Catalyst Demonstrates Broadband PTT Radio
August 7, 2011, – APCO, Philadelphia, PA
Catalyst Communications Technologies Inc., a leading provider of Radio over IP solutions to the Push-To-Talk marketplace, today demonstrated a new implementation of its LTE ready IP|Soft RadioTM product line. IP|Soft Radio provides a highly graphical, customizable user interface for commercial off the shelf computing devices. First Responders can simultaneously monitor multiple channels on a single device with intuitive graphical controls and presentations through a touch screen interface, while also running other applications on the same device. Audio and control messages can be routed via LTE, WiMax, EV-DO, Wi-Fi and other broadband formats using a private network or a commercial service to provide national coverage.
Catalyst demonstrated its latest implementation of IP|Soft Radio today at the APCO International 77th Annual Conference and Expo using the Verizon Wireless LTE system. Running on a hardened laptop, the Catalyst application provided three simultaneous audio streams including Project 25 (P25), MDC-1200 and Verizon Wireless Push-To-Talk protocols over 800 MHz, VHF, and cellular bands. A traditional LMR microphone provided a familiar PTT control, while Blue Tooth Speakers and a soft mute for each channel demonstrated the ability to leverage state-of-the-art technology. Agency specific graphics allowed users to visually identify the active channel, and individual pictures were displayed for each inbound Unit ID. The last call from each channel could be replayed with a single button press. An Emergency button provided a simple tool for calling for help — all when outside of the coverage area of the traditional Land Mobile Radio system.
IP|Soft is infinitely configurable and can be centrally managed. Robin Grier, Catalyst president, points out, “First Responders and other PTT users can be provided access to a single channel or thousands of talk groups using P25, SmartNet, EDACS, and other traditional LMR systems. Users can not only monitor channels and talkgroups from their own municipality, but also from neighbors and allied agencies.” Basic users can be restricted to simple functions, while sophisticated users can be allowed to patch channels, simultaneously broadcast on multiple channels, make private calls, control channel scanning, and more. Other applications can multitask with the IP|Soft client and either be
hidden in the background or displayed simultaneously. The IP|Soft application can be minimized yet still provide real-time receive audio and allow the user to transmit on the selected channel using a traditional mobile radio microphone.
IP|Soft can be used in a variety of applications for public safety, federal, transportation, energy, industrial and other PTT agencies. Many vehicles need a laptop computer for mobile data, work order dispatch, or other applications, and these vehicles also need PTT voice. Agencies with these vehicles can eliminate the cost of traditional mobile radios by adding the IP|Soft client as an additional application on these existing commercial off the shelf devices. Agencies may need to monitor their own radio traffic outside of their coverage area or monitor PTT traffic from another coverage area while in their own service territory. IP|Soft provides access to these channels through nationwide commercial cellular carriers or other broadband wireless networks. Providing back-up radio channels is an essential element in preparing for disasters, and IP|Soft uses independent devices on alternate communication channels to serve as that safety net.
Catalyst Communications Technologies, Inc. markets Radio Control over IP technology for the Land Mobile Radio Industry and is a force for change in the effort to bring Internet-derived technologies into mobile radio applications. Catalyst focuses on products that leverage standard Windows-based computers to reduce cost and increase the efficiency of network operators and end users. Catalyst’s extensive product line significantly enhances legacy dispatch communications systems by seamlessly bridging wireless and wireline communications networks for network-based interoperability.
IP|SOFT RadioÔ, is a trademark of Catalyst Communications Technologies, Inc. EDACS is a trademark of Harris, Inc. and SmartNet is a trademark of Motorola, Inc.
