Indiana Connects Statewide P25 Core to AT&T’s EPTT Platform

[speedway_navigator]

Indiana Connects Statewide P25 Core to AT&T’s EPTT Platform

MissionCritical Communications, Radio Resource International, and Public Safety Report - wireless voice and data communications for mobile, remote and public safety operations

www.rrmediagroup.com

Indiana’s Integrated Public Safety Commission (IPSC) has connected its statewide Project 25 (P25) 700/800 MHz network core to AT&T’s Enhanced Push-to-Talk (EPTT) platform using the P25 Inter RF Subsystem Interface (ISSI), in the first such implementation in the nation. The EPTT platform is used by Indiana’s First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet) users.

 

[markanderson]

can we still pick on scanner

 

[VASCAR2]

There have been cell phone apps which are integrated into land mobile radio systems for several years. With the advent of FirstNet I suspect the interface between large area trunked and local networks will be more common where users have access to LMR using smart phone or tablets.


Here is a link to a app based solution to where cell phone can interface with a two way radio based communication system whether simplex, duplex or trunked.

JPS VIA Push-to-Talk Application | JPS Interoperability Solutions

Using the JPS VIA push-to-talk application, users can communicate via Smartphones and tablets with associated radio systems.

www.jpsinterop.com

On the JPS app a cell phone user can communicate directly with other app users without interconnecting with the radio system. The communication between smart phone users basically is voice over IP just like Nextel. If the app user selected to communicate over the two radio system the transmission is basically patched into the two way radio system. Unless the radio system is encrypted the cell/smart phone transmission should be received by any radio on the network.

The advantage of the JPS network is an app user could have communication to the Agency radio system from any location as long as the app user had cell or internet connection. A Chief of Police could be in Florida on vacation and start monitoring or communicating with his Agency in the midwest via the app.

Another advantage is an app user can have radio access from his cell phone if he comes upon an emergency where his assistance can be beneficial .

 

[lviper]

A Chief of Police could be in Florida on vacation and start monitoring or communicating with his Agency in the midwest via the app.

Another advantage is an app user can have radio access from his cell phone if he comes upon an emergency where his assistance can be beneficial .

I can see a lot of Chief's and such on a golf course blaming their bad shot on this type of interruption.

 

[speedway_navigator]

Another advantage is cost savings.
A detective or undercover officer doesn't need a 20 ounce brick priced at $150/ounce on his or her belt.

 

[INDY72]

Also remember FirstNet is not a full on replacement for LMR and IPSC even says this again and again. FirstNet is primarily for data. But EPTT does add another tool to the toolbelt, when and where it actually works. As we all know, AT&T SUCKS, and good luck if you really want to depend on them when the SHTF. There still is not, and will not be true 5G dependable service nationwide, much less IN wide for many years. Hence the portable FirstNet sites IPSC has to go along with the SAFE-T sites.

 

[dfoutch]

What would I look for on the decoding programs that would show FirstNet communications.

 

[INDY72]

Nothing at this point in time unless you have a monitor hooked to the Cores. You can see funny data connections,.. and either NO RID/UID with TG's, or a funny UID/RID that makes NO sense on Pro96Com and UT. The actual 5G link in is fully secure and not a scanner made that will do them as well as thats protected by ECPA.

 

[dfoutch]

OK thanks milf

 

[VASCAR2]

With the JPS app the user has the option of completely turning the app off. The user can also determine whether they want their phones location shown to other users on the app. The interface between the app and the radio system is basically a computer server which handles the connection. There is a nominal fee for each app placed on a smart phone or tablet.

Another advantage of the app is connectivity in large buildings that might have limited radio coverage. A local agency has difficulty communicating from within the hospital. As long as the smart phone has the wifi password for the facility the app user has connectivity to the radio system or other app users. A portable radio will always be the preferred option for communications over the app but in some situations the portable/hand held will not have connectivity. In ares of poor LMR coverage there might be adequate cell coverage to provide backup communications.

The app is a cheaper solution than purchasing vehicle repeaters or installing additional receiver sites into the radio system. With the ability to communicate with secure communications between app user desirable to agencies with limited budgets.

 

[speedway_navigator]

A friend of mine was issued a Firstnet Sonim on a state covid 19 mission. The phone has a PTT button but when a call is received the Sonim brings up the PTT app and since no one was issued carrying cases most of them hit the screen's PTT when trying to remove the phone from their pocket, so a chorus of PTT chirps goes on for 4 or 5 seconds before anyone can talk.

 

[west-pac]

I'm pretty sure a few Whitley county sheriff's units are using First Net. While watching Unitrunker a few units has unique RIDs, while dispatch and a few other units would only show up as the dispatch RID. Looking at Unitrunker it looked like dispatch was talking to themselves, yet listening to the radio traffic they were obviously different people having a conversation, all showing the same RID.

 

[DiGiTaLD]

Another advantage of the app is connectivity in large buildings that might have limited radio coverage. A local agency has difficulty communicating from within the hospital. As long as the smart phone has the wifi password for the facility the app user has connectivity to the radio system or other app users. A portable radio will always be the preferred option for communications over the app but in some situations the portable/hand held will not have connectivity. In ares of poor LMR coverage there might be adequate cell coverage to provide backup communications.

Also add to this that some facilities with distributed antenna systems, such as hospitals, actually have cellular BTS equipment on site feeding the DAS. In that case, a user wouldn't even have to worry about connecting to the wifi as their FirstNet device will automatically roam on to the cellular site feeding the in-building DAS.

 

[west-pac]

I'm pretty sure a few Whitley county sheriff's units are using First Net. While watching Unitrunker a few units has unique RIDs, while dispatch and a few other units would only show up as the dispatch RID. Looking at Unitrunker it looked like dispatch was talking to themselves, yet listening to the radio traffic they were obviously different people having a conversation, all showing the same RID.

Upon further review, it appears that Whitley Co uses a radio patch between their VHF repeater and their 800 SHF TG. I've seen 2 or 3 Whitley Co SD units pop up on Trunker, but all units (including dispatch) are simulcasted on their 800 SHF Disp, and their VHF repeater. I should've checked that before posting, but I imagine users of First Net would show up the same way on Trunker, all using the same radio/RID at a dispatch center.