end-user application
video, are increasingly being integrated into emergency response and
recovery operations.
Transport network: consumable data
Despite these gains, a number of gaps remain in the public-safety

Integration Layer: Aggregates and manipulates data to make it standardized, communications architecture. The integration layer capabilities required to
interoperable and consumable regardless of end-user application
ensure the interoperability of disparate information sources and their mission
relevance have not kept pace. Existing limitations include:
Transport network: disparate data
n Interoperability with legacy LMR systems
n Interoperability between LMR and LTE systems
Data Layer: Information Content, includes video, databases, sensors, maps
HAZMAT lists and protocols, etc., which must be made available by Content owners
n Data transmission limitations of LMR
n Costs of maintaining multiple communications systems
n Increased demand for data, especially video
(transport network) and end users (mission), as well as the individual public- n Video integration
safety agency funding, policies, procedures and documented agreements. n Redundant, obsolete and useless data
Despite these differences in the details of how this concept is applied to n Security and credentialing across systems
a particular type of content or in a particular agency IT infrastructure, the n Lack of multimedia capability at PSAPs
three-layer conceptual model is a useful representation of the interoperability n PSAP capacity
challenges of legacy, as-is and to-be communications architectures.
In addition, the nonintegration layer limitations remain. Coverage is not
Identifying Gaps ubiquitous, with significant parts of the country that are not covered by either
During past decades, major changes in public-safety communications LMR or a digital wireless system. In addition, there are urban environments,
have taken place, including the following: such as tall buildings, elevator shafts, subway tunnels and sewers, where
n Emergence of two standards-based transport networks, including P25 coverage is degraded or nonexistent.
LMR and LTE cellular. Most P25-compliant systems are interoperable with Despite the introduction of trunked systems for LMR and continued
other P25-compliant systems. Through adherence to Third Generation expansion of commercial wireless broadband networks, systems can still be
Partnership Project (3GPP) standards, cellular networks are almost saturated during times of heavy use, especially during emergencies. Cellular
universally interoperable. infrastructure is vulnerable to damage during extreme weather, and both
n Introduction of wireless handheld devices capable of acting as a camera, LMR and cellular systems are vulnerable to loss of electrical power.
a communications device and an ecosystem for a variety of applications There is a need for improved form fit, especially with regard to data
n Evolution of computer processing, analytics and graphics to provide services. While the amount of data and number of potential data sources
public-safety officers with enhanced situational awareness by automatically have increased dramatically and while there is a desire to more effectively
accessing, aggregating and presenting data in a mission-relevant form. integrate mission-relevant data into public-safety operations, the integration
Geographic information system (GIS) analytics represents a widely adopted layer tools and services required to find, format, access, secure, assess and
example. aggregate data do not yet exist.

Key Development Efforts In addition, artificial intelligence (AI) and deep learning algorithms are
The emerging public-safety communications architecture will include two increasingly being integrated into commonly used software. Data search and
major initiatives. The nationwide public-safety broadband network (NPSBN), discovery, video and image analytics, and automated speech recognition
overseen by the First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet) through a (ASR) applications are of special interest to public safety. Separately, the
contract with AT&T, leverages 20 megahertz of 700 MHz bandwidth to ability to dynamically reroute messages and thus distribute call loads can
provide priority services for public-safety applications, including both voice also increase PSAP responsiveness during times of high volume.
and data services. In addition, next-generation 9-1-1 (NG 9-1-1) seeks to Short message service (SMS) or text messages require little bandwidth
enable PSAPs to transition from analog-based capability to IP-based digital and may be more readily amenable to automated analytics than voice or
systems. FirstNet and NG 9-1-1, where deployed, will make large portions other media. Several public-safety programs integrate additional cameras
of the public-safety telecommunications architecture IP compliant, thus for situational awareness and forensics purposes. Many of these cameras
facilitating the transmission and reception of multimedia data, including map belong to organizations outside the public-safety community including local
data, images, video streams and text messages. businesses, hospitals and schools.
In addition to these government-led initiatives and other broadband priority
service offerings, a number of commercial communications developments New Challenges
could potentially alter the public-safety communications architecture, While these enhancements will ultimately increase situational awareness
although actual levels of adoption by the public-safety community can’t be and first responder capabilities, they bring a number of integration layer
predicted at this time. The first is 5G, which is the enabling technology to challenges. The NPSBN may exacerbate interoperability issues in some
drive widespread deployment of internet of things (IoT) devices. Secondly, cases. The desire to maintain mission-critical push-to-talk (MCPTT)
datacasting leverages available capacity in digital television signals to capabilities equivalent to those provided by LMR systems will drive many
provide first responders with an additional, highly reliable communications jurisdictions to maintain both LMR and LTE networks. However, if MCPTT
channel to support efficient one-to-many information transmission. over LTE performance approaches that of LMR, there will be an impetus for
Additionally, rapidly deployable “ad hoc” networks could also alter public agencies and jurisdictions with FirstNet capability to move toward a fully
safety. There are a number of communications technologies that can be cellular infrastructure. At the same time, some jurisdictions may not have
used to configure relatively low-weight portable equipment into an ad hoc sufficient wireless broadband coverage or will not be able to afford to leave
local network. behind their existing investments in LMR. Ensuring interoperability between
As a result of these innovations, the public-safety communications LTE and LMR systems and improving interoperability with jurisdictions and
architecture will have the potential to include use of personal area networks agencies that still have legacy analog systems will be an ongoing challenge.
(PANs) to support body-worn sensors, improved capability to use data from Additionally, there will be a need to consolidate LMR and LTE capabilities
devices to increase situational awareness regarding the environment, into a single device that can be used to access either the LMR or LTE
increased resilience in the face of natural and man-made disasters, and network and that provides a relatively common user interface.
better scalability to augment capacity during large-scale incidents. Security concerns will continue to be a critical issue for public-safety
In addition, other emerging noncommunications technologies are likely communications. Data and communications systems have increasingly come
to be integrated into public-safety communications. First responder under cyber attack in recent years, with some of the most sophisticated
communications devices will be more than phones; they will also provide attacks emanating from and even sponsored by foreign countries. The
an ecosystem for applications and analytics that first responders can use continuous vigilance, development and evolution of sophisticated security
to organize and interpret information about their surroundings. While use and credentialing systems will be increasingly important components.
of UAS is limited by policy constraints, as rules of engagement become Training personnel will play a key role in securing information because social
better defined, UAS will become a key component of the public-safety engineering — the ability to achieve access and information about the
communications architecture. communications architecture and how it is accessed and secured directly

from end users — is the most common source of security breaches. (CISA), where he provides overall technical advisement for emergency
As the communications architecture, especially the transport networks, communications stakeholders.
becomes more effective at transmitting multimedia data, the demand for
network capacity to transport that data will likely increase. This is especially Steven Babin is a member of the senior professional staff at the Johns
true with respect to real-time video. First responders, especially those with Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (JHU/APL) with a background
command responsibility, have reported increased confidence when decisions in electrical engineering.
can be supported by real-time video. However, given the large data capacity
required to transmit video, there is concern that the added demand for video John Contestabile is director of public-safety solutions at Skyline Technologies.
might exceed the increased capacity of the emerging transport networks. He spent 10 years with JHU/APL and more than 30 years with the state of
Just as there is a need to assess the utility of data in support of bandwidth Maryland Department of Transportation.
allocation, there is a need to assess the utility of data to enable first responders
to make the most efficient use of their time. The usefulness of the data Mark Gabriele is a 28-year veteran of the Maryland State Police and a project
provided to first responders must be commensurate with the rapid pace manager and subject matter expert in homeland security at JHU/APL.
associated with emergency response. Both automated aggregation and
assessment of data, and humans performing the same function will benefit Daniel Syed has been a systems engineer with JHU/APL since 1982.
from better understood, more quantifiable metrics of data utility. He has been involved in a wide range of projects involving software
As dependence on data within the public-safety community grows, the and communications systems development. Email feedback to
risks associated with spurious or intentionally misleading data will likewise editor@RRMediaGroup.com.
increase. The integration layer will need metrics and methodologies for
assessing not only the utility of data but also its validity.
While future public-safety communications architecture will have the
technology to enable access to large amounts of data, there will be a need to
negotiate what data is available to whom and under what conditions. Negoti-
ated access levels and need to know will be reflected in credentials used to
gain access to data. Moving content from the data layer to the end users in
the presentation layer will require both push and pull features.
A strength of this new three-layer model is that it places most of the
features that make the architecture interoperable within the integration layer.
Shortfalls and opportunities identified during evaluation of the architecture
were mapped to this three-layer model. Results of the effort were documented
in a detailed report. CISA and JHU/APL are currently working with SAFECOM
and the National Council of Statewide Interoperability Coordinators (NCSWIC)
to circulate findings from this effort more broadly within the public-safety
community, validate the results, develop an information sharing framework
(ISF) and identify potential solutions to address the shortfalls and
opportunities identified. n
Robert Dew is a senior technologist adviser with the U.S. Department of

Homeland Security (DHS) Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency

92 I New Developments in Wireless Coverage: Technology | Policy | Applications LTE Interoperability Across Borders I 93
LTE Interoperability Each Country’s Landscape

While the U.S. nationwide public-safety broadband network (NPSBN),
Across Borders overseen by the First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet), is being
implemented, Canada’s NPSBN is in the planning stages. To ensure a high
level of interoperability between both countries, LTE is the initial technology
that will likely anchor Canada’s NPSBN, similar to FirstNet.
An LTE mobile network operator that serves both commercial and
public-safety subscribers can allocate radio resources dynamically between
its various user groups in accordance with quality of service (QoS), priority
and pre-emption (QPP) privileges. However, some technical and administrative
complexities may arise if two different operators that share the same spectrum
serve commercial and public-safety users.
First responders expect to maintain uninterrupted service as they migrate
from the cellular coverage of one network to another. This scenario will
happen when first responders from Canada and the U.S. join in mutual aid
during emergencies that occur near the international border. Both teams
could potentially be served by the Canadian and U.S. public-safety broadband
networks, which operate in the same 700 MHz band. While industry standards
have addressed the matter of maintaining service continuity during handover
between mobile networks, they are not commonly implemented. In most
By Joseph Fournier and Claudio Lucente cases, an active session will drop when a user’s service is handed over to
another carrier.
Some of the fundamental public-safety communications capabilities Another consideration is how to balance traffic loading between cells.
that are expected to enable safety, security and mission-effectiveness The traffic load among neighboring cells is monitored and, if needed, user
goals are not available with commercial service providers. The lacking traffic is directed to less loaded cells to balance the traffic among the group.
features include the ability for a user’s communications session to Congestion-based load balancing is typically performed within the same
transition seamlessly from one service provider to another, for priority and network, but for first responders in areas that are served by both Canadian
pre-emption privileges to follow a first responder in that migration, and the and U.S. mobile broadband networks, the load-balancing function should
capability to pool the capacity of mobile broadband networks among operate between cells that are part of two different operators on the same
service providers covering an incident area and make intelligent decisions frequency band.
to share traffic load. Each successive CAUSE experiment built on the capabilities demonstrated
Defence Research and Development Canada’s Centre for Security in the previous experiment, and the focus of this article is the final
Science (DRDC CSS) and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security experiment — CAUSE V.
Science & Technology Directorate (DHS S&T) targeted these areas in
experiments under a binational program to enhance both countries’ re- LTE Features
silience to natural and man-made disasters. The Canada – U.S. Enhanced Seamless Handover. There are several different mobility use cases, but
Resiliency (CAUSE) series of experiments was designed to demonstrate the CAUSE experiments tackled intercell mobility with different mobile
advanced communications capabilities including LTE technology to first re- operators using LTE as the radio access technology (RAT), with the additional
sponders and reveal research actions needed to realize those capabilities. constraint of being co-channel.

94 I LTE Interoperability Across Borders LTE Interoperability Across Borders I 95
The Third Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) defined the requirements hands-on experiments using scripted procedures and scenarios. The
for service continuity. Service should be maintained during and following capabilities of interest to public safety were:
changes of 3GPP access systems and non-3GPP systems, called inter-RAT n The ability to make effective use of tools and applications that provide
handover. In addition, it should be possible to support inter-public land rich, dynamic situational awareness during an incident;
mobile network (PLMN) handover with seamless service continuity within n The ability to access and share information and seamlessly communicate
a 3GPP-specified access system, called inter-PLMN handover, with the with each other;
same RAT. n The ability to make the most effective use of limited spectrum of mobile
For inter-PLMN handover to occur, it is necessary but not sufficient for the networks by dynamically prioritizing the use of the spectrum; and
user to have roamed onto another network. The GSM Association (GSMA) n The ability to maximize the availability of radio resources in an incident
specifies two types of LTE-to-LTE roaming: area by sharing traffic between cells.
n S8-based home routed (S8HR) — A user’s traffic is routed to the home
mobile network. The functions of the mobile networks exercised to demonstrate the
n Local breakout (LBO) — A user’s traffic is routed to the visited mobile operational capabilities for first responders included:
network. n Seamless handover and service continuity using the S10 reference
point between the mobility management entities (MME) belonging to different
The scenarios in the CAUSE experiments used S8HR, where the user carriers;
traffic is carried between the visited serving gateway (S-GW) and the home n Balancing the cell loading using the X2 reference point between
packet data network gateway (P-GW) using the S8 reference point. 3GPP eNodeBs belonging to different operators; and
specified the maximum time to execute a successful handover with reference n Using the LTE QPP parameters to dynamically adapt the allocation of
to the user equipment (UE) connection. If the combined latency is greater radio resources of different mobile networks to UEs according to prioritization
than the handover time, the handover may fail. policies that were established for the experiment.
Mobility Load Balancing (MLB). 3GPP treats MLB as part of the
self-optimization function, one of the dimensions of self-organizing networks The CAUSE experiments involved a number of variables for the technologies
(SON). This function is intended to optimize network coverage, capacity and that were used to demonstrate the operational capabilities. Some parameters
handover, as well as reduce interference. were identified as variables, but their values were constrained by external
While considering MLB, one way of reducing the traffic loading in cells is factors. For example, antenna heights were set by availability of suitable sites
to trigger the handover procedures of UEs in highly loaded cells to less for the eNodeBs.
loaded cells and to delay the handover of UEs from less loaded cells to more
highly loaded cells, called handover MLB (HO-MLB). Practical solutions to Planning and Preparation
enable inter-PLMN HO-MLB need further study. There is a trade-off between The desired capabilities of first responders were scrutinized against an
load balancing gain and handover success rate; one is maximized at the evaluation of the technical and programmatic risks of being able to undertake
expense of the other. the task in the allotted time. CAUSE IV focused on inter-PLMN seamless
QPP. LTE provides for three fundamental mechanisms to manage conges- handover and service continuity. CAUSE V added inter-PLMN, HO-MLB and
tion in the user data and signaling planes: access class barring (ACB), alloca- QPP policy enforcement to the scope.
tion retention priority (ARP) and QoS class indicator (QCI). 3GPP has proposed The locations for the experiments were selected to be close to, or along
standardized characteristics for 17 out of a possible 256 QCI levels. the Canada-U.S. border:
n CAUSE III: Saskatchewan, Alberta, and Montana (held in November
The Experiments 2014)
The CAUSE experiments involved first responders participating in n CAUSE IV: Sarnia, Ontario, and Port Huron, Michigan (held in April 2016)

n CAUSE V: Abbotsford and Surrey, British Columbia; and Bellingham, commercial UEs that were in idle mode were not able to attach to the
Blaine and Sumas, Washington (held in November 2017) eNodeBs. However, commercial UEs that were connected at the time that
ACB was enabled remained connected, and the handover for those UEs
Network elements were located in various locations in Canada and the continued to be supported. This behavior is consistent with the purpose of
U.S. and leveraged the public internet to interconnect the sites. For CAUSE the ACB congestion control mechanism. That is, to mitigate congestion on
V, the wireless coverage for the three eNodeB sites was modeled with Planet the signaling plane by reducing the number of attach requests.
software from InfoVista. The sources of 3D digital terrain data were National Prioritization. The default bearers of designated commercial users were
Resources Canada (0.75 arc-second resolution) and U.S. Shuttle Radar assigned QCI-9 and those for public-safety users were assigned QCI-8,
Topography Mission (SRTM) V3 data (1 arc-second where the latter has higher priority. The values were stored in the core
resolution). network’s subscriber profile repository and transferred to the eNodeB when
The experiments examined operational capabilities for Canadian and the UE attached to the network, where the appropriate resource scheduling
U.S. first responders when operating in mutual aid. They were demonstrated weights were applied.
through a set of scripted procedures for the first responders and with Although the scheduling weights per QCI took effect as soon as a new
technical support from Canada’s Communications Research Centre (CRC) configuration was pushed to the eNodeB, they did not affect bearers that
and Texas A&M University (TAMU). were already established. The connected UEs were affected by the new
The purpose of the CAUSE IV experiment was to demonstrate the scheduling weights when they cycled from idle to connected states because
seamless continuity of communications before, during and after the handover this process involves re-establishing the default bearer.
of service between a Canadian mobile network and a U.S. mobile network During the experiment, two commercial users were attached to an eNodeB
both operating in the same frequency band. and initiated video-streaming applications. Because the cell was not congested,
The scenario for the CAUSE V experiment added the capability to the two users experienced high-quality video with no interruptions or freezes.
seamlessly balance traffic between cells that pertained to two different While the two commercial users streamed video, three public-safety users
mobile networks. In addition, the ability to prioritize public-safety traffic over attached to the same eNodeB and established a three-way video conference
non-public-safety traffic, regardless of which network it was connected to, call. This call, combined with the video streams of the commercial users,
was also demonstrated. Several multimedia applications were used to load required more than 25 Megabits per second (Mbps) of capacity to
traffic onto the networks and to allow users to assess the usability of those simultaneously support all the sessions.
applications under different conditions. To exercise the prioritization functions, the eNodeB’s modulation scheme
was limited to 16 QAM instead of 64 QAM, causing the sessions’ aggregate
CAUSE V Experiment throughput to exceed the cell’s downlink capacity of 15 Mbps. When the
RF Coverage. The results of the extensive drive testing after site installa- eNodeB’s scheduling weights were applied, the commercial users’ video
tion and leading up to the experiment validated that the coverage simulations streams froze, while the three-way video conference of the public-safety
were acceptable for the purposes of the experiment. Typically, tuned RF users remained unperturbed.
propagation models are considered acceptable within 6 to 8 dB of accuracy. The prioritization action affected commercial users regardless of what their
Access Class Barring (ACB). The experiment involved two classes of home PLMN was, indicating that the QoS parameters for visiting users were
users, commercial and public safety, sharing the same LTE network. When asserted in the visited PLMN and confirming that the QoS settings were
ACB was activated on the eNodeBs, it prevented the commercial users from configured identically in the two networks.
attaching to the network while leaving the network accessible to public-safety Pre-emption. The experiment on pre-emption was performed on default
users, irrespective of what their home PLMN was. bearers; pre-emption tests on guaranteed bit rate (GBR)-dedicated bearers
When ACB was enabled on the eNodeBs, it enforced the ACB rules as were not performed. Public-safety users were configured with higher priority,
soon as the new configuration was applied to the eNodeBs, such that were capable of pre-empting lower priority bearers and were not pre-emptible.

In the experiment, the pre-emption rules were applied at the UE attach during the in-field preparation for the experiment. Once those locations were
request. When the default bearers were pre-empted, the effect on applications identified, more than 90 percent of the attempts to trigger handovers were
using that bearer were immediate in that all downlink and uplink traffic for successfully demonstrated, with no detrimental impact on applications.
those applications was interrupted. A video stream without buffering showed
the immediate — less than a second — effect of pre-emption. Applying the Findings
The pre-emption action affected commercial users regardless of what their To achieve the interoperability demonstrated in the CAUSE experiments
home PLMN was, indicating that the pre-emption parameters for visiting in real-world deployments, greater operator cooperation is necessary. At a
users were asserted in the visited PLMN and confirming that the QoS minimum, carriers must configure the QPP parameters identically and
settings were configured identically for the two networks. Although the interconnect the S10 and X2 reference points. If interconnecting the X2
pre-emption setting became active as soon as a new configuration was reference point between eNodeBs of separate carriers is not feasible, then
pushed to the eNodeB, it did not affect the default bearers that were already S1-based handover should be used with constraints on latency. Hence, S1
established because the eNodeB performed access control/pre-emption and S10 latency must be taken into consideration in the allocation of the
when receiving a bearer creation request. delay budget for the maximum allowable handover time. As well, the
Inter-PLMN Seamless Handover. The experiment demonstrated that S1-based SON transfer approach for HO-MLB should be studied further as
bearer sessions could remain active during the handover from the eNodeB a way to achieve inter-PLMN congestion-based load balancing.
of one PLMN to the eNodeB of another PLMN, provided that the S10 The subject of seamless handover will become more important as
reference point of the MMEs of both core networks are interconnected. commercial carriers deploy mission-critical services. Inter-PLMN service
Despite the latency on the S1, a factor in handover failure rate, more than continuity of mission-critical push to talk (MCPTT) and device-to-device
100 handover attempts using a selection of UEs were successfully com- communications — both on and off network — are important subjects for
pleted during the preparation and demonstration stages of the experiment. future study. Furthermore, all variants of 5G are expected to coexist with LTE
Most UEs tested tolerated a combined S1 and S10 latency of more than and non-3GPP technologies such as Wi-Fi. Persistent, pervasive and
200 milliseconds, but other UEs did not handover at all. The high latency seamless connectivity of first responders in heterogeneous networking
was because of the long distances and backhaul routes between the environments remains an important capability need for first responders and
eNodeB and the MMEs to which they pertained. The S1 signals traversed should be examined in future experiments. In addition, the co-channel
numerous WAN domains as well as the internet. The latency on the S10 interference environment will become more congested as networks become
was insignificant because the MMEs for both PLMNs were co-located at the denser. The use of further enhanced intercell interference coordination
CRC in Canada. (FeICIC), network-assisted interference cancellation (NAIC) and coordinated
Other variables such as time to trigger (TTT) — set to 40 ms in multipoint transmission/reception (CoMP) to suppress and/or cancel
CAUSE V — and the speed of the UE could contribute to the handover interference between operators should be studied further.
failure rate. However, in the experiment, the UE speed was less than 70 During the CAUSE III, IV and V experiments, the research and experiment
kilometers per hour (kmph) at which the effect on handover failure rate is teams demonstrated the effective use of LTE, the ability for users to migrate
negligible. between the coverage of two separate mobile networks without any noticeable
Inter-PLMN MLB used the elements of inter-PLMN seamless handover impact on the mobile broadband service, for priority and pre-emption
combined with information regarding cell loading that is carried on the X2 privileges to follow them as they migrate, and for cells that pertain to two
reference point. In the experiment, the X2 reference point of the eNodeBs separate mobile networks serving an incident area to share loading
pertaining to two different networks was interconnected. seamlessly. A key lesson from the experiments was that service providers
The ability to demonstrate congestion-based mobility load-balancing with must coordinate and cooperate in ways that transcend roaming agreements.
session persistence required the selection of locations where the signal This is unchartered territory for service providers, but the experiments
levels were conducive to triggering the handover between the two networks demonstrated it is possible. n

100 I LTE Interoperability Across Borders New Developments in Wireless Coverage: Technology | Policy | Applications I 101
Joseph Fournier has 30 years of experience in the wireless domain and is

with Defence Research and Development Canada’s Centre for Security
Off-Network
Science (DRDC CSS) in Ottawa, responsible for the wireless technology Communications Revisited
portfolio. He previously led the wireless network design group at the
Communications Research Centre (CRC) at Innovation Science and By Andy Seybold
Economic Development. Before joining the government, Fournier held senior
management positions at a number of industry organizations including During virtual conferences, in published articles and on
Intelcan, Newbridge Networks and Alcatel Networks. social media, some continue to promote the idea that real
soon now public safety will be able to leave its LMR devices
Since 2010, Claudio Lucente has been a contractor with DRDC CSS behind and rely solely on the FirstNet network. This prediction
researching and advising on the applications of Long Term Evolution (LTE) is once again coming from pundits, technologists and others
technology toward implementation of a nationwide interoperable public- who have never been in the field when things were tense, not
safety mobile broadband communications network. In 2017, he received from first responders. I strongly disagree with this assessment Andy Seybold
the Heinrich Hertz award from the National Public Safety Telecommunications from a public-safety point of view. The entire subject of off-network
Council (NPSTC) for leading a binational Canada-USA work group. Email communications, or simplex, appears to be being ignored or downplayed by
feedback to editor@RRMediaGroup.com. those who do not actually use public-safety communications systems.
Some posts on social media about mission-critical push-to-talk (MCPTT),
which is beginning to make its way onto FirstNet, include discussions about
“off-network LTE” or “proximity services” (ProSe). When I point out that
ProSe does not provide the level of off-network communications required by
first responders, I am told relays can be used to increase ProSe coverage.
My rebuttal is that the connection will fail if another first responder acts as
the relay point and s/he is ordered to change locations. Others tell me things
are in the works at the Third Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) and, of
course, 1.25-watt (W) high-power user equipment (HPUE) can be used on
FirstNet’s band 14. Neither option is available today. Handheld high-power
devices remain a long way off due to battery-life issues, and 3GPP still has
not addressed off-network public-safety-grade requirements.
Another point missed by those who predict LTE/5G will replace LMR is that
the people who control city, county, state or federal agency purse strings
hear this prediction and when presented with budget requests to upgrade or
replace an existing LMR system, they push back at having to continue to
fund LMR. This creates nightmares for chiefs and administrative personnel
for law, fire and EMS agencies, which then have to spend precious time
trying to convince their elected officials and others that public safety needs
both FirstNet/LTE and LMR in place until there is a satisfactory off-network
solution for FirstNet/LTE/5G. Even then, I remain a proponent of maintaining
both FirstNet and LMR.
FirstNet’s contribution to public-safety communications has and will

102 I Off-Network Communications Revisited Off-Network Communications Revisited I 103
continue to be significant as we move forward. As has been demonstrated large buildings. However, wireless networks are not always available inside
this year, FirstNet and LMR networks operating alongside each other buildings, in sub-basements or underground parking garages, or in rural
provides a greater level of redundancy and, especially when interconnected, areas not covered by wireless networks. Off-network communications is a
the combination of the two delivers much more to public safety than the two must-have for most or all of the public-safety community.
networks alone. As we add next-generation 9-1-1 (NG 9-1-1) and FirstNet There has been some progress in off-network communications and a
and LMR systems are interwoven, public safety will have a world-class set of number of companies are adding off-network communications capabilities by
communications capabilities for citizens reporting incidents, first responders combining LMR and FirstNet devices. We have already seen how L3Harris
in the field and those who support our public-safety professionals. Technologies and others have gone about building LMR and LTE into a
Call it off-network, talkaround, simplex, one-to-one, one-to-many or single device. Others have dual-network LMR/broadband products and there
peer-to-peer for IT folks, it is all the same. Regardless of how good a network will be more, at lower price points, especially for FirstNet and one segment
or series of networks is, there are times when those in the field need to of public-safety LMR spectrum, such as FirstNet/VHF, FirstNet/UHF and
take their communications off the network(s) and down to a local level. FirstNet 700/800 MHz devices. These dual-purpose radios sell for less than
Public-safety radio communications began with one-way from the station- a single radio that covers all three LMR spectrum segments plus FirstNet.
house to the vehicle and then evolved in the 1930s to two-way radio base Some vendors are employing Bluetooth, so an LTE device and an LMR
station-to-mobile and then mobile-to-mobile. After a number of technological device can be controlled by one or the other. Motorola LEX and APX
advances, we now have multiple networks. LMR handles voice only, and handheld LMR radios are a good example of this type of “integration.” Sonim
some very low speed data, and FirstNet, built with AT&T, and other broadband previously announced a “sled” for off-network communications, but the first
networks handle voice in the form of dial-up and push to talk (PTT) as version is on 900 MHz and very low-powered unlicensed spectrum. I am not
well as text, data, video and still pictures. Even so, there are times when convinced Sonim’s website description is completely accurate as it reads:
public-safety personnel are out of network coverage, when some are in “Communicate with up to 100 co-workers within a 1-mile radius without
coverage and some are not, and when some are within network coverage cellular coverage.” Sonim claims it is using a 1-watt transmitter, so perhaps it
but need to communicate on a more local basis. will cover up to a mile, but I am not sure this would meet the off-network
Some public-safety agencies do not use off-network or use it rarely, but criteria public safety needs. Perhaps Sonim’s next sled should be designed
many agencies use off-network communications for every incident they to operate on VHF or UHF in a simplex-only mode.
respond to and many fire-service incident dispatches include a working Battery life is the primary concern when combining devices or using the
off-network channel. Off-network is often preferred by SWAT teams, detectives high power permitted on FirstNet band 14 in a handheld. Most handheld
and other units that need to stay in contact with their group without LMR devices are designed to provide a typical shift-plus of power and have
taking up network resources. Another reason is to keep it local so fewer removable, replaceable batteries. Smartphone and tablet batteries last much
people with radio scanners or internet rebroadcasting services can listen longer than a shift unless they are being heavily used. Adding high-power
to an incident in progress. The issue of eavesdropping is non-existent with band 14 ProSe will require a much heftier battery and an external antenna to
broadband networks so far, especially FirstNet since a great deal of time attain the best possible distance and building penetration. I am not privy to
and effort has been spent to ensure FirstNet is a secure network. what 3GPP has in store for ProSe, but as I have said before, as it exists
One of the most compelling uses for off-network is to communicate in today, ProSe is basically useless to the public-safety community. There is no
areas where the network cannot or does not penetrate. Having plenty of way it could pass any of the tests I have determined necessary before public
network signal standing in front of a building does not mean public-safety safety will trust an off-network device for daily use.
professionals will have network coverage as they enter the building, descend
to a basement or move deeper into the building. Today, both LMR and Future Devices
FirstNet are penetrating deeper into buildings than ever before and network There is a need today and far into the future for robust off-network
carriers or landlords are installing in-building communications, especially in communications capable of multiple channels or groups since during major

incidents some public-safety groups want and need their own “private” we will find overwhelming support for any one solution: a FirstNet-only
channel(s) to manage their portion of the mission. During a hostage incident, device, a combined FirstNet/LMR device or a two-device world for the
they might need one channel for SWAT, one for crowd control, another for foreseeable future. Vendors that take the time to understand the direction
hostage negotiations and a few more. The greatest number of direct, the public-safety community is heading will be best able to design its
off-network channels are needed during wildfires as the incident command next-generation-or-later devices. On-duty public-safety professionals live in
adds layers of management and deployment. In some California fires where a very different world from civilians. Time is often critical, assistance is a
I provided volunteer communications support, all available VHF simplex priority, tracking who is doing what and where is imperative, and being able
channels were assigned, resulting in sixty to seventy channels being used. to dictate or write after-action reports are all activities that need to meet
I do not believe public safety would welcome a device with limited precise standards.
off-network communications capabilities without some reservations. What is When I worked for General Electric Mobile Radio, now L3Harris, in the
needed is a single device that provides both on- and off-network capabilities. mid-1970s, Cincinnati’s fire department wanted to provide every firefighter
There is an ongoing conversation within the public-safety community about with a “scene of the fire” radio communications system. The idea was for a
how many communications devices those in the field really need to carry. handheld radio to be fitted into a pocket sewn onto the turnout gear, a
Some have made the case that FirstNet or LTE is the only device needed, bone-conduction microphone to be attached to the front middle of the
but I have to assume those leaning in that direction do not use off-network or helmet, and an over-the-ear speaker. Setcom was chosen to provide the
have not thought about how devices are used in the field on a day-to-day basis. headgear and sent a sample helmet with over-the-ear pieces covering both
Others favor a single dual-LMR/FirstNet LTE device. The last category is those ears. The fire chief took one look and said no firefighter he knew would
who prefer two separate devices: an LMR device that has long been their accept having both ears covered. After we worked with Setcom to modify the
lifeline and a smartphone so they can be better informed while in the field. headgear for a single earpiece, the firefighters really liked it.
Age and experience influence device choices. People who have been on the The lesson here is that designing a product for the public-safety community
job for many years have been using LMR devices in their vehicles and handhelds without input from the community makes little sense. However, talking with one
since they joined. Their experience with smartphones and tablets usually department or one seasoned expert is not enough because the wants and
started with a fixed notebook computer in their vehicle and a data connection needs of the public-safety community change from area to area, region to
over commercial broadband. When they started using cellphones and then region, and between law, fire and EMS services. Taking the time and effort to
smartphones and tablets in their personal lives, they often used their personal ferret out how your product might be received means conferring with potential
smartphones while on duty. Today, if their department is signed up on FirstNet, users, and as your product progresses, revisiting them to make sure you are on
they carry both LMR devices and smartphones or tablets. the right track. Above all else, remember that the public-safety community is a
The next, younger group of first responders grew up with cellphones and group of professionals who run toward danger and do not have time to mess
transitioned to smartphones and tablets as they became available. I have around with complex technology. They want the products they need and they
been told by some within public safety that seasoned personnel are teaching need them to work well. Finally, you only have one chance. If you mess it up,
newer, younger recruits how to use LMR, while the younger first responders the public-safety community will remember it for many years.
are teaching the old guard how to make better use of their smartphones
and tablets. The next wave of people to join the ranks of the public-safety Where Devices Are Headed
community will have grown up with smartphones and tablets being second We don’t know now, and we might not know even when we get there in
nature to them. As these younger members move up the ladder, it will be terms of off-network devices. In the meantime, some new devices will work
interesting to see who will want single devices, multiple devices or two well and be welcomed, and some will collect dust on warehouse shelves.
different devices, which seems to be today’s preference. My vision of where we should be headed is described in an article for
All this suggests there will be several waves of devices brought to market MissionCritical Communications: “If all these various types of communications
and put into use. We will learn a lot from these but I, for one, do not believe are put together in a synergistic, IP-based system and field personnel carry

devices that help them navigate to the specific network they need when they
need it, public-safety communications will remain what it is today — a tool for
public safety. Law enforcement, fire personnel, EMS, and other first and
second responders can perform their tasks without having to think about
which communications method is being used. The networks in concert will
deliver the content to the appropriate people at the right time.”
I am suggesting a set of smart networks sending and receiving information
to and from smart devices carried or worn by public-safety professionals and
those in the field that do not require changing channels or even looking at THANK YOU
the device. Perhaps a heads-up display would work, but I see the endgame
as a set of networks and devices that include off-network one-to-one and to all the sponsors for
one-to-many communications that are intelligent enough to provide the
right communications to the right people at the right time. Anyone who making this e-book possible!
believes we can do without off-network communications has not been in a
sub-basement surrounded by fire knowing the only way to summon help is Sponsored by
via off-network communications that are sufficiently robust, so others will
hear and respond.
We have the communications tools, technology advances and users
who need what the wireless community provides. Now, we need to put it all
together so interoperability and on-network versus off-network are no longer
issues. If we all work toward this goal it will be achievable sooner rather than
later or never.
A lot of progress is being made in the dual-device world, and high-power
user devices are about to start shipping. While today they are designed to
boost coverage of in-vehicle modems/routers, I believe other form factors,
starting with backpacks with larger batteries, will find their way into the
market only a few months after the release of the first mobile HPUE. However,
I am still of the mind that off-network communications, which is vital to all
public-safety agencies, needs to be kept on LMR for many years to come.
Products that will provide only some of what is needed in the way of
off-network communications in the rush to market won’t be embraced by
public safety. I hope those who allege FirstNet is all first responders want
and need will sit down and talk to those in the field who use off-network
communications every day before they write or say any more about
off-network communications. n
Andy Seybold is a consultant, educator and writer of the Public Safety

Advocate, a weekly column for public-safety communications which is
available free by subscription and is posted on allthingsfirstnet.com

Section 4: Disaster Response
Maintain Communications During Disasters with Satellite ....................................110
New Backhaul Demands .......................................................................................112
Mesh Networks Provide Public-Safety Coverage When Networks Go Down........117
COVID-19 Coverage Impacts................................................................................120
Disaster Response with Satellite ..........................................................................125
iC-
- sa
at100
One-to-Manyy Global Communications
your team in the most remote areas of our

o planet
with Icom’s new SAT100 push-to-talk satellite radios.
r
The SAT100’s coverage can now inter-connec ct with your

ure by adding
existing LMR, IP/LTE and dispatch infrastructu
RadioResource TM the companion VE-PG4 gateway solution.
Educational Series h and rescue
With the press of a button - rural teams, search
and remote base camps can talk seamlessly to P25 users
in a municipal environment*. Connect with Icom today.
www.icomamerica.com/network
connect@icomamerica.com
*VE-PG4 required for multi-platform connectivity
©2021 Icom America Inc. The Icom logo is a registered trademark of Icom Inc. 21081
110 I New Developments in Wireless Coverage: Technology | Policy | Applications Maintain Communications During Disasters with Satellite I 111
Maintain Communications south of the equator.

While there is no single “perfect” communications method that can support
During Disasters with Satellite all first responder organizations, satellite communications can provide peace
of mind. Already have an emergency system in place? Consider a satellite
Hurricanes, tornadoes, fires and floods are only system to diversify your communications and have as a backup. Redundancy
some of the hazards Mother Nature can create. When ensures preparedness for future catastrophes. Suppose phone lines or cell
catastrophe strikes, it is crucial to have effective towers go down. In this instance, the only way to go is up. Connect to a
communications and the exchange of that information network of satellites independent from the effects of the planet’s natural
during an emergency. With the potential of interrupted disasters. Modern devices, such as cellphones, tablets and personal
ground-based communications, such as downed computers, can utilize several networking technologies, including wireless,
phone lines and cellular/radio towers, how can first Bluetooth or a carrier’s LTE network. If one channel goes down, someone
responders be prepared? isn’t entirely left in the dark. The value of having a backup system is
With so much reliance on terrestrial forms of incalculable. Satellite technology is the most reliable form of communicating
communications, communications systems are during an emergency.
vulnerable to natural disasters, which hinders sending Satellite is also an excellent addition for those systems looking to facilitate
and receiving information from organizations like the a common operating picture (COP) in terms of interoperability. If multiple first
Federal Emergency Management Association (FEMA), responder teams work during an emergency, communicating between teams
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration is necessary, for efficiency and safety. A satellite system can easily be
(NOAA), Integrated Public Alert and Warning System integrated into a current system with some extra pieces of equipment.
(IPAWS) and Emergency Alert System (EAS), along So, now the satellite system is in play. How do you connect? Quickly and
with state and local public-safety/service organizations. clearly communicate with your command center by expanding its reach.
With satellite communications, there is instant Using Icom’s VE-PG4 RoIP gateway, an organization can connect to
connectivity for voice regardless of the status of surrounding terrestrial systems. traditional LMR radios, session initiation protocol (SIP) phones, WLAN and
Satellite communication technology has come a long way in recent years. LTE radios, and other external devices. Easily connect fixed-to-fixed,
When a location experiences intense weather situations, residents often mobile-to-mobile, fixed-to-mobile to remote locations all over the world.
have disconnected power, phone, internet lines and concurrent service or Icom and Iridium Satellite Communications have created the ideal two-way
signal disruption at LMR towers. First responders need to have a backup radios for “anywhere comms:” the IC-SAT100 handheld and IC-SAT100M
plan in this case. More and more, disaster relief organizations are looking to mobile satellite radios. Take the SAT100 anywhere in the world, and it is the
diversify their technology with satellite to become more effective. To have go-to device for fixed mount installations. It’s ready to be installed inside a
another means of communication is to be prepared for a better chance of building (or a vehicle) with its exterior antenna
successful operations. With traditional means of communications down, one connected via ethernet, not coaxial, making routing more flexible.
could quickly connect to a satellite that is safe from these earthly disasters. The SAT100M conveniently connects back-to-back with an F5400D Series
There are few limitations to satellite communications, and while the IDAS UHF/VHF mobile radio. This setup allows VHF radios on the ground to
technology has only improved, they still exist. Latency is caused by the delay talk to someone in a vehicle with the signal repeated back via satellite to any
in the signal leaving the earth’s atmosphere, authenticating the packets, and contact in the world.
then being repeated back to earth. Some carriers have their satellites lined During a mission-critical situation in a disaster area, you want to get your
around the equator (geostationary). Other satellite communication companies, calls through to the team. SAT100 units can easily be charged and ready in
such as Iridium, use 66 low-earth-orbit (LEO) satellites that don’t experience multiple ways. With the BC-241 desktop charger, the units can be charged
as much of this delay, and they provide more coverage farther north and via a multiplug AC adapter or by plugging in a BC-242 AC adapter. n

112 I New Developments in Wireless Coverage: Technology | Policy | Applications New Backhaul Demands I 113
technologies. Lives depend on the services they deliver, so the services

need to ensure truly exceptional levels of speed, reliability and resilience.
New Backhaul Demands The technology needs to work without failure.
By Hansen Chan Robust Backhaul Networks

A key element to optimizing public-safety communications is a robust
Public-safety networks are backhaul network. Backhaul networks were originally built to carry critical
under considerable strain. The radio traffic between first responders and command and dispatch centers.
information environment around They can easily be extended to become transport “pipes” that carry the data
emergency situations has become traffic generated by newer, bandwidth-hungry applications. In fact, many
increasingly complex. Everyone public-safety organizations have already upgraded their backhaul systems to
has a smartphone, video address the increasing volumes of data traffic they need to support.
surveillance systems are However, the demands on backhaul networks continue to shift as
ubiquitous, and the availability of information and communications technologies (ICT) evolve. One development
data from sources such as is the increased use of cloud-based applications and technologies by
sensors and drones is on the rise. governments, including public-safety organizations. Government agencies
Emergency communications has have begun turning to the cloud, typically private clouds, to take advantage
experienced these same trends, of more flexible, dynamic compute environments. As a result, backhaul
and first responders expect to networks need to interconnect seamlessly with clouds to access key data
leverage these data sources to and analytics capabilities.
acquire greater situational
awareness when responding to Emergence of the Cloud
emergencies, enabling them to do The cloud is, in essence, one dynamic pool of compute resources
their jobs more effectively and supporting applications used by an organization and breaks away from the
safely. Consequently, the variety of traditional model, where each application is tied to dedicated compute
applications and data feeds that resources. With the cloud, these compute resources can be located
first responder communications on-premise, typically in a private data center; geographically distributed as
networks need to support is growing rapidly. a virtualized private cloud hosted by a third-party service provider; or in the
First responder communications systems are migrating from analog radio field in an edge cloud configuration.
to Project 25 (P25) and LTE, and will eventually evolve to 5G. In the process, While mission-critical services such as radio communications will stay the
the systems are being augmented to support new applications such as two- same, new software such as video and sound analytics are cloud based and
way streaming video, sensor data, closed-circuit television (CCTV) feeds — typically use a modular, open microservices-based architecture. As a result,
generally with video analytics incorporated — and an increasing variety of virtualized compute resources located anywhere in the cloud can run the
messaging applications. applications, processing data and collaborating with other smart city
Naturally, every public-safety agency would like to make these new applications for a sharper response. This cloud paradigm ushers in cost
capabilities available to their teams, both in command centers and in the savings and flexibility in sharing and using resources.
field. This should be fairly straightforward because many such technologies Another benefit to leveraging a cloud-based approach is data resilience.
are already available to consumers on commercial networks. However, there Applications needed by city or regional governments can be hosted and
is an added challenge for public-safety organizations adopting these backed up in multiple data centers that are geographically separate from one

114 I New Backhaul Demands New Backhaul Demands I 115
another while maintaining real-time, synchronous links for the most critical well in the past, the demands associated with supporting more advanced,
data, to which access is particularly critical during an emergency. This helps bandwidth-intensive services are making this approach impractical.
ensure that loss of power, flooding or other disasters do not negatively Instead, many public-safety agencies have networks that can support a
impact the availability of critical data or services, maintaining business wide variety of services simultaneously. An increasing number of city and
continuity for government operations. regional governments have introduced networks based on IP/multiprotocol
Latency optimization is also receiving attention as edge cloud, also known label switching (IP/MPLS), initially to provide backhaul for their revamped
as edge computing, promises to significantly improve latency, enabling cloud IP-based LMR networks, as well as legacy time-division multiplexing (TDM)
architectures to evolve to a more distributed model, if needed. Because and analog systems. Over time, by harnessing the advanced capabilities of
compute resources can now be deployed at the edge of the network — IP/MPLS technology such as stringent quality of service (QoS), they can
inside a public building or even a cabinet by the roadside, for example — and migrate multiple, less critical services onto this same network without
closer to data sources and end users, they can help ensure the best possible impacting critical LMR communications, optimizing network assets.
application performance. These applications can also tap into compute IP/MPLS also offers cybersecurity features such as network group
resources in the data center or virtual private cloud, as needed, to expand encryption (NGE) to protect the confidentiality, integrity and authenticity of
compute capacity in a particular geography to address surging demand or services. This converged paradigm offers significant cost savings while
to provide a backstop during maintenance or system upgrades. ensuring that critical traffic is always prioritized over less critical services.
This is good news for emergency response systems. Edge clouds can Another benefit is that IP/MPLS networks are highly interoperable with
support an integrated emergency response application to orchestrate video cloud environments, which rely on software-defined networking (SDN) as
and audio analytics with intelligent traffic management systems, placing all the data center network fabric. This benefit is becoming prominent as more
applications in the city in the edge cloud to optimize response times. Imagine government agencies embrace cloud-based approaches. It then becomes
this in practice. An audio analytics application detects sirens. It correlates necessary to extend backhaul network services into the cloud to connect
that data with the video analytics system to confirm there are approaching with the compute resources.
emergency vehicles and then instructs the traffic management system to By harnessing the new extensions of border gateway routing protocol
program green lights over the route needed to expedite passage for those (BGP-4), IP routing can unify the backhaul network and the data-center
emergency vehicles while also helping to ensure road safety. network fabric. The IP/MPLS backhaul network can then interwork
A cloud-based approach also introduces new challenges for network seamlessly with the SDN cloud network fabric. Connections in the backhaul
connections. The backhaul network needs to dynamically adjust to network can be extended to reach the virtual compute resources in the
accommodate new compute resource locations. The network also needs to cloud. Furthermore, when the cloud management system moves a compute
adapt to existing network services to connect devices, such as CCTV resource from one location to another, the SDN-based data-center network
cameras and acoustic and environmental sensors, deployed remotely in fabric will automatically discover the change and adjust its connectivity
the field to these distributed resources. Otherwise, the applications will be accordingly. It will also “advertise” the change to the backhaul network
disrupted. through BGP-4. Consequently, the end-to-end connections (field device to
compute resource) can stay fresh and current. This seamless interconnection
New Backhaul Options capability is crucial when adopting the internet of things (IoT) paradigm — a
The reality is that few backhaul networks are designed to handle these foundational pillar for smart cities.
challenges. This is particularly the case with public-safety agencies that have Many backhaul networks are now carrying a multitude of traffic that is not
individual, purpose-built networks to support each of their applications — critical. This creates an entirely new challenge: the need to continuously
one for LMR, one for CCTV at traffic intersections and city infrastructure, and ensure the delivery of critical radio traffic with no compromise. The rise of
another for supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) to monitor cloud-based smart-city applications further highlights the need to increase
systems such as water and sewage. While this strategy has worked fairly the “cloud friendliness” of backhaul.

116 I New Backhaul Demands New Developments in Wireless Coverage: Technology | Policy | Applications I 117
All of these challenges can be met reliably and efficiently with a backhaul
network that uses IP/MPLS. With its flexibility, it can fully interoperate with
Mesh Networks Provide
legacy analog/P25 systems and seamlessly couple with SDN in data Public-Safety Coverage
centers. The network also protects past public-safety investments while
preparing for emerging technologies. n
When Networks Go Down
Hansen Chan is senior marketing manager for the IP product portfolio at By Danny Ramey
Nokia with a focus on industries. He has more than 25 years of experience.
Email feedback to editor@RRMediaGroup.com. As massive wildfires ravage the
west coast of the U.S. and
hurricanes strike the east coast,
first responders combatting the
disasters have to deal with the
impact these disasters have on
their communications.
“When we learned that
wildland firefighters typically
lose communications when they
go past the fireline because the best communications are vehicle mounted or
the repeaters are down, we thought it shouldn’t be that way,” said goTenna
CEO Daniela Perdomo.
One option first responders have when a network goes down during a
disaster is mesh networking. Enabling technology, such as a goTenna Pro
device, can connect to a smartphone and unlock the smartphones to allow
them to pair with other unlocked smartphones and devices, allowing
communications between users even when the network is down.
Mesh networking has not always been an option for first responders such
as firefighters because of the high cost, large form factor and complexity of
many traditional mesh networking products but today’s units are smaller,
cheaper and easy to set up because they connect directly into a user’s
smartphone.
“It’s the decoder for communications,” said Perdomo. The mesh networking
devices enable any applications a user would traditionally have access to on
their smartphone, enabling interoperability with other smartphones, LMR
radios and more. An open software development kit (SDK) also allows users
to create whatever integrations they need to other applications and equipment.
Users on a mesh network are provisioned using a software portal, and the
enabling devices provide end-to-end security, said Perdomo. Because only
devices that are provisioned and given access are able to communicate on

118 I Mesh Networks Provide Public-Safety Coverage When Networks Go Down Mesh Networks Provide Public-Safety Coverage When Networks Go Down I 119
the mesh network, the technique provides secure communications for create the mesh network can credit a login set up for the network that can
operations where communication security is critical, such as tactical law then be used to track hours.
enforcement activities. “By building these types of networks, you can put people back into
Additionally, multiple mesh networking devices can be enabled to create communication and put people to work where they’re needed,” Fugate said.
a network. For example, a law enforcement agency on the southern U.S. He encouraged public-safety agencies to work with local amateur radio
border, which operates in a harsh, remote area, will drop multiple units along groups and/or commercial providers to create solutions that can build these
a certain area and then use those devices to create a path from one user to mesh networks when the main network goes down.
other users much further away. “In a disaster, you don’t have the luxury of turning people away,” Fugate
“The people who are putting their lives on the line should always have said. “What you have to do is figure out how to provide everyone
communications,” said Perdomo. “Mesh networking ensures more efficient communications.”
missions and ensures that first responders can make it back safely.”
The mesh networking technology can also be used to quickly interoperate Danny Ramey is the editor of MissionCritical Communications. Email
with agencies providing mutual aid or volunteering. During a keynote at a feedback to dramey@rrmediagroup.com
virtual conference, former Federal Emergency Management Administration
(FEMA) Administrator Craig Fugate advocated mesh networking as a way to
quickly provide volunteers with communications during disasters such as
hurricanes.
Fugate noted that in disasters that knock out communications and roads
and other accessways, volunteers can be a key factor in helping their
neighbors. However, effectively utilizing these volunteers and putting them in
the spot that best uses their skills can be difficult during a disaster because
of communications networks being knocked out, preventing traditional
communications over cellphones.
Even when the network is down, those phones can offer communications
through two other channels: Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. At the same time, amateur
radio users, agencies or commercial technicians can program routers to stop
talking directly to the network and begin talking to each other, creating a
mesh network.
Cellphones can then talk to the mesh network and use it for Wi-Fi. While
those cellphones are unable to communicate with traditional cellular voice,
Wi-Fi can provide access to Wi-Fi applications that allow voice communications.
The mesh networks can also offer financial relief to emergency agencies
dealing with the expense of responding to a disaster, Fugate said. Whenever
a government receives funds from FEMA, it must provide a match of 25%.
However, not all of that match has to be money.
Instead, agencies can use volunteer hours toward that match and reduce
financial stress while providing help to the community. In order to apply
volunteer hours to a disaster, an agency must have a record of those hours.
Agencies working with commercial vendors or amateur radio operators to

120 I New Developments in Wireless Coverage: Technology | Policy | Applications COVID-19 Coverage Impacts I 121
Ohio Health Network

Kettering Health Network in Ohio is using two-way radios on the state’s
COVID-19 Coverage Impacts 800 MHz Multi-Agency Radio Communication System (MARCS) platform in
addition to a few UHF radios for site communications, says Christopher Kyer,
By MissionCritical Staff manager of network emergency disaster preparedness.
Although LMR usage hasn’t increased for most agencies during the
The 2020 COVID-19 pandemic pandemic, it’s essential to the users. Kyer says having internal network LMR
has been unlike any crisis North communications for a mobile testing site and for communicating with local
America, or the world, has faced in public safety, especially EMS to emergency department communications, is
more than 100 years. But similar to irreplaceable.
other crises, communications is “Our team relies on LMR technology for all of our events,” he said.
Photo courtesy FirstNet Program at AT&T

playing a large role in the response “Kettering Health Network Emergency Outreach Team typically begins to
from first responders, albeit with a deploy services around the area to provide event medicine and logistical
somewhat different focus than past support at many local events, and having LMR gives us the ability to
natural and man-made disasters. communicate internally and with outside public-safety agencies when
When the pandemic hit with full needed. With MARCS, having an interoperability zone gives us a valuable
force earlier this year, many law communications solution regardless of the county we are working in.”
enforcement and fire agencies The health provider partnered with Kroger to provide COVID-19 testing
shifted to adjust to new needs and to work more closely with EMS and at its campuses across the greater Dayton and Cincinnati regions, and
healthcare facilities than usual. Because of the nature of the pandemic, com- LTE service was also essential to the mobile testing sites. Internet access
munications needs are spread across a region and state versus a smaller in- was slow and spotty in many areas where it was needed, so a FirstNet
cident area. LMR has been essential and team from AT&T brought in equipment that provided the necessary speed
continues to be a daily lifeline, while LTE services have also become more and reach.
important than in the past. “Currently, we are using a Cradlepoint IBR1700 connected to FirstNet
LTE data services have been especially critical at COVID-19 testing band 14 LTE as a single source for the site,” Kyer said. “Our site consists
sites, for national stockpile resource tracking and during protests against of three tents that are all within 200 yards of each other, with around 10 –
stay-at-home orders. 12 computers connected through VPN (virtual private network) to their
Use of the First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet) network has enterprise servers. Having this solution has allowed us to increase
increased during the response to the pandemic, and FirstNet portable sites throughput and serve the community better.
have been requested many times since January for both pandemic and other “Mobile testing with Kroger has provided an opportunity to test the LTE
emergency operations, said FirstNet Executive Director Ed Parkinson during solution long term. … We are working on having a custom solution built
an industry event. that includes a portable solution with dual modems and a mobile router in
“The FirstNet system is used by healthcare workers and responders at a hardened case that can be quickly deployed should we need it.”
COVID-19 testing centers, field hospitals and incident command posts Kettering Health Network’s network operations command center
across the country,” Parkinson said. “And in New York City, hundreds of (NOCC), which is responsible for all patient movement throughout its
ambulances from outside the region have entered the city through mutual aid system, is essential to operations. While LTE is typically a backup
efforts. All ambulances are now equipped with FirstNet Ready ultra-rugged solution for Kettering, the health agency keeps two hot spots in “go bags”
smartphones with Enhanced Push to Talk (EPTT) integrated dispatch. This at the NOCC in case users lose broadband connection or have to move
allows for different agencies to seamlessly communicate.” sites.

122 I COVID-19 Coverage Impacts COVID-19 Coverage Impacts I 123
Indiana Public Safety said Chief Chris Lombard, who is also vice chair of SAFECOM.
Kelly Dignin, executive director of the Indiana Integrated Public Safety Users can decide what apps they use, including hazardous materials
Commission (IPSC), said the statewide Project 25 (P25) system has 180 apps; automobile manufacturers’ apps that show how to cut into a car, for
tower sites and more than 90,000 users. example; apps that tie into the railroad industry; and several EMS apps. The
“It’s a reliable, interoperable system,” she said. “Mutual aid channels are Seattle Fire Department also uses a variety of language translation apps
built in. ... The state of Indiana invested into building the system and commu- because of the diverse population. Mobile patient care reporting is done on
nications plans over the last 20 years, and it has paid off. From the LMR a ruggedized laptop with FirstNet service.
side, the pandemic has been business as usual because we built this system Lombard said the department’s users have noticed the increase in band
and prepared for this kind of event.” 14 coverage, and FirstNet’s priority and pre-emption services are key.
She said overall radio traffic during the pandemic has declined because
the number of 9-1-1 calls has decreased. However, requests for radio IDs Maine State Police
have increased as agencies are preparing by getting cache radios ready. Maine State Police is using commercial PTT services for the first time
Similar to Ohio’s Kettering Health Network, some COVID-19 testing sites because of the pandemic. The agency hadn’t used a commercial LTE service
in Indiana had spotty and slow internet access. AT&T provided FirstNet before the coronavirus crisis made its way to the state, and AT&T provided
devices to the mobile testing agencies and teams to help them connect. 30 – 40 devices to the agency for PTT and conventional cellular use, said
“We had several officials on the ground trying to perform the testing, and Maj. Christopher Grotton.
the devices in that area were competing with everyone working from home The agency’s Incident Management Assistance Team (IMAT) was
and kids learning from home,” Dignin said. “They reached out to us and said deployed for long-term incident management during the pandemic. IMAT
they were struggling, and we said, ‘This is what FirstNet was built for.’ Those recognized the need for team communications, at first relying on radio
first responders and medical professionals who are providing testing should communications and limited cellphone use.
get priority and pre-emption.” FirstNet’s pre-emption is important because in a rural state such as Maine,
Indiana’s state police, homeland security department and department of there is good cell and data coverage but a limited number of towers that can
health came together to distribute strategic national stockpile resources. quickly become overwhelmed. AT&T’s EPTT service is especially effective
They used Cradlepoint and Nighthawk devices with FirstNet subscriber because it can connect to Wi-Fi, so even with spotty cell coverage in an
identity module (SIM) cards. area, the agency can transition to Wi-Fi coverage.
Indiana has also taken advantage of FirstNet’s uplift tool during protests. Grotton receives a radio only when he’s on duty, so if he’s at home and
During the large gatherings, IPSC officials uplifted essential personnel as needed, the team can instantly contact him on his iPhone, which he uses for
needed. Each public-safety agency can control its own uplifts, but IPSC work and personal use.
officials can help with the uplift if needed. “We’ve had great success even in really rural areas, with great coverage,”
Dignin said many agencies in the state use Verizon services as well, and he said. “The ability for an entire team to communicate is fantastic. If they
the carrier has also helped during the coronavirus outbreak. need me on a weekend, they can communicate with me on my cellphone
and have the team on the radio, just like that.”
Seattle Fire Department The state also needed a way to track distribution of medical supplies,
The Seattle Fire Department began switching to FirstNet service in late personal protective equipment (PPE) and vaccines at some point. “We have
2018 and early 2019. The department is still in the middle of its migration to responsibility for the national strategic stockpile distribution and looked to our
Sierra Wireless mobile devices in fire apparatus and Apple iPhone 8s or IMAT team to geographically track assets,” Grotton said.
newer for staff. The department has more than 300 devices with FirstNet and The technology allows the team to track a shipment of medical supplies
another 150 devices still to transition to the network. Most of the department’s and ensure it arrives at the hospital. By using Intrepid Networks Response
administrative staff are telecommuting during the pandemic and using situational awareness platform on a trooper’s device, everyone on the IMAT

124 I COVID-19 Coverage Impacts New Developments in Wireless Coverage: Technology | Policy | Applications I 125
team can be tracked and be on a single channel.

“Everyone can see where everyone is, share files and share locations,” he
Disaster Response
said. “We have a statewide radio network, but for special operations, we can with Satellite
tie up that network quickly, and every user has a specialized team function.
We don’t want team members to informally communicate, and this is a better By Britt Lewis
application for that. The ability to send a message to everyone is better than
broadcasting over the radio.” In the aftermath of Hurricane
Photo courtesy Inmarsat Government

The state has seen protests about the shutdown, and Grotton can tell Maria in September 2017, a news
where all the troopers are in response to the protest, allowing him to be up to report described Puerto Rico as
speed and knowledgeable about what’s going on. “eerily cut off from the rest of the
“This Responder software, for special teams and people who are four world.” At the peak of the damage,
hours apart, it’s going to be a game-changer,” he said. “Our experience has more than 90 percent of the
been fantastic.” n territory’s cellular sites were out of
service, and the storm took down many LMR sites and microwave links. In
addition, the hurricane destroyed most of the island’s electrical infrastructure.
We can learn many lessons from incidents such as Hurricane Maria,
primarily that proactive planning, as opposed to reactive positioning, plays a
crucial role in developing a resilient and secure communications architecture
for first responders. Well in advance of these events, responders must work
with their communities, public budget decision-makers and elected leaders to
have a reliable, communications toolset in place. Such planning enables
these responders to transmit voice, data and video reliably in a secure
environment.
If responders wait to plan until a disaster strikes, it will be too late. In the
evolving threat and technology environment, a proactive approach addresses
risks on an end-to-end basis. All of this is about preparedness because it
is far easier, less costly and more effective to put the communications
architecture building blocks in place before the worst happens.
Satellite communications is a critical element of a disaster communications
architecture. Satellite adds an essential layer of resiliency during catastrophes
and delivers a dependable — and possibly only — connectivity capability
that augments terrestrial communications including LMR networks for
enhanced, robust connectivity. Satellites also establish a highly reliable
redundant communications path by directly accessing satellites thousands of
miles above the Earth.
Satellite networks use satellites to “bounce” voice or data signals to or
from a remote user through the sky and back to one or more geographically
redundant downlink facilities (earth stations), which are connected to the
global communications backbone networks. This enables communications

126 I Disaster Response with Satellite Disaster Response with Satellite I 127
virtually anywhere, as long as users have a line-of-sight path through the air and comprehensive coverage, no matter how battering or harsh the physical
to the satellite. The satellite’s automatic failover/failback capabilities enable conditions in which responders must operate are. The satellite-enabled VNS
first responders to securely collect and share information. Often this involves supports advanced encryption standard (AES)-256 payload encryption to
transmitting images and video of the disaster scene to improve situational protect communications as mandated by the U.S. federal government for use
awareness and tactical planning and response. This is why satellite services by all public-safety agencies.
are critical in these circumstances, to always be there for the first-in/last-out The ability to integrate satellite communications with existing radio
capabilities upon which first responders depend. solutions in a multibearer network helps eliminate LMR/LTE white spaces
Therefore, satellites must be incorporated as part of the overall where these terrestrial networks are not available. The satellite element
communications architecture planning, so the network responds and provides unparalleled network coverage and resilience anywhere in the
recovers in a timely fashion. When LMR, Long Term Evolution (LTE) and FirstNet area of responsibility and helps bridge LMR and LTE gaps while
Wi-Fi are unavailable, the architecture failover function then switches to also addressing responders’ top concerns: coverage and security requirements.
satellite communications for seamless connectivity. If state and local first Satellite communications capabilities are an integral part of the FirstNet
responders have this capability in place in advance, they are sufficiently vision for providing 99.9% geographic coverage of the U.S. states and
preparing themselves for the unknown. They are confident that their network territories for public safety. FirstNet provides satellite solutions to all FirstNet
will be restored, regardless of the environment. They can confidently operate customers with a single bill and a single point of contact for both LTE and
with full autonomy because satellites deliver the continuous communications satellite communications needs. Only existing customers of FirstNet can
capabilities to perform at this level. purchase satellite solutions. Inmarsat subject matter specialists can meet
with FirstNet subscribers to understand requirements and budgets and
FirstNet and Satellite Comms propose a variety of off-the-shelf or custom FirstNet solutions available on
Through the First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet), AT&T is helping the subscriber’s preferred purchasing/contracting vehicles.
first responders accomplish this goal. FirstNet is a nationwide broadband
network offering priority, pre-emption and end-to-end encryption tools that Threats and Countermeasures
equips first responders with reliable communications to enhance their ability Much like a disaster, a cyberattack can take down a network in seconds,
to save lives and protect U.S. communities. As part of the AT&T-selected rendering it useless. First responders require information-driven
FirstNet team, Inmarsat Government offers resilient and secure satellite communications based on sharing and collecting critical data over a robust
communications capabilities, so FirstNet users can use narrowband and network. Cyber threats are no longer an exception but have become the
wideband satellite communications solutions that support voice, data and unfortunate norm. If proper resources are not allocated to combat these
video links, as required. threats, exploited vulnerabilities will lead to severe consequences. In a draft
The architecture must eliminate common points of failure within the version of the “Security Analysis of First Responder Mobile and Wearable
communications infrastructure to achieve required resiliency. For FirstNet, Devices” report, the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)
Inmarsat Government provides virtually anytime/anywhere connectivity summarizes numerous attack methods that could be used to exploit the
supported by on-orbit spacecraft and ground station redundancy as well as communications systems supporting various public-safety networks. These
an L-/Ka-band hybrid solution for resiliency and frequency diversity. This threats include denial of service, unauthorized access to sensitive
makes the network available when terrestrial networks aren’t, and first information, user impersonation, insider threats, theft, malware and use of
responders can stay connected at a standstill or on the move. public data sources to perform a malicious activity.
In fact, new developments in vehicular network systems (VNS) for Security awareness and secure engineering must serve as the
responders permit seamless interworking and roaming across network cornerstone of any communications architecture. Service providers should
coverage, from LMR to LTE to satellite communications networks. With the constantly consider existing and emerging threats, and develop the necessary
integration of these systems, the overall architecture delivers high availability countermeasures required to achieve absolute mission assurance on a

128 I Disaster Response with Satellite Disaster Response with Satellite I 129
resilient network. human toll. The entire scene can trigger a wave of complex, unpleasant
Inmarsat’s worldwide satellite communications network is protected by emotions. Within it all, first responders must focus on the victims. They
deep layers of security engineered into end-to-end systems from the should not need to worry about whether they will be able to communicate
satellites to the ground segment to the terrestrial fiber, which connects the with other responders from a multitude of different agencies on site and at
different ground segments. User information is protected by working with other locations. Fortunately, with resilient and secure satellite communications
trusted equipment vendors and the Inmarsat type-approval process. solutions readily available to them, they will not have to. First responders can
Inmarsat Government has a team of experts charged with ensuring all prepare well in advance for anything that comes their way. n
internal and customer-managed communications networks are sufficiently
fortified from ever-evolving cyber threats. The team architects solutions using Britt Lewis is senior vice president, direct sales and business development,
defense-in-depth principles, replication and clustering technologies and Inmarsat Government, a wholly owned subsidiary of Inmarsat. Lewis has
multiple availability zones with self-healing and auto-failover capabilities to more than 35 years of experience in sales and business development,
help ensure availability meets first responder needs. business strategy, market and competitive intelligence, and product and
This is consistent with work Inmarsat Government has done with its marketing management. Prior to joining Inmarsat Government, Lewis served
military clients to keep information assurance certifications aligned to the in various leadership and management positions for Intelsat. Email feedback
customers’ evolving risk management approach. As part of this process, the to editor@RRMediaGroup.com.
company performs penetration testing to validate that its countermeasures
meet stringent requirements for confidentiality, availability and integrity of
the network for the mission. This systematic approach to applying
defense-in-depth principles enables expeditious threat detection, prevention
and mitigation capabilities, enhancing resilience and mission assurance.
Cybersecurity and unimpeded public-safety communications are
critical elements in a network architecture. A network that seamlessly
provides a common operational picture and allows first responders to
constantly share information within and outside the impacted area is critical.
Advanced planning is key, and Inmarsat Government supports these elements
while working closely with first responders:
n Mitigate. Protect and enhance the overall physical and logical health of
communications.
n Prepare. Improve emergency preparedness posture across local, tribal,
state, federal and private sector entities to reduce risk while implementing
physical and logically diverse primary and backup communications that do
not share common points of failure.
n Respond. Establish resilient communications pathways. Restore radio
network outages through auto-failover mechanisms.
n Recover. Invest in solutions that rapidly reconstitute critical communications
services in the event of disruption and that eliminate any cascading effects.
No disaster is easy to manage. Inevitably, these events result in the

destruction of public and personal property, and there is often a significant

130 I New Developments in Wireless Coverage: Technology | Policy | Applications Sponsors I 131
Sponsors
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DAMM Cellular Systems A/S is a recognized world-leading provider

of cutting-edge, software-defined radio communication systems
built for the future of critical communications. Through superior
engineering and a constant focus on customer needs and reduced
complexity, DAMM has been a key player within professional radio Microlab. A Wireless Telecom Group Company, is a leader in low
communications for 40 years being at the forefront with regards to PIM RF and microwave products enabling signal distribution and
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EF Johnson Technologies, Inc. is an independent subsidiary of
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EFJohnson focuses on innovating, developing and marketing the
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JVCKENWOOD is a global manufacturer specializing in Automotive components with various power and mounting configurations such
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Enterprise Secure Chat (ESChat) is a FirstNet Certified™ secure has made us a leader in manufacturing wireless industrial IoT,
push- to-talk (PTT) over LTE solution that provides encrypted PTT antenna, and network test and measurement solutions. We are
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is performed via ISSI for a seamless P25 to LTE experience, as well
as AIS for DMR networks and Consoles, and RoIP for all LMR
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Nextivity Inc (San Diego, CA) develops the award-winning line of Sinclair Technologies is a global leader in the design and
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Coverage Proves Critical

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Section 1: LMR Coverage

Section 2: In-Building Coverage

Section 3: LTE and FirstNet Coverage

Section 4: Disaster Response

RadioResource © 2020 By Pandata Corp. All Rights Reserved.

Pandata Corp., 7108 S. Alton Way, Building H,

What issues prove most challenging to owners and operators of

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Better RF performance. Unlike DAS repeaters, the BS422 base station

What network applications would benefit most from frequency sharing?

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A Case Study on Jurisdictional

Fixed Facility Parameters

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How Wireless Mics

In the past, productivity

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non-line-of-sight communications in areas such as out-of-building lobbies,

Photo courtesy Town of Stonington Police Department

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specialized LMR skill sets are required. Additional Information

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While implementation of an ISSI and/or a CSSI can be a challenging and

Photo courtesy Washington State Department of Transportation

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Images for referenc

A complete solution of high-per forming antennas, couplers and

Outstanding coverage with industr y-leading -153dBc PIM rating

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For more information, visit www.sinctech.co

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LTE Signal Analysis and Coverage

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Eduardo Inzunza joined VIAVI in August 2012 as global market

Chad McAsey joined Aeroflex, which was acquired by VIAVI Solutions in

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Determining the Best

Generally, the design of emergency responder radio communications

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In-Building ENSURE CRITICAL

Photo courtesy Lafayette Group

governmental and first responder

Locally Adapted Standards

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every two to three years. Code Variations

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How to Choose a Battery Backup YEARS

Communications systems are

PE Series Powerr Enclosures

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enclosures is imperative. Without ventilation, the system is at risk of myriad

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The extreme importance of reliable,