Digital radio building blocks

Key components of an interoperable digital radio network include:

Central control equipment — Handles authentication and users' access privileges. Also houses firewalls for security.

Base stations — Main radio links to connect control centers with field radios.

IP connections — Physical network links to connect base stations and control centers. Typically, the links are T1 lines from telecommunications providers, private microwave dishes or fiber network connections within municipalities.

Repeaters — Radios programmed to relay signals to remote areas away from the IP

connections.

Handsets — For in-field voice and data communications. Federal agencies require compliance with encryption regulations.