Radio over Internet Protocol

Moving from hardware to software-based advanced technologies, such as Radio over Internet Protocol (RoIP),

can offer improved operational efficiencies at a lower cost. With states developing interoperability plans for

submission to receive Public Safety Interoperability Communications (PSIC) and SAFECOM grant funding, many are

considering RoIP solutions because they can go a long way to extending the reach of interoperability solutions and

satisfying new grant program guidance.

PSIC program guidance requires states to consider advanced and cost effective technologies that can establish

effective and sustainable interoperable communications, not just for first responders, but between them and other

emergency organizations such as hospitals, emergency managers and the American Red Cross. The guidance tells

states to look beyond the costly tradition of buying new radio systems to deploying technologies that establish

interoperability between new and legacy radio systems, and with other communications devices.  RoIP is a very

useful "support player" in this context. So it is important to understand the technology, how it works, and how it

can benefit emergency response.

What is Radio over Internet Protocol or RoIP?

RoIP takes Internet Protocol (IP) input from "traditional" gateways (modems that convert any radio or

communications stream to IP) and uses software to tie them together, forming talk groups and other linkages

dynamically. RoIP is not just about linking radios. It enables interoperable communications between new and

legacy public safety radio systems, commercial wireless and wired phones, handheld or desktop computers and any

other connected communications device. It allows a dispatcher to dynamically drag and drop parties and channels

to form and dissolve talk groups remotely and in real time, on an as-needed basis.

How does it work?

RoIP converts communications of all kinds into the universal

language of Internet Protocol using SIP or Session Initiation

Protocol and other international voice over IP standards.

User devices connect to base stations. Base stations connect

to IP gateways which are manufactured and sold by a wide

variety of companies. At the IP gateway, software transcodes

the voice communication into IP packets. This transcoded

voice stream is then transmitted through IP links (public or

private networks) to the RoIP software and then to other

gateways, where it is converted into the language of the

receiving device.

What types of devices can utilize RoIP technology?

End users can use any communications device they wish

including legacy and new radios, analog and digital UHF and

VHF radios, analog and digital PBX phones, cell phones,

software phones, IP phones, PDAs, and computers. This

flexibility allows agencies and individuals that do not use

public safety radios to be tied into the emergency communications stream when necessary, whether it is the

Mayor, hospitals, public health, the National Guard or an expert that is needed during an emergency event.

Is RoIP secure?

Like any IP system, RoIP systems support high levels of security using a variety of techniques that can include

identity management for both user and device authentication (if the device is IP-based), access and use security

based on assigned permissions, encryption, and the ability to monitor, audit and record activity. They cannot,

however, change the security of any transmission that is not IP-based, i.e. the initial over the air communication.

Who's using it today?

RoIP technology is well known in the US military, increasingly in business, and is now being considered by

emergency agencies across the US. One notable safety implementation is in Clallam County, WA which just

installed a RoIP network that joins 42 federal, state, tribal, transit, and utility agencies (including the Canadian

Mounties) without buying a single new radio.

Brought to you by

COMCARE Emergency Response Alliance