Cross-Organization Talkgroup Sharing via Sharecode Authentication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing Push-To-Talk (PTT) systems do not effectively allow for the sharing of talkgroups between different organizations, limiting communication and collaboration in situations where access to multiple groups is necessary.
Innovation Solution
A method for sharing talkgroups is implemented, where a sharecode and talkgroup sharing parameters are exchanged between organizations, enabling devices from one organization to participate in the talkgroups of another organization, with control over access rights and parameters such as time limits and device numbers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If talkgroups are restricted to organization members only, then security and control are maintained, but communication and collaboration between organizations are limited
Solution Approach 1:
A sharecode is introduced as an intermediary authentication mechanism that enables cross-organization talkgroup access. The sharecode acts as a mediator between the restricting organization's security controls and the requesting organization's communication needs, allowing controlled sharing without compromising either security or adaptability
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts talkgroup membership by allowing temporary addition of non-member devices through sharecode authentication. This dynamic approach enables the talkgroup composition to change based on sharing needs while maintaining the underlying security framework, resolving the contradiction between fixed security controls and flexible communication requirements
2Productivity
If multiple organizations can access the same talkgroup, then communication efficiency improves, but control over access rights and security parameters becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
Access control parameters such as time limits and device number restrictions are extracted from the main talkgroup configuration and embedded within the sharecode mechanism. This extraction simplifies the overall system by consolidating multiple control parameters into a single sharing entity, reducing the complexity of managing cross-organization access rights
3Adaptability or versatility
If devices from different organizations are added to the same talkgroup, then collaboration capability is enhanced, but maintaining security and ownership controls becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary authentication and parameter validation through sharecode verification before allowing non-member devices to join a talkgroup. This preliminary action ensures that security and ownership controls are established in advance, enabling enhanced collaboration capability while maintaining reliable ownership control throughout the interaction
Data Source
AI summary
A request to provide a sharecode is received from a first communication device associated with a first organization, and the sharecode is provided. Thereafter, the sharecode and a talkgroup sharing parameter are received from a second communication device associated with a second organization. The talkgroup sharing parameter identifies a talkgroup associated with the second organization to be shared with the first organization. An indication that one or more devices associated with the first organization are permitted to participate in the talkgroup associated with the second organization then is provided to the first communication device associated with the first organization. Thereafter, a request is received from the first communication device associated with the first organization to add a device associated with the first organization to the talkgroup associated with the second organization, and a device associated with the first organization is added to the talkgroup associated with the second organization.