DHS OIC Launches Radio over Wireless Broadband Project

October 22, 2007 // Published as a news service by IHS

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Office for Interoperability and Compatibility (OIC) launched a pilot project that will field-test the integration of new broadband technologies with existing emergency responder two-way radio systems.

The project, known as Radio Over Wireless Broadband (ROW-B), is designed to enable emergency responders to communicate across traditional radio and advanced wireless broadband communication systems.

ROW-B will also integrate this communication with geographic information systems (GIS) data - thereby providing real-time access to the locations of resources in an emergency responder's area.

ROW-B will use a new standard called the Inter-RF Subsystem Interface (ISSI).

ISSI is part of the Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials (APCO) Project 25, which is an effort to create standards that allow emergency responder radios to communicate and interoperate.

In this project, the interface is designed to provide a common connection point between the disparate two-way radio systems and wireless broadband networks helping provide interoperability.

ROW-B is a partnership with the OIC, the D.C. Office of the Chief Technology Officer (OCTO) and Clarity Communication Systems Inc.

The project will facilitate interoperability with OCTO’s existing communication network and their citywide broadband network pilot program known as the Wireless Advanced Responder Network.

Source: U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Office for Interoperability and Compatibility (OIC).