Public Safety Communications Standards and Cognitive Radio: Assessment of Technologies and Markets for First Responders Radio

This report addresses issues that are important to homeland security. It provides marketing and technology analysis of standard public safety radio (P25 and TETRA), a necessary component of the security infrastructure. The report researches a phased radio development, and shows the specifics of each phase.

Lack of interoperability between two-way radios and other wireless devices because of incompatibility and limited public spectrum continues to plague public safety teams. To ensure communications, many law enforcement and even some military personnel carry two or more wireless devices, including cell phones, personal digital assistants (PDAs), two-way radios and pagers. Ideally, first responders would carry a multipurpose radio able to work with any reasonable wireless communications protocol. Even a better choice is an intelligent device that would determine itself the most reliable communications channel and take advantage of it, a concept called "cognitive radio". To date, however, radio interoperability solutions have limited frequency range and capabilities and are expensive ($1,500 and above). Federal, State, and local authorities are pursuing short-term interoperability enablers, such as crossband repeaters and voice over Internet protocol, but no single communications mode or protocol furnishes a permanent solution.

That is why cognitive radio, with abilities of sensing the spectrum and self-selection of optimal for each particular situation transmitting frequencies, selection of transmitting power and even signal type is “an ultimate” device for achieving interoperability in first responders communications systems. The report addresses cognitive radio technology specifics and applications, including also marketing estimates.

P25 and TETRA are two primary standards for public safety communications systems. They were developed for specific applications for the U.S. and European safety agencies, respectively. The report analyzes the process of phased radio technology development, concentrating on comparison TETRA and P25 features. It is also addressing phase III of these standards evolving, so called project MESA, which suppose to bring two standards together and is in the development by major U.S. and Europe standard organizations.

It is still premature to judge project MESA methods of achieving interoperability in public safety communications. At the same time, it is obvious that cognitive radio can satisfy requirements even the most demanding users, seamlessly connecting various technologies and spectrums. Though it does not mean that cognitive radio can give us all desirable features tomorrow, it is still envisioned as a powerful tool in achieving first responders' interoperability. The report analyzes the current status of cognitive radio readiness and shows that this radio market will evolve in the 2010-2011 time frame. Though the technological abilities of cognitive radio seem unlimited, the cost and regulations are still the major roadblocks; and it may take a significant time to unify users' desires with a reality of life.

Considerable research was done using the Internet. Information from various Web sites was studied and analyzed; evaluation of publicly available marketing and technical publications was conducted. Telephone conversations and interviews were held with industry analysts, technical experts and executives. In addition to these interviews and primary research, secondary sources were used to develop a more complete mosaic of the market landscape, including industry and trade publications, conferences and seminars.

The overriding objective throughout the work has been to provide valid and relevant information. This has led to a continual review and update of the information content.

This report is important for the government agencies involved in the first response to critical situations. It is necessary for technical departments of such agencies to have a document, which in simple language explains radio technology and architectures of networks supporting public safety radios. They also need to have a picture of the market with the major players and their portfolios to select the right equipment.

For vendors of the first response communications technology, this report provides valuable information on competition. It also supports these vendors with the market assessment.