A Cisco System To Make Radios Work Together

Cisco Systemshas announced a new method–based on a widely used Internet telephone standard–that connects the often incompatible array of radio equipment used by emergency services agencies and businesses, without the expense of replacing existing systems.

Cisco executives said the method, which is based on existing network routers, software programs, and hardware interfaces that connect with existing radio networks, could be used in the transportation, finance, and retail industries as well as public safety agencies.

The new approach, called Internet Protocol Interoperability and Collaboration Systems (Ipics), essentially converts voice traffic on radios and cell phones into data traffic over existing networks.

The system, which is currently in trials in the United States and abroad, is expected to be available commercially in the next six to 12 months.

Charles Giancarlo, Cisco’s chief development officer, said significant savings could result from taking an Internet-based approach instead of replacing equipment. Giancarlo estimated that an effort to replace systems might cost government agencies more than $30 billion, while Ipics could be deployed for about one-tenth the cost.
Abstracted by the National Law Enforcement and Corrections Technology Center(NLECTC) from the New York Times (10/24/05) P. C5; Markoff, John.