Analogue radios in an IP World

Radio communication networks have long relied on copper lines for infrastructure, but as the copper degrades over time, the lines become increasingly difficult to maintain. Emergency networks are being forced to look for alternatives.

Finding the proper alternative to aged leased copper lines is essential to keeping networks operating at peak performance. Some operators have opted for a network overhaul moving to an entirely digital system, while others prefer updating only the necessary pieces of the system. A system overhaul can be costly and unnecessary, while risk of downtime and finding compatible equipment can cause project delays.

Many radio network operators are choosing to transition the fixed line parts of their network to Ethernet or E1, while keeping their analogue radios. Common concerns are dropped packets or speech, change in audio quality, and compatibility issues which all have to be addressed.

In the network upgrade, many moving parts must align. Emergency networks can manage complications by choosing an upgrade that involves one piece instead of the whole network.