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Radio over IP (RoIP) Benefits
Radio over IP offers a cost effective way to interconnect radio systems and operators together. It is a technology that enhances and adds value to radio communications networks.
The benefits of Radio over IP can easily be obtained on existing analog networks through the use of IP gateways such as the IPR range.
Benefits of RoIP
1. Lower Costs
Uses an Existing IP Infrastructure. Many corporations and public safety organizations already maintain their own private IP LAN or WAN. Therefore, no extra cabling or communications paths are required for the installation of a new radio or console. Most areas also support public IP networks that can be used, via VPN’s, to augment private LANs. Once a system is in place, further upgrades or expansion is easy and inexpensive, since no significant wiring is required.
Availability and Decreasing Cost of Equipment. Commercial off-the-shelf hardware can be used, in terms of the routers and switches that make up the networks. These can be sourced from a broad range of third party manufacturers, in an industry where costs are continually decreasing.
Replaces Expensive Leased Lines and Microwave Links
The biggest cost saving, however, comes from the technology’s ability to replace leased lines and expensive wireless links. Savings from the elimination of analog leased lines, alone, should result in capital payback within 6 months – at the most!
2. Improved Reliability
The interconnections between radios and consoles become more reliable, since they form part of a mesh IP network. This provides an inherently resilient infrastructure that is not subject to a single point of failure.
3. Increased Interoperability
Once it’s in the IP domain, radio audio can be routed to virtually any type of radio system. This allows UHF, VHF and HF radios to be easily interconnected. However, the benefits of interoperability aren’t just related to the radio systems, they also apply to corporate communications such as Telephone PABX, Computers and Cell Phones. This is made possible through the use of SIP technology.
