VIDA P25IP System Architecture

The Harris trunked radio system design starts with the IP-based VIDA architecture. Harris was the first Land Mobile Radio (LMR) manufacturer to deploy an IP-based network of systems. Harris’ VIDA Internet Protocol (IP) networking products allow for a unified network architecture providing one IP network, which is centrally controlled, monitored, and administered to serve as the backbone for linking the technologies of today and tomorrow. This Harris system not only provides the TIA P25 Phase 2 compliancy, but will also form a system that can be evolved as the future needs are planned to meet the radio user mobility, interoperability for data, IP access and growth to the core system architecture.

harrisThe Harris VIDA architecture can provide the integration for interoperability to host and network a myriad of current and future Land Mobile Radio (LMR) functionality, as well as permit the future integrated technologies to interface and become operational in the VIDA architecture as follows:

  • Core VIDA Network Switching Center (NSC)
  • Core VIDA Network Management
  • Harris P25 RF Repeaters & IP interfaces
  • Harris P25 Multi-Band & Multi-Mode radio terminals (optional)
  • Conventional analog LMR radio terminal interoperability (optional)
  • Harris VIDA Telephone interconnect
  • AES encryption
  • Key Management Facility (KMF)
  • CSSI/ISSI Gateways to support 3rd party Harris P25 compliant dispatch systems

Harris’ powerful VIDA concept provides the following benefits:

  • Incorporation of standards-based P25 and IP systems leads to lower purchasing costs. IP standards utilize Commercial Off-The-Shelf (COTS) networking components which allows graceful migration to future technologies.
  • True end-to-end IP systems eliminate the controller hardware normally associated with radio systems and integrated dispatch consoles from others, as well as an integration of telephone interconnect.
  • IP network systems have inherent redundancy provided by the capability of routers to dynamically select an alternate path realizing a higher standard for reliability than known before in land mobile radio. Harris offers an IP switch, known as the Network Switching Server (NSS), which can be configured in a High Availability (HA) geographically split redundant mode Network Switching Center (NSC). This HA NSC configuration provides physical robustness over solutions with redundant co-located components.
  • VIDA’s unified architecture allows the incorporation of data and interoperability functionalities over the same backbone resulting in lower purchase, maintenance, and lifecycle costs.
  • VIDA is future ready. The incorporation of COTS equipment allows simple replacement with faster, more powerful hardware when components become obsolete.

The wide-area trunked Land Mobile Radio (LMR) system relies on the VIDA Network’s ability to route voice and data calls between endpoints (e.g., RF sites, consoles, logging recorders, interoperability gateways). Each VIDA Network includes a Network Switching Center (NSC) that performs the switching (i.e., call routing) function. Additional devices integrate with the NSC to form the entire network, providing the range of services (voice and data calls, dispatch capability, network management, etc.) meeting the needs of the network users. Information describing the functions of the various components of a VIDA Network is provided in the following sections.
The Network Switching Center (NSC), which is the heart of the proposed P25IP VIDA packet-switched network, can be configured with or without redundancy in the any of the three following configurations, as may be optionally ordered.

  • Non-redundant single location NSC having one only network switching server (NSS) in one installed location and having WAN/LAN interconnection and backhaul for overall P25T network interconnection with all P25T equipped sites
  • Single Site Locally redundant NSC configured redundancy scheme), having two network switching servers (NSS), a primary and a redundant secondary, and having WAN/LAN interconnection and backhaul for overall P25T network interconnection with all P25T equipped sites
    • o Also referred to as a Harris high-availability (HA) configuration, wherein the two NSS’s are collocated in the same local area of the same facility.
  • Geo-Separated redundant HA redundant NSC configured having two NSS’s, but each NSS is physically separated in two different buildings or facilities to prevent a single physical
    destructive event from taking out of commission both NSS’s and rendering the overall NSC function as out of service.

All of the components in the NSC are commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) computer and networking equipment that leverage the Internet Protocol (IP) industry, thus providing key benefits. The NSC is primarily a services based system. The services form a fully integrated solution that provides unified interoperable communications for voice, data, and applications across a multitude of technologies ranging from LMR narrowband to LTE broadband data networks.

harr-2The VIDA Enterprise NSC configuration provides network switching capability at the highest level offered, as shown in Figure 1 below. The VIDA Enterprise NSC uses the same technology as in all Harris NSC configurations; therefore it is not only completely compatible with all other Harris’ NSC configurations, but can be configured to accommodate the switching needs of any wide-area communications system (may require multiple switches to serve the needs of extremely large systems).

The VIDA networks use centralized services that can include geographically split redundant servers. Redundant servers, operating at distinctly separate geographically and judiciously separated locations (yet fully network interconnected), will provide automatic failover capability if a network switch becomes dysfunctional because a server, network, or the physical location no longer functions. The High-Availability (HA) software runs on the Network Switching Servers (NSS) and allows expeditious failover of call routing, ensuring that communications continue with minimal impact to users.

The Transcoder (XCD), VIDA Telephone Interconnect (VTI), and Inter-RF Subsystem Interface (ISSI) are applications installed on Real-Time servers. These servers can be either centrally located with the NSC equipment, or remotely situated (for various reasons such as connectivity consolidation).
The VIDA networks use centralized services that can include geographically split redundant servers. Redundant servers, operating at distinctly separate geographically and judiciously separated locations (yet fully network interconnected), will provide automatic failover capability if a network switch becomes dysfunctional because a server, network, or the physical location no longer functions. The High-Availability (HA) software runs on the Network Switching Servers (NSS) and allows expeditious failover of call routing, ensuring that communications continue with minimal impact to users.

The Transcoder (XCD), VIDA Telephone Interconnect (VTI), and Inter-RF Subsystem Interface (ISSI) are applications installed on Real-Time servers. These servers can be either centrally located with the NSC equipment, or remotely situated (for various reasons such as connectivity consolidation).

The typical Network Switching Center controls network audio/data switching and fleet radio terminal administration over the whole of the P25 Trunked (P25T) Radio System, as shown in Figure 1 above.

The VIDA Enterprise solution uses a VIDA Application Server (VAS) interfaced with a Storage Area Network (SAN) of hard drives. The VAS runs multiple Virtual Machines (VM) including management and control applications. Virtual Machines are virtualized servers that support multiple applications, which previously resided on their own individual servers, such as the Unified Administration System (UAS), Network Switching Service, etc. The VAS automatically allocates the appropriate processing, memory, and networking resources for each application. The VAS within the VIDA Core performs all of the mission critical services required in a public safety communication environment.

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Virtual Machine technology allows many applications, running under separate operating systems, to coexist on a single server by managing the server’s resources. Processor power, RAM (Memory), and Network Interface resources are allocated to each application; the VM software ensures that no application impacts the operation of the others. VM technology also allows for the addition of software capabilities on the server. For example, a customer adding encryption to the radio system can easily install the Key Management Facility (KMF) VM software package on the VAS (contrasting with the conventional need to install a separate server to support that application). Because the VAS is licensed with the Windows Server DataCenter, additional Windows applications can be supported without having to re-license the server.

P25IP RF Systems

The Harris portfolio contains a wide variety of P25 RF systems that can be incorporated into a customized design to meet the coverage needs and capacity constraints of each individual customer. Possible solutions include:

  • Single site of trunked repeaters for localized coverage
  • Simulcast system consisting of multiple transmit sites, synchronized to provide coverage over a widely populated area
  • Voice/Data-on-Control trunked sites to provide environmentally-friendly and spectrally efficient coverage in rural areas

Any of these solutions can be integrated together on a VIDA network to provide coverage and features to meet specific needs. The following sections provide additional detail on the RF systems that have been proposed.

MASTR V Base Station

The new MASTR V (“Master Five”) digital base station powers secure digital trunked radio communications via Project 25. The MASTR V continues the quality reputation of the MASTR series of repeaters and provides the world’s first base station migration path from P25 Phase I to P25 Phase 2. The MASTR V incorporates P25 digital voice and data using a digital signal processor for maximum design versatility. P25 digital voice is translated through an on-board voice encoder/decoder in the harr-4station to allow immediate access to P25 communications through the user’s existing network. The MASTR V station includes a built-in traffic controller module, which enables IP voice and data packets to be sent over a P25IP network and be received at the base station.
This setup enables all of the advantages of IP:

  • Seamless integration of off-the-shelf IP data applications
  • Easy interconnection of peripheralsand ancillary equipment such as mobile data terminals, printers, scanners, and video devices for user organizations
  • Economical routing and backhaul of network data
  • Redundancy benefit of distributed IP architecture

The MASTR V station offers the following industry-leading functionality:

  • Software upgradeable to P25 Phase 2 (TDMA)
  • Linear Simulcast for superior coverage
  • Compact and integrated hardware allowing up to eight channels per cabinet

The MASTR V employs an easy-to-use software interface that provides flexibility, simplified setup, and easy field upgrades as well as remote programming. The functional design of the MASTR V base station allows the user to make changes quickly, easily, and affordably. The modular design of the base station makes maintenance and servicing simple and fast.

MASTR III Base Station

harr5The new MASTR III (“Master Three”) P25IP digital base station powers secure digital trunked radio communications via Project 25. The MASTR III continues the quality reputation of the MASTR series of repeaters.
As network needs expand, the MASTR III P25 station is ready to grow to meet the communication requirements of the 21st century. The MASTR III P25 and a SitePro Controller enable IP voice and data packets to be sent over a Harris P25IP network and be received at the base station. This setup enables all of the advantages of IP:

  • Seamless integration of off-the- shelf IP data applications
  • Easy interconnection of peripherals and ancillary equipment such as mobile
    data terminals, printers, scanners, and video devices for user organizations
  • Economical routing and backhaul of network data
  • Redundancy benefit of distributed IP architecture

The MASTR III employs an easy-to-use software interface that provides flexibility, simplified setup, and easy field upgrades as well as remote programming. The functional design of the MASTR III base station allows the user to make changes quickly, easily, and affordably. The modular design of the base station makes maintenance and servicing simple and fast.

Network Sentry

The Network Sentry is a powerful, compact computer that provides a full array of digital communications capabilities for fast, accurate, and efficient relay of critical information. The Network Sentry operates with no moving parts over a wide temperature range with computing power provided by a Pentium® III low-voltage processor. The computer includes a fully installed and tested Windows® embedded operating system and application software. This custom rack-mounted computer is optimized to meet the demanding requirements of front-line system monitoring in a critical communications environment. The Network Sentry monitors the site call processing local area network (LAN) for call activity and fault messages. It ensures that data such as user, group, and channel configurations is reliably transferred to configured site devices.

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Management of resources is easier and more efficient with the Network Sentry because it was designed to take full advantage of the sophisticated capabilities of the P25IP network. The Network Sentry provides a detailed snapshot of the entire system, showing exact locations of problems and potential problems. Its fault monitoring services take input from the site call processing LAN, RF Power, Digital Input/Output (I/O), and Channel Test services and present alarms to external management systems via Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP) to determine the location of the potential problems and identify in detail the severity, status, and reason for the most recent failure. This increases operator awareness, improves response time for maintaining vital communication links, and decreases repair time and system downtime.

The Network Sentry allows users to create a flexible work environment tailored to help improve efficiency and productivity. It is equipped with an array of digital Input/Outputs (I/Os) which can be configured by the user to indicate faults in devices such as tower beacons, doors, temperature alarms, etc. that require remote controlling and monitoring. This information allows users to make quick, informed decisions to meet their needs and to adapt as those needs change.

Miniature Mobility Exchange (MME)

The P25 Mobile IP Subsystem (PMIPS) provides a communication interface for data between mobile client radios and a host computer network. PMIPS allows Host Applications such as OTAR KMF, ProFile™ Manager, Radio TextLink, and third party applications to communicate via IP open standards over the P25IP System. PMIPS uses a Home Agent and Foreign Agent design (as defined by the IP Mobility standard documented in RFC 3344) to route data messages to radios as they roam between sites. The PMIPS components are a control box called the Miniature Mobility Exchange (MME) which is installed at each site, one or more Central Routers serving as Home Agents, and radios which are data-enabled.
The MME is unique to Harris, and is the heart of the PMIPS data system. The MME works with the P25IP radio system to setup radio bound data calls, acts as a router and Foreign Agent for radio bound calls, performs mobile IP registrations on behalf of radios, stores radio destined IP packets during call setup and retries, and provides radio identification to IP address mapping. Call handling is an important MME feature because of the disparity in speeds achievable by the computer network and the radio network. Specific call handling tasks include:

  • Placing channel requests
  • Monitoring channel assignments
  • Routing data traffic to the assigned channel
  • Retrying when a busy assignment is granted
  • Standing by when a queued assignment is granted
  • Limiting the duration of radio destined data calls
  • Logging statistics on call events such as the number of packets delivered

One or more Central Routers running Home Agent services are a standard part of the PMIPS system. These Home Agents, acting in conjunction with the MME’s Foreign Agent services, provide seamless routing of data calls to mobile users throughout the coverage area of the system. Note that addition of PMIPS functionality to a P25IP System will not require the addition of more routers. The Home Agent service can run on the routers used for voice on a P25IP system.

The distributed processing architecture of PMIPS makes the addition of data to a P25IP system easy and scalable, from a single site to a statewide system. Since PMIPS is built on industry standards, the tasks and complexity associated with integrating data applications into a wide area trunked radio system are reduced. Protocols within the PMIPS system have been optimized for data throughput, while maintaining a high level of reliability to meet demanding data requirements.

User Equipment

All of Harris’ user field equipment includes a rich standard feature group and a la carte software options, depending on the model of the radio.

Physical Features

Great consideration was taken in designing the physical attributes of the radio to ensure ruggedness, simplify operations, and protect your investment.

  • Rugged Chassis – To meet the demanding requirements of our customers’ environments, every radio has been designed to meet and exceed MIL-STD standards for environmental conditions such as wind driven rain, temperature extremes, salt fog, blowing dust, humidity, low pressure, shock, transit drop, and others.
  • Field Programmable, User Definable Software – Because all radios are software-driven, there are many benefits associated with this capability. First, every radio is field programmable without opening the case. This non-intrusive process saves time and eliminates possibility of damage. The radios’ personality PROMs can be programmed with a PC and programming kit. Secondly, the flexibility of the radio software allows users to purchase the exact features required. Because there is no need to purchase unwanted features, you can realize considerable cost savings. Agencies or departments can configure radios to accommodate their individual requirements. Lastly, as communication needs evolve for agencies, a la carte software features can be added to existing radios with simple reprogramming.
  • Multi-Mode Operation – All units are capable of both digital trunked and analog conventional operation. Some models are capable of supporting multiple over-the-air protocols, such as P25, OpenSky, and ProVoice/EDACS.
  • Configuration Choices – Harris offers mobiles with a variety of mounting configurations and control head choices. Similarly, portables are available with a variety of keypad options.
  • Options and Accessories – Customers have a wide variety of options and accessories to tailor the mobile and portable to meet specific agency needs. A variety of microphones are available for mobiles and portables. In addition, users may choose from a variety of covert operation accessories, carrying cases, batteries, and chargers for their portables. Many mobile and portable accessories are interchangeable across product lines, simplifying maintenance and training.

Unity XG-100M Mobile Radio

The Unity XG-100M Full-Spectrum Multiband Radio’s user-centric design delivers unprecedented interoperability, ease of use, and advanced capabilities in a radio that users can depend on for years to come. The XG-100M is also offered in a single band configuration, which is what is being currently offered as part of this proposal to provide a maximum usable feature to cost ratio. These units are available with an external speaker in both front (dash) mount and rear (trunk) mount configurations.

Figure 1 – Front Mount
with CH-721 Scan Control Head

Figure 2 – Trunk Mount
with CH-721 System Control Head

Figure 3 – XG-100M
with CH-100 Control Head

The XG-100M is a truly interoperable solution, capable of supporting:

  • APCO P25 Trunking
  • P25 Conventional
  • Analog FM Wideband and Narrowband Modes

The ability to scan continuously across all bands, voice modes, and encryption types facilitates unprecedented connectivity in a mobile radio.
Both control heads’ displays are designed to maximize readability and ease of use. The CH-721 control head features a 3 line 12 character alphanumeric display that shows the names of systems/groups/individuals or conventional channels. The photo sensor sets the display to accommodate ambient lighting. In addition, the vacuum fluorescent display improves visibility and readability in all lighting conditions compared to less expensive liquid crystal display (LCD) technology. Large buttons, volume knob, and channel knob, provide a user-friendly interface. The CH-100 option provides a next generation graphical user interface (GUI) that incorporates a large 4.3-inch touchscreen color display that provides significant capability and flexibility.

Features

  • The XG-100M includes the new TIA-approved, APCO Project 25 (P25) Dual-Rate vocoder. The improved Dual-Rate vocoder software enhances the quality and clarity of vocal communication for public safety radio users in high noise environments, by more effectively differentiating between speech and background noise.
  • Using the CH-100 control unit, the XG-100M features Harris’ proprietary noise suppression capability to provide clear and crisp voice quality in highnoise environments for use in any mode. The CH-100 is designed with a built-in microphone and advanced signal processing technology which, when combined with the hand held microphone, provide built-in noise suppression.
  • The XG-100M mobile is software-upgradeable to support Project 25 Phase 2 operation, effectively extending the life cycle of your hardware investment.
  • Dual control units can be programmed to control a single transceiver, as is commonly configured for Fire and EMS agencies. Conversely, the dual transceiver option allows operation in multiple frequency bands with a single controller.
  • The XG-100M incorporates a Global Positioning System (GPS), enabling user position to be displayed directly on the CH-100 control unit display, available from the radio’s accessory connector, and in an upcoming software release, to be sent securely over the air for personnel position tracking and rapid response for emergencies. This positional information can also be received by other Unity radios and displayed directly on screen for tactical situational awareness of all radio users.Wireless audio and data accessories for the CH-100 control unit are supported by built-in Bluetooth technology. Additionally, the wireless data interface can be used to connect a computer for programming and configuring radios, with no cable connections required. For security purposes, pairing management is controlled from the radio interface and can be secured using AES encryption. Additionally, the Bluetooth transceiver can be disabled, if desired.

M7300 Mobile Radio

The M7300 mobile radio is Harris’ high tier dual band (700/800 MHz) digital mobile radio. The mobile provides secure interoperations for first responders who need to utilize various operating modes in the dual-band public safety environment, enabling seamless communications for multiple communications protocols. These units are available with an external speaker in both front (dash) mount and rear (trunk) mount configurations as shown in Figure 11 and Figure 12 below.

Figure 4 – Front Mount
with Scan Control Head

Figure 5 – Trunk Mount
with System Control Head

The M7300 uses a new high-speed digital signal processor and the latest RF components to support multiple applications and operational features in one package:

  • Project 25 (P25) digital trunked mode
  • OpenSky trunked mode
  • EDACS or ProVoice trunked modes
  • P25 digital conventional mode
  • Conventional analog mode

The control head display is designed to maximize readability and ease of use. It features a 3 line 12 character alphanumeric display that shows the names of systems/groups/individuals or conventional channels. The photo sensor sets the display to accommodate ambient lighting. In addition, the vacuum fluorescent display improves visibility and readability in all lighting conditions compared to less expensive liquid crystal display (LCD) technology. Large buttons, volume knob, and channel knob, provide a user-friendly interface.

Features

  • radio-6The M7300 includes the new TIA-approved, APCO Project 25 (P25) Dual-Rate vocoder. The improved Dual-Rate vocoder software enhances the quality and clarity of vocal communication for public safety radio users in high noise environments, by more effectively differentiating between speech and background noise.
  • The M7300 mobile is software-upgradeable to support Project 25 Phase 2 operation, effectively extending the life cycle of your hardware investment.
  • Dual control units can be programmed to control a single transceiver, as is commonly configured for Fire and EMS agencies. Conversely, the dual transceiver option allows operation in multiple frequency bands with a single controller.
  • The M7300 radio is hardware capable of supporting data calls, and can be configured with an optional internal GPS receiver.
  • For covert operations or scenarios where a traditional control head is not practical, the M7300 radio can be configured with a hand-held controller as shown in Figure 16.

Portable Overview

XG-100 Portable

The Unity XG-100P Full-Spectrum Multiband Radio’s user-centric design delivers unprecedented interoperability, ease of use, and advanced capabilities in a radio that users can depend on for years to come. The Unity XG-100P is the only portable radio that provides:

  • Full-Spectrum multiband frequency coverage
  • Harris’ proprietary noise suppression capability
  • Built-in GPS and Bluetooth® wireless technology
  • Next-generation user interface

XG-75 Portable

The XG-75 is the latest addition to the new family of portable radios offered by Harris. With an updated look and feel, the XG-75 is a portable offering a rich feature set, including noise cancellation and multimode capability. Designed to meet the critical communication needs of public safety, public service, industrial, and military users, the introduction of this product includes splits for the VHF, UHF-L, and the 700/800 frequency bands. The XG-75 is future ready and will be P25 Phase II capable upon release of the software.

por-2These units are available in two colors (gray and high visibility yellow) and two models:

  • XG-75 Scan – The basic unit has a PTT button and two option buttons on the side of the radio, and includes five additional programmable keys. Individual calls are support through a pre-defined call list.
  • XG-75 System – Provides a numeric keypad. It is intended for the most demanding applications as well as supervisory use.

Features

  • The XG-75 comes equipped with two microphones and Harris’ active noise canceling algorithm, improving the clarity of both analog and digital calls in a high-noise environment.
  • The XG-75 was designed to deliver loud audio with its enlarged speaker chamber and 3.8W maximum audio output.
  • The XG-75P portable is software-upgradeable to support Project 25 Phase 2 operation, effectively extending the life of your hardware investment.
  • The XG-75P, P7300, P5500, and P5400 portables share the same accessories, thus simplifying user training and reducing on-going maintenance costs.
  • MIL-STD-810G durable – including 1.5-meter drop to concrete, exceeding TIA-603-C requirement
  • Optional immersion – 1 meter for 4 hours per MIL-STD-810G
  • Programmable dual-position switch for flexible operation
  • Tx/Rx LED and enhanced clarity dot matrix LCD for more visible signaling (including features such as a battery-level gauge)
  • At 15.8 ounces with Lithium-Ion battery, one of the lightest weight portables offered by Harris
  • Illuminated channel indicator for easy channel identification
  • Intrinsically safe certification (optional)

The XG-75 utilizes a high-speed digital signal processor and advanced RF components, which allows the radio to support multiple applications and operational features in one package:

  • Project 25 Digital Trunking – Phase 1 FDMA now. Phase 2 TDMA trunking via software upgrade in the future
  • P25 Digital Conventional
  • ProVoice™ Digital Trunking
  • Enhanced Digital Access Communications System (EDACS®) Trunking
  • Complete Analog Conventional features
  • AES and DES encryption

Options and Accessories

A full complement of accessories is available, including:

  • Batteries: The XG-75 is compatible with the Nickel metal Hydride (NiMH), and Lithium Ion (Li-Ion) batteries.
  • Audio Accessories: Customers can select from speaker microphones, ear pieces, headsets, and surveillance kits.
  • Carrying Accessories: Black and orange nylon cases and leather cases are available. Belt loops,belt clips, and swivel mounts are also offered.
  • Tri-Chemistry Desktop Chargers: Single unit and multiple unit rapid chargers are compatible with both battery styles that are offered with the XG-75.
  • Vehicular Chargers: The XG-75 is compatible with the VC4000 charger
  • Cables: Special Cables are available to allow the XG-75 to interface with the Key Manager and RPM software
  • Intrinsically Safe: An intrinsically safe version is available in each split

P7300 Portable

por3Combined with an improved technical and ergonomic package, the P7300 portable provides versatile and reliable communications to meet a range of user requirements for public safety, statewide, and industrial use. High-quality voice coding and robust audio components assure speech clarity even in noisy environments. The P7300 is a rugged and reliable multi-mode, future-ready radio weighing only 15.6 ounces while meeting stringent MIL-STD requirements.
These units are available in two models:

  • P7350 Scan – The basic unit has a PTT button and two option buttons on the side of the radio, and includes five additional programmable keys. Individual calls are support through a pre-defined call list.
  • P7370 System – Provides a numeric keypad. It is intended for the most demanding applications as well as supervisory use.

The P7300 utilizes a high-speed digital signal processor and advanced RF components, which allows the radio to support multiple applications and operational features in one package:

  • Project 25 (P25) digital trunked mode
  • EDACS or ProVoice trunked modes
  • P25 digital conventional mode
  • Conventional analog mode

Features

  • The P7300 series includes the new TIA-approved, APCO Project 25 (P25) Dual-Rate vocoder. The improved Dual-Rate vocoder software enhances the quality and clarity of vocal communication for public safety radio users in high noise environments, by more effectively differentiating between speech and background noise.
  • The P7300 portable is software-upgradeable to support Project 25 Phase 2 operation, effectively extending the life of your hardware investment.
  • The knobs and buttons of the P7300 portables are designed to maximize ease of use, even when users are wearing gloves. The large push-to-talk (PTT) button, and talkgroup and volume knobs can be easily identified and operated by touch, avoiding the need to visually check the individual knobs. The recessed emergency button maintains accessibility in case of emergency while preventing accidental activation.
  • The P7300 is designed to provide loud audio which is particularly useful in high-noise environments. The portable incorporates a high-quality speaker to enhance user experience, overcoming background noise and emitting clear sound.
  • The large 3-line alphanumeric liquid crystal display (LCD) supports system and group information, status icons, and menu operation, including a battery-level gauge. A backlight illuminates the display and the keypad for low-light environments. In addition, a cover minimizes the risk of damage to the LCD and increases its clarity.
  • The P7300, P5300, and P5400 portables share the same accessories, thus simplifying user training and reducing on-going maintenance costs.

Options and Accessories

A full complement of accessories is available, including:

  • Multiple antenna options
  • NiCad, NiMH, and Lithium Ion batteries
  • Carrying Cases (leather or nylon)
  • Swivel mounts or belt clips
  • Tri-Chemistry Single unit and Multi-unit desk chargers
  • Speaker/Mic Selection
  • Earpiece

P5500 Portable

por4Combined with an improved technical and ergonomic package, the P5400 portable provides versatile and reliable communications to meet a range of user requirements for public safety, statewide, and industrial use. High-quality voice coding and robust audio components assure speech clarity even in noisy environments. The P5400 is a rugged and reliable multi-mode, future-ready radio weighing only 389 grams (13.7 ounces) with the Li-Ion battery while still meeting stringent MIL-STD-810F requirements.

These units are available in two models:

  • P5450 Scan – The basic unit has a PTT button and two option buttons on the side of the radio, and includes five additional programmable keys. Individual calls are support through a pre-defined call list.
  • P5470 System – Provides a numeric keypad. It is intended for the most demanding applications as well as supervisory use.

The P5400 utilizes a high-speed digital signal processor and advanced RF components, which allows the radio to support multiple applications and operational features in one package:

  • Project 25 (P25) digital trunked mode
  • EDACS or ProVoice trunked modes
  • P25 digital conventional mode
  • Conventional analog mode

Features

  • MIL-STD-810F durable – including 1-meter drop to concrete per TIA-603-B (no antenna installed; drop directly to knobs)
  • Programmable dual-position switch for flexible operation
  • Tx/Rx LED and enhanced clarity LCD for more visible signaling (including features such as a battery-level gauge)
  • At 13.7 ounces with Lithium-Ion battery, one of the lightest weight portable offered by Harris
  • The knobs and buttons of the P5400 portables are designed to maximize ease of use, even when users are wearing gloves. The large push-to-talk (PTT) button, and talkgroup and volume knobs can be easily identified and operated by touch, avoiding the need to visually check the individual knobs. The recessed emergency button maintains accessibility in case of emergency while preventing accidental activation.
  • The P5400 is designed to provide loud audio which is particularly useful in high-noise environments. The portable incorporates a high-quality speaker to enhance user experience, overcoming background noise and emitting clear sound.
  • The large 3-line alphanumeric liquid crystal display (LCD) supports system and group information, status icons, and menu operation, including a battery-level gauge. A backlight illuminates the display and the keypad for low-light environments. In addition, a cover minimizes the risk of damage to the LCD and increases its clarity.

Options and Accessories

A full complement of accessories is available, including:

  • Multiple antenna options
  • NiCad, NiMH, and Lithium Ion batteries
  • Carrying Cases (leather or nylon)
  • Swivel mounts or belt clips
  • Tri-Chemistry Single unit and Multi-unit desk chargers
  • Speaker/Mic Selection
  • Earpiece

Symphony Dispatch Console

The Symphony Dispatch Platform connects directly to the radio network without need for a backroom console switch. It supports the Harris legacy C3 MaestroIP and latest Symphony software applications and provides high-performance computing and graphics capability to support 24-hour mission-critical dispatch operation.

It uses a noise free non-moving parts design (i.e. ventilation fans) that makes it completely silent and more reliable than other hardware platforms. Plus it incorporates both the workstation and audio functions into a compact, single rack-unit design. A variety of console accessories are available to suit the needs of individual agencies or individual dispatchers.

The console is configured with the following options:

  • Six Cisco Routers for up to six Remote Dispatch Centers per region
  • Symphony Dispatch Platform (SDP)
  • AES 256 Level Encryption
  • Vo-coding services
  • Audio processing
  • Standard 21.55 Class HD-LCD monitor
  • Three-button trackball and full Keyboard
  • Two speakers Select and Un-Select Audio (expansion up to 8 speakers)
  • Desktop microphone (Gooseneck desk mounted microphone is optional)
  • Headset Adapter Unit for Single or dual headsets
  • Single footswitch (Dual footswitch optional)

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Figure 1. Figure 10: Symphony Dispatch Platform (SDP)

Symphony Dispatch Platform

The Symphony Dispatch Platform is highly configurable to match dispatcher needs. The advanced processor operates with the Windows operating system and is specially designed to accommodate the various interfaces used in today’s dispatch operations. Standard PC accessories, such as keyboard, mouse and/or trackball, are used as part of the Symphony Dispatch Platform. In addition, the Symphony Dispatch Platform provides automatic gain control of various inputs and simplifies cabling between the Symphony and all possible peripheral options, including:

  • Speakers (1/4 – inch TRS jacks) for select and unselect audio
  • Microphones (desk or gooseneck style)
  • Headsets (6-wire jackbox, wireless, or USB) , including over-the-head and ear-bud styles
  • Foot switches
  • Telephone interface via 4-wire audio and off-hook contact closure
  • Call recorder (select, unselect, and telephone audio)
  • External paging encoder
  • Backup dispatch control station (4-wire audio/PTT via DB9 connector)
  • 6 digital inputs
  • 5 relay outputs

Physical characteristics of the SDP include:

  • 19-inch rack, desktop, or under-desk mount options
  • Channel cabling to provide strain relief for rear connectors
  • One rack unit (RU) size
  • Audio isolation of 50 dB or greater between audio paths

Other important features include:

  • Over-drive protection of all external analog inputs
  • Buffering of external interface signal lines
  • Opto-isolated I/O inputs
  • Automatic gain control for mic/line inputs

VIDA Telephone Interconnect (VTI)

The VIDA Telephone Interconnect (VTI) permits radio users to make and receive Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) calls. The VTI system can support up to 30 concurrent telephone interconnect calls, depending on the type and quantity of the PSTN interface cards configured in the Call Manager Express (CME) router. Not only does VTI support inbound and outbound calling for individual radios, it also permits a telephone-originated group call to connect the caller to many radio units simultaneously. VTI provides ringing tones, busy tones, and call progress prompts to make its use as familiar as a public telephone. Automatic line clearing provides faster call teardown to free valuable radio network resources. VTI also supports PSTN call privileges for inbound and outbound calls through configurations at the Unified Administration System (UAS) application.

VTI requires a server and a Cisco router running Call Manager Express (CME) software. The server is typically co-located with the VIDA NSC.

VTI is essentially a Private Branch Exchange (PBX) in a PC and provides the following features:

  • Inbound and outbound calling between the telephone network and the radio system
  • Inbound group calls
  • Up to 30 simultaneous interconnect calls for E1 connections, 24 simultaneous calls for T1 connections, and eight calls for analog connections
  • Encrypted voice calls
  • International ring tones
  • Automatic line clearing
  • Call activity reports
  • Call progress prompts

As shown in Figure 8, the VTI server communicates with the NSS application, which handles call setup and exchanges voice frames between the two devices. The VTI server also communicates with the Cisco router running the CME software through the Session Initiation Protocol (SIP). That portion of the VTI server converts voice streams from the PSTN into the appropriate coding format for the radio network and vice versa. Figure 12 below illustrates the VTI architecture.

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NetworkFirst Gateway

netfirstNetworkFirst (NFG) is Harris’ fixed network solution to interoperability that ties various legacy communication systems together, providing real-time, in-place communications. Audio sources from disparate legacy radio systems are integrated across an IP infrastructure. These legacy audio sources can be various conventional base stations operating at different RF frequencies, dispatch stations, control stations, trunked radio systems, telephone lines, and almost any other equipment with a 2-wire or 4-wire audio interface.

By utilizing an IP infrastructure, the design of NFG leverages the speed, breadth of experience, and depth of research resources of the multi-billion dollar computer industry. Readily available commercial hardware and software components are utilized for most of the NFG system, resulting in many features and benefits to the Gendarmerie. For example, integration of the radio systems can be tied into existing LAN/WAN infrastructure, which may be shared with other functions and applications. In addition, NFG allows nearly unlimited scalability to connect a local city to the entire country, and even beyond.

VIDA Gateway Application

The Harris VIDA Gateway Application provides unified communications between HF Nets and VIDA P25 LMR users, automatically. During times of special joint operations between HF radio users and P25 Radio traffic, the VGA provides the ability to create and support digitally encrypted end to end seamless voice and data communications. The HF and P25 user experience doesn’t change either – users on both the HF and P25 Systems operate their radios in the normal way. The users will simply switch to a pre-programmed HF mode and a P25 talk-group reserved for joint operations that communicate in the normal way.

The Harris VGA integrates both hardware and software in a single package. On one side, it connects to the Harris P25 VIDA network via an Ethernet connection by means of a private encrypted IP backbone, it connects to an existing HF Net via a local Harris RF-5800H radio.

Add in the award winning Symphony Dispatch Console and BeOn for a complete voice communications solution between all agencies and user types; no matter where they are.

The Harris BeOn application can be deployed on Apple iOS, Android and Windows platforms. The Android and Windows platforms also support TacChat which unleashes another unique capability for the users – real-time secure text messaging between the VIDA P25 Dispatch users, RF-5800H HF out stations and Harris Tablet users. Figure 2 below shows the VGA and the interfaces provided.

vida-app

The VIDA Gateway Application implements a Harris Mobile Computing Platform (MCP). The MCP is a ruggedized computer that provides the necessary interfaces between the VIDA P25 network and the RF-5800H HF. It also runs the VIDA Gateway Application software that manages the registration of HF radios to the joint operations talk group, call setup and call teardown between VIDA and HF users. The VGA registers as a site on the VIDA network and as such, is provisioned with user and talk group information so it can create demand for group voice and group data as needed and pass it onto the HF Net. A special feature within the VIDA Protocol is used to manage the time delay in establishing the ALE link between the RF-5800H HF Net so the user experience on both sides remains unchanged.

Establishing and maintaining encrypted voice calls is of utmost importance and this architecture does not require a common encryption key to be shared between the VIDA users and the HF users. All of the decryption and re-encryption is performed directly on the VGA using the traffic keys of both systems, thus not requiring a change to current operations. All audio is kept in digital form and the VGA will perform the audio trans-coding service, ensuring the highest quality audio is delivered to every end user.

The Harris VIDA Gateway Application puts the power of a converged network in the hands of the users when needed most during times of joint operations between HF and public safety agencies. This type of seamless voice and data interoperability is unique to Harris and does not require changes to the existing standard operating procedures.

Interoperability of HF Nets and P25

The Harris VIDA Gateway Application allows for full integration of Harris HF Radio communications with P25 Radio Communications.

Leveraging our understanding of the similarities and differences between what an HF radio user needs and a P25 Radio user wants, the VGA provide a seamless bridge that ties both operational realities together.

The manner in which the VGA connects the HF Radio Nets and the VIDA P25 radio system is unique in the industry, coming from the heritage and blending of both types of communication systems.

The HF Radio Systems do not rely on heavy infrastructure to provide battlefield and situational awareness, and neither do the HF Radio Systems require any dependencies to interoperate. The P25 Radio Systems cannot provide wide area communications without the reliance on fixed transport and infrastructure. The paradigm becomes one of connecting a highly mobile, infrastructure independent HF Radio System with a Fixed Infrastructure dependent VIDA P25 Radio System.
The VIDA Gateway Application connects directly to the P25 IP Packet Core. This subsystem aggregates HF Communications and offers advanced mediation characteristics. In the end the basic premise was to simplify and automate complex protocol dependent data streams that contain voice and location based information.

The mapping of HF to P25 communications requires the VGA to understand multiple communication protocols and intelligently patch them together.

What Harris has accomplished with the VGA is the fundamentally based in a bigger vision of what other suppliers can provide. Harris leverages R&D knowledge into a product that benefits the users by enhancing and establishing a new subset of features.

BeOn Solution for PTT Voice Over Broadband

BeOn Group Communications

The BeOn group communications suite was developed to extend traditional Land Mobile Radio (LMR) Push-to-Talk (PTT) communication services to users on commercial cellular and private broadband networks. With BeOn, voice communication services are delivered to subscribers as voice-over-IP data packets using wireless broadband IP data services. Because BeOn abstracts the traditional LMR functionality into a software-based network data service, BeOn can run across a variety of IP-based broadband networks. The two primary deployments of BeOn are on 3G commercial cellular and private public safety LTE networks. Using BeOn, subscribers on a cellular or public safety broadband network can communicate amongst themselves or with interconnected LMR users.

BeOn goes beyond LMR by providing integrated voice, text messaging and location services. Using BeOn, first responders can use the coverage and bandwidth of a broadband data network for instantaneous communication capabilities between team members. In addition to broadband users, BeOn subscribers can seamlessly interoperate with users on existing public safety LMR systems. BeOn users can exchange text messages with other subscribers and dispatchers, and pass real-time location and presence information between connected team members and the dispatcher’s CAD system. With BeOn, subscribers improve their ability to respond to both routine and catastrophic events because critical information about the response is both communicated and available. Transmitted voice and text messages are both communicated in real-time, and are available locally on subscriber handset for later recall. When these communications are combined with the integrated mapping and presence (subscriber status) information, first responders can determine the most efficient actions to address incidents.

Because BeOn operates over both commercial cellular and public safety LTE networks, utilizing these networks provides an additional level of redundancy to mission-critical narrowband communications. This extends the network coverage of a regional, statewide, or nationwide network to the global reach of commercial cellular. BeOn subscribers on broadband networks are cost effective to deploy for both mission critical and non-mission critical communications. Subscribers on these networks can quickly be provisioned with a wide range of services, including end-to-end encrypted voice communications.

BeOn Network Overview

The BeOn network infrastructure and client applications fully integrate with Harris LMR and LTE networks, providing enhanced PTT services to users on both commercial and private

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