Introducing SoftRadio Radio Management System Intelligent distributed two-way radio testadvance pty/ltd 6/08/2015
1. Introduction Many organisations rely on two-way radio to communicate with users that are beyond the reach of telephone and IT-Networks. Radio networks often need to distribute base-radios geographically to provide the required coverage. This places limitations on how they can be accessed, and by whom. In other cases, multiple base-radios may be co-located to provide the required access and capacity. Yet this can limit RFperformance and coverage. Repeaters are often used to extend coverage, but have limitations of their own. With Radio-over-IP (RoIP), radios can be connected via IP-Networks (LAN, WAN or the Internet). Users can access radio-communications from devices such as a PC or laptop. Operators or dispatchers no longer need to physically access a radio to use it. With RoIP, radios become in effect nodes that can be distributed geographically without the typical limitations of access and control. While coverage and capacity are traditionally predominant concerns, operations increasingly need to consider how efficiently and effectively information can be processed. After all, extracting relevant information, and making and communicating decisions is the fundamental purpose of communicating in the first place. Operators need to be able to aggregate information from a variety of sources, and process information effectively and efficiently a crucial aspect of informed and timely decision making. Figure 1 Example integrated SoftRadio Radio Management System Radio-communications cannot be simply plugged in to other systems. Information needs to be extracted before it can be utilised. Only once it is understood can a decision be made, and the outcomes of that decision communicated to the recipient. Yet extracting and consolidating information from communications is not an efficient use of resources. Operators should be able to focus on those areas and tasks that deliver the greatest returns to the organisation deciding and informing. It stands to reason that the value a radio network delivers is determined by how well it enables operations to utilise information. As no two operations or work-forces are the same, a radio network is most costeffective where it can be managed and used in a way that fits that specific organisation s needs, objectives and constraints. Now and in the future. Copyright testadvance pty/ltd 2010-15 Page 1 of 6
The SoftRadio Radio Management System (RMS) allows implement and manage a radio network that best fits their needs and circumstances. Operators and users in turn can focus on the core tasks of exchanging and using information. Information is clear and functional, and only as complex as needed. Radio communications can be accessed from a PC anywhere within the organisation. Radios can be located to optimise both coverage and capacity. Existing radio-assets and infrastructure con be integrated, and their useable life-span extended. RMS functions can be used, allocated and added as and when needed. For example operators can be given access to embedded applications such as voice-logs and non-radio channels such as VoIP phone. Common applications such as e-mail and office tools are available on console. Clear, concise information Efficient & effective Situational Awareness Figure 2 Focussing on information and situational awareness By providing such a high degree of fit and evolve-ability, SoftRadio furthers functional integration. Fitting, in other words sensible levels of integration furthers operational awareness. For example operators can view information across the radio-network, and monitor and share work-loads with their peers. Supervisors and managers can as needed monitor the radio-network from their own PC. Organisations in turn can incorporate radio and non-radio systems under one, common operational structure. SoftRadio RMS operates on standard Windows PCs, for example a desk-top, touchscreen, laptop or tablet (Windows XP, 2000, Vista or Win7/8). Using commonly available devices and technology is very costeffective, simplifies maintenance and delivers versatility. Operation requires little more than common PC skills. Radios and devices are nodes on an IP-network, and administration, troubleshooting and maintenance can be done in collaboration with an organisation s IT department. SoftRadio is inherently robust. As it does not rely on a central or platform SW, there is no single-point-offailure. If one node goes down, all other nodes can continue to operate. Copyright testadvance pty/ltd 2010-15 Page 2 of 6
2. The SoftRadio System SoftRadio is a modular Radio Management System (RMS) applying the principle of distributed intelligence and processing. SoftRadio does not require a central platform. Each console and each device-node can operate independently of others. Radio users Radio resources Extended Network Local Network Internet/ WAN Operator Consoles System Admin/Applications Figure 3 System concept At the core of a SoftRadio system or network is the RoIP channel. A RoIP channel is created by attaching a two-way radio to an IP-Network via a RoIP Interface Unit (RIU) at one end, and a Windows PC with a SoftRadio console application at the other end. Both are in effect nodes on an IP-Network. The SoftRadio console incorporates the system intelligence needed to manage communications with a node, be it a radio or other applicable device. The console device panel provides the operator with status information and control functions such as. PTT. The soundcard in the PC provides the analogue/ digital conversion of the analogue audio signal and the console application manages the transport over IP. At the radio end, the RIU converts the analogue signals from and to the radio into IP-data, and vice versa. AUDIO & PTT RoIP Interface Unit (RIU) AUDIO & PTT SoftRadio Console Windows PC IP (LAN/WAN) Radio & Interconnect Figure 4 Radio channel over IP Copyright testadvance pty/ltd 2010-15 Page 3 of 6
SoftRadio RIUs are available in general-purpose, radio-specific and special-purpose configurations. Generalpurpose RIUs connect Audio/PTT from any two-way radio via RoIP. Radio-specific RIUs allow to control a radio via an interactive replica of a radio s control head on the console, the Virtual Control Head (VCH). Device Panel & VCH Figure 5 Adding a RoIP channel with Virtual Control Head capability Radio channels can be simply added by adding a radio and RIU to create a new radio-node. The new radionode is made available to the consoles via a simple update to their configuration files. Similarly, additional consoles, or operator-nodes are readily added. In the SoftRadio system, each node (RIU, console or other relevant SoftRadio device) is identified by a unique ID, up to a total of 240 in a standard system. Primary Analogue and TETRA Network Second TETRA Network Location E.g. Remote Airband Radio Radio Server Primary Local LAN Subnet (UDP) Intra-network (TCP) Inter-network (TCP) Internet/ WAN Network Repeater SoftRadio Operator Consoles SoftRadio Network Monitor Figure 6 Building and expanding a RoIP Radio Network Copyright testadvance pty/ltd 2010-15 Page 4 of 6
A SoftRadio network can also be extended geographically, for example to make use of another site s LAN, to locate radios across a corporate WAN, or even to access remote radios via the Internet. SoftRadio network devices are used as building blocks. Operations can for example start with a simple core application and expand this network over time, integrating other networks and locations as and when feasible. SoftRadio network devices also allow organisations to retain and extend the use of existing assets. SoftRadio System-Applications provide functionalities beyond basic radio-communications, such as applications for remote-control, logging, operations and resource-management, and system administration. Additional functionalities can be added as and when needed to enhance capability and productivity. Examples include: Migrating to new radio-formats or technologies while keeping existing radios in operation Adding functions such as CrossPatch, GroupSend, Selective Calls and Diversity Voting (via RSSI) Adding system-wide applications such as voice-logging, activity management or mapping Adding system-administration tools to the growing network Client Operations SoftRadio RMS Console Core Functions Radio Nodes System Applications Console Front-Ends VoiceLog Object & Status Log Server Applications System App s & Admin Console Nodes Internet/ WAN Network Building Blocks CallOptions CrossPatch GroupSend Console Add-Ons Diversity Voting (RSSI) MapView (GPS Data) Network Repeater & Radio Server Figure 7 Adding and expanding functionality The modular structure of SoftRadio allows to add functionalities and capabilities as they best fit the organisation s needs and constraints, including schedule and budget. As the intelligence is distributed within the system, adding capability requires no system-wide upgrades or major re-configuration. Copyright testadvance pty/ltd 2010-15 Page 5 of 6
sales@testadvance.com Tel: 1 300 559 376 (Australia) Int l: +61 3 8819 3591 www.testadvance.com Disclaimer The information herein is provided solely for the purpose of concept or product description and is not to be deemed as a statement of guaranteed properties. This document is subject to change without notice. While this document and all the information contained herein and/or referred to have been carefully checked by testadvance, deviations cannot be completely ruled out. In the case errors are detected, the reader is kindly requested to notify testadvance. In no event shall testadvance be responsible or liable for any loss or damage resulting from the use of information provided herein or the application of the equipment. 2010 2015 by testadvance pty/ltd. All rights reserved. Where materials and other related content are provided by, sourced from or referenced to our OEM partner LS Elektronik AB, the associated copyrights of LS Elektronik AB are recognised. No part of this document may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without prior written permission of testadvance pty/ltd. Copyright testadvance pty/ltd 2010-15 Page 6 of 6