Pros and Cons of TETRA vs.

P25
and the
Benefits of a Multi-technology Platform
for TETRA, P25 Phase I / Phase II,
and Mobile WiMax

Keith Ammons
Vice President, Product Marketing
Pros and Cons of TETRA vs. P25

 TETRA
o What is TETRA?

 P25
o P25 Phase I / Phase II

 Comparison
o Similarities and differences
What is TETRA?

 TETRA (Terrestrial Trunked Radio) is an open standard

for digital mobile radio communication defined by ETSI
(European Telecommunications Standards Institute).
 Originally conceived and developed for use by European
Union government and public safety agencies. Later
adopted as the worldwide “de facto” standard, except North
America, for digital radio communications systems.
 Provides a high-end solution for small private systems up to
large public networks, while preserving characteristics and
advantages of private land mobile radio systems, such as
fast call set-up, group calls, and direct mode
communication (talkaround).
 TETRA Standard Elements and Interfaces
AI - Air Interface (Trunked Mode)
DMO - Direct Mode Operation PEI DMO MMI
ISI - Inter-System Interface
LS - Line Station (dispatcher) TE MS
LSC - Local Switching Controller AI AI MS
MMI - Man Machine Interface
MS - Mobile Station
NMS - Network Management System SBS
PEI - Peripheral Equipment Interface LS SBS
SBS - Site Base Station Link
SCN - Switching Control Node
SwMI - Switching and Management Infrastructure SCN
TE - Terminal Equipment SBS
TETRA ISI SwMI
Network
GATEWAY
TETRA Network
non-TETRA
Network
REMOTE LSC
DISPATCHER
 TETRA General Concepts
TDMA (Time Division Multiple Access)

 Each RF carrier (radio channel) is divided into

timeslots within a 25 KHz channel.
 The transmission rate is 7.2 Kbps per slot. 28.8
7.2 Kbps
Kbps 36 Kbps
TETRA General Concepts
Example of channel distribution

SBS 1
T1 T2 T3 T4
Carrier 1 MCCH TCH PDCH PDCH
(main)
T1 T2 T3 T4
SBS 2
Carrier 2 TCH TCH TCH TCH
T1 T2 T3 T4
Carrier 1 MCCH SCCH PDCH TCH

SBS 3
T1 T2 T3 T4
Carrier 1 MCCH SCCH SCCH SCCH
(main)
T1 T2 T3 T4
Carrier 2 PDCH PDCH TCH TCH
TETRA Highlights
 High Quality and High Security in communications.
 Double spectral efficiency.
 Higher data bandwidths (up to 28.8 kbps)
 Multiple real-time data services (status, short data,
circuit mode data, packet mode data).
 Half-duplex and full-duplex communications.
 Interoperable with other networks (TETRA, ISDN, IP, GSM).
 Continuous coverage.
 Emergency calls.
 Fast call setup.
 Simultaneous voice and data.
 Open standard technology: protects investment.
Total 2258 contracts across 105 countries
Data provided by the TETRA Association Members.
(October 2008 – latest data available )
 P25: Background
 Project 25 (P25) is a set of standards produced through
the joint efforts of the Association of Public Safety
Communications Officials International (APCO), the
National Association of State Telecommunications
Directors (NASTD), selected Federal Agencies and the
National Communications System (NCS), and
standardized under the Telecommunications Industry
Association (TIA).
 P25 is an open architecture, user-driven suite of system
standards that define digital radio communications
system architectures capable of serving the needs of
Public Safety and Government organizations.
 The P25 standard exists in the public domain, allowing
any manufacturer to produce a P25 compatible radio
product.
P25: Background
 P25 is defined for two different working modes:
o Conventional: provides a simple infrastructure system
that normally repeat radio calls from one frequency to
another.
o Trunked: a controller inside the infrastructure provides
intelligence to manage call set up, subscribers roaming
across the system, channel assignment,…
 Additionally, P25 conventional and trunked systems can be
deployed in three different ways according to frequency
usage:
o Multicast: All adjacent repeater sites use different
frequencies
o Voting system: All adjacent repeater sites use different
transmitting frequencies but the same reception
frequency
o Simulcast: All repeater sites use same Tx/Rx freqs.
P25 Phase I

 FDMA (Frequency Division Multiple Access)

 12.5 KHz channels

 C4FM (Constant-envelope 4-level FM)

 Subscribers are backward compatible with analog radios

regardless of the infrastructure. Repeaters can work in analog
(not mandatory), digital or mixed mode.
P25 Phase II

 Phase II: Will be a 6.25 KHz equivalent system, meaning that 1

voice communication will fit within 6.25 KHz of channel bandwidth.

For the above, P25 Phase II will use a 2-timeslot TDMA structure
in 12.5 KHz channels.

 Control channels will support FDMA for backward compatibility

with Phase I.
TETRA / P25 Comparison
Useful TETRA <-> P25 associations:
 NAC code in P25 is equivalent to MCC and MNC of TETRA
 TGID (Talk group ID) is equal to GSSI of TETRA
 UID (Unit ID) is equivalent to ISSI of TETRA
 ISSI (Inter Sub-System Interface) is equivalent to ISI of
TETRA
 OTAR in P25 is the same as OTAK in TETRA as it is used
for E2EE (OTAR in TETRA is used for Air Interface
Encryption)
 Pre-programmed messages in P25 is the same as Status
messages in TETRA.
 ESN (Electronic Serial Number) is equal to TETRA’s TEI
TETRA Pros and Cons
 Pros:
o Optimized for high population density areas
o Spectral efficiency (4 time slots in 25 KHz)
o Data bandwidth on demand (up to 28.8 kbps)
o RX diversity
o Supports full duplex voice
o Short data / status messaging
o Packet data / circuit mode data

 Cons:
o Not presently available in VHF band
o No simulcast
P25 Pros and Cons

 Pros:
o Optimized for wider area coverage with low
population density
o Greater range than TETRA in Phase I (FDMA),
but nearly same in Phase II (TDMA)
o Support for simulcast

 Cons:
o Limited data support
o Delays in Phase II standard (projected 2011)
TETRA / P25 Comparison
 Both technologies are valid solutions for modern
professional-use digital radio communications systems

OFFERS BOTH SOLUTIONS !

Benefits of a Multi-technology Platform for
TETRA, P25 Phase I / Phase II,
and Mobile WiMax
 Common Architecture
o Support for TETRA, P25, and WiMax protocols
o Interconnectivity
o Common Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) application
 Benefits / Applications by Sector
o For Transport
o For Utilities
o For PSS
Complete Ethernet / IP Architecture

a) Distributed switching
b) Distributed intelligence
c) No need for GPS or external
synchronization

Easy
Flexible & Friendly
Common Architecture

 Field-proven end-to-end IP design.

 Same network control and management structure for TETRA, P25,
and Mobile WiMax.
 Optimized voice packets reduce delays and lower link bandwidth
requirements.
 Designed for interoperability.
 Easy scalability from single site to state-wide networks.
Common Hardware

NMS server
Master Site
RF Base Station/Repeater Controller

Local Site Controller (LSC) NMS Client Dispatching Console

PowerTrunk RF Unit / BSR
 The PowerTrunk RF Unit (RFU) / Base Station Repeater (BSR) is
modular and easy to maintain and deploy.
o Each module is plug-and-play containing different functional blocks
and providing specific alarms to minimize in-the-field repair time.
o Designed to be future-proof, it contains all necessary hardware to
support FDMA structure for P25 Phase I, as well as TDMA structure
for a P25 Phase II or TETRA system.
o Software-only upgradeable to P25 Phase II.
o Can work in P25 conventional and trunked mode.
o Designed to tolerate high delays and jitter in the backbone links
with the Master Sites (including for satellite links).
TETRA BSR
 Frequency bands: 350-370, 380-430, 450-470, 806-870 MHz
 Channel spacing: 25KHz.
 Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA): 4 timeslots per RF channel
 Modulation: p/4-DQPSK
 Digital Data Bit Rate: 28.8 Kbits/s.
 Ethernet interface: IEEE 802.3u,x.
 RF Unit is hot-swap capable.
PowerTrunk25 RFU

 Frequency bands: VHF, 380-512 (*), 764-806, 806-870 MHz.

(* consult for specific sub-bands)
 Channel spacing: 6.25KHz, 12.5KHz or 25KHz.
 Frequency Division Multiple Access (FDMA): 1 channel per
RFU
 Modulation: Digital C4FM.
 Emissions Designator: 8K10F1W.
 Digital Data Bit Rate: 9.6 Kbits/s.
 Ethernet interface: IEEE 802.3u,x.
 RF Unit is hot-swap capable.
Mobile WiMax RFU
 Standard: 802.16e (Mobile WiMax)
 Frequency bands: Initially for 700 MHz band.
 Channel bandwidth: from 1.25 to 10 MHz
 Digital Data Bit Rate: from 100 kbps up to 4 Mbps per user
Broadband Performance
 This is not narrow or wide band, this is broadband:
o Mean typical data rate: 1Mbps / user
o Peak data rate: up to 4 Mbps / user
o Data rate can be managed dynamically

 Broadband provides the best capability to support the most

demanding applications:
o Video surveillance: remote monitoring for security and safety
o Video recording and streaming on demand
o Remote data base management
o Mobile office: staff working at remote locations or
on-board vehicles
o Remote maintenance of terminals and systems
o Web applications
o Telemedicine, E-health
o Biometrics, face recognition...
o Automation and control
o Smart metering
MVC-6000: System Elements
Wireless broadband
antenna
Vehicular PC
Vehicular video
cameras

VHF / UHF
radio antenna

Broadband + TETRA / P25

radio terminal

Audio
interfaces
Flexibility in the Backbone Network
Synchronous Links: several types of links (V.35, E1 / T1, ISDN, …)

SBS
Synchronous Links
E1 Drop-Insert G.703/G.704
[E1 / T1]
E1 / T1
PDH or SDH SYSTEM Connection

E1 Cross-Connect

SCN SBS
ISDN Connection

V.35 Connection
V.35 Link
ISDN Network
SBS
BRI - PRI
[ISDN]
ISDN Connection
(dedicated BRI)
Flexibility in the Backbone Network
Asynchronous Links – Layer 2: LAN, WAN, Wi-Fi, WiMAX, …

LAYER2 SYSTEM ACCESS:

: Ethernet connections SBS
: Wireless Connections
: Optical Fiber Connections
SBS
SCN WiFi
Connection
Standard Office Local Area
Network

SBS
Ethernet switches
Optical Fiber Ethernet switch

Fiber 70 Km
Fiber
Access Access
Flexibility in the Backbone Network
Asynchronous Links – Layer 3: IP Networks, MPLS, L2TPv3, IRB, …

Standard
Routers

L2TPv3
SBS
Router

L2TPv3
Router

L2TPv3 SBS
SCN Router

Layer 3 Services
Layer 3 & Layer 2 Services
Network Services
P25 ISSI

 Inter-RF Sub-System Interface

 IP connection by VPN established between PowerTrunk and Motorola P25
systems to allow group call and emergency call communication by users of
different networks.
 EADS, Harris, Tait, Raytheon, and Etherstack also participated in the tests.
 Demonstrates adherence to standards and capacity of interconnection to 3rd-
party P25 networks.
CeCoCo Series
Computer Aided Dispatch Solutions
CeCoCo
 Includes modules for communication
management, location, and incident
management
 Ethernet-based connection with the
PowerTrunk range of TETRA and P25
infrastructure
 Additional services:
o Discreet Listening
o Ambience Listening
o Call inclusion / termination
o Fleet monitoring
o Priority calls
o Emergency calls
o Pre-emptive PTT
o Call Patching
CeCoCo Architecture
TCP / IP
Line-Connected VoIP
TETRA/P25/WiMax
Infrastructure

TETRA & P25 Legacy Legacy Trunked

Radio Interfaces Conventional System
System

CeCoCo SERVER
Call Taker /
Dispatcher
Workstation PABX / PSTN
(E1/T1, ISDN,
VoIP, etc.)

Connect® -
Switching Matrix Analog Telephony

Call Taker / PA system Recording System

Dispatcher
Workstation
Entornos ferroviarios

TETRA for Transport

Metros / Subways Trams

Railroads Buses
Transport Communications Requirements
 Voice communication between drivers, control
centers, depots, and passengers.

 Location systems.

 Data services for remote monitoring of sub-

systems.

 Railway signaling.

 Safety and security.

 Communication with maintenance crews.

 Communication with emergency services

(police, fire, etc...)
Telecommunications Sub-systems
Covered by TETRA

Remote
Command and
Control of
Voice Rolling Stock Integration with
Communication Passenger
Information
Communication System
Management
Sub-system
Interaction
with Intercom Integration with
System Public Address
Systems
 Examples of Remote Controls and Alarms
REMOTE CONTROL:
ALARMS:
- Train On / Off - Fire detection
- Identification (Train number and - Emergency alarms
service)
- Emergency brakes - Emergency brake

- Brake bypass / Traction loop - Passenger SOS button

- Fire estinguishing system - End of line

- Open / close doors - End of service

- Control of lighting, air conditioning, - “Dead man” alarm

etc. - Train location
- TCMS configuration/ Driving mode - Intercom failure alarm
- Talkgroup selection (by DGNA, - P.A. system failure alarm
according to train location)
- Change of driving mode
- Information panels
- Battery voltage
- Pneumatic suspension
- Etc...
- Etc...
Buses & Trams – Optimizing AVL

 Automatic regulation – Efficiency mostly depends

on the refresh period which can be achieved
 Old analog systems – Control of radio channels
(PTT-CD signals) by AVL Applications
 TETRA = TDMA. How to overcome the gap
between the AVL Application and TETRA
transport layers?
Basic SDS Solution
Based on:
 Basic TETRA Short Data Service (SDS) for polling
and transmitting GPS position in LIP format.

Speed of position polling / reply:

 The fastest rate is 1 position every 0.6 seconds.

Advantage:
 Supported by the majority of TETRA terminals in the
market.

Disadvantages:
 Care must be taken to poll terminals one by one, otherwise
degraded audio quality could result due to use of the
TETRA stealing mechanism.
 Not appropriate for large networks.
PowerTrunk SDM Solution for AVL
SDM (Synchronous Data Manager) is based on:
 Use of the SDS (LIP) service with reservation of air
resources, permitting reception of GPS positions at the base
station while avoiding collisions (synchronization concept).
 Special software in the infrastructure and the terminals.

Speed of polling / reply:

 The fastest rate is 5 positions per second for each CCH (control
channel) of the system, whether MCCH or SCCH.

Advantages:
 Acts in parallel for all zones simultaneously.
 Eliminates collisions in the uplink (synchronous).
 Efficiency increases with the number of zones.
 In traffic, GPS positions are sent between PTT change
 Transport Scenarios
TETRA:
WiMAX: Video surveillance in trains
Voice and short data service for train operation
and station platforms / bulk data transfer in depots
Security services in stations
Voice services for maintenance personnel
TETRA / WiMAX

WiMAX: Video surveillance and other

specific broadband applications, i.e. cargo TETRA:
details of ships, etc.. Voice and short data service for airport / port operation
Voice services for maintenance personnel

TETRA / WiMAX
TETRA for Utilities
TETRA for Utilities
1. Specific data transmission requirements for:
 Permanent monitoring and control of the network elements
(Telemetry and Remote control)
 Data bandwith and reliability transmission. High availability.
 Integration with SCADA applications
 Goal: To support and improve the level of service to the users.
To reduce CAIDI index.

2. Growth capacity:
 To solve saturation problems and overcome limited growth
capability of current communication networks.

3. Energy savings:
 Obtain detailed information about subscriber consumption to allow
customized tariffs and to avoid peaks of consumption during most
critical time slots (Smart Grid concept).
 Goal: Cost reduction.
What does TETRA offer?
1. Private Network
 Total network control without depending on operators.

2. Digital trunking system (cellular)

 Robust communication. Several options for network coverage redundancy 
If a repeater fails, modems roam and the monitoring system is not interrupted.
 High spectral efficiency  Cost savings.

3. Avoids radio collisions in the air

 TETRA technology solves directly this problem.

4. Network Growth capacity / Possibility of additional services (voice,

etc..)

5. Data services
 Availability of different data services to be adapted to communication needs:
 Short Data Messages (SDS) and status messages
 Standard Packet Data service (PD)
 Circuit Mode Data (CMD)
PowerTrunk SDM Solution for SCADA
Time required to manage the generated Keep-alive and alarm
signals for a set of 20 remote units registered in a network of
1 Base Station.

Example scenario:

420 remote units.

420 bytes of information.
41 SBS.
300 Seconds

0.5 Seconds
Synchronous
Other
Data Manager
technologies
Utilities: Smart Grid Scenario
WiMAX: TETRA:
Video surveillance Short Data Services for telemetry
Smart metering and bulk data transmission for Security services
other specific applications Voice services for maintenance personnel
AVL application for vehicles

TETRA / WiMAX

Integration Computer
with SCADA Aided
applications Dispatchers
P25 for Public Safety
Public Safety / Communications Requirements
 Integrated communications system (radio, telephone, VoIP,..)
 Fast and reliable voice services
 Data services to improve traditional voice-based operational
tasks
 No reliance on public based networks (avoid saturation during
emergencies)
 Minimize TCO (Total Cost of Ownership) by enabling network
sharing
 Interoperability between different Public Safety agencies – open
standard
 Comprehensive Computer Aided Dispatch for resources
coordination
 Vehicle & Personnel location services (GPS)
 100 % availability
 Advanced security mechanisms
P25 Network Elements
 CeCoCo Architecture
Integration with an
emergency number
Incoming emergency
calls
Permits effective interaction between
different agencies. Coordination of resources
of each organizations

Isolated networks Integration of

Police Network communications

Police
Dispatch

911 Call takers and

Fire Dept Network coordinators for the
emergency

Centralized management, single

Fire Dept incident among multiple organizations
Dispatch
MVC-6000 Multi-Bearer Vehicular Console
 Service assignment
Public Safety Scenario Vehicle Location
Medical data
Official building access: (photos, videos,
Video surveillance patient history,
remote diagnostics) Traffic signal control:
Traffic lights, radars,
etc..
Traffic monitoring

P25 / WiMAX
Integrated Computer
Aided Dispatchers

Service assignment (photos, video,

audio files, map location)
Vehicle Location, Navigation maps
Service assignment
Mobile office
Vehicle Location
Portal Web access
Mobile office
Incident video
Incident video
Building floor plans access
Main Customer References
Transport References
Spain Germany
Alicante Light Train, FGV (ETRA, Vosslogh- Nuremburg Metro (T-Systems)
Bombardier
KÖR Buses & Trams (T-Systems)
Palma de Mallorca Metro (Sampol, CAF)
Barcelona Metro Line 9 (Tradia) Brazil
Barcelona Buses (TMB) Supervia, Rio de Janeiro Railway
Madrid Metro (CAF, Ansaldo) Brazilia Tramway (ALSTOM)
Madrid Light Train T-2, T-3 (ETRA, ALSTOM)
Parla Light Train (ALSTOM) Russia
Santa Cruz de Tenerife Light Train (Ikusi UTE, Moscow – St. Petersburg Railway
ALSTOM)
Bilbao Airport Algeria
Mexico Algiers Underground (Siemens)
Mexico D.F. Light Train (Alcatel, CAF) Constantine Tramway (EFACEC)
Mexico D.F. Metro Line B (ALSTOM) Oran Tramway
Mexico D.F. Metro Line 2 (ALSTOM) Chile
Mexico D.F. Metro Line 12 (ALSTOM) Santiago Metro (Siemens)
Transport References
Colombia
Emcali
Bogota Buses (Transmilenio)

Malaysia
Tanjung Pelepas Port (J&J – Comintel)

France / Switzerland
TETRA on-board systems for Marseille, Nice,
Grenoble, Bordeaux, Geneva, Lausanne,
and 10 other French / Swiss cities.
Public Safety References
Spain Mexico
Itelazpi, Basque Country Federal District Public Safety Secretariat
(Milpa Alta)
EXPO Zaragoza
City of Puebla
Zaragoza City Local Police and Fire Brigades
Cordoba City Local Police Argentia
Canary Islands Regional Government Neuquen Regional Government (Damovo)
Ceuta Regional Government
Alcala de Guadaira City Local Police Colombia
Telefonica Security Engineering (Guadarrama Cali Government & Public Safety
Tunnel)
Brazil
Bahia State Public Safety Secretariat (SSP)
Rio de Janeiro Public Safety Secretariat
(SSP) (Pan-American Games)
South Korea
Incheon Metropolitan Police Agency (KDN)
 Other References
Mining: Operators:

Iron and Steel Company, CST Arcelor Lig Mobile, Brazil

Mittal Tubarao, Brazil Airwaves, Auckland city TETRA
Rio Tinto, Australia operator, New Zealand
Telefónica Móviles España, Spain

Utilities:
Others:
COELCE, Brazil Música Funcional (sistema PAMR), Andorra
Federal Comission of Electricity -CFE-, Mexico Telecomunicación Sistematizada, Mexico
Guadiana Hydrographic Authority (Adasa),
Torre Picasso (Telvent), Spain
Spain
Degussa (T-Systems), Germany
Chemiepark Bitterfeld, Germany
Sports Stadiums: KVB Köln (T-Systems), Germany
Bayerische Rieswasser (T-Systems),
Real Madrid Football Club, Spain Germany
Tetra Iceland (Niros), Iceland
Information Industry Company, Russia
Gas & Oil:
Repsol YPF (Intepla/Intema), Argentina
Summary / Conclusions
Pros and Cons of TETRA vs. P25
 TETRA
o What is TETRA?
 P25: Phase I / Phase II
 Comparison
o Similarities and differences

Benefits of a Multi-technology Platform

 Common Architecture for TETRA, P25, and WiMax
 Benefits / Applications by Sector
o For Transport
o For Utilities
o For PSS
 “One Platform, Multiple Technologies”

Desktop Radio Dispatcher

Mobile Unit (in-vehicle)

A COMPLETE
Hand Portable Unit

Network Infrastructure
Transportable Systems SOLUTION

Mobile Unit (Motorbike)

Railway On-board Equipment

Radio Modems Coordination and Control Center
Thank you for
your attention