GLYNN COUNTY INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY DEPARTMENT 1725 Reynolds Street, Suite 301 Brunswick, Georgia Phone: (912)

Transcription

1 GLYNN COUNTY INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY DEPARTMENT 1725 Reynolds Street, Suite 301 Brunswick, Georgia Phone: (912) MEMORANDUM To: Via: From: Board of Commissioners Finance Committee John Catron, Director Information Technology Subject: Radio System Upgrade Proceed with RFP Issue Date: September 2, 2014 Statement of Issue: The radio system used by Glynn County Public Safety, Brunswick Public Safety, other City and County Departments and other agencies operating in Glynn County needs to be upgraded. On May 1, 2014 the Board of Commissioners approved a contract with RCC Communications to consult, conduct a requirements study, negotiate with vendors and manage the implementation of the approved radio system. RCC, acting on the County s behalf, will determine and verify the requirements to provide radio service to Glynn County, work with county staff to solicit quotes for the services and equipment, and provide project management to oversee and manage the installation, implementation and testing of the chosen system. Both the infrastructure and the subscriber units are included in this project. The consulting services from RCC for the radio system upgrade is to provide expertise in the current radio technology and to manage the project through acceptance by County staff of the installed system. The deliverable from this phase is to recommend to the BOC the most appropriate solution for the County. With the recommendation made, the next project phase is to assist with Contract Negotiations and with Procurement and Implementation. RCC will work closely with the Glynn County Purchasing Agent and develop the scope of work and deliverables and make necessary presentations. The JPSCD Board recommends that a solicitation be issued for the radio upgrade. The recommendation is to implement the RCC recommendation 2 specifying Motorola equipment to replace the existing Motorola system. The recommendation is to expand and improve the existing P25 radio communications system while utilizing the SEGARRN Master Site. The cost includes, but is not limited to, adding six (6) additional channels at each of the 4

2 sites, upgrading all channels to P25 Dual Phase I and Phase II, 10 dispatch console positions, microwave backhaul network in a loop configuration, and flash upgrade and/or replacement of subscriber radios as necessary. Alternatives 1) Approve the recommendations made by RCC as approved by the JPSCD and authorize that RCC proceed with development and issue of the solicitation and then obtain approval of the JPSCD members of the final requirements specifications. Authorize RCC to negotiate project requirements and terms with the responding vendors. 2) Do not approve the development of solicitation specifications and terminate the project. Implementation RCC is to act as the negotiating agents for Glynn County and will develop final radio system requirements and recommend them to the JPSCD for approval. The solicitation will be developed in conjunction with County Purchasing staff. Upon acceptance by the JPSDCD, the recommendations will be made to the Commissions for purchase and contract approval. Funding Source: Funding avenues will be explored and will likely including selling bonds. Recommendation Staff recommends alternative 1. Recommended Motion for the Finance Committee I move to recommend that the Board of Commissioners authorize RCC to proceed with final design of the radio upgrade based on the recommendation of the JPSCD and that staff issues a solicitation and that RCC and County staff be authorized to negotiate contracts, implementation plans and final pricing of the upgrade which is to be presented to the Commissioners for approval and award contingent upon the obtaining the same approval from the City of Brunswick. Recommended Motion for the Board of Commissioners I move to authorize RCC to proceed with final design of the radio upgrade based on the recommendation of the JPSCD and that staff issue a solicitation and that RCC and County staff be authorized to negotiate contracts, implementation plans and final pricing of the upgrade which is to be presented to the Commissioners for approval and award contingent upon the obtaining the same approval from the City of Brunswick..

3 Glynn County Needs Assessment and Recommendations Report July 29, 2014 RCC Consultants, Inc. Southeast Region 2927 Habersham Drive Tallahassee, Florida Voice: (850) Fax: (850) File: Glynn County Needs Assessment Report Final.docx

4 TABLE OF CONTENTS 1. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Purpose and Study Objectives Overview of Current Communication Systems Methodology, Interviews, and Site Surveys User Interviews and Site Survey Summary User Interview Summary Site Survey Summary Recommendations Radio Coverage Frequency Selection System Capacity Dispatch Console Equipment User Radio Equipment P25 Analysis and Recommendations Backhaul Network Interoperability Budgetary Costs COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEM USER INTERVIEWS Interviews Glynn-Brunswick Law Enforcement Agencies Interview Glynn-Brunswick Fire/EMS Agencies Interview E Communications Center Public Works Interview Radio System Administrator (Hasty s Communications) Summary of User Interviews COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEM SITE SURVEYS th Street Tower Site Brookman Tower Site Glynn-Brunswick Communications Center St. Simons Tower Site Zuta Tower Site Site Survey Summary CURRENT COMMUNICATION SYSTEMS OVERVIEW General System Frequencies and FCC License Analysis Dispatch Console System User Equipment RCC Consultants, Inc. Page i

5 TABLE OF CONTENTS Backhaul Network Ancillary Systems Interoperability Capabilities APCO PROJECT 25 OVERVIEW APCO Project 25 Trunked System Infrastructure and 800 MHz Frequency Bands P25 Phase I FDMA P25 Phase II TDMA P25 Phase I / Phase II Dual-Mode Compatibility P25 Radio System Features P25 Encryption P25 Data Communications P25 Interoperability Alternatives Direct Subscriber Interoperability Inter RF Sub-System Interface Interoperability (ISSI) P25 Network Interoperability P25 COMMUNICATION SYSTEM ALTERNATIVES AND OPTIONS SEGARRN Master Site SEGARNN Master Site versus ISSI Advantages and Disadvantages Geo-Redundant Master Site Advantages and Disadvantages Competitive Request for Proposals (RFP) Advantages and Disadvantages PRELIMINARY P25 SYSTEM DESIGN Radio Coverage Overview Radio Coverage Objectives Delivered Audio Quality In-Building Radio Coverage Existing Radio System Coverage Preliminary P25 Radio System Design Preliminary Site Selection Preliminary System Coverage Preliminary Frequency Selection System Capacity System Network Connectivity Microwave Networks RCC Consultants, Inc. Page ii

6 TABLE OF CONTENTS Leased Lines BUDGETARY COSTS Option 2 SEGARRN Master Site Capital Cost System Maintenance and Recurring Costs Option 3 Geo-Redundant Master Site with SEGARRN Capital Cost System Maintenance and Recurring Costs Option 4 Vendor Neutral RFP Capital Cost System Maintenance and Recurring Costs Figure 1 Coverage Map for a P25 Digital Radio System based upon DAQ Figure 2 Proposed Microwave Backhaul Network Figure 3 Shelter is 10 ft. AGL Figure 4 Entry Ports are Full Figure 5 FSA Icons Figure 6 FSA MOSCAD Terminal Figure 7 Broken Gate Figure 8 Broken Transmit Antenna Pigtail Figure 9 Dead Weeds Figure 10 Entry Ports are Full Figure 11 Microwave Network Configuration Figure /800 MHz Bands Figure MHz Analog Coverage Map based upon DAQ Figure MHz Digital Coverage Map based upon DAQ Table 1 Service Area Reliability based upon DAQ Table 2 SmartNet and P25 System Frequencies Table 3 Number of Radio Channels Required for P Table 4 Subscriber Radio Equipment Inventory Table 5 Budgetary Costs Table 6 Glynn County Site Survey Matrix Table 7 Distance to Co-Channel Licensees Table 8 Subscriber Radios Inventory Summary Table 9 Microwave Backhaul Network Technical Specifications Table 10 Shared Network Core versus ISSI Table 11 SEGARNN Master Site versus ISSI RCC Consultants, Inc. Page iii

7 TABLE OF CONTENTS Table 12 Advantages and Disadvantages of Shared Master Site Option Table 13 Advantages and Disadvantages of a shared Geo-Redundant Master Site Table 14 Advantages and Disadvantages of a Competitive RFP Table 15 Delivered Audio Quality Table 16 Summary of Coverage Reliability based upon DAQ Table 17 Summary of Coverage Map based upon DAQ Table 18 Number of Channels Required for P Table 19 Budgetary Capital Costs for Option Table 20 Budgetary Recurring Costs for Option Table 21 Yearly Maintenance Cost for Option Table 22 - Budgetary Capital Costs for Option Table 23 Budgetary Recurring Costs for Option Table 24 Yearly Maintenance Cost for Option Table 25 Budgetary Capital Costs for Option Table 26 Budgetary Recurring Costs for Option Table 27 Yearly Maintenance Cost for Option RCC Consultants, Inc. Page iv

8 1. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 1.1 Purpose and Study Objectives Glynn County retained RCC Consultants, Inc. (RCC) for technical consulting services related to the current public safety and local government radio communication systems. RCC tasks include the collection and analysis of the end-user needs and current system, recommendation of new system alternatives, and applications to enhance and improve communications in the near and long term. This report has been developed to meet the following objectives of Glynn County: Perform a user needs assessment survey of public safety and local government communication users for their current and future communications requirements Perform site surveys of the existing radio tower sites and dispatch center Perform a radio coverage assessment of the existing communication systems Perform a radio coverage analysis for the P25 digital communications system Perform an assessment of the required system functionality and ancillary systems Perform an assessment of the current backhaul network and develop the backhaul network requirements for the P25 communications system Perform an assessment of the users interoperability requirements with local and surrounding agencies and provide alternatives and recommendations for the best methods to enhance and improve interoperable communications Perform an assessment of the requirements for connection to the Southeast Georgia Regional Radio Network (SEGARRN) Master Site Prepare budgetary cost estimates for the recommended alternatives including infrastructure, user equipment, and maintenance costs 1.2 Overview of Current Communication Systems Glynn County operates an 800 MHz trunked simulcast analog voice radio system and a 700 MHz trunked simulcast digital voice radio system. The 800 MHz simulcast radio system is a Motorola proprietary, SmartNet system that was purchased in Vendor support for critical components ended on June 30, The County has limited spare parts, some of which were purchased from the City of Savannah s legacy radio system. Repair/restore time is no longer guaranteed. The 700 MHz simulcast radio system is a Motorola ASTRO 25 trunked digital system based on the APCO Project 25 (P25) suite of standards for digital radio communications. It was purchased in 2010 as part of the SEGARRN project. RCC Consultants, Inc. Page 1-1

9 SEGARRN is composed of representatives of the City of Savannah and seven southeast Georgia counties (Bulloch, Bryan, Camden, Chatham, Effingham, Glynn and Liberty). SEGARRN s goal is to provide better communications for mutual aid, and to complete the build-out of a regional interoperable voice communications network for public safety throughout Southeast Georgia. In 2008, SEGARRN received a $7.1 million Public Safety Interoperable Communications (PSIC) grant to establish a common network core and connectivity. To keep the radio network infrastructure with as few incompatibilities as possible, SEGARRN voted to keep the radio network infrastructure with a single vendor. SEGARRN s network core is a Motorola ASTRO 25 Master Site located in the City of Savannah. 1.3 Methodology, Interviews, and Site Surveys The RCC project staff has reviewed the present communication systems and identified the needs of the participating agencies by conducting interviews with agency personnel, visiting communication sites and facilities, and reviewing documentation provided by the County and its radio maintenance provider, Hasty s Communications. During the week of June 2, 2014, RCC conducted interviews of the various system users to determine their individual needs and issues pertaining to their current and future needs. The following user groups were interviewed by RCC: Brunswick Police Department Glynn County Police Department Glynn County Sheriff s Department Brunswick Fire Department Glynn County Fire Department E Public Works RCC Consultants, Inc. Page 1-2

10 During the week of June 2, 2014, RCC conducted surveys of the primary infrastructure and tower sites to determine their capabilities to support the current and the future communications systems. The table below lists the sites that were surveyed: Site Name Description 4 th Street Prime & RF Brookman E Communications Center St. Simons Zuta RF Dispatch RF RF RCC also visited the SEGARRN Master Site and the Savannah-Chatham County Simulcast Prime Site. Following the information gathering process, RCC conducted internal strategy sessions to analyze the information collected, research technology alternatives, and gather the input of the RCC project team members. Utilizing this information, RCC has drafted the Needs Assessment and Recommendations Report. 1.4 User Interviews and Site Survey Summary User Interview Summary Generally, the feedback from the users was that they are mostly satisfied with the radio communications system. The bulk of the issues were provided by the public safety users since their communication requirements are more stringent than local government users. Many of the users interviewed expressed similar complaints of radio coverage for the current SmartNet radio communications system. The radio coverage issues that were reported occurred within buildings such as the Pate Building, and within various schools, inside ships at the Port of Brunswick, Colonel s Island and the Mayor s Point Terminals, and in other areas of the County, such as St. Simons Island. It should be noted that RCC discovered a failure of the 800 MHz transmit antenna at the St. Simons tower site which has been corrected by maintenance personnel. RCC Consultants, Inc. Page 1-3

11 1.4.2 Site Survey Summary Overall, the County s RF tower sites were found to be in good physical condition. The County has been replacing the HVAC and UPS equipment as necessary. In summary, the items listed in the table below in the Notes column are recommended action items to be considered during the full implementation of the P25 radio system. Site Name Tower Shelter Notes 4 th Street Brookman St. Simons Zuta 500 Guyed 400 Guyed 175 Self-Supporting 400 Guyed 11 6 x 34 0 Concrete 11 6 x 26 0 Concrete 11 6 x 26 6 Concrete 11 6 x 26 0 Concrete Additional Entry Ports may be needed The shelter needs to be repaired or replaced Additional Entry Ports may be needed The County is currently operating both the 800 MHz SmartNet and the 700 MHz ASTRO 25 radio communication systems in parallel. If tower antenna system loading increases, a structural analysis should be performed to determine if the structure meets current wind loading requirements. Additionally, it is recommended that any antennas no longer in use should be removed from the tower upon cutover from the SmartNet to the P25 radio system. 1.5 Recommendations To explore the potential options available to the Glynn County most objectively, RCC conducted an analysis of the following possible options: 1) Maintain the current operational environment without making any changes; 2) Expand and improve the existing P25 radio communication system that shares the SEGARNN Master Site, provides regional interoperability, reduces the new system s capital cost, and will reduce ongoing operating costs; 3) Expand and improve the existing ASTRO 25 radio communication system and implement a geo-redundant Master Site to the SEGARRN Master Site. This option provides increased reliability to the Glynn County radio system and to the regional radio system. This option will result in increased capital cost and ongoing operating cost as compared to Option 2; RCC Consultants, Inc. Page 1-4

12 4) Implement a vendor-neutral P25 radio system solution whereby Glynn County would procure and deploy a network core and P25 infrastructure. This option is predicted to have both a higher capital and ongoing operating cost when compared to Option 2; 5) Use the National Public Safety Broadband Network (PSBN) exclusively; and 6) Use commercial cellular service exclusively, such as the proposed LTE system by SouthernLINC. Given that manufacturer s support for some critical system components in the existing SmartNet trunked radio system is no longer available, Option 1 was dismissed due to the significant risk and exposure to a major system failure. RCC also dismissed both Options 5 and 6 due to a combination of risks and challenges related to both options, including reliability, functionality, availability, capacity, wireless coverage, interoperability, integration with existing PSAP operations, and unknowns regarding financial models and sustainability. Options 2, 3 and 4 were analyzed and found to be the most viable options, and the details of the analysis can be found in the body of this report. In summary, considering the requirements and constraints of the County, RCC provides the following advantages and disadvantages for each option: Option 2: Use of SEGARNN Master Site Advantages 1. Enhances interoperability with those agencies most likely to require mutual aid and cooperation on an incident scene in the County and surrounding counties. 2. The cost of a new Master Site is approximately $1M - $2M. By using the SEGARNN Master Site, it is probable that the County will have a lower capital cost and a lower recurring cost. In addition, the County has made a substantial investment in their current 4-channel, 4-site simulcast ASTRO 25 system. By maintaining the existing radio vendor, the County will retain the existing 700 MHz infrastructure. 3. Utilizing the SEGARNN Master Site reduces the recurring cost for system maintenance including hardware and software upgrades. 4. The SEGARNN Master Site provides a direct connection for interoperability to its members, and an ISSI link is not required to provide interoperability. 5. Provides the maximum level of backward and forward compatibility and features. RCC Consultants, Inc. Page 1-5

13 Disadvantages 1. The SEGARRN Master Site is approximately 60 miles away. The County will require backhaul connectivity to the Master Site, and the reliability of this backhaul link will affect the overall reliability and performance of Glynn County s P25 radio system. 2. Hardware and software upgrades of the County s infrastructure must occur on a schedule with interoperability partners that share the Master Site. 3. The County will not be in control of the network core, or restoration time. Option 3: Geo-Redundant Master Sites with the SEGARRN Master Site Advantages 1. By maintaining the existing radio vendor, the County will retain the existing 700 MHz infrastructure. 2. The SEGARRN option will enable Glynn County to be connected to the communication systems for the City of Savannah and six (6) other counties that share the common ASTRO 25 Master Site, thus maximizing system features available to the interoperable agencies. 3. A geo-redundant Master Site will provide increased system reliability to Glynn County and SEGARRN. 4. Provides the maximum level of backward and forward compatibility and features. 5. A geo-redundant Master Site design with SEGARRN will provide a direct connection for interoperability to its members, and an ISSI link is not required to provide interoperability. Disadvantages 1. Higher capital costs. The increased capital cost for a geo-redundant Master Site is approximately $1M - $2M. 2. This option results in increased maintenance costs. 3. Hardware and software upgrades must occur on a schedule with the SEGARNN members. 4. Requires high bandwidth and high reliability backhaul connectivity to the SEGARRN Master Site (approximately 60 miles away). Option 4: A vendor-neutral P25 radio system Advantages 1. This option requires a competitive procurement for the P25 communication system. This assures competitive pricing and maximum flexibility of upgrade options to Glynn County. RCC Consultants, Inc. Page 1-6

14 2. This option includes a Master Site (Network Core) and will provide increased system reliability for Glynn County radio system users. Disadvantages 1. May result in a higher overall system cost when compared to the SEGARRN Master Site upgrade option. 2. May result in multiple vendor equipment components with incompatible features, multiple maintenance providers, and a lack of accountability for system issues. 3. A competitive procurement will require additional time for the procurement process as compared to direct negotiations with the County s existing vendor. For procurement of the new Glynn County P25 radio system, RCC recommends that the County pursue a vendor-neutral, competitive process that will allow one or more of Options 2, 3 and 4 to be proposed by the vendor community. Additionally, this will allow for a Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) comparison between various vendors and options for Glynn County. The TCO, which includes the capital cost (CAPEX) and the operating cost (OPEX), provides a cost basis for determining the total economic value of an investment. The following advantages and disadvantages are provided for this procurement methodology. Advantages 1. A competitive procurement for the P25 communication system assures competitive pricing for all system infrastructure, subscriber equipment and system maintenance. 2. Allows the County to utilize the TCO for all options as a comparison tool, and determine which option presents the best investment. 3. Allows maximum flexibility for Glynn County to select the best option meeting its operational, functional and budget requirements. Disadvantages 1. A competitive procurement process will extend the system implementation schedule by approximately calendar days. 2. This process may result with a different system vendor. This in turn may result in multiple vendor equipment with incompatible features 1, multiple maintenance providers for some equipment, and associated accountability issues. 1 See Section 5.3.2and Section RCC Consultants, Inc. Page 1-7

15 1.5.1 Radio Coverage Many of the users interviewed expressed similar complaints of radio coverage for the current SmartNet radio communications system. The radio coverage issues that were reported occurred within buildings such as the Pate Building, and within various schools, inside ships at the Port of Brunswick, Colonel s Island and the Mayor s Point Terminals, and in other areas of the County, such as St. Simons Island. It should be noted that RCC discovered a failure of the 800 MHz transmit antenna at the St. Simons tower site which has been corrected by maintenance personnel. The recommendations discussed in this report will generally improve the overall radio coverage performance of the communication system through the implementation of a digital voice technology such as P25. Where it may differ will be the degree of in-building coverage that is achieved. It must be noted that coverage problems in specific areas or buildings may still exist. In-building repeater/amplification systems may be required to address radio coverage issues within specific buildings. Additionally, County building ordinances may be modified to require new building construction to install devices (BDA systems) to ensure public safety radio coverage within those facilities. The digital system s delivered audio quality (DAQ) can be better and more consistent throughout the entire coverage area when compared to analog audio. In an analog system, experienced users can determine in advance when they are nearing the limits of radio coverage. In a digital system, the audio quality remains clear as the receiver moves away from the transmitter. Only when the radio signal strength decreases to the point where the bit error rate becomes excessive, does the digital audio quality begin to deteriorate. When the radio user is at this point, the drop out of radio communications is more abrupt than the gradual degradation of an analog system. The following coverage map depicts the predicted radio coverage for the P25 radio system for portables operating outdoors and within buildings with a loss of 10 and 15 db. RCC Consultants, Inc. Page 1-8

16 Figure 1 Coverage Map for a P25 Digital Radio System based upon DAQ 3.4 Table 1 summarizes the predicted level of Service Area Reliability provided by the P25 radio system for portables operating outdoors and within buildings with a loss of 10 db and 15 db. The Service Area is considered to be within the boundaries of Glynn County. Street Level Coverage Portable on Hip with ½ Wave Antenna and 97% Service Area Reliability Service Area Reliability based upon DAQ db Building Coverage Portable on Hip with ½ Wave Antenna and 95% Service Area Reliability 15 db Building Coverage Portable on Hip with ½ Wave Antenna and 95% Service Area Reliability 99.94% 96.24% 82.65% Table 1 Service Area Reliability based upon DAQ 3.4 RCC Consultants, Inc. Page 1-9

17 1.5.2 Frequency Selection Hasty s Communications stated that upon completion of Glynn County s Rebanding process, the County is experiencing severe interference on the radio communications system operating in the 800 MHz frequency band. A high-level preliminary search of the FCC database in the 800 MHz band listed co-channel systems as near as 51.9 miles. The analysis of the current 800 MHz radio frequencies indicate that there are many co-channel users sharing the County s frequencies resulting in a high level of radio interference. Some sites including the 4 th Street site are experiencing harmful interference and the County s receiver systems have been attenuated to minimize the reception of interference. Attenuation of the receiver systems and the presence of co-channel interference reduce the radio coverage available to County users. A high-level preliminary search of the FCC database in the 700 MHz band listed no co-channel systems within a 100-mile radius. The 700 MHz band and frequencies are newly assigned radio spectrum for public safety and presently free from co-channel licensees and the subsequent harmful interference they cause. The 700 MHz frequencies will provide an optimal level of radio coverage to the County. Frequency (MHz) Function Nearest Licensee Site (Miles) Trunk Channel # Trunk Channel # Trunk Channel # Trunk Channel # Trunk Channel # Trunk Channel # Trunk Channel # Trunk Channel # Trunk Channel # ASTRO Channel # ASTRO Channel # Trunk P25 Channel #1 > Trunk P25 Channel #2 > Trunk P25 Channel #3 > Trunk P25 Channel #4 >100 Table 2 SmartNet and P25 System Frequencies RCC Consultants, Inc. Page 1-10

18 Considering the reported 800 MHz band interference issues and the findings in the 700 MHz and the 800 MHz bands, RCC recommends that the County consider implementation of the 700 MHz frequencies for the P25 radio system. Due to the FCC narrowband mandate for networks operating in the 700 MHz band, the County should also consider a dual Phase I and Phase II radio system System Capacity Hasty s Communications provided trunked system airtime usage reports for the SmartNet radio system from the periods of September 1, 2013 to November 13, 2013 and from May 12, 2014 to June 13, Based upon the reports, a traffic analysis was performed using the Erlang C formula. The Erlang C formula expresses the probability of a radio subscriber user being queued versus being allocated a radio channel immediately; in other words, this formula is used to determine the number channels needed in a trunked radio system, for a specified desired probability of queuing. Public safety systems are typically designed for a 1% probability of queuing also referred to a P01. Day Hour Service Level Working Channels (Control Channel Not Included) Friday, June 06, % 99.84% 99.96% 99.99% % Friday, June 06, % 99.85% 99.97% 99.99% % Friday, May 23, % 99.95% 99.99% % % Tuesday, June 03, % 99.96% 99.99% % % Wednesday, November 06, % 99.96% 99.99% % % Friday, October 18, % 99.96% 99.99% % % Wednesday, June 04, % 99.97% 99.99% % % Friday, November 01, % 99.97% % % % Friday, October 04, % 99.97% % % % Friday, October 04, % 99.98% % % % Table 3 Number of Radio Channels Required for P01 Based upon the traffic analysis and the top 10 busiest days and times, the County would require 10 channels (9 working channels + 1 control channel) for the P25 radio system. Should the County implement a Phase II P25 radio system, the total number of working channels may be reduced since Phase II provides two talkpaths on a single repeater channel in contrast to one talkpath per repeater channel for a Phase I system. RCC Consultants, Inc. Page 1-11

19 The Georgia Region 10 Regional Planning Committee has allocated (18) 700 MHz channels to Glynn County. The County is currently operating on (4) of those channels Dispatch Console Equipment The existing radio console dispatch equipment will be replaced with new IP based dispatch console equipment User Radio Equipment Based upon information gathered from Hasty s Communications, Glynn County currently has approximately 1176 subscriber radios. Description Quantity Percentage P25 Phase 1/Phase % Flash Upgrade to P25 Phase % Replace (Non-P25 models) % Total % Table 4 Subscriber Radio Equipment Inventory RCC recommends that Glynn County replace all control station, mobile, and portable equipment that are not P25 trunked digital capable and reprogram/upgrade all mobile and portable equipment that is P25 trunked digital capable to P25. If Glynn County implements a dual mode (Phase I/Phase II capable) P25 radio system, then the existing XTS and XTL model equipment that are P25 Phase I only capable may be assigned to users that operate on Phase I talkgroups. In addition, all new mobile and portable equipment should be capable of operation on both the 700 and 800 MHz bands, and on both Phase I and Phase II systems P25 Analysis and Recommendations Based upon the traffic analysis, Glynn County has an adequate quantity of frequencies to accommodate current and expected future loading to construct an 800 MHz Phase I P25 radio system. However, due to the significant interference issues reported in the 800 MHz frequency band, the 700 MHz band will provide a cleaner frequency spectrum with less interference for the P25 radio system. FCC rules state that systems operating in the 700 MHz band must provide the spectrum efficiency sufficient for two talk paths in a 12.5 khz channel by January 1, RCC recommends that the County implement a 700 MHz dual-mode P25 Phase I/Phase II radio system to meet the FCC and capacity requirements for the new P25 system. RCC Consultants, Inc. Page 1-12

20 Because 373 (32%) of the County s subscribers cannot be upgraded to P25 Phase 2, the County will be faced with the choice of purchasing more P25 Phase 2 subscribers or implementing more system channels to support peak traffic loads Backhaul Network Connectivity of RF Infrastructure The County would like to retain the existing PTP model microwave backhaul network to the extent possible. The County s microwave network is configured in a star configuration, and the existing split-mount Cambium Networks PTP model microwave radios are not configured for monitored hot-standby (MHSB) operation. Therefore, a major backhaul system failure that renders a single transmitter and/or the receiver inoperative will result in a major outage for the system. One or more, possibly all, of the tower site backhaul communications can fail because of the failure of the single site. The loss of the 4 th Street tower site would cripple the entire radio communication system. In addition, the County currently shares the microwave network bandwidth with other non-radio communications systems. RCC recommends that the County considers reconfiguring the existing star configuration to a loop configuration (Figure 2), and implement a Quality of Service (QoS) protocol to prioritize public safety radio communications traffic. Figure 2 Proposed Microwave Backhaul Network RCC Consultants, Inc. Page 1-13

21 Connectivity to the SEGARNN Master Site All radio traffic from the field users to dispatch is routed through the Master Site; consequently, connectivity from the Dispatch Center to the Master Site requires highly reliable, and when possible redundant, backhaul connectivity. Losing connectivity to the Master Site will impact wireline dispatch operations. The SEGARNN Master Site is approximate 60 miles away. Connectivity via microwave requires multiple microwave hops and possible the addition of tower sites, which increases the capital and recurring cost. According to Mr. David West, AT&T provides a Metropolitan-Area Ethernet (MetroE) service between Glynn County and the City of Savannah. This service runs between two Telco s Central Offices, both with backup power and redundant paths. Pending proof of concept by the radio vendor, RCC also recommends that the County consider using AT&T s MetroE leased service for backhaul connectivity to SEGARRN Master Site over implementing a linear microwave link Interoperability For interoperability with conventional channels and GIN, RCC recommends that these communication resources be connected to the P25 radio system through conventional gateways that will enable the direct patching of these resources to P25 talkgroups. For interoperability with surrounding P25 radio systems, RCC recommends that Glynn County consider sharing of P25 infrastructure resources where possible such as the network core (master site) so that a regional wide area system would be created. Sharing of the network core requires that the individual subsystems be from a common equipment manufacturer. The Inter-RF Subsystem Interface (ISSI) is a non-proprietary interface that enables P25 compliant systems to be connected together into wide area networks so that users on disparate networks can communicate with each other regardless of system manufacturer. RCC recommends that the ISSI interface(s) be implemented for the interconnection of systems from different manufacturers. RCC Consultants, Inc. Page 1-14

22 1.6 Budgetary Costs The budgetary cost estimates for Option 2, Option 3 and Option 4 are depicted in below: Option 2 Option 3 Option 4 Capital Cost $8,389,230 $10,286,230 $12,184,030 Annual Recurring Cost $425,000 $625,000 $625, Year Total Cost of Ownership 2 $13,945,777 $18,481,183 $20,378,983 Table 5 Budgetary Costs The budgetary cost includes a 4-site, 10-channel simulcast, P25 Dual Phase I and Phase II trunked radio system with 10 dispatch console positions, 10 backup RF control stations, microwave backhaul network, 373 P25 Flash Kits, 767 subscriber radios (484 portables and 289 mobiles). 2 Includes 3% CPI on Yearly Maintenance Starting on Year 2 RCC Consultants, Inc. Page 1-15

23 2. COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEM USER INTERVIEWS During the week of June 2, 2014, RCC personnel conducted interviews with 800 MHz trunked radio user agencies from Glynn County to gather feedback, determine needs, identify current problems, and identify their future requirements for the implementation of the P25 radio system. RCC began this process with a project kickoff meeting open to all participating agencies within the County. RCC introduced its project team and provided the attendees with a high-level overview of the project including consulting tasks, project schedule, and project deliverables. Directly after the meetings, RCC began the stakeholder interviews with participating agencies. The kickoff meeting attendees included the following: Tim Barrentine RCC Director SE Region John Catron Glynn County IT Director Neal Jump Sheriff Glynn County SO Matt Doering Chief of Police Glynn County PD Jerome Johnson Fire Marshall Captain Glynn County Fire Steve Banister CFO Hasty s Communications Kenny Chen RCC Managing Consultant David West Glynn County IT Network Engineer Pete Tyo System Analyst Glynn County SO Greg Post Captain Brunswick PD Steve Usher Director Glynn-Brunswick 911 Communications Center Rick Montgomery Service Manager Hasty s Communications Lew Phillips RCC Managing Consultant Randy Mobley Brunswick FD Michael Heath Major Glynn County SO Al Thomas Fire Chief Glynn County Fire Vicki Stevenson Operations Coordinator Glynn-Brunswick 911 Communications Center 2.1 Interviews RCC personnel conducted interviews with law enforcement, fire department, dispatch, and public works personnel within Glynn County. The interviews were conducted as a single agency, or in groups of agencies Glynn-Brunswick Law Enforcement Agencies Interview Date: June 2, 2014 Time: 3:00 PM Location: Pate Building - Conference Room 2nd Floor Participants: RCC Consultants, Inc. Page 2-1

24 Tim Barrentine RCC Director SE Region John Catron Glynn County Information Technology Director Neal Jump Sheriff Glynn County SO Kenny Chen RCC Managing Consultant Matt Doering Chief of Police Glynn County PD Pete Tyo System Analyst Glynn County SO Lew Phillips RCC Managing Consultant Greg Post Captain Brunswick PD Michael Heath Major Glynn County SO Glynn County Police Department Dispatch Equipment The Glynn County Police Department (GCPD) is dispatched by the Glynn-Brunswick 911 Communications Center. One dispatch console operator position is assigned to GCPD. Subscriber Equipment GCPD has approximately 140 Motorola portable radios, and 140 Motorola mobile radios. The County has 2 encrypted channels operating on an ASTRO conventional radio system overlaid on the simulcast system. These encrypted channels are used by SWAT, CID and Drug Enforcement. GCPD wants 44 portable radios and 44 mobile radios equipped with multi-key encryption on the P25 radio system. GCPD wears the portable radios on the hip with belt clip, and utilizes a lapel mic. GCPD Chief Matt Doering stated that he currently uses the telephone interconnect feature of the existing 800 MHz radio system and that it is important to retain this feature for the P25 radio system due to the uncertainty and availability of commercial cellular in an emergency event. Interoperability Law Enforcement interoperates with the Sheriff s Office, County PD, Brunswick PD, Campus Police, Schools Security, Hospital Security, County Fire, Brunswick Fire, Jekyll Fire, Georgia State Patrol (GSP), Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) and Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR). Law Enforcement would also like to interoperate with the Coast Guard and surrounding counties, Camden, Brantley, Wayne, and McIntosh. RCC Consultants, Inc. Page 2-2

25 Radio Coverage GCSO and GCPD reported in-building and outdoors portable coverage problems in St. Simons Island. GCSO and GCPD stated they can hear dispatch but cannot respond back. GCSO and GCPD also reported coverage issues in the Pate Building and within various schools while communicating with school resource officers. It should be noted that RCC discovered a failure of the 800 MHz transmit antenna at the St. Simons tower site which has been corrected by maintenance personnel. Problems and/or Comments GCPD has a low power FM broadcast radio station that provides public information and emergency evacuation radio broadcast services. The audio programming is originated at a studio location located at 157 Public Safety Boulevard, Brunswick, Georgia, and then distributed via a licensed microwave link to the 4th Street tower site for broadcast over low power FM airwaves at MHz Glynn County Sheriff s Office Dispatch Equipment Glynn County Sheriff s Office (GCSO) has a dispatch facility located at the County Jail located at 1812 Newcastle Street, Brunswick, Georgia. GCSO uses control station to dispatch to jail. GCSO is in the process of relocating to the new County Jail. GCSO would like to have 2 RF control stations for the P25 radio system. Subscriber Equipment GCSO has approximately 60 Motorola portable radios, and 40 Motorola mobile radios. The County has 2 encrypted channels operating on an ASTRO conventional radio system overlaid on the simulcast system. These encrypted channels are used by SWAT, CID and Drug Enforcement. GCSO wants 13 portable radios equipped with single-key encryption for the P25 radio system. GCSO wears the portable radios on the hip with belt clip, and utilizes a lapel mic. RCC Consultants, Inc. Page 2-3

26 Interoperability Law Enforcement interoperates with the Sheriff s Office, County PD, Brunswick PD, Campus Police, Schools Security, Hospital Security, County Fire, Brunswick Fire, Jekyll Fire, Georgia State Patrol (GSP), Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) and Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR). Law Enforcement would like to interoperate with the Coast Guard. Law Enforcement would also like to interoperate with surrounding counties, Camden, Brantley, Wayne and McIntosh. Radio Coverage GCSO and GCPD reported in-building and outdoors portable coverage problems in St. Simons Island. GCSO and GCPD stated they can hear dispatch but cannot respond back. GCSO and GCPD also reported coverage issues in the Pate Building and at the schools while communicating with school resource officers. It should be noted that RCC discovered a failure of the 800 MHz transmit antenna at the St. Simons tower site which has been corrected by maintenance personnel. GCSO performed an informational purposes only portable radio coverage test in the new jail using the 700 MHz P25 radio system. Portable radio coverage in the new jail was good; therefore, no Bi-Directional Amplifier (BDA) is needed. Problems and/or Comments GCSO uses prison buses for evacuations. Evacuations are towards Waycross and Pulaski. Portable radios are used for communications while inside Glynn County s radio service area Brunswick Police Department Dispatch Equipment Brunswick Police Department (BPD) is dispatched by the Glynn-Brunswick 911 Communications Center. One dispatch console operator position is assigned to BPD. Subscriber Equipment BPD has approximately 80 Motorola portable radios, and 50 Motorola mobile radios. The County has 2 encrypted channels operating on an ASTRO conventional radio system overlaid on the simulcast system. These encrypted channels are used by SWAT, CID and Drug Enforcement. BPD wants 1 portable radio with multi-key encryption for the P25 radio system. BPD wears the portable radios on the hip with belt clip, and utilizes a lapel mic or an earpiece headset. RCC Consultants, Inc. Page 2-4

27 BPD wants high tier earpiece headsets to be used with the portable radios. Interoperability Law Enforcement interoperates with the Sheriff s Office, County PD, Brunswick PD, Campus Police, Schools Security, Hospital Security, County Fire, Brunswick Fire, Jekyll Fire, Georgia State Patrol (GSP), Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) and Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR). Law Enforcement would like to interoperate with the Coast Guard. Law Enforcement would also like to interoperate with surrounding counties, Camden, Brantley, Wayne and McIntosh. BPD uses the common Event talkgroups for interoperability. Radio Coverage BPD has good coverage within their jurisdictional service area. Major Port reported that their Detective Building, which is made out of steel, has better talkout coverage then talkback coverage. Problems and Comments BPD expressed some interest in the GPS optional feature available with the P25 radio system. Major Post wanted good quality earpiece headsets for subscriber radios at a good price Glynn-Brunswick Fire/EMS Agencies Interview Date: June 3, 2014 Time: 8:30 PM Location: Pate Building - Conference Room 3rd Floor Participants: Tim Barrentine RCC Director SE Region Rhett Fairfield Brunswick FD Neal Mann Captain of Rescue Glynn County Fire John Catron Glynn County IT Director Raymond Marat Fire Administration Deputy Chief Glynn County Fire Al Thomas Fire Chief Glynn County Fire Randy Mobley Fire Chief Brunswick FD Jerome Johnson Fire Marshall Captain Glynn County Fire RCC Consultants, Inc. Page 2-5

28 Glynn County Fire Department Dispatch Equipment The Glynn County Fire Department (GCFD) is dispatched by the Glynn-Brunswick 911 Communications Center. One dispatch console operator position is assigned to GCFD. GCFD does not have a dedicated call taker position; consequently, on dual dispatch issues, GCPD is dispatched first, then the call is transferred to GCFD. This situation creates an unnecessary delay in the response for fire incidents. As part of the P25 radio upgrade project, GCFD wants simultaneous dispatch for GCFD and GCPD. Subscriber Equipment GCFD has approximately 59 Motorola portable radios, and 47 Motorola mobile radios. There are an additional 28 Motorola portable radios for volunteers. GCFD has upgraded all of their subscriber radios to the APX models. The APX radios were procured with the P25 Phase 1 option only. Fire Station Alerting All fire stations are equipped with a Motorola fire station alerting system. The Gold Elite consoles have an icon on the screen to open the speaker at each individual fire station. Once the dispatcher receives an acknowledgement light, a second icon is selected to alert the station. Each station is assigned a unique alerting tone. Interoperability GCFD has an ACU1000 interoperability switch in the Deputy Chief s vehicle. The ACU1000 is used for direct mode communications with VHF and UHF surrounding agencies Radio Coverage Inside the Pate Building radio coverage from the 800 MHz radio system is bad, however, coverage from the 700 MHz P25 radio system is good. There is a Bi-Directional Amplifier (BDA) at the Southeast Georgia Health Systems, Brunswick Campus. The North end of St. Simons Island has spotty coverage. It should be noted that RCC discovered a failure of the 800 MHz transmit antenna at the St. Simons tower site which has been corrected by maintenance personnel. RCC Consultants, Inc. Page 2-6

29 The radio coverage issues that were reported occurred inside ships at the Port of Brunswick, Colonel s Island and the Mayor s Point Terminals. GCFD indicated that the 700 MHz P25 radio system works much better than the 800 MHz radio system while inside the ships. Problems and Comments GCFD is not interested in encryption nor is interested in the I-CALL Mutual Aid Channel. GCFD expressed some interest in the GPS optional feature available with the P25 radio system. A mobile data system will be implemented next year along with the update of the CAD system. GCFD Station #1 hears an AM radio station over their PA system Brunswick Fire Department Dispatch Equipment Brunswick Fire Department (BFD) is dispatched by the Glynn-Brunswick 911 Communications Center. One dispatch console operator position is assigned to BFD. Subscriber Equipment BFD has approximately 18 Motorola portable radios and 11 Motorola mobile radios. There are an additional 28 Motorola portable radios for volunteers. BFD has upgraded all their subscribers to Motorola Model APX6000 series. The shift Deputy Chief has a Motorola dual band (VHF/700 MHz/800 MHz) APX7000 radio and an ACU1000 interoperability switch in his vehicle. BFD needs 5 additional portable radios and 1 additional mobile radio. Fire Station Alerting All fire stations are equipped with a Motorola fire station alerting system. The Gold Elite consoles have an icon on the screen to open the speaker at each individual fire station. Once the dispatcher receives an acknowledgement light, a second icon is selected to alert the station. Each station is assigned a unique alerting tone. BFD Station #1 has a special alerting tone created by Hasty s Communications that consists of a WAV file of their old analog tones because their firefighters had become accustomed to their old tones. The tones are transmitted over the talkgroup. EMS Squad #11 is stationed at BFD Station #1. RCC Consultants, Inc. Page 2-7

30 EMS Radio Coverage BFD did not report any coverage issues in their service area. Dispatch Equipment Glynn County EMS is dispatched by the Glynn-Brunswick 911 Communications Center. One dispatch console operator position is assigned to Glynn County EMS. Subscriber Equipment EMS has approximately 10 Motorola APX mobile radios with dual control heads. The APX mobiles are approximately 2 years old. Interoperability EMS travels to McIntosh County, Brantley County, the City of Savannah, and the City of Waycross for service and transfers. Radio Coverage EMS has no communications once they leave the Glynn County radio service area E Communications Center Date: June 4, 2014 Time: 9:00 AM Location: 157 Public Safety Boulevard, Brunswick, Georgia Participants: Tim Barrentine RCC Director SE Region Vicki Stevenson Operations Coordinator Glynn-Brunswick 911 Communications Center Lew Phillips RCC Managing Consultant Steve Usher Director Glynn-Brunswick 911 Communications Center The Glynn-Brunswick 911 Communications Center is located at 157 Public Safety Boulevard, Brunswick, Georgia. The Dispatch facility opened in 2001 and serves BPD, GCPD, BFD, GCFD, and EMS. GCSO is not dispatched from this location. GCSO has their own talkgroups but can switch over to the dispatched Law Enforcement talkgroups when needed. RCC Consultants, Inc. Page 2-8

31 The Communications Center has 10 operator positions and a supervisor position. Eight of these positions have dispatch capabilities and are equipped with Motorola Gold Elite dispatch consoles allocated as follow: Agency Number of Positions Call Takers 2 City of Brunswick Fire/EMS 1 City of Brunswick Police Department 1 County Fire/EMS 1 County Police Department 1 Service 1 Supervisor 1 The positions without dispatch capabilities are used for training purposes. The Gold Elite consoles have a backup control station radio mounted at the console position and wired into the console (connected to BIMs) so that they can operate it via the console. Each backup control station radio also has a desk microphone for stand-alone use. Portable radios are also used for backup. There are no AUX I/O interfaces controlled from the consoles. Each console has a headset jack, a boom microphone, and a mouse. Dispatchers use wired headsets or wireless headsets without the PTT function. The Communications Center uses a logging recorder model VR725 Voice Logger manufactured by Eventide. The existing VR725 Voice Logger will be upgraded to a NexLog 740 Recorder also manufactured by Eventide. According to Mr. Steve Usher and Ms. Vicki Stevenson, the console furniture is 12 years old and needs repair or replacement. The furniture does not have enough horizontal space for new monitors required by the new CAD system and the new radio console; consequently, the LCD screens must be stacked in the vertical axis. Dispatch personnel stated that they desire new console furniture. Mr. David West said that he has a solution for this issue. Interoperability The Communications Center has a number of conventional interfaces on their consoles outside of the SmartNet trunked radio system to provide interoperability with other local and state agencies. These interfaces include but are not limited to: RCC Consultants, Inc. Page 2-9

32 VHF 8-Channel Consolette BIM-1 GCSO 1 BIM-2 GCPD 1 BIM-3 BPD 1 BIM-4 GCFD MHz BIM-5 BFD MHz BIM-6 SERVICE GCPW 700 MHz VHF GCFD1 P 800 GSP JKY GA POWER Glynn Co. LAW AG FIRE AG ALL AG The Communications Center has a MotoBridge. The MotoBridge is not connected to the console positions and uses control station radios. Two SouthernLINC control station radios are connected to the MotoBridge. One is set for Glynn 911 and the other is set for Georgia Power. Also connected to the MotoBridge are GCPD 1, VLAW 31, and GSP JEKYLL. The Communications Center has a ham radio operator position that is manned by licensed ham radio operators and used during special emergencies. Glynn County does not have an 800 Mutual Aid Fixed Network Equipment (FNE). Fire Station Alerting All fire stations are equipped with a Motorola fire station alerting system. The Gold Elite consoles have an icon on the screen to open the speaker at each individual fire station. Once the dispatcher receives an acknowledgement light, a second icon is selected to alert the station. Each station is assigned a unique alerting tone. The series of tones is comprised from the three (3) alert tones from the Gold Elite consoles. BFD Station #1 has a special alerting tone that is described in Section above. Generator and UPS Systems The Communications Center has a 3-phase UPS system that was installed in The UPS system is in the process of replacement. Each dispatch position has two UPS-fed, 20 amp circuits, one for general use (CAD and Gold Elite) and the other for the new phone switch call-handling equipment. The Communications Center is equipped with two Emergency Power Generators. The generators are twin ONAN 600 kw diesel units and are installed on the rooftop. New consoles will connect to the existing power from the general use circuit and the grounding system under the raised floor. Problems and Comments No instant recall recorder (IRR) is required for new consoles RCC Consultants, Inc. Page 2-10

33 Dispatch personnel are not sure about touchscreen capabilities on the P25 consoles. Dispatch personnel would like to deploy touchscreen monitors but are concerned with maintenance issues and screen damage. Dispatch personnel want the new consoles to have similar GUI screens to minimize dispatcher training for the P25 radio system. They also want a footswitch and two, 6-wire headset jacks per operator position with the ability for PTT on wireless headsets Public Works Interview Date: June 4, 2014 Time: 8:30 AM Location: 4145 Norwich Street Ext, Brunswick, Georgia Participants: Kenny Chen RCC Managing Consultant Ed Whittle Dave Austin Director Public Works Ben Pierce Becky Rowell Director Public Works Dispatch Equipment The Public Works dispatch facility is located at 4145 Norwich Street Extension, Brunswick, Georgia. The dispatch facility utilizes a portable radio. Subscriber Equipment Public Works has approximately 36 Motorola portable radios. These radios are operating on the ASTRO MHz radio system. Most of the subscriber radios are Motorola model XTS1500 radios and are P25 enabled. Public Works is assigned four (4) talkgroups: Drainage, Traffic, Mosquito Control and Fleet. Radio Coverage Public Works reported coverage as pretty good and did not report any radio coverage problems areas. For privacy and for full duplex conversations, Public Works typically uses cellphones to communicate with each other. Problems and Comments Public Works stated they want the Emergency Alert feature enabled in their subscribers. RCC Consultants, Inc. Page 2-11

34 2.1.5 Radio System Administrator (Hasty s Communications) Date: June 4, 2014 Time: 1:30 PM Location: 112 Key Dr., Brunswick, Georgia Participants: Tim Barrentine RCC Director SE Region Steve Banister CFO Hasty s Communications Kenny Chen RCC Managing Consultant Rick Montgomery Service Manager Hasty s Communications Lew Phillips RCC Managing Consultant System Maintenance The County has a Maintenance Agreement with Motorola Solutions, Inc. for maintenance and support of the fixed network infrastructure and some of the subscriber radio equipment. The current Maintenance Agreement began on July 1, 2014 and ends in June 30, Hasty s Communications acts as sub-contractor to Motorola to provide local service to the County. The County is paying Motorola $408, per year under the current Maintenance Agreement. Subscriber Equipment As depicted in the 800 MHz Rebanding inventory, there are approximately 1176 portable and mobile radios operating on the County s 800 MHz trunked radio communications system. Approximately 767 of these radios are non-p25 capable subscriber radios. Maintenance of some of the subscriber radios is included in the Motorola Maintenance Agreement. Problems and Comments Some of the critical components of the SmartNet trunked radio system are no longer in production and are beyond the end of manufacturers support. The County has limited spare parts, some of which were purchased from the City of Savannah s legacy radio system. Repair/restoration times are no longer guaranteed under the Maintenance Agreement due to the availability of spare parts. Hasty s Communications stated that upon completion of the 800 MHz Rebanding process, the County s SmartNet radio system has been experiencing constant interference issues, some of which required that the channel be protected or taken out of service. RCC Consultants, Inc. Page 2-12

35 2.2 Summary of User Interviews General Glynn County radio system user agency interviews indicated general satisfaction with the existing 800 MHz radio system, and the maintenance and services provided by Hasty s Communications. During the interviews, user agencies noted areas where coverage is spotty. The areas noted in the interviews are: 3. In-building and outdoors portable coverage problems in St. Simons Island (It should be noted that RCC discovered a failure of the 800 MHz transmit antenna at the St. Simons tower site which has been corrected by maintenance personnel) 4. In the Pate Building and within various schools while communicating with school resource officers 5. Inside ships at the Port of Brunswick, Colonel s Island and the Mayor s Point Terminals. P25 Radio System Feature Requirements As part of the full implementation of the P25 radio system, the following system features are desired or required: Emergency Alert with ID Display Voice Encryption Telephone Interconnect LE agencies want communications interoperability with surrounding counties, Camden, Brantley, Wayne, and McIntosh Problems and Comments The existing SmartNet trunked radio system problems include the following: Due to age and end of support for some components, some critical components are no longer repairable; however, the County purchased some used controllers from the City of Savannah. Lack of sufficient portable outdoor and in-building coverage in some locations. RCC Consultants, Inc. Page 2-13

36 The existing ASTRO 25 trunked radio system problems include the following: The Master Site is located in Savannah, Georgia, approximately 60 miles away. Currently the County leases one (1) T-1 Circuit for connectivity of the Prime Site at 4th Street to the Master Site; however, per Motorola, the County would require at a minimum, eight (8) T-1s for connectivity to have full dispatch console operator positions capabilities. The County had explored the possibility of leasing AT&T s MetroE solution, which is Ethernet-based. An analysis by the system manufacturer indicated that the total latency of AT&T s MetroE link would exceed the latency requirements for P25 certification. The P25 RFP for the regional P25 radio system should include adequate training for County personnel. RCC Consultants, Inc. Page 2-14

37 3. COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEM SITE SURVEYS During the week of June 2, 2014, RCC personnel conducted site surveys of the County trunked radio systems. The purpose of the site surveys was to assess their condition and ability to support the P25 radio system. The four (4) tower sites support the nine (9) channels, 800 MHz SmartNet trunked radio system, the 4-channel, 700 MHz ASTRO 25 trunked digital radio system, and the 2-channel conventional encryption radio system th Street Tower Site General The 4 th Street site is located at th Street, Brunswick, Georgia and supports the following major system components: Two Central Site Controllers for SmartNet (Main and Backup) Two GCP8000 Controllers for P25 One Remote Site Controller for SmartNet A receiver voting system comparators for SmartNet Two GCM8000 comparators for P25 NM Client Workstation for P25 A 9-channel trunked simulcast repeater system for SmartNet A 4-channel trunked simulcast repeater system for P25 A 2-channel conventional simulcast repeater system for the encrypted channels Premisys channel banks for SmartNet Low Power FM transmitter Tower Structure The tower is a 500-foot guyed tower with FCC Antenna Structure Registration # The tower is owned by the County Communications Shelter The communication shelter is an 11 6 x 34 0 x 10 4 VFP concrete shelter manufactured in September The shelter has the following attributes. 400-amp, single phase, 240VAC electrical service A 4-ton, wall mounted, ComPac II HVAC units, model AVPA48ACA050C-GA- A2-100 A 5-ton, wall mounted, ComPac II HVAC units, model AVP60ACA05CU port entry panel with (0) open ports RCC Consultants, Inc. Page 3-1

38 Generator and UPS Systems The backup generator is a propane-powered Generac model rated at 85 kw connected to a Generac GTS System transfer switch. The LP tank is 500 gallons with a maximum capacity of 400 gallons. The generator was manufactured on August 31, 2001 and looks in excellent condition. The site is equipped with (2) Powerware UPS systems Observations The 4th Street site is in good condition, for the most weeds are under control. This site is the Prime Site for both the SmartNet and the ASTRO 25 radio communications system. Due to its close proximity to the coast, to protect the shelter from storm surges, the shelter was built approximately 10 ft. above ground level (Figure 3). The shelter looks in good condition. The shelter is almost at full capacity; however, with proper planning of the P25 radio system cutover, the shelter is adequate for the P25 radio system. One of the HVAC units was recently replaced. There is fiber optic at the site. The entry port is very crowded and does not have any spare ports (Figure 4). Figure 3 Shelter is 10 ft. AGL Figure 4 Entry Ports are Full RCC Consultants, Inc. Page 3-2

39 3.1.2 Brookman Tower Site General The Brookman site is located 0.3 km south of Highway 82 on Massie Causeway, Brunswick, Georgia and supports the following major system components: One Remote Site Controller for SmartNet A 9-channel trunked simulcast repeater system for SmartNet A 4-channel trunked simulcast repeater system for P25 A 2-channel conventional simulcast repeater system for the Encrypted channels Premisys channel banks for SmartNet Tower Structure The tower is a 400-foot guyed tower with FCC Antenna Structure Registration # The tower is owned by the County Communications Shelter The communication shelter is an 11 6 x 26 0 x 10 4 VFP concrete shelter manufactured in September The shelter has the following attributes. 200-amp, single phase, 240VAC electrical service A 4-ton, wall mounted, ComPac II HVAC units, model AVPA48ACA050C-GA- A2-100 A 4-ton, wall mounted, ComPac II HVAC units, model AVP48ACA05C port entry panel with (3) open ports Generator and UPS Systems The backup generator is a propane-powered Generac model rated at 45 kw connected to a Generac GTS System transfer switch. The LP tank is 500 gallons with a maximum capacity of 400 gallons. The generator was manufactured on August 24, 2001 and looks in excellent condition. The site is equipped with (1) Powerware UPS system Observations The Brookman site is in good shape; for the most part weeds are under control. The shelter looks in good shape. The shelter has floor space for (1) additional rack. One of the HVAC units was recently replaced RCC Consultants, Inc. Page 3-3

40 3.1.3 Glynn-Brunswick Communications Center General The Glynn-Brunswick Communications Center is the County s main dispatch facility and is located at 157 Public Safety Boulevard, Brunswick, Georgia. The Communications Center is a multi-agency center that provides communication services for the County Fire/EMS, City of Brunswick Fire/EMS, County Police Department, and the City of Brunswick Police Department Dispatch Consoles The Communications Center is equipped with the following major system components: There are 17 total furniture positions in the Glynn-Brunswick Communications Center dispatch room, including 8 radio dispatch positions (includes 1 supervisor position). Two of the positions are used as call-taker positions. All radio dispatch consoles are Motorola Gold Elite model. Each radio dispatch console is equipped with a headset jack (wired or wireless without PTT), a boom microphone, a mouse, and a backup radio control head connected to a control station radio located in the equipment room. Each control station is also connected to a Base Interface Module (BIM) in the Central Electronics Bank (CEB) so that it can be used via the console. The operator positions are distributed as follow: Agency Number of Positions Call Takers 2 City of Brunswick Fire/EMS 1 City of Brunswick Police Department 1 County Fire/EMS 1 County Police Department 1 Service 1 Supervisor 1 Glynn County uses a model VR725 logging recorder system manufactured by Eventide. Per the manufacturer s website, the VR725 has been manufacture-discontinued as of October 2012, and is no longer available for purchase. Eventide continues to offer technical support for the VR725, as well as channel expansion kits, add-on license options, and repair services. RCC Consultants, Inc. Page 3-4

41 Dispatchers currently use a wired or a wireless headset with a 4-wire interface; therefore, when using the wireless headsets, dispatchers do not have the ability to PTT. They had expressed interest in using a combination of both wired and wireless headsets. The wireless headset adapters require the use of a 6-wire interface to support PTT capabilities Ancillary Systems and Conventional Interfaces Fire Station Alerting The Communications Center radio dispatch consoles support fire station alerting to fire stations throughout the County. All fire stations are equipped with a Motorola fire station alerting system. The Gold Elite consoles have an icon on the screen to open the speaker at each individual fire station (Figure 5). Once the dispatcher receives an acknowledgement light, a second icon is selected to tone out the station through the trunked radio system Fire Main talkgroup. Each station is assigned a unique alerting tone. The series of tones is comprised from three (3) alert tones from the Gold Elite consoles. BFD Station #1 has a special alerting tone created by Hasty s Communications that consists of a WAV file of their old analog tones because their firefighters had become accustomed to their old tones. Figure 5 FSA Icons Figure 6 FSA MOSCAD Terminal RCC Consultants, Inc. Page 3-5

42 Conventional Interfaces The Communications Center radio dispatch consoles also support a significant number of conventional interfaces for mutual aid, and interoperability purposes. A list of conventional interfaces is provided below: VHF 8-Channel Consolette BIM-1 GCSO 1 BIM-2 GCPD 1 BIM-3 BPD 1 BIM-4 GCFD MHz BIM-5 BFD MHz BIM-6 SERVICE GCPW 700 MHz VHF GCFD1 P 800 GSP JKY GA POWER Glynn Co. LAW AG FIRE AG ALL AG Generator and UPS System The Communications Center has a 3-phase UPS system that was installed in The UPS system is in the process of replacement. Each dispatch position has two UPS-fed, 20 amp circuits, one for general use (CAD and Gold Elite) and the other for the new phone switch call-handling equipment. The Communications Center is equipped with two Emergency Power Generators. The generators are twin ONAN 600 kw diesel units and are installed on the rooftop. New consoles will connect to the existing power from the general use circuit and the grounding system under the raised floor St. Simons Tower Site General The St. Simons site is located at 3911 Frederica Rd, St. Simons Island, Georgia and supports the following major system components: One Remote Site Controller for SmartNet A 9-channel trunked simulcast repeater system for SmartNet A 4-channel trunked simulcast repeater system for P25 A 2-channel conventional simulcast repeater system for the encrypted channels Premisys channel banks for SmartNet Tower Structure The tower is a 175-foot self-supported tower with FCC Antenna Structure Registration # The tower is owned by the County. RCC Consultants, Inc. Page 3-6

43 Communications Shelter The communication shelter is an 11 6 x 26 6 x 10 4 VFP concrete shelter manufactured in June The shelter has the following attributes. 200-amp, single phase, 240VAC electrical service A 4-ton, wall mounted, ComPac II HVAC units, model AVPA48ACA050C-GA- A2-100 A 3.5-ton, wall mounted, ComPac II HVAC units, model AVP42ACA05C port entry panel with (3) open ports Generator and UPS Systems The backup generator is a propane-powered Generac model rated at 45 kw connected to a Generac GTS System transfer switch. The LP tank is 500 gallons with a maximum capacity of 400 gallons. The generator was manufactured on June 18, 2001and looks in excellent condition. The site is equipped with (1) Powerware UPS system Observations The gate at the St. Simons site needs repair (Figure 7) The fenced area has weed problems The shelter has insect problems The shelter has floor space for 1 additional rack One of the HVAC units was recently replaced The existing 800 MHz transmit antenna on the tower had a broken/loose pigtail (Figure 8) which is reported to have been repaired by maintenance personnel Figure 7 Broken Gate Figure 8 Broken Transmit Antenna Pigtail RCC Consultants, Inc. Page 3-7

44 3.1.5 Zuta Tower Site General The Zuta site is located 0.3 km northwest of US25 on CR60, Brunswick, Georgia and supports the following major system components: One Remote Site Controller for SmartNet A 9-channel trunked simulcast repeater system for SmartNet A 4-channel trunked simulcast repeater system for P25 A 2-channel conventional simulcast repeater system for the encrypted channels Premisys channel banks for SmartNet VHF MHz satellite receiver for GCFD VHF MHz satellite receiver for GCPW (2) MTR2000 base stations (unknown) (1) Quantar base station (unknown) Tower Structure The tower is a 400-foot guyed tower with FCC Antenna Structure Registration # The tower is owned by the County Communications Shelter The communication shelter is an 11 6 x 26 0 x 10 4 VFP concrete shelter manufactured in July The shelter has the following attributes. 200-amp, single phase, 240VAC electrical service A 4-ton, wall mounted, ComPac II HVAC units, model AVPA48ACA050C-GA- A2-100 A 3.5-ton, wall mounted, ComPac II HVAC units, model AVP42ACA05C port entry panel with (0) open ports Generator and UPS Systems The backup generator is a propane-powered Generac model rated at 45 kw connected to a Generac GTS System transfer switch. The LP tank is 500 gallons with a maximum capacity of 400 gallons. The generator was manufactured on August 24, 2001 and looks in excellent condition. The site is equipped with (1) Eaton (formerly Powerware) model UPS system. The UPS system was recently installed by Integrated Power Solutions Observations The Zuta site is in good condition; however, there are a lot of dead weeds (Figure 9) RCC Consultants, Inc. Page 3-8

45 The shelter looks in good condition The shelter has floor space for (1) additional rack One of the HVAC units was recently replaced The entry port is very crowded and there are no spare ports (Figure 10) Figure 9 Dead Weeds Figure 10 Entry Ports are Full 3.2 Site Survey Summary Per the results of RCC s survey of Glynn County s existing tower sites, the items listed in Table 6 are recommended action items for the P25 radio system. The County is currently operating both the SmartNet and the ASTRO 25 radio systems in parallel. While it is recommended to have tower structural analyses performed at each tower site to determine if the structure is structurally sound, additional antennas may not be required for the P25 radio system. It is recommended that the antenna system for the SmartNet system be removed from the tower upon cutover of the SmartNet radio system users to the P25 radio system. RCC s site analysis and ROM budget assumes that the existing structures are usable for the P25 radio system. RCC Consultants, Inc. Page 3-9

46 Description 4 th Street Brookman E St. Simons Zuta Tower Shelter/Equipment Room R (1) HVAC (2) (2) (2) (2) Generator UPS (3) (3) (4) (3) (5) Entry Ports A A Table 6 Glynn County Site Survey Matrix Legend R Repair or Replace Notes: A Add (1) The shelter has some sort of insect infestation that is producing dust particles. Professional inspection and repair, or shelter replacement is recommended. (2) One of the two HVAC was recently replaced (3) Age of existing UPS is unknown (4) Per Ms. Vicki Stevenson, the UPS will be replaced soon (5) UPS was recently replaced RCC Consultants, Inc. Page 3-10

47 4. CURRENT COMMUNICATION SYSTEMS OVERVIEW 4.1 General Glynn County operates a 4-site, 9-channel 800 MHz trunked simulcast analog voice radio system and a 4-site, 4-channel 700 MHz P25 trunked simulcast digital voice radio system. The 800 MHz simulcast radio system is a Motorola proprietary, SmartNet trunked system that was purchased in 2000 and supports approximately 1176 users. The 700 MHz simulcast radio system is a Motorola ASTRO 25 trunked digital system based on the APCO Project 25 (P25) suite of standards for digital radio communications. It was purchased in 2010 as part of the SEGARRN project. The County also operates a 4-site, 2-channel Motorola conventional simulcast ASTRO digital voice radio system used by Law Enforcement agencies for encrypted communications. The Prime Sites for both trunked simulcast systems are located at the 4 th Street tower site. The Prime site equipment for the SmartNet radio communications system consists of a redundant pair of 6809 model system central controllers that perform the management functions of the system and other subsystems that control the receiver audio voting and the simulcast transmitter audio processing. Each of the four tower sites has a model 6809 remote site controller installed. Vendor support for the 6809 model central and remote site controllers ended on June 30, The County has limited spare parts, some of which were purchased from the City of Savannah s legacy radio system. Repair/restore time is no longer guaranteed System Frequencies and FCC License Analysis Glynn County s 800 MHz radio communications system is licensed for operation under Call Signs WPHF398 and WPWA902. These licenses have an expiration date of 05/22/2015 and 10/01/2022 respectively. Glynn County s 700 MHz radio communications system is licensed for operation under Call Sign WQQI739. This license has an expiration date of 12/31/2022. RCC Consultants, Inc. Page 4-1

48 These frequencies are as follow: Call Sign Frequency (MHz) Function Radio Service WPHF Trunk Channel #1 BILT WPHF Trunk Channel #2 PS WPHF Trunk Channel #3 PS WPHF Trunk Channel #4 PS WPHF Trunk Channel #5 PS WPHF Trunk Channel #6 PS WPHF Trunk Channel #7 PS WPWA Trunk Channel #8 NPSPAC WPWA Trunk Channel #9 NPSPAC WPWA ASTRO Channel #1 NPSPAC WPWA ASTRO Channel #2 NPSPAC WQQI Trunk P25 Channel #1 PS WQQI Trunk P25 Channel #2 PS WQQI Trunk P25 Channel #3 PS WQQI Trunk P25 Channel #4 PS Preliminary Frequency Analysis Hasty s Communications stated that upon the County s completion of the Rebanding process, the County has been experiencing constant interference issues on the SmartNet radio communications system. Upon a high-level preliminary review, the following channels with co-channel licensees less than seventy miles are short-spaced: Frequency (MHz) Function Nearest Licensee Site (Miles) Trunk Channel # Trunk Channel # Trunk Channel # Trunk Channel # Trunk Channel # Trunk Channel # Trunk Channel # RCC Consultants, Inc. Page 4-2

49 Frequency (MHz) Function Nearest Licensee Site (Miles) Trunk Channel # Trunk Channel # ASTRO Channel # ASTRO Channel # Trunk P25 Channel #1 > Trunk P25 Channel #2 > Trunk P25 Channel #3 > Trunk P25 Channel #4 >100 Table 7 Distance to Co-Channel Licensees As shown in Table 7, some of the County s existing 800 MHz frequencies are co-channel to other licensees as close as 51.9 miles. In a simulcast configuration, all frequencies must be available at all sites. In addition, to provide the same radio coverage, all frequencies at each site must operate under the same technical parameters, i.e. same antenna type, output power, etc Dispatch Console System Glynn-Brunswick 911 Communications Center is located at 157 Public Safety Boulevard, Brunswick, Georgia. The building houses the Motorola Centracom Gold Elite, Central Electronics Bank (CEB) which is the core of the signal processing, and the eight (8) Gold Elite dispatch console operator positions. The CEB is connected to the Prime Site at 4 th Street via a microwave link. The County currently does not have any dispatch console equipment for the ASTRO 25 radio system. As previously stated, the SEGARRN Master Site is located in the City of Savannah, approximately 60 miles away. Connectivity to the SEGARRN Master Site, currently operating at version 7.7, is circuit-based. Per information provided by the system manufacturer, full dispatch console functionality would require approximately eight (8) T-1s. Due to its long stretch, the leasing of eight (8) T-1s is cost prohibited. Therefore, the County had explored the possibility of leasing AT&T s MetroE solution, which is Ethernet-based. An analysis by the system manufacturer indicated that 1) the total latency of AT&T s MetroE link, including but not limited to the T-1 to Ethernet conversion would exceed the latency requirements for P25 certification, 2) the best reliability that AT&T could provide is a 99.9% guarantee, and 3) only 25% of the total committed bandwidth rate (CBW) would be allowed to have priority traffic. RCC Consultants, Inc. Page 4-3

50 Analysis and Recommendations for the Dispatch Consoles Motorola Gold Elite consoles have been discontinued for several years, but are supported by Motorola until December 31, Therefore, Motorola cannot provide equipment to expand the existing console system should it be required. The Motorola Centracom Gold Elite dispatch consoles and the CEB should be replaced with the radio system User Equipment The user equipment consists of mobiles, portables, and control station radios. Some agencies have upgraded a portion of the user fleet with P25 capable equipment of various model types. The older user equipment that includes ASTRO, GTX, MCS2000, LTS2000, MTS2000, MTX8250, MTX850, and the XTS3000 models are not P25 capable and must be replaced immediately with the P25 infrastructure upgrade. Newer equipment such as the XTS/XTL models are P25 Phase I FDMA capable with a flash upgrade but is not capable of P25 Phase II TDMA in 700 MHz or 800 MHz. If the County implements a P25 Phase II system then the XTS/XTL equipment must be replaced or the system must be equipped to support P25 Phase I talkgroups. Description Quantity Percentage P25 Phase 1/ Phase % Flash Upgrade to P25 Phase % Replace (Non-P25 models) % Total % Table 8 Subscriber Radios Inventory Summary Analysis and Conclusions for the User Equipment RCC recommends that Glynn County replace all control station, mobile, and portable equipment that are not P25 trunked digital capable and reprogram/upgrade all mobile and portable equipment that is P25 trunked digital capable to P25. If Glynn County implements a dual mode P25 radio system, then the existing XTS and XTL model equipment that are P25 Phase I only capable may be assigned to users that operate on Phase I FDMA talkgroups. In addition, all new mobile and portable equipment should be capable of operation on both the 700 and 800 MHz bands, and on both Phase I and Phase II systems. RCC Consultants, Inc. Page 4-4

51 4.1.4 Backhaul Network Glynn County s backhaul network for the SmartNet and the ASTRO 25 radio systems consists of a combination of leased T-1 lines from AT&T, and licensed 6 GHz and 11 GHz microwave links. The leased T-1 connects the ASTRO 25 Prime site at 4 th Street to the SEGARRN Master Site in Savannah. The County s existing microwave network is in a star configuration, with the 4 th Street tower site being the central hub location. The network is comprised of Cambium Networks tower-mounted PTP series equipment. Figure 11 Microwave Network Configuration RCC Consultants, Inc. Page 4-5

52 Per the PTP LINKPlanner Report provided by Hasty s Communications, the microwave network was designed for the technical specifications shown in Table 9. Link Equipment Frequency (GHz) Distance (miles) 128QAM 4 th Street Brookman PTPL % 4 th Street E Dispatch Center PTP % 4 th Street St. Simons PTP % 4 th Street Zuta PTPL % Table 9 Microwave Backhaul Network Technical Specifications The County also has a fiber network at various locations throughout the County; however, fiber is not used today to support any of the radio communications systems Analysis and Conclusions for the P25 Radio System Backhaul Network The County s microwave network is configured in a star configuration and the existing tower-mounted PTP model microwave radios are not capable of a monitored hot-standby (MHSB) configuration. If a catastrophic backhaul system failure were to occur that renders the transmitter and/or the receiver inoperative, such as a tower collapse, or simply an equipment failure, there is no way for the backhaul network to route communications around the failed link. One or possibly all of the tower site backhaul communications can fail because of the failure of the single site. The loss of the 4th Street tower site would cripple the entire radio communication system. It is recommended that the County consider the reconfiguration of the existing star configuration to a loop configuration implement a Quality of Service (QoS) protocol to prioritize bandwidth for public safety radio communications traffic Ancillary Systems Glynn County has a fire station alerting system that utilizes the existing 800 MHz radio system as a means of control and alerting communications Fire Station Alerting The Motorola fire station alerting system was recently installed and will remain in service following the transition to the P25 radio system. The fire alerting system utilizes analog tones and modulation to communicate with the remote units at the fire stations. The P25 radio system will not pass these analog tones due to signal processing by the vocoders. Communications for fire alerting must be converted to digital transmissions to be carried by the P25 radio system. RCC Consultants, Inc. Page 4-6

53 4.1.6 Interoperability Capabilities Glynn County interoperates with local, state, and national public safety agencies on a constant basis. Depending upon the agency that requires interoperability communications, different methods are used to accomplish communications. Interoperable communications are accomplished by the use of shared talkgroups, hard audio patches or dispatch console cross patches, and/or by deploying a cache of portable radios to the field Interoperability with Georgia Interoperability Network Interoperability with the Georgia Interoperability Network (GIN) is accomplished through the use of a number of control station radios that are connected to the GIN network. The GIN is stand-alone meaning that it is not directly interconnected to a BIM interface of the Gold Elite console system. A control station radio is programmed with specific talkgroups on the Glynn County SmartNet system that enables the GIN to crosspatch it with any of the other control station radio resources Analysis and Conclusions for Interoperability Capabilities The P25 radio system and equipment will greatly improve interoperability with surrounding agencies operating on P25 radio systems; however, interoperability with conventional systems and GIN will remain essentially unchanged. RCC Consultants, Inc. Page 4-7

54 5. APCO PROJECT 25 OVERVIEW 5.1 APCO Project 25 Trunked System Infrastructure The APCO Project 25 is a joint effort of state, federal, and local government combined with support from the Telecommunications Industry Association (TIA). State government is represented by the National Association of State Telecommunications Directors (NASTD) and local government by the Association of Public Safety Communications Officials (APCO). In addition, Project 25 or simply P25 is supported by industry, government agencies, and public safety communications officials including the Department of Homeland Security's National Communications System (NCS), the Department of Defense, and the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA). P25 is a user driven, digital standard, specific to public safety applications, and is specifically applicable to the VHF, UHF, and the 700/800 MHz bands. A primary objective of P25 is to enhance public safety voice communications interoperability using an open interface to the radio frequency (RF) subsystem to facilitate the ability to communicate between systems and equipment from different manufacturers. Other important aspects of the P25 Standard include the following: Maximizes radio spectrum efficiency by technologies such as Phase II TDMA Ensures an open standard that produces non-proprietary technology interfaces and systems for interoperability Allows for a wide range of vendors to manufacturer equipment, thus increasing competition and providing public safety with more purchasing choices Ensure ergonomically user-friendly and standardized equipment that can be used under adverse conditions with a minimum of training and 800 MHz Frequency Bands Modern P25 communication systems operate seamlessly across the 700 MHz and the 800 MHz frequency bands. These bands are adjacent to one another so the frequency spread can be supported by most infrastructure and subscriber equipment, unlike disparate bands such as VHF and UHF that usually requires separate equipment for each band. The 700 MHz band enables the expansion of existing 800 MHz systems, especially in congested areas where 800 MHz frequencies are not available to expand these systems. RCC Consultants, Inc. Page 5-1

55 5.1.2 P25 Phase I FDMA Figure /800 MHz Bands P25 Phase I technology uses the Frequency Division Multiple Access (FDMA) over-theair interface that provides one talk path in a single 12.5 khz bandwidth channel at an over-the-air data rate of 9,600 bps. A single trunked repeater channel is required for the control channel and for each voice transmission that occurs on the Phase I system. P25 Phase I equipment is readily available from a large number of manufacturers and is available for the VHF, UHF, and the 700/800 MHz bands P25 Phase II TDMA Phase II technology uses the Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA) over-the-air interface that provides two talk paths in a single 12.5 khz bandwidth channel, a capacity improvement of 2 to 1 over the Phase I FDMA technology. Phase II has a 12,000 bps over-the-air TDMA data rate. Phase II achieves the FCC required spectrum efficiency requirement of two voice channels in a 12.5 khz channel bandwidth that is required for P25 radio systems constructed in the 700 MHz band. By FCC mandate, networks in the 700 MHz band must operate in 6.25 khz channel bandwidth or demonstrate equivalent spectrum efficiency by January 1, This spectrum efficiency requirement is not currently required for systems constructed in the 800 MHz band. A single trunked repeater channel is required for the control channel that operates in the FDMA mode and provides backward compatibility for systems that provide dual-mode operation supporting both FDMA and TDMA communications P25 Phase I / Phase II Dual-Mode Compatibility Dual-mode compatibility refers to a P25 radio system that will support both P25 Phase I and Phase II modes of operation. P25 radio manufacturers currently approach dual-mode compatibility in different ways. RCC Consultants, Inc. Page 5-2

56 5.2 P25 Radio System Features P25 Encryption The infrastructure of a P25 radio system is digital in nature and passes data packets transparently whether they are clear or encrypted. The encryption process takes place at the subscriber radio, and at the dispatch consoles. The P25 standards based encryption is AES 256. During the stakeholder interviews, many law enforcement agencies and some EMS agencies expressed intent to encrypt some of their talkgroups. Therefore, RCC recommends that the infrastructure and dispatch console systems support P25 standards based encryption P25 Data Communications The infrastructure of a P25 radio system is digital in nature and passes data packets transparently, whether they are voice or data packets. P25 radio systems can be equipped with data gateways to enable applications that require data communications to be implemented over a common P25 radio system. Since the over-the-air data rate of a P25 radio system is 9600 bps, data communications are also limited to a maximum of 9600 bps including all overhead that makes it suitable for low speed data applications such as Text Messaging, Over-the-air-rekeying (OTAR), Over-the-air-programming (OTAP), and GPS/AVL features. During the stakeholder interviews, many expressed intent to utilize OTAR, OTAP, GPS/AVL, and other P25 data features on some of their talkgroups. Therefore, RCC recommends that the infrastructure and dispatch console systems support P25 standards based data capabilities. 5.3 P25 Interoperability Alternatives The following sections describe the interoperability scenarios for users that operate P25 communications systems. Some of these scenarios such as direct subscriber interoperability require that the users operate in the same frequency band Direct Subscriber Interoperability Direct subscriber interoperability means that 700/800 MHz capable and P25 equipped subscriber radios may communicate directly on any 700/800 MHz P25 radio system by simply switching to a talkgroup on that P25 radio system. The converse is true that a user of any P25 radio system may communicate directly on the home system by switching to a talkgroup on the home system. This assumes that all subscriber equipment is 700/800 MHz capable and that the appropriate interoperability agreements and talkgroup permissions are in place. Direct subscriber interoperability does not necessarily enable users to automatically roam between systems for seamless radio coverage. RCC Consultants, Inc. Page 5-3

57 To be successful and effective, direct subscriber interoperability requires extensive planning, cooperation between system operators and managers, detailed SOPs and MOUs, and end-user training and exercises Inter RF Sub-System Interface Interoperability (ISSI) The Project 25 Inter-RF Subsystem Interface (ISSI) is a non-proprietary interface that enables P25 compliant systems to be connected together into wide area networks so that users on desperate networks can communicate with each other regardless of system manufacturer. The wide area network connections using the ISSI provide an extended coverage area for subscriber units that are roaming. Radio system traffic data can flow between systems, greatly enhancing interoperability capabilities including voice services, encryption, and roaming. While ISSI is a P25 non-proprietary standard, system manufacturers may incorporate proprietary features only available with their system. ISSI connectivity requires a high level of system management and planning to control access to very critical and limited channel resources. Radio traffic on one system may significantly overload and impact the other system. No ISSI connectivity has been defined in the preliminary design P25 Network Interoperability The P25 standard allows multiple systems to be networked together. Possible alternatives are: Shared Network Core Multiple systems are connected to the same network core controller to create a unified wide area network Same System Manufacturer Multiple systems from the same manufacturer, each with their own network core controller connected via ISSI Different System Manufacturer Multiple systems from different manufacturers, each with their own network core controller connected via ISSI RCC Consultants, Inc. Page 5-4

58 Shared Network Core and Geo-Redundant Network Cores The shared network core configuration provides all of the features available from a vendor as the connecting subsystems share a common network core controller enabling the entire network of subsystems to operate as a single system. With the proper permissions and agreements, users may roam and communicate across these individual subsystems as a single system greatly increasing true direct interoperability. Additionally, all of the P25 standard features as well as manufacturer proprietary features may be available to all system users sharing the network core. Dispatch consoles from multiple agencies may have access to each other s channels and talkgroups for enhanced interoperability. The shared network core may be configured in a redundant or geo-redundant configuration to provide increased reliability. Redundant or geo-redundant refers to a network core having a fully functional backup site in the same or at a different geographic location. Regardless of whether the redundant network cores are physical separated or not, it is critical that the network connectivity between them is designed as robust and redundant as possible. In the case of SEGARRN, having a network core (Master Site on Motorola s systems) physically located at different location acting as a primary or backup Master Site accomplishes one of the stated goals of the project: to maximize redundancy Same System Manufacturer This alternative provides most of the features that are available from each vendor to the user equipment operating on the systems. In addition to the P25 standard options, some manufacturer-proprietary features may be available to all users on the systems Different System Manufacturer This alternative usually provides only the P25 standard features to other manufacturers user equipment operating on the systems. The manufacturer-proprietary features are generally not available to user equipment from other manufacturers Shared Network Core versus ISSI Functionality The ISSI is a non-proprietary interface that enables P25 compliant systems to be directly connected at the network level regardless of system manufacturer; however, system manufacturers may incorporate proprietary features only available between samemanufacturer systems. Table 10 below depicts a comparison of some of the common communication system features available with a shared network core alternative when compared to the ISSI connection alternative. RCC Consultants, Inc. Page 5-5

59 Feature/Service Shared Network ISSI Core Unit to Unit Interop (Clear) Yes Yes Unit to Unit Interop (Encrypted AES) Yes Yes Seamless Roaming on Wide Area Talkgroups Yes No P25 Data Yes No Over the Air Programming (Requires P25 Data) Yes No Text Messaging (Requires P25 Data) Yes No GPS Location (Requires P25 Data) Yes No Emergency Alert/Call Yes Yes PTT-ID Yes Yes Alias Yes No P25 Radio Authentication Yes No Dispatch Console Operability Yes Yes Dispatch Console Talk Group Priority Yes No Dynamic Regrouping Yes No Over the Air Encryption Rekeying (Requires P25 Data) Yes No Table 10 Shared Network Core versus ISSI Interoperability for Conventional Systems Conventional communication resources such as base stations, control stations, and other audio sources can be interconnected to the P25 radio system using gateways. The gateways convert disparate technologies such as a basic analog resource to an IP format that can be interconnected to trunked talkgroups and other resources that are connected to the P25 network. Glynn County will require conventional gateways to support the existing required conventional systems. RCC Consultants, Inc. Page 5-6

60 Interoperability with Other P25 Radio Systems P25 compliant Phase I or II subscriber radios (regardless of manufacturer) will be capable of operating on other 700/800 MHz P25 Phase I or II systems anywhere in the United States, assuming the radio subscriber is allowed as a valid user on the host system. The same is true for 700/800 MHz P25 radios from neighboring counties, state, or federal agencies that are allowed to access the P25 radio system. RCC Consultants, Inc. Page 5-7

61 6. P25 COMMUNICATION SYSTEM ALTERNATIVES AND OPTIONS 6.1 SEGARRN Master Site The SEGARNN Master Site option is a shared network core that is located in the City of Savannah, owned and maintained by Savannah-Chatham County. All the equipment is configured in a redundant configuration for reliability, and is housed in a Category 5 rated equipment shelter. The shelter s main AC Power is backed up by a generator and a UPS. At the time this report was written, the SEGARRN Master Site was operating on ASTRO P25 release 7.7, with an anticipated upgrade to release 7.14 by December In general, the P25 network core contains the brains of the system that provides callprocessing equipment and serves as a hub for the connection of multiple communication subsystems. The network core consists of a complex network of servers, computer workstations, LAN switches, routers, databases, software applications, etc. While P25 is an open standard with non-proprietary interfaces and systems, the equipment configuration from each manufacturer, including the network core and RF infrastructure is unique to each manufacturer. RF infrastructure and network core from different manufacturers cannot be combined. However, a network core can host multiple systems from the same manufacturer in different locations. SEGARRN shares the Motorola Master Site with seven (7) counties SEGARNN Master Site versus ISSI As stated in Section the P25 ISSI is a non-proprietary interface that enables P25 compliant systems to be directly connected at the network level regardless of system manufacturer; however, system manufacturers may incorporate proprietary features only available between same-manufacturer systems. Table 11 below depicts a side-by-side comparison of some of the different features available under a shared network core (SEGARRN Master Site) solution when compared to the Motorola ISSI option or any other manufacturer ISSI option. RCC Consultants, Inc. Page 6-1

62 Feature/Service SEGARRN Master Site 3 Motorola ISSI ISSI Other Vendors ISSI Unit to Unit Interop (Clear) Yes Yes Yes Unit to Unit Interop (Encrypted AES) Yes Yes Yes Seamless Roaming (Wide Area Talkgroups) Yes N/A N/A Fast Auto Roaming (ISSI) N/A Yes No Integrated Voice & Data (IV&D) Yes 5 No No Over the Air Programming (OTAP) Yes 6 No No Messaging Yes 7 No No GPS Location Yes 8 No No Enhanced GPS Location Service Yes 9 No No Emergency Alert/Call Yes Yes Yes PTT-ID Yes Yes Yes Alias Yes Yes No P25 Radio Authentication Yes 10 Yes No Dispatch Console Operability Yes Yes Yes Wireline Console Priority Yes No No Dynamic Regrouping Yes No No P25 Over the Air Rekeying (OTAR) Yes 11 No No Table 11 SEGARNN Master Site versus ISSI 3 At the time this report was written, SEGARRN was operating on ASTRO P25 release 7.7, with and estimated upgrade to release 7.14 by December ISSI8000 features are available on ASTRO P25 release 7.13 or newer. 5 This feature requires the IV&D option. 6 This feature requires the IV&D option. 7 This feature requires the IV&D option. 8 This feature requires the IV&D option. 9 This feature requires the IV&D option. 10 This feature requires the IV&D option. 11 This feature requires the IV&D option. RCC Consultants, Inc. Page 6-2

63 6.1.2 Advantages and Disadvantages The total cost of ownership of a purchased or private network core is very high in contrast to the shared SEGARNN Master Site option. Depending upon the configuration of a network core, the cost of procuring a network core may range from about $1M to $2M. As previously indicated, the network core consists of a complex network of servers, computer workstations, LAN switches, routers, databases, software applications, etc. Rapid technological changes will lead to technical obsolescence, and the components will require regular upgrades. The SEGARRN option will enable Glynn County to be connected to the other six (6) counties that share the common Master Site. Therefore, the County talkgroups can be bridged together to function as a single virtual talkgroup. Advantages and disadvantages are provided in Table 12 below. Advantages The cost of a new Master Site is approximately $1M - $2M. By using the SEGARNN Master Site, it is probable that the County will have a lower capital cost and a lower recurring cost. In addition, the County has made a substantial investment in their current 4 channel, 4-site simulcast ASTRO 25 system. By maintaining the existing radio vendor, the County will retain the existing 700 MHz infrastructure. Utilizing the SEGARNN Master Site reduces the recurring cost for system maintenance including hardware and software upgrades. Enhances interoperability with those agencies most likely to require mutual aid and cooperation on an incident scene in the County and surrounding counties. The SEGARNN Master Site provides a direct connection for interoperability to its members, and an ISSI link is not required to provide interoperability. Disadvantages The SEGARRN Master Site is approximately 60 miles away. The County will require backhaul connectivity to the Master Site, and the reliability of this backhaul link will affect the overall reliability and performance of Glynn County s P25 radio system. Hardware and software upgrades of the County s infrastructure must occur on a schedule with interoperability partners that share the Master Site. The County will not be in control of the network core, or restoration time. RCC Consultants, Inc. Page 6-3

64 Advantages Disadvantages Provides the maximum level of backward and forward compatibility and features. Table 12 Advantages and Disadvantages of Shared Master Site Option 6.2 Geo-Redundant Master Site As described in Section 6.1, the SEGARNN Master Site is located in the City of Savannah. By implementing a backup Master Site to SEGARRN, the County would not only have a local Master Site to increase system reliability, but would also increase the reliability of the regional radio system. For example, should the backhaul network between Glynn County and SEGARRN be disrupted, Glynn County would continue its normal operation by operating from the backup Master Site Advantages and Disadvantages Depending on the configuration of a network core, the cost of procuring a backup network core may range between $1M to $2M. In addition, both the main and the backup network core shall be connected with highly reliable and redundant network links. Advantages and disadvantages are provided in Option Table below. Advantages By maintaining the existing radio vendor, the County will retain the existing 700 MHz infrastructure. The SEGARRN option will enable Glynn County to be connected to the communication systems for the City of Savannah and six (6) other counties that share the common ASTRO 25 Master Site, thus maximizing system features available to the interoperable agencies. A geo-redundant Master Site will provide increased system reliability to Glynn County and SEGARRN. Provides the maximum level of backward and forward compatibility and features. Disadvantages Higher capital costs. The increased capital cost for a geo-redundant Master Site is approximately $1M - $2M. This option results in increased maintenance costs. Hardware and software upgrades must occur on a schedule with the SEGARNN members. Requires high bandwidth and high reliability backhaul connectivity to the SEGARRN Master Site (approximately 60 miles away). RCC Consultants, Inc. Page 6-4

65 Advantages Disadvantages A geo-redundant Master Site design with SEGARRN will provide a direct connection for interoperability to its members, and an ISSI link is not required to provide interoperability. Table 13 Advantages and Disadvantages of a shared Geo-Redundant Master Site 6.3 Competitive Request for Proposals (RFP) One of the primary objectives of the P25 standard is to enhance public safety voice communications interoperability through the use of an open, non-proprietary interface to the radio frequency subsystem to facilitate the interlinking of different manufacturers systems and equipment. Each manufacturer s P25 radio frequency subsystem is unique and cannot be mixed. However, subscriber radios from disparate manufacturers can work together. In addition, using the P25 ISSI, different manufacturers systems can be interconnected together to create a wide area interoperable network. The P25 standard allows the County to solicit proposals from multiple manufacturers for a replacement radio system Advantages and Disadvantages While a competitive process assures competitive pricing, RCC s analysis indicates that the cost of the SEGARNN Master Site option will provide the lowest initial and lifetime cost to Glynn County. This is due to the fact that a competitive procurement for a total system replacement will require the procurement of additional hardware (the County s own network core) which will result in higher capital and recurring costs. The competitive procurement option also comes with other possible disadvantages in meeting the County s operational, functional, and interoperability requirements. The advantages and disadvantages for a competitive procurement process for a P25 voice radio system are detailed in Table 14 below. Advantages A competitive procurement for P25 radio system infrastructure assures competitive pricing Includes a Master Site (Network Core) and will provide increased system reliability for Glynn County radio system users. Disadvantages May result in a higher overall system cost when compared to the SEGARRN Master Site upgrade option. May result in multiple vendor equipment components with incompatible features, multiple maintenance providers, and a lack of accountability for system issues. RCC Consultants, Inc. Page 6-5

66 Advantages Disadvantages A competitive procurement will require additional time for the procurement process as compared to direct negotiations with the County s existing vendor. Table 14 Advantages and Disadvantages of a Competitive RFP RCC Consultants, Inc. Page 6-6

67 7. PRELIMINARY P25 SYSTEM DESIGN 7.1 Radio Coverage Overview This section provides an overview of radio coverage design and modeling parameters for the public safety radio systems Radio Coverage Objectives Radio coverage is based upon a service area that is generally defined as the jurisdictional area of the system user or users. Radio coverage service area reliability is based upon statistical modeling and provides information about how reliably a user in the field can communicate with their dispatcher or other field personnel. For example, a reliability factor of 97% indicates that the radio user should have a 97% probability of successful communications at various locations throughout the service area. For public safety systems, it is recommended that communication systems be designed to achieve a service area reliability of 97% for radios operating outdoors, and 95% for radios operating within buildings. Additionally, the radio coverage service area should be designed as balanced, such that talk-out (base-to-portable or downlink) is equivalent to talk-back (portable-to-base or uplink) coverage. For purposes of defining radio coverage, the following configurations were used for modeling the P25 radio digital coverage: Portable radios using a speaker-microphone, worn on the belt, with a ½ wave antenna at hip level (3 feet above ground level) A delivered audio quality of 3.4 for talk-out and talk-back transmissions A service area reliability of 97% for portables operating outdoors A service area reliability of 95% for portables operating within 10 db or light buildings and residential structures A service area reliability of 95% for portables operating within 15 db or medium buildings and some commercial structures It must be noted that no system design will eliminate all in-building coverage problems. In-building repeater/amplification systems may be required to address radio coverage issues within specific buildings. Additionally, County building ordinances may be modified to require new building construction to install devices (BDA systems) to ensure public safety radio coverage within those facilities. RCC Consultants, Inc. Page 7-1

68 7.1.2 Delivered Audio Quality In the TIA/EIA Technical Service Bulletin TSB-88, the Telecommunications Industry Association (TIA) defines the delivered audio quality (DAQ), which is a numeric rating of the intelligibility of speech as follows: DAQ RATING DAQ 1 DAQ 2 DAQ 3 DAQ 3.4 DAQ 4 DAQ 5 AUDIO QUALITY Unusable. Speech present but not understandable Speech understandable with considerable effort. Requires frequent repetition due to noise/distortion Speech understandable with slight effort. Requires occasional repetition due to noise/distortion Speech understandable without repetition. Some noise/distortion Speech easily understood. Occasional noise/distortion present Perfect Table 15 Delivered Audio Quality The recommended minimum delivered audio quality for public safety radio communications is DAQ 3.4. The coverage objective of the P25 radio system design is to provide a minimum of DAQ 3.4 for both inbound and outbound radio transmissions In-Building Radio Coverage When portable radios are used indoors, additional environmental losses are encountered due to the attenuation of radio signals by the building structure, internal partitions, indoor objects such as metal cabinets and shelves, etc. Residential wood-framed structures attenuate radio signals to a lesser degree than reinforced concrete and concrete block construction. It should be noted that very dense structures such as high-rise buildings and shopping malls might exhibit losses well in excess of 20 db radio signal attenuation. Higher inbuilding losses are generally experienced on the lower floors of dense construction buildings and may be addressed using in-building amplifier and antenna systems Existing Radio System Coverage Radio system coverage issues and coverage requirements were discussed with the participating radio user agencies during the interview process to identify areas of concern and areas slated for future development within the counties where improved radio coverage will be required. RCC Consultants, Inc. Page 7-2

69 Existing 800 MHz Analog Radio System RCC performed a coverage analysis of the County s SmartNet radio system using RCC s proprietary ComsiteDesign RF propagation prediction software. The parameters used in the analysis reflect the information gathered during the interviews and from the FCC licenses. RCC s analysis was performed in accordance with TIA Telecommunications Systems Bulletin TSB-88-D for a DAQ of 3.4. RCC s coverage analysis models 800 MHz analog radio coverage for portables worn at hip level on-street, in light buildings, and in medium buildings at hip level. Figure MHz Analog Coverage Map based upon DAQ 3.4 RCC Consultants, Inc. Page 7-3

70 Table 16 summarizes the predicted level of area coverage provided by the SmartNet trunked radio system for on-street, 10 db buildings, and 15 db buildings. Street Level Coverage Portable on Hip with ½ Wave Antenna and 97% Area Reliability Summary of Coverage Reliability based upon DAQ db Building Coverage Portable on Hip with ½ Wave Antenna and 95% Area Reliability 15 db Building Coverage Portable on Hip with ½ Wave Antenna and 95% Area Reliability 99.57% 84.74% 61.80% Table 16 Summary of Coverage Reliability based upon DAQ Existing 700 MHz Digital P25 Radio System The County s existing P25 radio system is currently being used by Public Works only. Public Works uses the radio system mainly outdoors with the portables at head level. Public Works reported radio coverage as good, and did not report any radio coverage problem areas. RCC performed a coverage analysis of the County s P25 trunked radio system using RCC s proprietary ComsiteDesign RF propagation prediction software. The parameters used in the analysis reflect the information gathered during the interview, survey, and documentation review processes. RCC s analysis was performed in accordance with TIA Telecommunications Systems Bulletin TSB-88-D for a DAQ of 3.4. RCC s coverage analysis models 700 MHz radio coverage for portables on-street, in light buildings, and in medium buildings at hip level. RCC Consultants, Inc. Page 7-4

71 Figure MHz Digital Coverage Map based upon DAQ 3.4 Table 17 summarizes the predicted level of area coverage provided by the P25 trunked radio system for on-street, 10 db buildings, and 15 db buildings. Street Level Coverage Portable on Hip with ½ Wave Antenna and 97% Area Reliability Summary of Coverage Map based upon DAQ db Building Coverage Portable on Hip with ½ Wave Antenna and 95% Area Reliability 15 db Building Coverage Portable on Hip with ½ Wave Antenna and 95% Area Reliability 99.94% 96.24% 82.65% Table 17 Summary of Coverage Map based upon DAQ 3.4 RCC Consultants, Inc. Page 7-5