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Transition from TETRA to 4G/5G

The transition from TETRA to LTE is a complex and challenging process that requires careful planning and coordination, with consideration of what users actually need and how and when to deploy the latest tech. 

TETRA will not be available for many more years, therefore, there is a requirement to start transitioning from TETRA to LTE. This transition period will require an hybrid solution that will help with moving to the new technology, while protecting the investment already done on TETRA technology.

However, LTE still doesn’t support all requirements that this legacy technology was able to supply, and the fact that TETRA has been widely used for mission-critical communications, especially by public safety and emergency services, the transition needs to be slow and well calibrated, the approach will have to be phased to ensures continuity and reliability of the existing services, while also leveraging the benefits of the new technology. 

As well as public safety, also private companies need to start taking measures to make a smooth transition from TETRA 2-way radios to PoC.

Why the need for switching technology?

The reason behind switching technology is related to the increased need for data plus the fact that communication is getting affected by the limited coverage provided by TETRA radios.

How the interworking system will work?

There could be several reasons why a TETRA user wants to switch from analogue mobile radio to Push-to-Talk over Cellular (PTToC), in any case, the main requirement is interoperability between two-way-radio and LTE

Depending on the requirements, there are several options available to achieve this:

  • TETRA services over LTE – using a VPN tunnel that allows as smartphone app to connect to a TETRA interface;
  • Gateways – where the PTT protocol uses a different approach from the TETRA interface;
  • Integrated solutions – when base stations from both technologies are connected to a single core and database. 

 

RugGear and TETRA transition

RugGear R&D team is always up to date with the latest technical trends and market requirements: we are aware of the fact that TETRA can’t solve the request for safer communication and higher data performance.

With the help of MDM solutions on our 5g equipment (as e.g. RG540 and RG440) we can help get the work done more efficiently. Thanks to our devices, we enable the switch from analogue PMR to Push-to-Talk over Cellular easily. 

Not only have our devices been designed for a smooth switch from TETRA radios, thanks to the big PTT button and rugged credentials, but also, our devices, like the RG440, have been designed to look and feel like analogue PMR devices, to make a smoother transition. 

We have recently partnered with Mobile Tornado that offers a “Standalone” Radio over IP (RoIP) gateway solution to make the transition from Land Mobile Radios (LMR) to LTE effortless and cost effective.  
Users will be able to keep on using the same radios and progressively switch to the latest tech at the company own pace. Users will be able to keep on using the same radios and progressively switch to the latest tech at the company own pace. 

The RoIP Gateway works as a bridge and allows to send the audio from a two-way radio network to the Mobile Tornado PTT app installed in the LTE devices, via a digital voice processing technology. 

If you want to find out more about this technology and how we can support you in the transition, get in touch and one of our team members will be happy to assist you.