Radios can be reliable communication devices because they are long-lasting, have extended battery life, and provide clear audio—but they have limited usage due to coverage gaps. Radio over Internet Protocol (RoIP) is an alternative solution to get around this issue. Here is how to use RoIP for commercial communication:
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Radio Over Internet Protocol
Radio over Internet Protocol has many similarities with traditional radio communications systems. In both systems, only one radio device is active at a time. Before establishing communication, a user needs to push a button on the active radio. The traditional systems use telephone wires or microwave signals, while RoIP systems connect over the internet.
The active radio connects to the IP via various nodes within the radio network. These nodes may be two-way radios or dispatch consoles with modern or traditional software. Companies can deploy RoIP on the public internet or private networks.
Internet Protocol (IP)
Data moves throughout the internet in the form of packets. The data uses a set of rules and protocols called internet protocol for the proper relay. The IP has routing functions that allow internetworking and form the internet base.
When you use the IP, the solution can transfer information solely based on the IP addresses within the packet headers.
Use in Commercial Communications
The primary use of RoIP systems is to create a link between two radio sites. As long as both radios have internet access, they can communicate quickly and affordably. In contrast, traditional radio communication requires hard lines, antennas, telephone lines, and more tower spaces. If the radio sites were not close to each other, the system would need at least two hops for a successful link.
Another use of RoIP systems is to create interoperability between two incompatible radio systems. Users first connect each radio to a universal interface by using an auxiliary connector. The two radio systems will then connect via the universal radio interface.
Here are some of the applications of RoIP in commercial communications:
- Integrate RoIP with current communication infrastructures, like VPN, WAN, and LAN.
- Create dedicated audio channels for communication.
- Share digital radios with several employees in remote locations. The employees will communicate with each other via the internet.
Because RoIP is a basic concept, organizations utilize the system in many different ways. Utilities and healthcare companies use RoIP software to offer emergency services over a wide area.
Benefits for Businesses
Here are some of the benefits of using RoIP technology:
1. Reduced Cost
Using IP technology to transmit radio signals can reduce operating costs over time, especially if your workforce expands over time. The savings happen because the cost of software and hardware for transmitting radio signals decreases with increasing functionality.
Users can connect many two-way radios into a single unit. The units can then convert the audio conversations into data packets and transmit the information over the internet. It is cost-effective since an operator can use many radios but buy only one transmission unit.
2. Greater Reliability
Conventional radio devices have a hub-and-spoke design. This design is less reliable since all the data goes through a central node. A malfunction of one part of the system renders the entire radio system useless.
In a RoIP system, each node connects to other nodes directly, creating multiple routes. When one node malfunctions in a RoIP network, the system will transmit data packets to other nodes. Your business can continue to communicate even if there are problems with a part of the radio system.
RoIP uses innovative technologies like packet aggregation and de-jittering to enhance clearer voice communication. Some systems also use alternate and emergency methodologies to compress signals efficiently. The efficient compression of signals prevents bandwidth wastage but maintains high-quality audio messages.
3. More Base Stations
Supervisors and dispatchers sometimes use land mobile radio (LMR) to offer services to their clients. Computer signals can interfere with the transmission of LMR. With RoIP, the unique packaging and transmission of signals prevent interference and blockages. This enables organizations to create many base stations without worrying about signal interference and quality. RoIP also standardizes radio communications from different types of radio.
Using RoIP
Radio systems help transfer audio communication quickly. Traditional radios have to be located near each other, but the invention of RoIP means that radios can communicate over the internet and long distances.