Abstract
In disaster management scenarios with seriously damaged, not existing, or saturated communication infrastructures satellite communications can be an ideal means to provide connectivity with unaffected remote terrestrial trunked radio (TETRA) core networks. However, the propagation delay imposed by the satellite link affects the signalling protocols. This paper discusses the suitability of using a satellite link for TETRA backhauling, introducing two different architectures. In order to cope with the signal delay of the satellite link, the paper proposes and analyzes a suitable solution based on the use of a performance enhancing proxy (PEP). Additionally, robust header compression (ROHC) is discussed as suitable technology to transmit TETRA voice via IP-based satellite networks.
Highlights
Safety-critical systems are designed as highly available networks with redundant components and network connectivity
Current satellite-based solutions applied to disaster management scenarios are mostly limited to satellite phones even if some work has been done towards systems using satellite backhauling solutions, that is, connecting base stations for wireless services to their corresponding base station controllers via a long-haul link
Due to the necessity of keeping the protocol stack unchanged on the terminals, the satellite segment is the one we can influence in order to improve the performance in terms of reducing the call setup delay
Summary
Safety-critical systems are designed as highly available networks with redundant components and network connectivity. Situations can occur requiring either a dynamic network extension (e.g., mass gatherings, rescue missions in uncovered regions, or abroad) or temporary replacement of damaged network infrastructure (e.g., after a flooding or an earthquake) Under these conditions satellite communication as wide area network is a valuable means to complement terrestrial lines. An increasing number of public services (e.g., transportation) and private companies implement their own PMR networks. These user groups require service attributes which a public cell phone system like GSM cannot provide. The insertion of a satellite link within the TETRA architecture (i.e., backhauling for voice services) would help to improve the network’s resilience, making the system not dependent on the availability of the network.
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