1 P25 TRUNKED SYSTEM OVERVIEW

When discussing an overall P25 Trunked network of systems, three basic terms are important
to the overall understanding of the system:
• Site
• Region
• Network
A P25 Trunked Site refers to the radio equipment located at a tower site. This may include up
to twenty-four MASTR III RF base stations and a Site Interface cabinet. MASTR III base
stations provide the RF radio backbone for the site and the Site Interface cabinet houses the
data management equipment.
Regions are formed when two or more P25 Trunked Sites are connected to a Network
Switching Center (NSC). A NSC provides a centralized management point for the sites within
the region.
A Network is formed when two or more Regions are connected to a Network Operations
Center (NOC) and provides a centralized management point for the entire Network of
Regions.

1.1 MASTR III P25 TRUNKED SITE

The M/A-COM P25 Trunked Site is a high-performance radio communications system
available in VHF and UHF frequency bands with a wide variety of configurations to meet
critical communications requirements for present and future communication needs. The
MASTR III P25 Trunked Site is a highly reliable trunked radio communications system with
a unique architecture that ensures continued operation even under failure conditions. The
MASTR III P25 Trunked infrastructure is based on an industry standard Ethernet architecture
capable of linking multiple RF sites to console controllers and system management devices.
The MASTR III P25 Trunked infrastructure makes use of the industry standard Internet
Protocol (IP) over an Ethernet backbone to provide fast, highly reliable and fault-tolerant
management and control communications. Cisco® Ethernet switches and routers provide the
connectivity previously provided by serial links. Wide Area Network (WAN) technology
connects the 100 MB Ethernet LAN to the RF sites, dispatch consoles, other data
management locations, etc. Figure 1-1 gives an example of a 5-channel site. Options and
accessories may vary from those represented in Figure 1-1.

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 Ethernet Switch

Router

SiteLink
Main and Back-up
SitePro MMM

NetworkSentry

Tranking Repeater
MASTRIII

Sure Call

Figure 1-1: Example of a Five Channel MASTR III P25 Trunked RF Site

The MASTR III-P25T base station is the radio backbone for P25 Trunked site configurations.
A P25 Trunked site comprises two or more MASTR III P25 Trunked RF base stations and
supporting hardware. This architecture is portrayed in Figure 5-2 where hardware shown in
the upper portion of the pictorial represents the RF Radio Communication devices while the
lower portion of the pictorial shows the Local Area Network (LAN) system and a network of
site management and data communication devices.

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 Figure 1-2: P25T RF Site Overview

The MASTR III P25 Trunked base station functions much like the traditional MASTR III
base station providing over-the-air transmit and receive paths, with the addition of a DSP card
located in the MASTR III T/R shelf to encode and decode the P25 TX/RX modes of
operation. However, unlike traditional MASTR III stations, P25 Trunked configurations only
support P25 modulation modes of operation. No analog voice paths are provisioned with
MASTR III P25 Trunked base station configurations.

1.2 P25 TRUNKED REGION

Regions are formed when two or more P25 Trunked RF Sites are networked together via IP-
based Routers (see Figure 5-3) to the NSC. Regions consist of a minimum of two RF sites and
a NSC. Regions may also be equipped with multiple Communications Console Controllers
and redundant hot standby NSC components to provide one the most reliable trunked
communication backbones available

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 Figure 1-3: Example of an P25 Trunked Region

1.3 Network Switching Center

The Network Switching Center is a management system built on software platforms residing
on two or more Personal Computers. The NSC concept minimizes overall hardware
requirements by relying on software driven management and processing applications. The
NSC communicates to P25 Trunked Sites using IP-based point-to-point communications
providing a multi-site and multi-region call management architecture. Site-to-site, regional
communications, IP-based console interfacing, call routing, and system management are all
performed by the NSC.
Several different NSC architectures have been created to provide structured offerings to a
broad marketplace. The current NSC models are:
• Pilot NSC
• Standard NSC
• High Availability NSC

1.3.1 Pilot NSC

The Pilot NSC shown in Figure 1-4 is the basic NSC configuration for P25 Trunked
operations. The Network Switching Server (NSS) is a fully integrated voice and data
controller deployed in a NSC. The NSS runs the data switch (MDIS) and voice switch
(VNIC) software applications.
The NSS performs the routing functions for digital trunked voice and packet data messages
through an IP backbone. It assures that voice and data messages are delivered only to those
radio sites necessary to reach the defined mobile subscribers known as peers. The NSS routes
calls to and from each voice group or mobile data user on a real-time basis and regulates
voice and data traffic on the network.
Each voice user belongs to a voice group of peers. A network administrator assigns the
members of a voice group and sets the voice group parameters including priority, hang time,

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preferred site, and response time. The NSS maintains these voice group files. The NSS routes
the IP voice traffic of one member to all the other members of a given voice group.
The Unified Administration Server (UAS) and the Regional Network Manager (RNM)
software reside on the Regional Management Server (RMS) PC. The UAS enables the System
Administrator to set up and configure a P25 radio network including the configuration of
users, their privileges, their organization, their security, and their capabilities within the
region. The RNM provides monitoring and troubleshooting of the land mobile radio region
defined by the NSS.
The optional Key Management Facility (KMF) maintains security key access codes for
regions employing data encryption features.

Figure 1-4: Example of a Pilot-NSC

1.3.2 Standard NSC

The Standard NSC shown in Figure 1-5 employs all the features of the Pilot NSC and includes
a Regional Site Manager (RSM) to manage specific call routing and site-to-site
communications requirements.

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 Figure 1-5: Example of a Standard Network Switching Center (NSC)

1.3.3 High Availability NSC

The High Availability NSC (HA-NSC) shown in Figure 1-6 includes redundant (“hot
standby”) hardware and software applications for the Network Switching Server PC, Access
Router, and Ethernet Switch.

Figure 1-6: Example of a High Availability NSC (HA-NSC)

1.4 P25 TRUNKED NETWORK

A P25 Trunked Network consists of two or more Regions connected together and with a
NOC. The NOC provides a centralized management function for all regions within the
network.
The NOC can be located anywhere within any region, or external of all regions. The linking
paths between Regions may be accomplished in any order, and may consist of multiple paths

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to provide Network redundancy and increased traffic handling capacity. In other words,
remote locations, such as Region 4 (see Figure 5-7) may have multiple communication paths
that improve the performance of the overall Network through redundancy and load sharing.

Region A

DVU Gateway

WAN

Network Switching
Center

Network
Dispatch Operating
Region B Consoles Center

Centralized Network
Administration and Management

WAN WAN Dispatch

Consoles

Network Switching
Center

DVU Gateway WAN

LAN

Network Switching
Center

Dispatch P25IP
Consoles
Region C Radio Site

Figure 1-7: Example of a P25 Trunked Network with a NOC

1.4.1 NETWORK OPERATIONS CENTER

A NOC is utilized when two or more Regions are connected together. At the NOC, the
Centralized Management Server (CMS) manages the basic operations of the connected
Regions. At Regions with NOC connectivity, the RNM forwards operational info to the
Centralized Network Management (CNM) allowing the CNM to monitor regional site
activities. At the regional level, Regional Site Management activity is reported to the RSM for
historical archiving. However, when connected to a NOC, all regional RMS activity is
reported to the Centralized Site Manager (CSM) at the NOC for historical record keeping.
Optional Security Key operations are maintained by the optional Key Management Facility
(KMF). KMF operations may be maintained by a single KMF and can be located at the
regional level or at the NOC.

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 Figure 1-8: Example of a Network Operations Center (NOC)

1.5 P25 TRUNKED SITE INFRASTRUCTURE

The Station SitePro, is the heart of a MASTR III P25 Trunked station. Its primary purpose is
to provide digital signaling and transmitter control of the associated base station. The Station
SitePro interprets and directs inbound calls, processes these calls, and issues appropriate
commands about how calls are handled.
The SitePro-SiteLink (SP-SL) is a variation of the Station SitePro hardware. Its primary
function is to provide downlink communication with the NSC via the switch/router/ path. The
SP-SL in concert with the Control Channel Station SitePro, passes Control Channel data to
the NSC.
The SitePro MME uses the same hardware as the SitePro-SiteLink. However, it uses a
different software configuration that allows it to manage data call traffic.
The Site Interface cabinet also contains the SureCall P25 Test Unit (TU) system. The TU is
an optional feature of a P25 Trunked site that tests the radio channels at the P25 Trunked RF
site. It monitors the outgoing messages on the Control Channel and places test calls under the
direction of the Site Control Channel. A test call consists of sending a call request on the
Control Channel, receiving a Working Channel assignment, and checking data transmission in
both directions on the assigned Working Channel. Any failure of the Control or Working
Channels to perform as expected is reported to the Control Channel Station SitePro and/or to
the NSC. The SureCall System can also be used as a service or test radio for maintenance
personnel.

Two basic LAN communication ports exist at the base station SitePro Controller shelf, the
Management and Control LAN (MLAN), and the P25 Local Area Network (PLAN).
One or more Cisco 2950 series routers provide connectivity to all co-located site equipment.
Both the MLAN and the PLAN are Virtual LANs (VLANs) created by the routers to improve
overall throughput and data management. VLANs operate as though each VLAN is a distinct

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physical switch. The function is used at the RF Site location to provide two separate logical
networks, one for inter-site signaling and management data (MLAN) and the other for
digitized RX/TX audio and data packet handling (PLAN).
The P25 Trunked infrastructure makes use of the industry standard IP over its Ethernet
backbone to provide fast, highly reliable and fault-tolerant management and control
communications. Cisco Ethernet switches and routers provide the connectivity.
WAN technology connects the 100 MB Ethernet LAN to the RF sites, dispatch consoles,
other data management locations, etc. Routers are used to create the point-to-point
connections between physical locations.
At the RF Site (see Figure 1-9), SitePro Base Station Controllers (one per channel)
communicate on a local 10 MB LAN that supports call management. Each Station SitePro,
SitePro-SiteLink (SP-SL), SitePro Mini-Mobility Exchange (MME), and the SMI-Network
Sentry communicate through a Router to the NSC via a 100 MB T1/E1 connection provided
to the router. The T1/E1 connection is routed to the Ethernet switches which divide the T1/E1
signal into two VLANs, one for data management (MLAN) and the other for voice IP packets
(PLAN), thus forming the operational appearance of two separate LAN services.
The Ethernet switches multiplex up to 24 individual Ethernet ports into a single 100BaseT I/O
port. The 100BaseT I/O ports of two or more Ethernet switches may be daisy chained together
forming a single 100BaseT port I/O portal. The daisy chain is then connected to the site
router, which provides connectivity to the T1/E1 WAN connection.
As previously discussed, the switches are programmed to provide two VLANs within the site
infrastructure. This configuration improves overall data handling by separating management
and control data from voice IP packets. Each IP-based hardware device connected to an
Ethernet switch has a unique IP address. The Ethernet switches maintain port identities and
route IP data packets to their respective hardware device.

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 Figure 1-9: MASTR III-P25 Trunked RF Site – Detailed System Overview

1.5.1 MASTR III P25 TRUNKED STATION OPERATION

The MASTR III P25 Trunked base station is the RF backbone for a P25 site. The station
consists of a Power Supply, Transmitter/Receiver (T/R) shelf, RF Power Amplifier and a
Station SitePro. In addition to the standard T/R shelf, the station is equipped with a Digital
Signal Processor (DSP) Module to provide the necessary encoding and decoding required for
P25 mode of operation.

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 0

1.5.2 P25 Trunked Repeater Operation

In P25 Trunked repeater operation, the MASTR III base station functions much like
traditional trunked repeater stations. However, the mode of operation is 4-Level digital FM
using the industry standard APCO P25 trunked digital protocol. The P25 protocol utilizes the
digital capable features of the T/R shelf. The demodulated analog signal path from the
Receiver IF Module, as well as most analog signal paths associated with the System Module,
are not used for P25 signal processing.
Over-the-Air P25 signals are received at the RX Front End Module and passed through a band
pass filter, mixed with the local oscillator signal from the RX Synthesizer Module and the
resulting products sent to the RX IF Module. At the RX IF Module, the IF signal goes through
a series of band pass and image rejection filters, amplification and a second mixer stage
resulting in a 455 kHz second IF signal. For P25 Trunked applications, the 455 kHz IF signal
is routed to a series of amplifiers that produce a balanced 455 kHz IF output signal ( 455 kHz
IF + and 455 kHz IF -) that is sent to the DSP Module via the back plane.
At the DSP Module, the 455 kHz IF signal is processed and passed to the System Module via
the high Speed Data line EXT_HSD. The System Module acts as a toll gate, only permitting
retransmission of received signals per commands from the Station SitePro controller. The 455
kHz IF signal is also decoded and sent to the Station SitePro as serial data via the 9.6kHz-RX-
DATA-OUT line.
At the Station SitePro, the serial data signal is processed for group and unit identification and
compared to the user database stored in the Station SitePro. Validated requests are processed
and control signaling sent the System Module allowing retransmission of the received P25
signal. The System Module responds to control commands from the Station SitePro controller
and routes the P25 signal to the TX Synthesizer for retransmission.
Operational control of the TX Synthesizer Module comes from the System Module. The TX
Synthesizer Module utilizes a reference oscillator signal to lock the Phased Locked Loop
(PLL) circuitry to the frequency defined by the System Module. The resulting TX exciter
signal is modulated with the P25 intelligence, amplified and passed to the RF Power
Amplifier and ultimately to the antenna system.

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1.5.2.1 P25 Outbound Remote Control Signaling
Serial data arriving at the Station SitePro via the 9.6kHz-RX-DATA-OUT from the MASTR
III receiver is also processed into IP based packets and sent to the NSC.
At the NSC, voice packets are routed by the NSS which utilizes a system configuration
database provided by the RSM. The NSS assures that voice and data messages are delivered
only to those radio sites necessary to reach the defined mobile subscribers. The NSS routes
calls to and from each voice group or mobile data user on a real-time basis and regulates
voice and data traffic on the network.
Each voice user belongs to a voice group of peers. The network administrator assigns the
members of a voice group and sets the voice group parameters including priority, hang time,
preferred site, and response time. The NSS maintains these voice group files. The NSS routes
the IP voice traffic of one member to all the other members of a given voice group.

1.5.2.2 P25 Inbound Remote Control Signaling

Voice and data packets arriving at the Station SitePro from the NSC are processed and
stripped of all IP routing information. The resulting information is passed to the DSP Module
via the 9.6K-TX-DATA-IN line as serial data.
At the DSP Module, the serial voice data is processed into a P25 formatted signal and placed
on the high Speed Data line EXT_HSD for P25 repeater operations. The System Module
responds to control commands from the Station SitePro controller and routes the P25 signal to
the TX Synthesizer for transmission.
Frequency assignment and operational control of the TX Synthesizer Module comes from the
System Module. The TX Synthesizer Module utilizes a reference oscillator signal to lock the
Phased Locked Loop (PLL) circuitry to the frequency defined by the System Module. The
resulting TX exciter signal is modulated, amplified and passed to the RF Power Amplifier and
ultimately to the antenna system.

1.6 P25 TRUNKED SITE OPERATIONAL FEATURES

Two types of radio channel designations are used in MASTR III-P25 Trunked RF sites: The
Control Channel (CC) and Working Channels (WC). The CC is used to manage the WC
assignments of inbound and outbound repeater activity. WCs are used to repeat P25 Trunked
digital voice and data communications between radios, data systems, and console controllers.

1.6.1 RF Site Distributed Control

Distributed control of the MASTR III-P25T RF site is performed by the Station SitePro and
the SitePro-SiteLink. The Station SitePro-SiteLink combination interprets, processes, and
directs inbound and outbound calls by creating and reading IP based data packets to and from
the NSC.
At the site, the SitePro-SiteLink handles the Group and Unit ID database and all other
parameter database transfers from the NSC. The Station SitePro-SiteLink provides digital
signaling and transmitter control of the associated base station. The SitePro-SiteLink monitors
control channel call activity, test call result messages and site alarm data, then passes the
information and data to the NSC.

1.6.2 System Call Definition

P25 Trunked supports voice and data communications modes using the APCO Project 25
Trunked protocol. Four call types are supported:
• System All Call
• Group

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 • Group Emergency
• Individual
Furthermore, a common infrastructure platform is used for both voice IP and data IP
communications.

1.6.3 System Call Processing

In a well-designed trunked system, trunked operation may be considered as providing a
"virtual" channel – a communications path that always exists and is available for
communications.
The group call is the standard call on a P25 trunked radio system and may operate in one of
two different modes: P25 voice or P25 data. P25 Trunked radios can scan between the
different modes automatically.
Addressing for individual voice or data calls may be accomplished by a dispatcher or another
radio unit and can be pre-programmed into a radio.
System All Call is a pre-programmed “special call” in a supervisory radio and allows a
supervisor to communicate immediately to all radios within the assigned system.

1.6.4 Emergency Call Request

When a P25 Trunked system receives a group emergency call request it notifies the dispatcher
immediately and it assigns the call to a free working channel. If all working channels are
busy, the P25 Trunked system still notifies the dispatcher immediately, and the call is
assigned the next available working channel.

1.6.5 System Addressing

The signaling system has been designed to provide flexibility in partitioning the system’s
users into working groups. Groupings of the radios can occur at five levels to tailor a
communications plan to fit the needs of the system:
• System
• Agency
• Fleet
• Sub-fleet
• Individual
P25 Trunked supports large, statewide systems with an addressing scheme that allows over
one million (1,000,000) radio IDs and 64,000 Talk Group IDs.

1.6.6 Dynamic Message/Transmission Trunking Capability

Message trunking is the process that assigns a channel in the system for the duration of the
conversation. Transmission trunking is the process that assigns a new channel every time a
radio is keyed to maximize the capacity of radio channels. P25 Trunked uses transmission
trunking as the preferred mode to maximize efficiency. Message trunking is also supported if
the customer desires.

1.6.7 Transmit Busy Lock-out

The Transmit Busy Lock-out feature prevents two users from talking at the same time. When
a user keys his radio to make a call (transmits) the site validates the radio ID, assigns a
working channel, and all receiving units are prohibited from transmitting until the first user
completes their transmission.

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1.6.8 Busy Conditions
A Busy Condition is defined as when all channels at a site are in use, and another user
attempts a call. Queuing of call requests will occur. Each request is positioned in the queue
with respect to the priority of the call. Individual users and groups can be given different
priority levels. The ranking of importance for a call typically depends upon the caller’s level
of responsibility, the nature of his activity, and the urgency of the information being
transmitted. If the site/system is fully loaded, any group or individual that has used the system
within the last 15 seconds is given a half-step increase in priority to ensure continuity.
Overall, under heavy traffic conditions, P25 Trunked provides intelligent traffic distribution
to facilitate non-stop critical communications.

1.6.9 Digital Operation

The P25 Trunked network combines the proven functionality and reliability of M/A-COM’s
MASTR III P25 Trunked stations with state-of-the-art voice coding techniques to provide the
best possible audio quality and security in two-way radio systems.

1.6.10 Inherent Security

Since P25 is digital, it is inherently secure. Ordinary analog scanners are unable to listen to
conversations in the P25 mode. For enhanced security, a P25 radio can be encrypted with the
Data Encryption Standard (DES) or Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) algorithms. These
types of encryption are useful for preventing unwanted interception of sensitive
communications and critical information.

1.6.11 Interoperability (Network First)

P25 Trunked Networks may incorporate Network First, the latest technology revolutionizing
the industry in Interoperability communications. As part of the Network First platform of
communications, interoperability between conventional, trunked and OpenSky systems are
made practical. Network First uses Interoperability Gateways to provide cross-platform
communications between existing trunked, conventional, and data communications systems
where otherwise not possible. They can also provide telephone interconnect capability and
access to most any source of analog audio communications.

1.7 System Management Control

The NSC promotes efficiency and effectiveness of system administrators and dispatchers by
greatly simplifying the management of trunked radio systems. Through a graphical user
interface, the System Administrator can configure the system, monitor system activity in real
time, maintain user databases, monitor alarms, and simultaneously control other types of
activity for each subsystem. Changes in system status can be displayed visually and audibly to
alert the System Administrator. Even for very large systems, group and unit database uploads
to P25 Trunked sites and other infrastructure devices occur rapidly over a 100 MHz Ethernet
backbone.

1.7.1 Regional Network Manager (RNM)

The RNM provides for real-time monitoring and fault tracking on the P25IP network. The
RNM uses a collection of applications and administrative programs that permit the operator to
view and monitor a P25IP network from a centralized access point. At its highest level, the
RNM uses a graphically oriented interface as a visual representation of the P25IP network. In
addition, the RNM can be accessed remotely by multiple concurrent users with UNIX
workstations or PCs. The RNM is partitionable, and multiple levels of RNM security are

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provided to ensure that an agency manager accessing the RNM does not interfere with the
operation of sections of the network outside of his or her jurisdiction.
The RNM displays fault and performance information for all managed objects in the P25IP
network, so the operator can locate trouble spots in the system and fix them quickly. It can be
set up to provide an audible alert when problems occur.

1.8 Unified Administration Server (UAS)

While the RNM is concerned with monitoring the overall performance of the network, the
UAS is concerned with configuration of subscriber units, their privileges, their organization,
their security and their capabilities.
Administrators use off-the-shelf web browsers (the UAS Clients) to access the UAS Server,
which manages the master database and downloads configuration changes to the network
switch (VNIC) and P25IP sites.
Each time a change is completed in the network database, the UAS server distributes the
changes to all network components. The database is distributed to each site and Network
Switching Center so that in the rare event that a UAS becomes inoperative, the system is able
to continue to operate with all features.
There are two types of users of interest to the UAS: subscribers (radio users) and
administrators. Subscribers are organized by agency, allowing a single administrator to
manage a collection of users and assign them, for example, the same Project 25 Talkgroup.
Three types of administrators are defined by the NAS:

• Radio System Administrators – The highest level of privilege available. The

UAS allows a radio system administrator to define and modify other
administrator user accounts and privileges, to define regions, and to define the
geographic scope of voice groups.
• Regional Administrators – The UAS allows a regional administrator to create
and manage agencies, to assign pools of user IDs and talkgroups to an agency,
and to manage the range of related parameters that are available to the agency.
• Agency Administrators – The UAS allows an agency administrator to create
users and passwords, manage voice groups and keys, and define gateways and
consoles.

A particular person may have a combination of privileges, and may serve as the administrator
for a collection of agencies. In many typical installations, the radio system administrators and
regional administrators are the same.

1.9 Trunked Data

Data on P25 Trunked can be divided into two groups. The first type of digital information is
generated by the user mobile and portable products and includes Unit Identification,
Emergency function, as well as Status and Message handling. This data is embedded in the
P25 Trunked control channel signaling. The second data group is the digital information
generated externally by other equipment such as mobile data terminals, automatic vehicle
tracking devices, and host data computers. This type of user data passes between host
computers and MASTR III-P25T RF sites using the Ethernet infrastructure and IP based
MME Servers.
P25 Trunked totally assimilates both types of data onto a single communication system to
provide integrated voice and data trunking. The key to voice and data integration is that data

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calls are trunked in the same manner as P25 voice calls, thus bringing to data the trunking
advantages of adaptive load balancing, single radio for voice and data, fault tolerance, and
future growth opportunities.

1.10 ProFile
Optional ProFile™ eliminates downtime commonly associated with radio personality updates.
Entire radio personalities may be reprogrammed “over the air” for radios equipped with
ProFile. No action is required by the radio operator. ProFile Manager (a standard component
of the package) provides a user-friendly, PC-based interface for the System Administrator.

1.11 Dispatch Operation

Voice dispatch operation can be provided by IP-based dispatch consoles such as the C3
Maestro IP. The C3 Maestro IP console provides intuitive, user-friendly, and powerful
dispatch operations. Consoles are connected to a network/dispatch switch to provide
conventional and trunked system dispatch features. Classic features include simulselect,
patch, emergency, group calls, and call history. The C3 Maestro provides advanced features
such as sending Status Messages (off duty, en route, etc.) and Request-to-Talk directly to the
dispatcher without tying up a voice channel. The console also supports other advanced
features such as paging, call director, supervisory functionality, and user-definable screens.
Traditional analog-based tone remote consoles may be incorporated into a P25 Trunked
system through the use of Interoperability Gateways. Interoperability Gateways provide the
analog and digital conversions necessary for traditional analog consoles to communicate over
an IP-based system.

The MaestroIP comes with a core package that includes computer, mouse, enhanced audio
enclosure, desktop microphone, dual headset jacks, footswitch, and two rack-mount speakers.
The mouse, as part of the core package, is the standard user interface to the console, providing
an ergonomic workstation.

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The MaestroIP can monitor up to 112 different communication modules simultaneously. This
enables the dispatcher to monitor and communicate with up to 112 P25 talkgroups, individual
radios, conventional radio channels and other dispatchers. If the dispatcher does not require
112 modules, they can be left blank or filled with individual radio names to allow rapid,
private communications with key individuals. The Maestro also stores a database of units and
groups, plus alphanumeric alias information for units and groups.
The dispatcher can individually program each of the MaestroIP communication modules. This
means that a dispatcher can customize the MaestroIP to meet personal preferences or agency
standards. In addition, dispatchers in response to special situations can dynamically add new
talkgroups. Each MaestroIP console’s access menu is controlled by a console permission list.
This list defines each dispatch console’s permitted communications.
Additional standard features include:
• Individual calls entered by unit ID number (LID)
• Console intercom calls
• Dynamic integration of talkgroups with console patch
• Single button press (Instant Transmit) communication on any displayed module
• Microphone, transmit key, or footswitch press for selected channel communication
• Notification alert tones allows programmable tones to be associated with the
following console functions: I-Call, Request To Talk, Auxiliary input alarms, and
Un-key Beep

The MaestroIP dispatch console can be connected to an external Multiline Telephone device
provided by the customer for telephone interconnect operations. Telephone lines can be
accessed by the dispatcher and either used for standard telephone call operations or “patched”
to radio entities in the radio system. The Radio/Telephone patch feature allows a dispatcher to
interconnect a telephone line at the Telephone to a talk group or to an individual radio unit.
Each console equipped with a Radio/Telephone patch can patch one telephone line at a time
to the radio system. During Radio/Telephone patch operations—normal dispatch
communications can continue.

1.11.1 VIP Console

The VIP Console provides powerful, yet compact dispatch capabilities when the full-featured
MaestroIP Console is not required. With four communications modules, it is perfect for
administrative monitoring of system communications. Since the console can run on a standard
PC desktop workstation, no extra equipment is needed.
The VIP Console supports the basic dispatch functions such as selected and unselected
talkgroup monitoring, selected and instant transmitting, and independent volume and mute
controls for each monitored talkgroup. Additional basic features include selective calling and
caller alias. Enhanced functionality includes emergency status monitoring and clearing and
creating Patches and Simulselects.

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The console can be equipped with optional hardware:
• Footswitch (single button)
• Dispatch grade desk mic
• Dispatch grade operator headset
• User Interface Adapter.

Optional Software Features:

• Additional Dispatch IP Interface Talkpath License
• Integrated Call Check recorder
• Call History
• Patch License
• Simulselect License
• M/A-COM Messaging Service - TextLink

1.12 CADLink II
To interface with the customer’s existing CAD system, M/A-COM as an option may propose
the CADLink II. This feature makes available to the CAD system up-to-the-minute
information on unit status and field activity. CADLink II efficiently and cost-effectively
provides the messaging required to implement true digital incident handling by providing the
CAD system access to P25 unit identification, push-to-talk, and emergency indications. The
CADLink II product provides data to the CAD system; no data is received or processed from
the CAD system except for a connection message used to determine the existence of the CAD
system. Specifically, CADLink II is a set of Application Programmer Interfaces (APIs) that
allows the CAD vendor to easily develop an interface to the P25 system. This interface
provides information from the P25 system to the CAD system.
CADLink II runs on standard PC computer hardware and the Microsoft Windows operating
system. All external software interfaces and internal messaging systems conform to
international standards and can be upgraded/added with minimal costs and operational impact.
Important CADLink II advantages are as follows:
• Simplified CAD interface to P25 - Ethernet physical host connections and TCP/IP
protocol
• Transparent messaging from P25 to CAD system
• Unit ID
• Emergency
• PTT Activity

Intra CADLink II Socket Applicati

System Application Interfac
CAD (workstation)
on
Interface e (APIs)
NSC
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2 User Equipment
All user field equipment includes a rich standard feature group and a la carte software options,
depending on the model of the radio. All feature sets are described below; unique
differentiation will be described in the specific product section.

2.1 Features
2.1.1 Rugged Chassis
To meet the demanding requirements of the public safety environment, every P25 radio has
been designed to meet and exceed MIL-STD 810E standards for environmental conditions
such as wind driven rain, temperature extremes, salt fog, blowing dust, humidity, low
pressure, shock, transit drop, and others.

2.1.2 Field Programmable, User Definable Software

Because all P25 radios are software-driven, there are many benefits associated with this
capability:
• Every P25 radio is field programmable without opening the case. This non-intrusive
process saves time and eliminates possibility of damage. The radios’ personality
PROMs (programmable read-only memory) can be programmed with a PC and
programming kit.
• The flexibility of the radio software allows users to purchase the exact features
required. Because there is no need to purchase unwanted features, the customer can
realize considerable cost savings. Agencies or departments can configure radios to
accommodate their individual requirements.
• As customer requirements dictate, a la carte software features can be added to existing
P25 radios with simple reprogramming.

2.1.3 Multi-Mode Operation

All units are capable of P25 conventional, P25 trunked, EDACS/ProVoice trunked and
conventional FM operation. Features are mode dependent and must be supported by the
network infrastructure.

2.1.4 Unit ID Display

The ID of the calling party is displayed in every receiving unit of his talkgroup during a group
call, assuring identification of the caller. In addition, the ID transmitted to the system with
each PTT. This assures an accurate record of message transactions for analyzing system
traffic reports or reconstructing an incident under investigation.

2.1.5 Special Call

All units are capable of placing pre-programmed Special Calls. These calls may be Individual
private calls from one unit directly to another, or Telephone Interconnect Calls with an
appropriately equipped network. System (i.e. keypad) units are capable of entering the
special call number using the keypad while Scan models must scroll through a pre-
programmed list.

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2.1.6 Repeater Talk-Around
All units are capable of operation in simplex, repeater talk-around mode to communicate
radio to radio when out of system repeater range or conducting a special detail intentionally
isolated from the system.

2.1.7 Group Scan

The radio monitors the control channel and responds to all group channel assignments
associated with the user-programmable “scan” list. This enables field users to monitor other
group activity that may affect their mission.

2.1.8 Priority Group Scan

This feature includes the Group Scan function described above with the following
enhancement. If a call occurs on the “Priority” group during a non-priority call, the radio
immediately transfers into the “priority” conversation and when concluded, returns to the
non-priority channel. This assures all calls directed to a specific user get through while
enabling cross-functional communication.

2.1.9 Transmit Lockout

This essential feature assures communication once the initiating unit is assigned a working
channel. Other users in the talk-group are precluded from interrupting (or “stepping on”) the
transmitting unit, assuring critical messages get through. This prevents a higher-powered
mobile unit from overriding a lower powered portable and forces discipline during stressful
situations.

2.1.10 System Failure Indicators

Display flags provide indications of system failures to enable key field personnel to diagnose
system malfunctions and provide appropriate direction to group personnel.

2.1.11 Prompt Tone

Notifies caller that communication may proceed on the assigned available working channel.

2.1.12 Late Entry

Prevents missed calls. A call “late enters” when the original channel assignment was missed.

2.1.13 Time-out Timer

A programmable timer will inhibit the transmitter when RF transmission exceeds a
predetermined length of time.

2.1.14 Disable/Enable
Radios can be remotely disabled, so that the radio can no longer transmit or receive. Public
safety communications are protected in the event of a stolen or lost radio. In the event that the
radio is recovered, it can then be remotely enabled, without need of reprogramming at the
shop.

2.1.15 Emergency ID and Alarm

All radios have an emergency alert button. For radios programmed with the emergency
feature, activating this button immediately alerts the other members of the unit’s talkgroup
and the dispatcher of an urgent situation and forwards the unit ID.

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2.1.16 ProScan Roaming
A wide-area system scan algorithm designed to select the system that will provide the best
voice quality for automatic roaming within a multisite network.

2.1.17 Priority System Scan

A preferred home system can be programmed into the radio to improve network efficiency
within a multisite network by keeping as many radios as possible on the primary system.

2.1.18 Data
Radios are equipped with internal modem to support data communications. All that is
required is a data cable to connect the radio to the data device.

2.1.19 OTAR & OTAP

Over-The-Air-Reprogramming of the encryption key (OTAR) and radio personality (OTAP)
reduces the amount of time and labour to rekey and/or reprogram radios.

2.1.20 Status Message & RTT

Short, pre-programmed control messages can be sent to the dispatcher with the press of a
single button.

2.1.21 TextLink
TextLink is M/A-COM’s messaging application, which utilizes standard P25 packet data
transmission. It provides:
• Free form text sent to and displayed on portable and mobile radios (up to 200
characters)
• Two way canned messages and responses
• Message routing and logging
• Console, Dispatch, CAD Workstation and/or 3rd Party Interface Application
support

2.1.22 Encryption
Encryption based on Digital Encryption Standard (DES) or Advanced Encryption Standard
(AES) algorithms protect sensitive communications from eavesdroppers.

2.1.23 APCO Project 25 Interoperability

P25 Digital radios are Project 25 compliant for Common Air Interface (CAI) interoperability
with other Project 25 users in the conventional talkaround mode. This makes the radio ideal
for use either as a primary P25 digital conventional radio or as a trunked radio with
talkaround interoperability.

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