How to Set Up A Radio Network

In the modern economy, commu-nications is a prerequisite forthe success of any enterprise. Companies are trying to focus more on thecommunications, thereby equipping their employees for faster decisions. Sincetoday’s executive is always on the move, it becomes all the more important toconstantly equip him with information irrespective of locations. This makes himbetter informed for crucial assignments.

There are various options available for mobile communications–cellphone, pager, satellite phone, VHF/UHF handset, and Public Mobile Radio TrunkingService (PMRTS). Satellite phones are very expensive–both on the handset aswell as airtime consideration. Cell phones are comparatively cheaper but high onthe airtime cost. Pagers have the limitation of being a one-way communicationdevice, and VHF/UHF handsets utilize more frequency spectrum. PMRTS may becostly compared to cell phones as far as the cost of the handset is concerned,but its running cost is definitely cheaper. PMRTS is also a good option for acampus type of environment or in organizations where messages have to bebroadcast for different subgroups in organizations like taxi companies, couriersand parcel services, security companies, air freight, and cargo services.

The demand for mobile communications services continues toincrease the pressure on the available radio frequencies. PMRTS technology helpsin the optimum utilization of the frequency spectrum. Hence, while deploying awireless PMRTS network one has to be careful in choice of the technology,turnkey partner, and infrastructure equipment provider.

Step #1

Network selection–today, two types of radio networks areprevalent–private and public. Private network is more suited for departmentslike Defence, Security, Police, Municipal Corporations, etc. It is ideal fororganizations where security is the prime concern and when there is requirementof more than 150 handsets. If corporates have a small requirement, say less than50 handsets, they can go for PMRTS systems based in the respective cities andutilize their existing resources instantaneously without any delay.

Step #2

Technology selection–many technologies are available in thePMRTS arena. Some of them are open technologies like MPT 1327 and Trans EuropeanTrunk Radio Association (TETRA). Others are proprietary technologies like iden,Smartnet, and Smart Trunk II. MPT 1327 is a technology of Ministry of Post &Telegraph and is a semi-digital in nature. TETRA and iden are based on digitaltechnology whereas Smartnet and Smart Trunk II are based on analog technologies.In the proprietary technologies, Motorola has promoted iden, Smartnet and SmartTrunk II. LTR is a technology that is being promoted by EF Johnson and Motorola.TETRA and MPT 1327 is supported by all known players like Rhode & Schwarz,Nokia, Motorola, Tait, Simoco, Marconi, and others. While some of thetechnologies provide only voice capabilities, others provide both voice anddata.

Step #3

Choosing turnkey partner–this is very crucial step to thewhole process. When you choose a turnkey partner, choose one that will cater tothe entire hardware and software needs of the RF network–right from sitesurvey, to installation and commissioning. Depending on requirements, the scopeof delivery may include suitable microwave links and emergency power system. Theturnkey partner should take care not only of system planning and installation,but also do smaller tasks such as installation of masts and construction ofshelters and buildings.

Step #4

Requirement analysis–once the technology and turnkeypartner is selected, one has to do a comprehensive analysis of the requirementsof the corporate. This analysis has to be detailed to the last details in termsof area to be covered, number of handsets to be purchased, number of mobileunits to be purchased, etc. It also requires a detailed system planning, whichwill include location survey, topography survey, frequencies, and links. Asimulation test has to be performed to provide complete coverage guarantee inall the areas that the corporate intends to provide radio coverage in.

The choice of handset will depend upon three parameters:features, requirement, and cost. Based on the requirement one can go for eithermobile or static version. One can also choose the handset based on voice anddata applications. Talking of the cost aspect, most of the handsets cost betweenRs 18,000 to Rs 20,000.

On the infrastructure equipment requirement, a private systemcan support 60 handsets per channel on the digital front and 90 subscribers onthe analog front. Once the number of handsets to be deployed in the network isfinalized, one can go for a particular number of channel systems based on aparticular technology and on a particular frequency band. On the frequencyfront, 800 MHz is good, but one does not get it easily. On the other hand, 350MHz is a new frequency band and is easily available because the frequencyspectrum is free. On the technology front, TETRA is available in 350 MHz, 400MHz, and 800 MHz.

Step #5

System design–The turnkey service provider has to do thebasic system design on the basis of the topography survey and simulation testperformed. Once the basic system design is over, the turnkey provider has to gofor a detailed system design with radio network planning and capacity planningin place. The system design will also give a detailed information about theinterfaces used for connecting other networks.

Step #6

Government clearances and installation–the turnkey serviceprovider has to get the SACFA clearance for setting up the network. One has toget a clearance from 28 other departments like Central Bureau of Investigation,Ministry of Home Affairs, Ministry of Railways, Defence (Army, Navy, Air Force),Municipal Corp., Airports Authority, among others before setting up the radiolinks. Once the clearances are through, the turnkey provider can installinfrastructure equipment like Master Switching Centre (MSC), Base Station,Operation Management Control (OMC), antennae, RF cables, and Trunk SiteController. The turnkey provider has to also ensure that monitoring equipmentare installed in the premises of the respective agencies.

Step #7

Commissioning of the system–the turnkey service providerhas to commission the antennae and the antennae cables, power supplies andfeeders, commission the site, and commission the OMC. Once the test run issuccessfully done one can test the performance of the system for few days andthen launch the services commercially.

Step #8

Training and documentation–in order to make efficient useof the system, the turnkey service provider should provide an in-depth trainingto the systems manager and other key people in the systems department so thatone can use the system in the best possible way. For effective use of the radiotrunking system, the users should undergo training. For the maintenance andefficient working of the system all design and other details should be welldocumented and can be referred to whenever the need arises.

Pravin Prashant