This report analyzes the progress in the digital Land Mobile Radio (LMR) development. The aim was to address up-to-date status of technologies, standards and markets for such radios with the emphasis on Public Safety Communications (PSC) applications.

The report is written for a large audience of technical, managerial and sales staff of organizations involved in the design, manufacturing and utilization Land Mobile Radio.

In particular, this report includes:

1. The updated analysis on the phased development of P25 radio. The current status of the technology, markets and standards and survey of vendors are presented. Though the standardization process started almost twenty years ago, commercialization is still slow; and the market development is unsatisfactory. This situation is addressed by all parties involved in the PSC development in the U.S.

2. The updated analysis on the phased development of TETRA radio.  This technology found more geographically spread market segments than P25. Its Release II offers a combination of voice and data transmission that brings sufficient benefits to the users; but the growth of markets is still slow.

3. The analysis of the MESA project. This international effort (ETSI/TIA) started in 2000 with expectation to produce a “System-of-Systems” - advanced network architecture for PSC with the emphasis on data transmission (2 Mb/s and up).  Currently this project, which generated a significant amount of documentation, is closed.

4. The analysis of major innovations in P25 and TETRA radio, including a) Software Defined Radio – SDR. SDR platforms bring many benefits for PSC, including multi-band transmission and interoperability, b) Utilization of the 700 MHz band.

5. The updated analysis on narrow-band LMR radios, including NXDN and MOTOTRBO. The NXDN radio development is a result of joint efforts of two companies, Icom and Kenwood and it is based on the FDMA technology.  The companies developed two lines of products, IDAS (Icom) and NEXEDGE (Kenwood); these radios were implemented with many advanced technological features, including 6.25 kHz channels. At the same time, Motorola introduced its MOTOTRBO line of digital LMRs, which also utilized newer technologies and is based on the TDMA technology.

6. The analysis of the 4.9 GHz radio technology for PSC.  The FCC allocated the 4940-4990 MHz spectrum for PSC broadband communications. The technology can utilize the existing Wi-Fi ICs, and it supports long-reach communications with speeds 50 Mb/s and up. It utilizes a) OFDM, b) Multi-radio platforms, and c) self-healing and self-organized mesh topology. The major 4.9 GHz radio applications for PSC are temporary fast-deployable networks.

The report addresses technical and marketing characteristics of discussed LMRs.

Target Audience

This report is important for organizations using LMR. They need to understand the market dynamics and to be familiar with vendors’ portfolios to make a right choice in selection of equipment. For LMR vendors, this report provides valuable information on competition. It also supports these vendors with the market assessments.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1.0 Introduction 
1.1 Current Situation 11
1.2 Requirements to Public Safety Radio 12
1.3 Scope and Goals 12
1.4 Research Methodology 13
1.5 Target Audience 13

2.0 Project P25 
2.1 Standardization Process and Technologies 14
2.1.1 General: P25 Standard 14
2.1.2 Process 14
2.1.3 Beginning 15
2.1.4 Project 25/TIA 102: Scope 16
2.1.4.1 Efforts 16
2.1.4.2 Phased Approach 17
2.1.4.2.1 Phases 17
2.1.4.2.2 Phase I 17
2.1.3.2.3 Phase II 17
2.1.3.2.4 Phase III 18
2.1.5 Status 18

3.0 P25 Development-Phase I 
3.1 General Mission and Objectives 19
3.1.2 Compliance 20
3.1.3 Benefits and Issues 21
3.2 Technical Highlights- Interfaces 22
3.2.1 Common Air Interface 23
3.2.2 Fixed Station Interface 24
3.2.3 Console Sub-system Interface (CSSI) 25
3.2.4 RF Sub-system 25
3.2.5 Inter-system Interface (ISSI) 25
3.2.5.1 ISSI Technology 28
3.2.6 Telephone Interconnect Interface 29
3.2.7 Network Management Interface 29
3.2.8 Host and Network Data Interfaces 29
3.2.9 Summary: Interfaces 29
3.3 Security 30
3.4 Coding 31
3.5 Frequency Bands 31
3.6 P25 Voice Messaging 32
3.7 System 32
3.8 Spectrum: Problems 33
3.8.1 700 MHz Band 34
3.9 Major Improvements 36
3.10 Services 37
3.11 Network Scenario 37
3.12 Summary 38

4.0 P25 Phase II 
4.1 Transition 40
4.2 Scope 40
4.2.1 Air Interface – Phase II 41
4.2.2 Attributes 41
4.2.3 Data Services Standards 41
4.2.4 Demand 42
4.3 Time 43

5.0 P25 Radio Market Analysis 
5.1 General 45
5.2 Geography 45
5.3 Market Drivers 45
5.4 Market Forecast 46
5.4.1 Developments 46
5.4.2 Model Assumptions 47
5.4.3 Addressable Market Estimate 47

6.0 P25 Radio Vendors 
Catalyst 52
Daniels 53
Datron 55
Digital Voice System 57
EADS Secure Networks (PlantCML) 58
EF Johnson 60
Etherstack 63
Harris 64
ICOM America 66
IPMobileNet 67
Kenwood 69
M/A-Com (This M/A-Com Business Unit was Acquired by Harris in 2009) 69
Midland 72
Motorola 74
Northern Airborne 77
PowerTrunk 78
Pyramid Communications 79
Relm 81
Raytheon JPS 83
Technisonic Industries 84
Thales 86
Tait Electronics 87
Teltronic 88
Westel 89
Wireless Pacific 90

7.0 TETRA 
7.1 General 92
7.1.1 Major Milestones 93
7.2 TETRA: Scope-Release I 94
7.2.1 General 94
7.2.2 Bands 95
7.2.3 TETRA and GSM 95
7.2.4 Main Features 96
7.2.4.1 General 96
7.2.4.2 Technical Details 99
7.2.4.3 Services 99
7.2.5 Benefits 101
7.2.6 Networking 102
7.2.7 Release I Details 104
7.2.7.1 General 104
7.2.7.2 Interfaces 105
7.2.7.3 Infrastructure 108
7.2.7.4 Spectrum Allocation 109
7.2.7.5 Mobiles 110
7.3 P25 and TETRA 110
7.3.1 General 110
7.3.2 Characteristics 111
7.3.3 Modifications 114
7.4 Security 114
7.5 Summary 116
7.6 TETRA Release II 116
7.6.1 Drivers 117
7.6.1.1 Rational 117
7.6.2 Applications 119
7.6.3 Trunked Mode Operation (TMO) Range Extension 119
7.6.4 Adaptive Multiple Rate (AMR) Voice Codec 120
7.6.5 Mixed Excitation Liner Predictive, enhanced (MELPe) Voice Codec 120
7.6.6 Data Services Development 120
7.6.6.1 TAPS 121
7.6.6.2 TEDS 122
7.6.7 Comparison 124
7.6.8 Standardization Status 125
7.7 Market Analysis 126
7.7.1 General 126
7.7.2 Certification 127
7.7.3 Geography 127
7.7.4 Market Drivers-Industries-Applications 128
7.7.5 Market Forecast 130
7.7.5.1 Model Assumptions 130
7.7.5.2 Market Estimate 130
7.7.6 Vendors 132
3T Communications 132
Aerial Facilities Limited (AFL)-Axell 133
Artevea 134
Cassidian 135
ClearTone 135
DAMM Cellular 136
EADS D&S-PlantCML 137
EtherStack 140
Frequentis 141
Groupco 142
HYT 143
Motorola (Motorola Solutions) 143
Niros 145
Pegasus Network 146
Portalify 147
Radio IP Software 148
Rohde-Schwarz 149
Rohill 150
Sepura 151
Selex 153
Teltronic 154
Team Simoco 156
Thales 158

8.0 Project 25/34 - MESA 
8.1 General 160
8.2 Organization 160
8.3 Background 161
8.4 Project MESA Formulators 162
8.5 Networking 162
8.6 MESA Statement of Requirements (SoR) 163
8.6.1 General 163
8.6.2 Vision: Ad-hoc and Cell 164
8.6.2.1 Features 164
8.6.2.2 Technological Needs 165
8.6.2.3 General Technology-Requirements 167
8.6.2.4 Specific and Functional Requirements 167
8.7 Goals 168
8.8 Applications 169
8.9 Crossroads 169
8.10 Technology Details: System of Systems 170
8.10.1 Framework 171
8.10.1.1 Overview 171
8.11Architecture 171
8.12 Security 172
8.13 Projects P25/TETRA and MESA 173

9.0 NXDN and MOTOTRBO
9.1 FCC Requirements 177
9.2 NXDN Forum 178
9.2.1 Major Differences 179
9.2.2 NXDN and dPMR 181
9.3 NEXEDGE 182
9.3.1 The Company 182
9.3.2 NEXEDGE Major Features 182
9.3.3 Technology 183
9.3.3.1 Air Interface 183
9.3.3.2 Operation Modes 183
9.3.3.2.1 Digital Conventional Mode 183
9.3.3.2.2 Digital Trunked Mode 183
9.3.4 Digital Trunked Wide Area IP Networks 184
9.3.5 Benefits 184
9.3.6 Licensing 185
9.3.7 Products 186
9.4 IDAS 189
9.4.1 Background 189
9.4.2 Technology 190
9.4.2.1 General 190
9.4.2.2 Major Features 190
9.4.2.3 Major Benefits 193
9.4.2.4 Products 193
9.4.3 Future Enhancements 199
9.5 Industry 200
Aeroflex 200
CML Microcircuits 201
Digital Voice Systems, Inc 201
Ritron 203
Zetron 203
9.6 NXDN Market Perspective and Applications 204
9.6.1 Applications 204
9.6.1.1 General 204
9.6.1.2 RR Applications 204
9.6.1.3 Horizon 205
9.6.2 Market 205
9.7 MotoTRBO 206
9.7.1 General 206
9.7.2 Features 207
9.7.2.1 Abilities 207
9.7.2.2 Recent Additions 208
9.7.3 Basis-TDMA Potentials 209
9.7.4 Sales 210
9.7.5 Products 210
9.7.6 MOTOTRBO Services 215
9.7.7 Availability 215
9.7.8 Applications 216

10.0 PSC and Broadband Transmission 
10.1 Need 217
10.2 History 218
10.2.1 Frequency Mask 219
10.3 Broadband PSC and 4.9 GHz Radio 222
10.3.1 General 222
10.3.2 4.9 GHz Public Safety Radio Applications 222
10.3.3 International Activities 224
10.3.4 Eligibility 224
10.3.4.1 Conditions 225
10.3.5 Frequencies Allocations 225
10.3.5.1 Public Safety Bands 225
10.3.5.2 Users 227
10.3.6 Advantages of the 4.9 GHz Band 227
10.3.7 Technologies 228
10.3.7.1 FCC 228
10.3.7.2 IEEE 802.11j 228
10.3.8 Mesh Networks: Standards 229
10.3.8.1 General 229
10.3.8.2 IEEE 802.11s 230
10.3.9 OFDM 231
10.3.10 Multi-radio Platforms 232
10.3.11 Market 232
10.3.11.1 General 232
10.3.11.2 Forecast 233
10.3.12 Manufacturers 234
Airaya 234
Alvarion 235
Aperto 237
Azuretec 237
Airspan 239
Belair 240
Carlson Wireless 241
Cisco 242
Exalt 243
Firetide 244
Fluidmesh Networks 246
GigaBeam 247
Hautespot Networks 248
InfiNet 249
Med-Media 251
MeshDynamics 252
Motorola 252
Proxim Wireless 254
Redline 255
SkyPilot 255
Solectek 257
Strix 258
Teletroncs 259
Trango Systems 260
Tranzeo 261
Trimax (Infrax Systems) 262

11.0 Conclusions 
Attachment I:  P25 Service Availability Matrix 267
Attachment II: P25 Standards 268
Attachment III: Countries with P25-Compliant Radio 271
Attachment IV: 802.11s Development 272
Mesh Networks Standardization Process 272
Wi-Mesh Alliance 272
SEEMesh 274
Attachment V: FCC Ruling- 4.9 MHz Radio 275

LIST OF FIGURES

Figure 1: APCO Project 25 Interface Committee 15
Figure 2: Generic-P25 System Structure 20
Figure 3: P25 System – Major Interfaces 23
Figure 4: ISSI-P25 System-to-System 27
Figure 5: ISSI-Roaming 27
Figure 6: P25 Radio System Model Illustration 33
Figure 7: State and Local PSC Spectrum 33
Figure 8: Revised Frequency Plan 35
Figure 9: Revised Spectrum (Upper 700 MHz sub-band) 35
Figure 10: 700 MHz Auction 36
Figure 11: Example-Network Scenario 38
Figure 12: TAM: PSC P25 Equipment Sales (U.S. and Canada, $B) 48
Figure 13: TAM: PSC P25 Portables Sale-US & Canada ($B) 49
Figure 14: TAM: PSC P25 Mobile Radio Sale – US & Canada ($M) 49
Figure 15: TAM: PSC P25 BS and Associated Equipment Sale – US & Canada ($M) 49
Figure 16: P25 Radio Major Applications 50
Figure 17: TETRA Association Structure 93
Figure 18: TETRA Release I 97
Figure 19: TETRA Interworking Illustration 103
Figure 20: TETRA Interoperability Interfaces 103
Figure 21: Network Scenarios 104
Figure 22:  TETRA Release I Interfaces 106
Figure 23: TETRA: Spectrum Allocation 109
Figure 24: Phased Approach 111
Figure 25: TETRA RII Application Developments 121
Figure 26: Directions 121
Figure 27: TAPS 122
Figure 28: TEDS RF Channel Characteristics 123
Figure 29: Spectral Efficiency 124
Figure 30: Rates and Range 125
Figure 31: TETRA TEDS Characteristics 125
Figure 32: Illustration of TETRA Market Geography (2009) 128
Figure 33: TETRA Segmentation by Industries (2010) 129
Figure 34: TAM: TETRA Radio Global Sales ($B) 131
Figure 35: TAM: TETRA BS & Associated Equipment Global Sales ($B) 131
Figure 36: TAM:  TETRA BS & Associated Equipment Global Sales (Unit 000) 132
Figure 37: Partners 161
Figure 38: MESA Networking 163
Figure 39: PSR Evolution 174
Figure 40: FCC Timeline 178
Figure 41: Adopted Frequency Band Plan (UHF) 180
Figure 42: Adopted Frequency Band Plan (VHF) 181
Figure 43: TAM: U.S. NXDN Equipment Sales ($B) 206
Figure 44: Masks Comparison 220
Figure 45: Public Safety Communications Frequencies Allocations 226
Figure 46: Mesh Network Diagram 230
Figure 47: Addressable Market: U.S.  PSC 4.9 GHz Mobile Equipment ($M) 234
Figure 48: TAM:  PSC 4.9 GHz Network Infrastructure (U.S., $M) 234

LIST OF TABLES

Table 1: P25 Advantages and Issues 22
Table 2: CAI Characteristics 24
Table 3: PSR Bands 33
Table 4: P25 Services 37
Table 5: Phase II Documentation 44
Table 6: TETRA Established 95
Table 7: TETRA Release I-Major Characteristics 116
Table 8: TETRA Improvements 118
Table 9: Applications (Release II) 119
Table 10: Evolution of TETRA Applications 130
Table 11: MESA Networks Levels 171
Table 12:  IDAS Products 194
Table 13:  Power Limits 222
Table 14:  Emergency Services 223
Table 15: Requirements 224
Table 16: Frequencies Allocations: 4.9 GHz Band 227
Table 17: Bandwidth and Power – 4.9 GHz Band  227