Mobile responder communication networks for public safety

Abstract

This article proposes a paradigm shift from the prevailing public safety model of disparate, agency-owned and -operated Land Mobile Radio networks to Mobile Responder Communication Networks (MRCNs) that are created by unifying communications resources and are shared across cooperating public safety agencies to provide local, regional, or national service. MRCNs use a common IP-based core network employing service-intelligent session control to bridge networks based on LMR and commercial wireless access technologies, thus allowing the support of emerging IP-based multimedia services, high data rate access, and mission-critical tactical group voice and interoperable communications during emergency responses.