LMR and LTE Interfacing

Summary

LMR is ever-present and determining the integration of LTE technology is vital for interoperable public safety operations. The PSCR program, on behalf of DHS OIC, is conducting research on LMR-to-LTE solutions to evaluate how a broadband network can enhance first-responder communications.

Description

The Wireless Broadband Technology Demonstrator is part of an effort of DHS OIC to evaluate how wireless broadband technology can be integrated with existing LMR and other first responder and law enforcement communications.
PSCR provides independent verification, testing, and support on behalf of DHS and the JWPMO. The DHS project focuses on demonstrating capabilities when merging from LMR to LTE. PSCR is testing and evaluating LMR to LTE integration solutions including certain LTE capabilities, such as: data, video, geolocation, and many other types of applications.

AN INNOVATIVE APPROACH

DHS established the following technical topic areas to evaluate the interfacing and integration of LMR subscriber units with commercial and public safety4G LTE networks:

• LMR over VoIP
  Provide mission-critical voice connectivity to tactical DHS operators using any and all available wireless networks (public safety, commercial, LMR, and using existing DHS LMR inventory as much as technically possible).
• Video/Data to Tactical User Devices
  Provide broadband data and video to tactical users. This may include but is not limited to commercially available devices, technologies, networks (e.g., smartphones operating on 3G/4G networks), and may include DHS-developed applications and tools, such as biometric devices, license plate readers, and sensors.
• Remote Management
  Provide a solution that efficiently manages large numbers of devices (LMR and commercial) from a central location. The management includesOTAR, OTAP, and the ability to zero, or wipe a device.
• Network Integration
  Focus on creating a seamless nationwide footprint with high QoS to meet mission requirements. This grade of service includes low latency and high availability including priority access to network resources even during periods of high network congestion.

DHS OIC selected and funded three vendors to research and develop a solution. DHS