Land Mobile Radio Gateway

Q & A

LAND MOBILE RADIO GATEWAY

PRODUCT OVERVIEW

Q. What is Land Mobile Radio? A. Land Mobile Radio (LMR) is a broad term that encompasses all licensed, 2-way, “push-to-talk”, mobile radios. Its chief characteristics include:

• The use of licensed RF spectrum (versus walkie-talkie, for example, which uses unlicensed spectrum); • Simplex communications (only one speaker on an audio channel at one time versus duplex telephony, for example); • “Push-To-Talk” (PTT) signaling (a LMR user depresses and holds down a PTT button before and during speech to transmit audio); • Lack of standards—LMR solutions vary widely, most use proprietary means of signaling, encoding voice, modulating signals onto RF, and managing the system. There are two types of users in an LMR system: mobile users and dispatch users. Q. What is the Cisco ® position on LMR over IP? A. We at Cisco are excited about the opportunity to bring a cohesive, cost-effective, and standards-based approach to our customers’ critical need for information-based interoperable communications. We believe IP Enabled LMR addresses many of the critical problems with LMR interoperability while bringing an integrated approach to overall interoperability needs. Q. What is the Cisco LMR solution? A. The Cisco LMR gateway solution employs standard commercially available routers with LMR-specific software capabilities. These gateways link to existing LMR systems and make the critical adaptation of LMR audio and signaling to IP. The standards- based IP network that interconnects the LMR gateways provides the intelligent services necessary for real-time, point-to- multipoint traffic. The flexible, cost-effective solution enables multiple LMR systems to be joined together temporarily or permanently. The scalable, distributed architecture can support just a few to hundreds or thousands of users over unlimited distances across a public or private network.

SYSTEM COMPONENTS

Q. What are the components of a traditional LMR system? A. LMR systems have both wired and wireless (RF) components.

The wireless components include:

• Mobiles and handheld units; • Antennae—the components that generate and propagate the appropriate RF signals; • Repeaters—these components are used to extend the availability of the RF signal beyond the reach of a single antenna or tower. They repeat inbound RF signal out a different frequency.

• Dispatch Consoles—may include various speakers, mikes, recording equipment, and management tools. • Base Stations—these provide the interface between the wired and RF world, converting wired audio channels to RF signaling for antennae, and vice versa; • Backhaul infrastructure—For larger, more complex systems, this will include WAN backhaul (usually 4-wire analog, T1 circuits, microwave transport, or even RF linking); • Switching fabric—larger trunked systems will have some Central Switch and intelligence to manage the trunking requirements. The Cisco solution includes a Gateway to link traditional LMR systems with an IP network. Q. Are special cables required for interoperability connections? A. Each radio type will have unique wiring requirements. Cisco technical documentation describes the electrical characteristics of the Cisco E&M interfaces used for LMR. Integration partners use this information to design and connect the particular radio systems. Q. What Cisco routers are supported? A. We are supporting the 2600XM, 2691, 2811, 2821, 2851, 3700, and 3800 Series routers. Q. Does this require a special Cisco IOS® software load? A. Yes—the Vigilant feature set will be supported on the following IOS images:

• SP Services • Ent Services • IP Plus • Enterprise Plus Features will be appearing in 12.3(7)T. ISR (2800/3800) support arrives in 12.3(14)T. Q. Are there any special requirements for the transport network? A. LMR networks must support the following:

• QoS • Multicast

SIGNALING

Q. What type of signaling is involved in LMR systems? A. There are two types of signaling associated with LMR systems: Out-of-band and in-band signaling.

1.) Out-of-band Signaling (PTT/COR) PTT (Push-To-Talk) and COR (Carrier-Operated-Relay) provide a very simple, out-of-band mechanism for signaling channel activity.

COR signals from the endpoint (dispatch console, base station) to the network (wired infrastructure) that the endpoint has activity on the channel. It maps to the M-lead of an E&M voice interface. From the Cisco router perspective, then, the COR lead is an indication from the attached LMR component of inbound audio activity.

Cisco Systems, Inc. All contents are Copyright © 1992–2005 Cisco Systems, Inc. All rights reserved. Important Notices and Privacy Statement. Page 2 of 9 PTT is the corollary—it signals to the endpoint (base station, dispatch console) that someone on the network (wired side) has activity and the endpoint should then transmit the signal. It maps to the E-lead of an E&M voice interface. From the Cisco router perspective, then, the PTT lead is the way the router indicates to the attached LMR component that it has audio to transmit.

In basic LMR transport, the COR (M-lead) on one end of a trunk maps to the PTT (E-lead) on the other end.

2.) In-Band Signaling (Sequential Tone)

Many conventional systems use tone signaling to indicate activity, key the transmitter, and control channel selection. These tones are carried within the audio path (in-band). Tone signaling comprises three phases:

• Wake-up tone—tone of a specific duration and frequency, a “preamble” to base stations that indicates additional signaling is coming; • Frequency select (or control) tone—one of a range of tones used to select a frequency (channel) for the audio; and • Guard tone—a tone of a specific frequency that is maintained as long as there is activity on the channel (it indicates that the channel has been seized). These tones are generated by hardware consoles to control and provide transmitter signaling, and are transparent to users of the system. Q. What types of signaling are involved with our LMR solution? A. Current implementations leverage existing protocols on the network side for setting up the audio paths. The new LMR-enhanced features only add signaling on the radio side. When there are packets arriving from the network side, their presence signals the DSP and IOS to activate the E&M e-lead which corresponds to the radio’s Push-to-Talk (PTT).

BENEFITS

Q. How does a network-based approach to interoperable communications enhance the utility, robustness, reach, and interoperability of existing LMR systems? A. It enables existing LMR assets to be connected to an IP network using standard protocols, proven technology, and commercially available product which benefits the customer by:

• Reducing the recurring costs while increasing the reliability of their LMR transport. • Enabling interoperable voice communications between users of many device types including traditional LMR devices, multimedia IP devices, IP telephony devices, and traditional PSTN devices. • Extending the reach of their command and control capabilities, anywhere in their wired and unwired IP networks, by enabling simultaneous, remote monitor and dispatch for multiple LMR systems from these extended devices. • Enabling multiple LMR systems to be joined together on a permanent or ad hoc basis. • In addition to the benefits of bringing their existing LMR assets into an extended interoperable communications framework, these customers have also positioned themselves for future return on investment by:

— Extending the same benefits listed above to future LMR assets including those based on emerging technologies and standards, like Project 25. — Providing the core network needed for future LMR systems based on IP, Project 25 compliance or otherwise. — Providing the core network needed for other interoperable communications and data sharing needs.

Cisco Systems, Inc. All contents are Copyright © 1992–2005 Cisco Systems, Inc. All rights reserved. Important Notices and Privacy Statement. Page 3 of 9 Q. What are the benefits of a network-based approach to interoperable communications? A. It provides the customer with the following near- and long-term benefits:

• It immediately enhances the utility, robustness, reach, and interoperability of their existing LMR systems, thereby addressing a real short term need. • By simultaneously enabling other modes of interoperable communication, the return on any network investment is magnified as it is leveraged across other present and future communications needs including emerging LMR systems. • It complements Project 25 by positioning the customer to deploy packet-based radio systems and extend the benefits of these emerging systems in the same fashion as the legacy systems.

Q. What are the benefits of a network-based approach to interoperable communications in the government sector? A. First and foremost, this is a problem that the government cares deeply about. This is underscored by the prominent place afforded to “Supporting the needs of first responders” in the Homeland Security priorities articulated in the national strategy. There have been billions allocated at the federal level to solve the problem of Interoperable Communications. One third of our nation’s governors have articulated this as the number one priority for their state governments relative to Homeland Security.

PROJECT 25

Q. What is a P25 radio? A. P25 is shorthand for APCO 25, a.k.a. Project 25, a massive undertaking that defines following open standard interfaces and equipment definitions for Land mobile radio systems architecture. A P25 radio is a radio that complies with the emerging standards. At this point, the only standard that has emerged is the Common Air interface. This allows radios from one manufacturer to interoperate with any P25, compliant base station. The components of the APCO standard are:

• Common Air Interface (CAI)—Communications between handheld device and the network • RF Subsystem—Core Infrastructure at the heart of the network connecting single or multiple sites • Intersystem Interface—Connection between RF Subsystems • Telephone Interconnect Interface—Connection to the PSTN • Network Management Interface—Uniform NM interface to all RF Subsystems • Host and Network Data Interfaces—Connectivity to host computers or data networks

Q. What role has Cisco played in Project 25? A. To date, since Cisco does not produce LMR end-systems, Cisco has not played a direct role in Project 25. Since these end- systems employ some existing networking standards as a basis for their interworking, Cisco involvement to date has been indirect, having been instrumental in the development of many of these core networking standards. Q. What future role will Cisco play in Project 25? A. Cisco anticipates that LMR end-systems, as they converge on a standard mechanism for transporting LMR communications and control over an IP infrastructure, might have a unique set of requirements for the networking infrastructure. As such, we expect to take a more active role in monitoring Project 25 and are prepared to support the networking requirements of that community of experts based on customer need.

Cisco Systems, Inc. All contents are Copyright © 1992–2005 Cisco Systems, Inc. All rights reserved. Important Notices and Privacy Statement. Page 4 of 9 Q. Does this network-centric approach compete with the Project 25 efforts to facilitate interoperable LMR communications? A. Not at all. Cisco views each of these two initiatives as complementary. Having interoperable LMR systems enhances the value proposition of integrating LMR users with other modes of communications through a converged network of networks. Conversely, interoperable LMR systems are greatly enhanced by extending their reach and utility by enabling interoperability with other modes of communications. Further, our customers are telling us they don’t have the luxury of abandoning their existing investment in LMR equipment, so we are seeking to find a standard mechanism of extending these same benefits to their existing systems. Q. Is the Cisco solution P25-compliant? A. A. The only P25 interface that has been defined at this point is the Common Air interface. This is the interface from the mobiles or handsets to the network and allows P25-compliant equipment from Mfg. A to communicate with a Base Station from Mfg. B. Our interface to LMR systems does not touch this interface. We interoperate with P25 radios.

PARTNERS/VENDORS Q. Are Advanced Technology Partners required? Is this a solution that Cisco can sell or support directly? A. This is not a solution that Cisco can effectively deploy and support directly. Effectively deploying an IP-Enabled LMR solution, particularly a multiagency interoperability environment, requires skills outside of Cisco core competence. In particular we lack integration skills for radio systems and back-end applications. Furthermore, it requires knowledge of our customers’ operational and political environment. For these reasons, we recommend using approved SI partners with a high degree of competence in the areas of:

• Voice • IP Telephony • Multicast • Security • Legacy LMR systems We have worked closely with a number of SI partners that have proven their capabilities in deploying the networks successfully. Contact product management for more information on these select partners. Q. What is Cisco Strategy with LMR Vendors (Motorola, M/A-Com, and others)? A. We are positioning our solution as an LMR independent solution. “We don’t make radios, we make them better.” In other words, our LMR solution should work independent of the incumbent LMR manufacturers. Most of the emerging IP-based interoperability solutions contain some Cisco gear for basic transport switching and some security. We are open to work with these vendors to enhance their solution capabilities, but we are not actively partnering with them at this time.

MISCELLANEOUS Q. What types of radios am I likely to encounter in my accounts? A. Public safety is typically Motorola, M/A-Com, EF Johnson, Kenwood, ICOM, Tait are among the leaders. In Enterprise accounts there are a wider variety of manufacturers. The basic radio types are:

• Conventional • Trunked • Digital • Analog

Cisco Systems, Inc. All contents are Copyright © 1992–2005 Cisco Systems, Inc. All rights reserved. Important Notices and Privacy Statement. Page 5 of 9 Q. Is there an enterprise opportunity here? A. Yes! The main application for the enterprise is “Remote Monitor and Dispatch”. By IP enabling radio systems, you have access to them from anywhere you have a network connection. This gives enterprises the capability of reaching remote users from a Web-browser in their office or anywhere they have a suitable VPN connection to their network. Having the ability to use IP Phones to tune in and talk on radios has been described as the “killer application.” We think this will be valuable in retail, Utilities, Education, Transportation, and Service organizations. Many Enterprise applications have been effectively addressed by Nextel. Q. What do you mean by radio interoperability? A. The term radio interoperability describes the requirement to bridge or cross-connect two or more radio systems so disparate radio system channels could act as one. Interoperable communications may be needed for routine day-to-day local activities, tactical mutual-aid joint response to an emergency incident, or taskforce operations for an extended period of time. When radios are connected, disparate LMR systems users can communicate in real time as if they were on the same system. Q. How does LMR work with IP telephony? A. There are two ways that an IP phone can work with LMR solution.

1. The more interesting way is when the IP phone acts as a client to connect to a multicast group (radio channel) via services key or an XML interface on the phone. The user can then monitor radio traffic on that channel in listen-only mode, or push-to-talk mode using a soft key or configurable key on the phone’s keypad.

2. The second way is the same as a POTS phone—an IP phone can connect to an LMR system through a PSTN gateway. Q. Since Cisco does not make LMR end-systems, does Cisco play any role in interoperable LMR communications? A. Cisco customers have defined the interoperable communications problem space in a broader context than simply LMR communications. We are seeking to provide a network-centric approach to the interoperable communications space and see our opportunity to enhance LMR communications in that broader context. Driven by customer needs and innovation, we are pursuing an approach based on existing standards, proven technologies, and commercially available products which enable users of existing LMR systems to participate in this network-centric approach. Under the more comprehensive rubric of interoperable communications, we are seeking to bring the users of existing LMR systems under this umbrella and to enable real-time communications with the community of all users irrespective of the devices they carry or the modes of communications they employ.

Cisco Systems, Inc. All contents are Copyright © 1992–2005 Cisco Systems, Inc. All rights reserved. Important Notices and Privacy Statement. Page 6 of 9 GLOSSARY OF TERMS Analog Modulation Technique—A process whereby message signal, which is the analog of some physical quantity, is impressed on a carrier signal for transmission through a channel (for example, FM).

Cellular Digital Packet Data (CDPD)—an open transmission control protocol/Internet protocol (TCP/IP) standard for cellular data communications. It offers the capability to use file transfer protocol (FTP) to send files (for example, documents and images) over the air.

Conventional Radio System—Nontrunked, similar to telephone party-line in that the user determines availability by listening for an open channel.

Coverage—The geographic area included within the range of, or covered by, a wireless radio system. Two systems cannot be made compatible through patching unless the coverage areas overlap.

Data Security—Generic term designating methods used to protect data from unauthorized access (for example, encryption).

Digital Modulation Technique—Technique for placing a digital data sequence on a carrier signal for subsequent transmission through a channel.

Federal Communications Commission—A board of Commissioners, appointed by the President, having the power to regulate wire and radio telecommunications in the United States.

Frequency-Division Multiple Access (FDMA)—A channel access method in which different conversations are separated onto different frequencies. FDMA is employed in narrowest bandwidth, multiple-licensed channel operation.

Gateway—A type of network relay that attaches two networks to build a larger network. A translator of message formats and addresses, gateways typically make connections through a modem to other mail systems or services.

Global Positioning System—Based on 24 satellites orbiting earth at 11,000 miles.

Interoperability Standards—Established protocols that provide common interface.

Mobile Data Terminal (MDT)—Small computer-like system usually installed in a patrol car that allows the officer to receive and transmit a limited range of information between the officer and communications center.

Mobile Satellite Service—A service for land mobile radio systems that use satellites in a geo-synchronous orbit to communicate with mobile units.

Modulation Scheme—The technical process used for transmitting messages through a wireless radio channel.

Mutual Aid Channel—A national or regional channel that has been set aside for use only in mutual aid interoperability situations, usually with restrictions and guidelines governing usage.

National Telecommunications and Information Administration—The Federal agency responsible for domestic and international telecommunications policy.

NPSPAC Guidelines—National Public Safety Planning Advisory Committee’s nationwide public safety plan in the United States for the 821–824 MHz and 866–869 MHz bands.

Patch—A control center subsystem that permits a mobile or portable radio on one channel to communicate with one or more radios on a different channel through the control center console.

Cisco Systems, Inc. All contents are Copyright © 1992–2005 Cisco Systems, Inc. All rights reserved. Important Notices and Privacy Statement. Page 7 of 9 Personal Communication Services (PCS)—Mobile radio technology used in cellular, advanced digital wireless services.

Project 25 Standards—A joint government/industry standards-setting effort to develop technical standards for the next generation of public safety radios, both voice and data.

Public Safety Organization—A Federal, State, or local organization that has been given, by law, the responsibility for protecting life, property, and natural resources (for example, law enforcement agencies, fire departments, or emergency medical service providers).

Public Service Organization—A Federal, State, or local organization that helps furnish, maintain, and protect the infrastructures (for example, highways and utilities) that promote the public’s safety and welfare.

Refarming—An FCC effort to develop a strategy for using private land mobile radio (PLMR) spectrum allocations more effectively so as to meet future communications requirements. This is to be accomplished primarily by dividing channel bandwidths (for example, narrow banding).

Relay—Base station receiver that typically receives signals on one frequency; processes and retransmits out on another frequency in order to extend talk out range.

Scrambling/Digital Voice Scrambling—A method of converting an input waveform to a digital representation, which is then encrypted and transmitted. The receiver decrypts the received data and regenerates the original analog signal.

Spectrum—The usable radio frequencies in the electromagnetic distribution. Specific frequencies have been allocated to the public safety community. They include:

• Low VHF 25–50 MHz • High VHF 150–174 MHz • Low UHF 450–470 MHz • UHF TV Sharing 470–512 MHz • 800 MHz 806–869 MHz Specialized Mobile Radio System (SMRS)—A radio system in which licensees provide land mobile communications services in the 800 MHz and 900 MHz bands on a commercial basis.

Talk group—A subgroup of radio users who share a common functional responsibility and, under normal circumstances, only coordinate actions among themselves and do not require radio interface with other subgroups.

Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA)—A channel access method in which different conversations are separated into different time slots. TDMA is employed in exclusive license use, moderate bandwidth applications.

Trunked Radio System—A system that integrates multiple channel pairs into a single system. When a user wants to transmit a message, the trunked system automatically selects a currently unused channel pair and assigns it to the user, decreasing the probability of having to wait for a free channel for a given channel loading.

Voice Security—Over-the-air audio that is unintelligible/inaccessible without appropriate means of decoding.

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