Abstract
Transitioning a Terrestrial Trunked Radio (TETRA) network to a Long-Term Evolution (LTE) network in public protection and disaster relief (PPDR) systems is a path to providing future services requiring high radio interface throughput and allowing broadband PPDR (BB-PPDR) radio communications. Users of TETRA networks are currently considering how to deploy a BB-PPDR network in the coming years. This study offers several radio planning considerations in TETRA to LTE migration for such networks. The conclusions are obtained from a case study in which both measurements and radioelectric coverage simulations were carried out for the real scenario of the Murcia Region, Spain, for both TETRA and LTE systems. The proposed considerations can help PPDR agencies efficiently estimate the cost of converting a TETRA network to an LTE network. Uniquely in this study, the total area is divided into geographical areas of interest that are defined as administrative divisions (region, municipal areas, etc.). The analysis was carried out using a radio planning tool based on a geographic information system and the measurements have been used to tune the propagation models. According to the real scenario considered, the number of sites needed in the LTE network—for a specific quality of service (90% for the whole region and 85% for municipal areas)—is a factor of 2.4 higher than for TETRA network.
Highlights
The conversion of a Terrestrial Trunked Radio (TETRA) network to a Long Term Evolution (LTE)network in public protection and disaster relief (PPDR) systems is a possible solution to provide future services requiring high radio interface throughput and allowing broadband PPDR (BB-PPDR)radio communications [1]
According to the real scenario considered, the number of sites needed in the LTE network—for a specific quality of service (90% for the whole region and 85% for municipal areas)—is a factor of 2.4 higher than for TETRA network
The introduction of LTE for PPDR should complement, not replace, existing TETRA networks, which will continue to be the best choice for short-term mission-critical voice service
Summary
The conversion of a Terrestrial Trunked Radio (TETRA) network to a Long Term Evolution (LTE)network in public protection and disaster relief (PPDR) systems is a possible solution to provide future services requiring high radio interface throughput and allowing broadband PPDR (BB-PPDR)radio communications [1]. In Report 218, The Electronic Communication Committee (ECC) proposed a roadmap until 2025 for the transition to broadband communication in PPDR systems [2]. This roadmap envisages coexisting TETRA and LTE networks for several years until the LTE system has all the functionalities of the PPDR systems. The introduction of LTE for PPDR should complement, not replace, existing TETRA networks, which will continue to be the best choice for short-term mission-critical voice service. Before any broadband solution can replace the current TETRA systems, the LTE network should meet all radioelectric coverage requirements currently satisfied by the existing network
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
