IP Radio Dispatch System Using Distributed Call Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional radio dispatch systems face challenges in interoperability between emergency services agencies and lack support for nomadic call takers, requiring complex mesh networks and dedicated lines, which complicates backup systems and does not efficiently utilize packet-based networks for VoIP communications.
Innovation Solution
A system and method utilizing an Internet Protocol (IP) network with distributed call management functions, radio gateways, and telephone gateways to provide scalable and fault-tolerant radio dispatch capabilities, enabling multipoint-to-multipoint communication and supporting remote operator positions through virtual private networks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional point-to-point leased lines are used to interconnect radio sites, then reliable communication is achieved, but device complexity and network configuration complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple point-to-point leased lines into a single IP network infrastructure. Traditional separate leased lines for each agency and backup are consolidated into one shared IP network, reducing the number of physical connections while maintaining reliability through software-based call management and virtual private networks.
Solution Approach 2:
The IP network serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides primary communication, backup communication, inter-agency interoperability, and supports both fixed and nomadic call takers. This multi-functional approach replaces the need for separate dedicated lines for each function.
2Adaptability or versatility
If dedicated interoperable channels and parallel lines are added for agency interoperability, then interoperability between emergency services is improved, but device complexity and network configuration complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The IP network provides a universal platform that supports multiple emergency services agencies simultaneously. Different agencies can access the same network using their existing radio frequencies without requiring separate dedicated channels, achieving interoperability through the shared infrastructure rather than separate parallel lines.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces call management software as an intermediary layer between radio sites and IP network. This software mediator handles the complexity of routing calls between different agencies and frequencies, shielding users from the underlying network complexity while enabling seamless interoperability.
3Reliability
If separate leased lines are provided for backup systems, then system reliability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The backup communication path is merged with the primary IP network infrastructure. Instead of separate backup leased lines, the system uses the same IP network with virtual private networks and software-based call management to provide backup routing, eliminating the need for duplicate physical lines.
Solution Approach 2:
The backup capability is made dynamic rather than static. The call management software can dynamically route calls through different paths based on network conditions, allowing the backup mechanism to adapt to changing network states without requiring fixed separate backup lines.
4Ease of operation
If centralized call management is used for VoIP communications, then system control is simplified, but scalability and fault-tolerance are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The centralized call management function is segmented into distributed call management modules deployed at different locations including radio sites, PSAPs, and remote sites. Each module independently manages local calls while participating in a shared call distribution database, achieving both distributed control and centralized coordination.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from vertical centralized control to horizontal distributed control across multiple dimensions. Call management functions are replicated across multiple geographic locations and network layers, allowing the system to scale by adding more distributed nodes rather than expanding a single centralized controller.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method and system for dispatching calls using a packet network is disclosed. The use of distributed call management modules, enables various communication systems, such as RF and PSTN systems, to communicate with each other over the IP network. Audio devices from the various communicationsystems are each assigned an IP multicast group. Distributed call management modules convert signals from the audio devices into IP packets and transmit the IP packets to designated IP multicast groups over the IP network.