Critical Comms Jan/Feb 2014

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4 Transmit

4 Calendar

6 Radio’sroleinM2M

18 Smartsoftwarebattlesnaturaldisasters

23 CommsConnectacriticalsuccess

26 IndustryTalking

28 Broadcastnews

34 Backhaul

34 Spectrum

ON THE COVER

Inside January/February 2014

FormerlyRadioCommsAsia-Pacific

With the increasing popularity and reliance on

wireless voice and data services, subscribers now

expect to have coverage at anytime, anywhere and

so service providers have to extend coverage and/

or increase capacity within non-coverage areas.

This has been traditionally accomplished by

adding new macro cell towers; however TE’s

FlexWave Prism offers service providers a flex-

ible, small form factor solution that can extend

coverage and capacity where needed without

the need for new towers. The solution also offers

support for the increasing number of protocols

and frequencies available today and in the future.

FlexWave Prism is a compact radio head for

macro gap coverage that supports up to four

frequencies delivering high-performance coverage

with end-to-end management. The FlexWave Prism

enhances wireless networks in outdoor locations

and large venues easily and cost-effectively.

The Prism improves wireless network coverage

and capacity by extending services from existing

cell sites, to hard-to-reach areas by distributing

coverage from a centralised radio suite.

Utilising a centralised distributed architecture,

service providers are able to recognise significant

CAPEX/OPEX savings through a shared Base

Station Hotel (multiple BTS co-located), as well

as a shared Remote Radio Transceiver approach

The Prism’s flexibility and scalability offers

service providers an optimal solution for multiple

applications such as; dense urban centres, dense

suburban areas, campuses, enterprise buildings,

subways and tunnels.

The Prism’s distributed architecture and

small form factor allows service providers to

cost-effectively increase coverage and capacity

in these hard-to-reach areas.

TE Connectivitywww.te.com

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4 This issue is sponsored by — TE Connectivity — www.te.com/wireless

All material published in this magazine is published in good faith and every care is taken to accurately relay information provided to us. Readers are advised by the publishers to ensure that all necessary safety devices and precautions are installed and safe working procedures adopted before the use of any equipment found or purchased through the information we provide. Further, all performance criteria was provided by the representative company concerned and any dispute should be referred to them. Information indicating that products are made in Australia or New Zealand is supplied by the source company. Westwick-Farrow Pty Ltd does not quantify the amount of local content or the accuracy of the statement made by the source.

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March 2013 total CAB Audited Circulation (Aust + NZ) 4,422 (71% personally requested)

Editor: Jonathan Nally [email protected] Advisor: Mike SmythChief Editor: Janette WoodhousePublisher: Geoff HirdArt Director/Production Manager: Julie WrightArt/Production: Tanya Scarselletti, Odette Boulton, Colleen Sam

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Transmit CalendarMarch2014What: TETRA in South East Asia 2014When: 4-6 March 2014Where: Taipei and ManilaWebsite: tandcca.com/PageRender/events/eventshome.htm

What: International Wireless Communications Expo 2014When: 24-28 March 2014Where: Las Vegas Convention Centre, Las Vegas, NevadaWebsite: iwceexpo.com

April2014What: 2014 APCO Australasia Conference and ExpoWhen: 29 April - 1 May 2014Where: MelbourneConventionExhibitionCentre,MelbourneWebsite: apcoaust.com.au/2014

May2014What: Utilities Telecom Council Telecom 2014When: 6-9 May 2014Where: Phoenix, ArizonaWebsite: utc.org/sites/UTCTELECOM2014

What: 2014 RFUANZ Conference & ExhibitionWhen: 15-16 May 2014Where: Wellington, New ZealandWebsite: rfuanz.org.nz/2014-rfuanz-conference--exhibition.html

What: Critical Communications WorldWhen: 27-29 May 2014Where: Bangkok, ThailandWebsite: criticalcommunicationsworld.com/

June2014What: Comms Connect 2014When: 18-19 June 2014Where: Australian Technology Park, SydneyWebsite: comms-connect.com.au

The recent Comms Connect conference in

Melbourne was a roaring success, setting

new records for the number of attendees,

speakers and exhibitors. The lecture and

workshop sessions were full-on and the

exhibition hall was packed. I had a great

time meeting lots of industry participants

for the first time and enjoyed learning about

their businesses and activities.

At the conference, we launched the magazine’s new name and

branding, and I’m pleased to report that the reception was entirely

positive. Everyone recognises that the industry is changing and

broadening (which can only be a good thing), and so the title

Critical Comms better reflects that evolution.

At the conference it was announced that a second, satellite confer-

ence is to be held in Sydney in 2014. Comms Connect Sydney will

take place at Australian Technology Park in the inner city over 18-19

June and will enable many of those unable for whatever reason to get

to Melbourne, to catch up on workshops, speakers and networking

opportunities. It promises to be a great event. Of course, the main

Comms Connect will still be held in Melbourne, and this year it will

be at the end of September (30 Sep-2 Oct) instead of November.

I’m looking forward to a great year in the critical communications

industry. In particular, it will be interesting to see some of the new

technologies coming along - some that we already know about and

no doubt others that are presently under wraps.

If your company or agency is doing something that you feel

should be broadcast to a wide audience, please get in touch -

especially if you have a case study or revolutionary product, we’d

like to hear about it.

Jonathan Nally, Editor

[email protected]

http://www.te.com/wireless

http://www.wirelessdata.com.au


RADIO’SROLEINM2MStephen Jenkins and Andy Grimmett, Simoco Group

What roles should cellular andPMRcommunications play as data bearerswithinthe machine-to-machine networks?


This issue is sponsored by — TE Connectivity — www.te.com/wireless 7

Machine-to-machine(M2M)technology has firmlyestablished itself at theoperationalheartofmanyindustriesandcontinues

toofferanarrayofcapabilities-includ-ing remote monitoring, tracking andconfiguration-thatultimatelywilldriveefficienciesandbettercostmanagement.

Entrycostshave loweredandafull-scale charge into M2M technologiesis well underway. M2M is now fullyintegrated into areas such as remotemonitoring, location tracking, remotecontrol/automation (SCADA) and assettracking. It is forecast that the numberofM2Mdeviceconnectionswillgrowto2.1billionby2021.Theseincreaseswillbe fuelled by all sectors, but utilities,manufacturing,primary industriessuchas mining and those using in-vehicletelematics will take a lead.

Although cost saving is of vital im-portance, another interesting driver forthe adoption of M2M networks is thatthey can enable new ways of working,and indeed completely new businessmodels. M2M is therefore becoming anintegral part of how many businessesoperate,byprovidingnewandenhancedprocessesthatcanimprovethelevelsofservice delivered to customers.

Drivers for M2MA key driver for the adoption of M2Msolutions is that M2M enables the au-tomatic monitoring of remote assets,regardlessoftheirlocationandenviron-mentalconditions.Byautomatingremotemonitoring, utilities can greatly reducetheir maintenance and administrationcosts, by significantly cutting down onthenumberofsitevisitsbymaintenanceengineers.

Scheduling regular site visits toperform routine checks on equipmentis time-consuming and expensive, es-pecially if the equipment in question isin a remote location. In addition, a sitevisit only checks the equipment statusat a particular point in time. With M2Msolutions,equipmentcanbeautomaticallymonitoredcontinuously, andsogradualchangesinthestatusandperformanceofassetscanbechecked,sothatproactivemaintenanceofequipmentcanbesched-uledatatimewhenminimumdisruptionandinconveniencetocustomersandthegeneral public can be guaranteed.

Ofcourse,connectingdevicesaloneisnotenough;M2Msystemsalsorequirethe ability to use the data collected,throughsoftwareapplicationsthatmoni-torandtriggeractivity; forexample,byintegratingthedataintoanexistingen-terpriseresourceplanning(ERP)systemtotrackandmanagebusinessresources.Ifyouarenotmeasuringaprocess,youcannotmanageit.Butsimplycollectingdataisnotenough-communicationwithremoteassetscostsmoneyintermsofairtime. Customers seldom like payingfor airtime alone, but they will pay forguaranteed service levels in terms ofreduced outages and tailored transac-tion services.

OneexampleofM2Msolutionsturningmaintenance and fault resolution froma reactive task to a proactive processcan be found in the natural resourcesector. Pipelines transporting crude oiland other environmentally hazardousmaterials,suchasnaturalgasorpetrol,maycovervastdistances,acrossremotelandscapes. Crude oil is corrosive, andthat, coupled with the natural envi-ronmental degradation of the pipelinematerialovertime,meansthatleakscanoccur.Withoutremotemonitoring,aleakmaynotbenoticedstraightaway,espe-cially if thepipeline isburied, resultingin loss of revenue, inability to servicecustomers’requirementsandapotentialenvironmental catastrophe.

IfM2Mequippedsensorsareplacedatstrategicintervalsalongthepipeline,itbecomespossibletocontinuouslymonitorthe thickness of the pipeline wall overtime,andtoestablishtherateofchangeof the pipeline’s mechanical integrity.Theprobabilityofa leak inaparticularsectionofpipelinecanbeautomaticallydeterminedwithintheM2Menvironment,allowing that section to be shut downbefore any leak occurs. Preventativerepairscanbescheduledbeforeanylossof resources or environmental damagetakes place.

Regulations often punish seriousenvironmentalpollutionwithheavyfines,in addition to loss of resources andclean-upcosts,soturningmaintenancefrom a reactive to a proactive processmakes a compelling business case foran M2M solution.

In thecaseof utilities, keepingcus-tomersonsupply isakeyperformanceindicator.Customersexpectgas,electric-



ity and water to be available on demandat all times of the day. In the UK, themost recent energy capacity assessmentsfromenergyregulatorOfgemsuggestthatmargins in electricity and gas are poten-tiallyfallingtolowlevels.Ofgem’scurrentassessment is that the risks to electricitysecurityofsupplywill increaseduringthenext five winters.

Partofthisisbeingdrivenbytheongo-ing reduction in electricity supplies fromolder coal-fired generation plants. In theUK,manyoftheseolderpowerstationsarebeingforcedtocloseasaresultofcarbonreductiontargetsmandatedbyThe Climate Change Act 2008. Worldwide, 186 nationshaveratifiedthe1992FrameworkConventiononClimateChange(UNFCCC),respondingtothelong-termchallengeofclimatechangeand the contribution of greenhouse gasemissions from human sources.

Coupled with increased demand forelectricity from a growing population andtherequirementsfromindustryforsustain-able low-cost power as a key enabler ofgrowth,thestrainonutilitynetworksissettoincrease,meaningthatnewsolutionstoensuresecurityofsupplywillberequired.M2Msystemscancontinuouslymonitorkeyassetsonthedistributiongridandutilitiescan set automatic alarms to anticipateor predict fault conditions, switch supplyfromothersourcesorschedulepreventivemaintenance before the supply situationbecomes critical.

An increase in the use of renewables,suchaswindfarmsandsolarenergy,which

RADIO’SROLEINM2M

Figure 1.

solutions it is possible for information tobeautomaticallycollected froma rangeofsensors, such as those that monitor light,temperatureandhumiditylevelsthroughouta building. This data can be processedautomatically,enabling local lighting,heat-ingandventilationcontrolstobeadjusted,with individual devices capable of beingautomaticallycontrolledremotelytoreduceenergyconsumption,cutcostsandmaximisethe environmental comfort for people inparticular locations.

For large buildings such as airports,shoppingcentresanduniversitycampuses,costsassociatedwithlightingandheatingareamajoroverhead,whichhavetraditionallybeendifficulttocontrol.M2Mtechnologycanautomate this task, providing real savingsthat add directly to the building operator’sbottom line.

Equipment protection and worker safetyWith the remotemonitoring and control ofequipment it becomes possible to adjustthe operational parameters of certain ma-chines as soon as a potential problem isrecognised. For example, a conveyor beltfeedingrockstoacrusherinaquarrycanbesloweddown ifthebearingsonadrivemotorareapproachingthemaximumrecom-mendedoperating temperature, inorder toprevent failure.A repaircrewcanthenbedispatched to carry out maintenance andrepair tasks, at a time most convenient tothe operator.

Service levels and outagesCompanies can utilise M2M technology toensurebetter,moreappropriateortailoredservicetocustomersbyusingremotemoni-toringtoanticipateandrespondtoproblemsbefore they become a real issue for thecustomer. For example, monitoring salesactivity and stock levels at a retail outlet,in real time, allows a retailer to anticipatepotential stock shortage, thus improvingcustomer satisfaction and preventing lossof sales.

Inmanyutilityindustries,theregulatorsimpose penalties on network operators in

are less controllable and more unpredict-able than traditional plant, will force usto reconsider how we satisfy our energyneeds, and how power is provided anddelivered.Theincreaseduseofrenewablesandamoredistributedgenerationplantwillrequire smart grid technology controlledandmonitoredbyM2Msystems,toensurethatpowercanbecontinuouslyandreliablydelivered to customers.

Increasing regulationThemovetowardssmartgridadoptionandadvanced metering infrastructure is alsobeing driven by government regulation.In Sweden, for example, the governmentis mandating that utilities must be ableto accurately read all of their customers’metersoncepermonth.Thisisdrivingthewholesale rollout of smart metering thatdepends on M2M solutions, often usingwireless connectivity such as cellular andradio, to enable the two-way communica-tions required. Other European countriesare expected to follow suit, which willsignificantlyacceleratetherolloutofsmartgrids throughout Europe and beyond.

Smart grids that enable generation ofreal-timebillingapplications- increasinglydemanded by customers and regulatorsalike - will assist in driving down energyconsumption and reduce energy waste.

Green technologyM2M technology can be used for remotemonitoringoftheenvironmentalconditionswithinbuildingsandcampuses.UsingM2M


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RADIO’SROLEINM2M

theevent of certain serviceoutagecondi-tions.IntheUK,Ofgemsetstheguaranteedstandardsthatapplytoindividualcustomersandinvokepenaltypaymentsifthesupplierdoesnotmeettheseguidelines.Thepenaltiesinvolveddependonthenatureandtimeofthesupplyoutageandweatherconditions,soit isvital forutilities tohave reliableM2Mtechnology in place, monitoring reports offaults on the network, so that repairs canbeinstigatedintheshortestpossibletime.This minimises outages and reduces thelevel of penalties that the utility companymay have to pay.

CellularThe majority of M2M communications areconducted using cellular GSM, as publicnetworksusingthisstandardareavailableinover90%oftheworld.Telemetrydevicesforuseonthesenetworksarereadilyavail-able and it is therefore relatively easy todeploy M2M communications using mobilephone networks as the data bearer.

To further the case for cellular as anM2M solution, mobile phone technologyhas been increasing its data capabilitiesat a dramatic rate. When 2G (second-generation mobile) networks were firstgainingpopularitywiththegeneralpublic,itwasprimarilyusedforvoicecommunica-tionsand,duetothecost,usuallyforonlyoccasionaloremergencyuse.However, itwasn’t long before text messages startedto play a role in people’s day-to-day livesand it became the accepted norm as ameansofcommunication.Astaggering20billion text messages are now sent everyday worldwide.

3Gnetworksopenedupaworldofwire-less data beyond the simple text message

Figure 3.Figure 2.

anddelivereddataspeedsinexcessof200Kbps,makingitviableto‘surftheinternet’,stream video and provide a rich array ofdata-centric applications to smartphones.The 4G LTE networks now being rolledoutwill see data rates increase further tofiguresinthetensofmegabitspersecond.

Thesedevelopmentsincellulartechnol-ogyhavenotonly increaseddataratesbuthaveattractedalargecustomerbase,whichrose to 6.8 billion in 2013.

However,whilethesedataadvancesareheadlinegrabbingandincreasinglyusedbythe general public, we need to ask if thesamelevelofrelevanceappliestoM2Mand,in particular, within the utilities sector. Inorder to answer the question, we need toexaminesomeofthekeyrequirementsthatexist for most utilities.

Coverage, reliability and resilienceThe ability to provide high-speed wirelesscommunicationsisusefulonlyiftheservicecan be provided reliably at the locationswhere it isneeded. It isnotwidelyunder-stood how sparse mobile phone networksactually are, as the operators have builtnetworks to provide coverage in denselypopulatedareas.However,takingtheUKasan example of a country heavily investedin public networks, Figure 1 shows thereis surprisingly little geographical networkcoverage.Othercountriesaroundtheworldshowsimilarorfarlessgeographiccoverage.

It is essential that companies such asutilitieshavereliablewirelesscommunica-tionsto100%oftheiroperationalareas.Theoperationalregionofautilitycompanyoftenincludes largeruralareaswheretherearefewpeoplebutthepotentialforasignificant

numberofassetsthatneedtobemonitoredand maintained.

M2Mcommunicationsarevital indeliv-ering data from remote assets to enablesmartdecision-makingattimesofneed. Itis thereforeessential that thecommunica-tionsnetworkchosentodeliverthedataisalways available.

A power distribution company is at itsbusiestwhenstormconditionshavecauseddamage to overhead power lines, inter-rupting the supply and leaving customerswithoutpower.Thecompanyneedstogetdatafromthedistributionnetworkinordertomaketherightdecisionstogetcustomersback on the grid as quickly as possible.

Unfortunately, it is frequently the casethatthepowerinterruptionleavessectionsofthemobilephonenetworkwithoutpower,inturnaffectingtheutilitycompany’sabilityto make smart decisions through lack ofremote data from the field. In addition, itis essential that wireless communicationsare always available in order to performsafety critical switching operations fromthecontrol centre toequipment in remotelocations.

Contention, security and costsRelated to the requirement above for reli-ability and resilience is the need for M2Mdata to always get through. The publicaccess nature of mobile phone networksmeans that all users share the same levelofpriority,whichatbusytimeswillcausecallcontention.Agoodexampleofthiscanbe demonstrated when the clock strikesmidnightonNewYear’sEveandthecellularnetworksarecongestedwithcallsresultingin ‘network busy’ responses. More often,this kind of contention can be caused by


http://www.crsaccessories.com.au

12 This issue is sponsored by — TE Connectivity — www.te.com.wireless

MANY UTILITIES HAVE RADIO SYSTEMS

ACROSS THEIR NETWORKS ALREADY, AS

MOBILE NETWORK COVERAGE CANNOT BE

GUARANTEED IN REMOTE AREAS.

everyday occurrences such as road traffi c accidents or severe weather conditions.

This lack of control can be crippling to a system that relies on assimilating data from hundreds of remote locations in order to make decisions.

The use of public networks also presents certain security risks. Measures need to be taken to prevent hackers from gaining ac-cess to the system to read data from M2M devices or control remote assets.

By enabling communications capability across more end points, as well as cellular data being sent over a public network, there are good reasons to consider the security implications of M2M. The recent news that Berlin-based Security Research Labs has been able to hack into SIM cards will only increase the focus on security threats within this area.

The initial low investment cost in cellular-based M2M solutions can seem attractive, but the long-term costs are very diffi cult to establish, with rapidly changing technologies and call charges presenting uncontrollable factors into the budgeting equation.

The case for radioPrivate mobile radio (PMR) has been in use since the 1950s, well before mobile phones were thought of … despite the basic functionality being identical. As with cellular, radio has gone through several evolutions and now delivers a rich array of voice and data services through a range of digital protocols.

Radio systems are designed to be fre-quency effi cient and therefore operate within a narrow band of radio spectrum. While the date rates of radio will never compare to those offered by cellular networks, they do

satisfy all of the requirements of an M2M solution and address the shortcomings of their GSM counterparts.

Since radio systems are usually owned and operated by the enterprise, they are specifi cally designed to fi t the operational requirements of the business. This starts with coverage planning to ensure that base sites are installed in strategic locations to achieve 100% coverage across the opera-tional environment. This effectively delivers wireless voice and data services where required, with no black spots. During this planning process, the company will identify all of the locations where M2M devices will be required now and in the future to ensure that good coverage is supplied.

Latest-generation radio systems feature a distributed architecture that enables the system to continue to operate in the event of equipment failure. It is common for designs to specify no single point of failure, and IP/Ethernet backbones are used between sites to ensure a resilient mesh backhaul that will continue to deliver M2M data in the event of any issues within the network.

By its very defi nition, PMR networks are ‘private’ and therefore less vulnerable to se-curity threats than public networks. Added to this, the latest digital radio standards include high levels of protocol encryption for the levels of security demanded by our public safety services and government agencies.

Finally, radio systems provide a predict-able cost of ownership. Systems can be designed to exact requirements and - once installed at the budgeted cost - there are no further call charges or unexpected upgrades as new technologies are rolled out. Radio systems have typical life spans of between 10 and 15 years, and equipment suppliers

typically provide support and maintenance to customers over the entire lifetime of the system, although some customers opt to engage their own staff in the operational support of the network.

Organisations that have existing radio infrastructures can also leapfrog many of the basic pain points involving investment in network build by utilising the asset that is already in place. With these costs already accounted for, all of the benefi ts of M2M are within reach at a much lower level of investment. This makes business case justifi cation, implementation and time to go-live faster and more straightforward.

A lower-cost option?Businesses with no existing mobile radio system in place, or the need to expand the coverage of an existing system, should consider their requirements and whether radio can fi t the brief. This is especially relevant in ‘off-grid’ locations where cover-age is required.

With radio, you decide where the cov-erage is needed and design the network according to your requirements in terms of capacity, coverage and capability. Radio can get to places where public networks cannot go or, more realistically, do not go because there is no commercial rationale for the investment. Examples of this might be remote locations like mines or oil and gas platforms. Radio also comes into its own in the built environment, being able to cope with tunnels or the basement of an offi ce or apartment block. Of course coverage isn’t just limited to geography; cellular signals can also be affected by congestion, weather and outages, all of which may negatively impact on the returns and levels of reliability of a cellular based M2M system, further adding to the argument for radio.

In addition to the savings available from sweating an existing asset or installing a new radio system, the operational costs of running M2M over PMR are lower. There are no data transmission costs involved across private radio systems, and existing capac-ity can be utilised to carry the M2M data.

A typical M2M solutionM2M solutions can be complex; accord-ing to Analysys Mason, the average M2M solution will involve between four and six suppliers, impacting on time, levels of risk and project management requirements. Those organisations with existing radio partnerships benefi t from working with a supplier that not only understands the core architecture of the radio system, but who already has a solid understanding of the customer’s business processes, opera-tions and strategic requirements. A single

RADIO’S ROLE IN M2M


everyday occurrences such as road traffic accidents or severe weather conditions.

This lack of control can be crippling to a system that relies on assimilating data from hundreds of remote locations in order to make decisions.

The use of public networks also presents certain security risks. Measures need to be taken to prevent hackers from gaining ac-cess to the system to read data from M2M devices or control remote assets.

By enabling communications capability across more end points, as well as cellular data being sent over a public network, there are good reasons to consider the security implications of M2M. The recent news that Berlin-based Security Research Labs has been able to hack into SIM cards will only increase the focus on security threats within this area.

The initial low investment cost in cellular-based M2M solutions can seem attractive, but the long-term costs are very difficult to establish, with rapidly changing technologies and call charges presenting uncontrollable factors into the budgeting equation.

The case for radioPrivate mobile radio (PMR) has been in use since the 1950s, well before mobile phones were thought of … despite the basic functionality being identical. As with cellular, radio has gone through several evolutions and now delivers a rich array of voice and data services through a range of digital protocols.

Radio systems are designed to be fre-quency efficient and therefore operate within a narrow band of radio spectrum. While the date rates of radio will never compare to those offered by cellular networks, they do

satisfy all of the requirements of an M2M solution and address the shortcomings of their GSM counterparts.

Since radio systems are usually owned and operated by the enterprise, they are specifically designed to fit the operational requirements of the business. This starts with coverage planning to ensure that base sites are installed in strategic locations to achieve 100% coverage across the opera-tional environment. This effectively delivers wireless voice and data services where required, with no black spots. During this planning process, the company will identify all of the locations where M2M devices will be required now and in the future to ensure that good coverage is supplied.

Latest-generation radio systems feature a distributed architecture that enables the system to continue to operate in the event of equipment failure. It is common for designs to specify no single point of failure, and IP/Ethernet backbones are used between sites to ensure a resilient mesh backhaul that will continue to deliver M2M data in the event of any issues within the network.

By its very definition, PMR networks are ‘private’ and therefore less vulnerable to se-curity threats than public networks. Added to this, the latest digital radio standards include high levels of protocol encryption for the levels of security demanded by our public safety services and government agencies.

Finally, radio systems provide a predict-able cost of ownership. Systems can be designed to exact requirements and - once installed at the budgeted cost - there are no further call charges or unexpected upgrades as new technologies are rolled out. Radio systems have typical life spans of between 10 and 15 years, and equipment suppliers

typically provide support and maintenance to customers over the entire lifetime of the system, although some customers opt to engage their own staff in the operational support of the network.

Organisations that have existing radio infrastructures can also leapfrog many of the basic pain points involving investment in network build by utilising the asset that is already in place. With these costs already accounted for, all of the benefits of M2M are within reach at a much lower level of investment. This makes business case justification, implementation and time to go-live faster and more straightforward.

A lower-cost option?Businesses with no existing mobile radio system in place, or the need to expand the coverage of an existing system, should consider their requirements and whether radio can fit the brief. This is especially relevant in ‘off-grid’ locations where cover-age is required.

With radio, you decide where the cov-erage is needed and design the network according to your requirements in terms of capacity, coverage and capability. Radio can get to places where public networks cannot go or, more realistically, do not go because there is no commercial rationale for the investment. Examples of this might be remote locations like mines or oil and gas platforms. Radio also comes into its own in the built environment, being able to cope with tunnels or the basement of an office or apartment block. Of course coverage isn’t just limited to geography; cellular signals can also be affected by congestion, weather and outages, all of which may negatively impact on the returns and levels of reliability of a cellular based M2M system, further adding to the argument for radio.

In addition to the savings available from sweating an existing asset or installing a new radio system, the operational costs of running M2M over PMR are lower. There are no data transmission costs involved across private radio systems, and existing capac-ity can be utilised to carry the M2M data.

A typical M2M solutionM2M solutions can be complex; accord-ing to Analysys Mason, the average M2M solution will involve between four and six suppliers, impacting on time, levels of risk and project management requirements. Those organisations with existing radio partnerships benefit from working with a supplier that not only understands the core architecture of the radio system, but who already has a solid understanding of the customer’s business processes, opera-tions and strategic requirements. A single

RADIO’S ROLE IN M2M



point of contact has many benefits frompurchasing, customer support and projectmanagement perspectives. M2M solutionsconsist of several key components thatmust work together reliably and providethe required data communications. Thekey elementswithin anM2Mnetwork are:

•Connecteddevice-theremoteassetwithwhichM2Mcommunicationsisrequired.

•RTU (remote terminal unit).•Firmware/communicationsprotocol-it

is important to ensure that M2M com-munications are reliable while at thesametimeminimisingairtimeusageandpower consumption in remote assetswhere battery power is often required.

•Data communications.•Server - required to process data and

execute commands based on the datareceived and decision managementsoftware.

Real-world scenariosWhen considering radio within an M2Mperspective, therearethreebasicoptions:usinganexistingradionetworktoimplementanM2Msolution;usingradiotoenhanceorextendaconvergedM2Msolutionthathasmultiplecommsbearers;ortheinstallationofaradionetworktoenableM2Mcapabil-itywherecellular isn’tviable.Aswehavealreadyexplored,thescopeofM2Misvastso let’s look at these different executionswithinasinglecontext-theutilitiessector.

Manyutilitieshaveradiosystemsacrosstheirnetworksalready,asmobilenetworkcoverage cannot be guaranteed in remoteareas. As discussed, during emergencies,the2G/3Gnetworkoftenbecomeoverloadedbyotherusers,yetutilitiesneedtomaintaincommunications across their operations.This isn’t just nice to have; monitoringoutages and restoring electrical power isvitalafterdisasters.Utilitycompaniesneedradio to support critical communicationswhenthereisnoaccesstotheemergencyservices’ network and the public cellularnetworks are in meltdown.

This is recognised at the highest lev-els, with some governments consideringmandates to enforce utilities to invest inradio,sotheycanmaintaincommunicationsduring emergency situations.

The utilities sector, in common withtheoilandgas industries, ismovingawayfromperiodic inspectiontocontinuousre-mote monitoring. M2M enables this moveas remote telemetry units can work 24/7relaying data back to a central controlroom.So, rather thanhavingmajordown-time for repairs, utilities will have minorplanned outages for maintenance. In fact,government regulations on operational ef-ficiencyandenvironmentalsafetymayforce

companiestoinstallreliableM2Msystems,to monitor remote systems and anticipatepower outages.

Using an existing PMR networkIf a utility company already has an exist-ing radio infrastructure, then there is norequirementtoinvestfurtherindevelopingadditional networks to facilitate M2M. ThesimpleadditionofanM2MGatewaycanturnanexistingradioinfrastructureintoanM2Mbearer network (Figure 2). The data ratesare relatively low and in most industrialsettings M2M does not require broadbandsystems, such as 4G/LTE. Using a radionetwork for M2M benefits the utility byexploitinganexistingcommunicationsasset.

Theutilitycompanycanquickly,andwithminimuminvestmentandoperationalimpact,generate savings through the integrationof monitoring systems, asset tracking andsecurity.

Thetrafficonremotemonitoringsensorsis typically low bandwidth and so radiois an ideal and low-cost way of handlingthe transmission of data messages. Manybespoke M2M solutions have been devel-oped for utility companies over the years;however, most customers wish to moveto commercially available equipment forreasonsof cost and long-termsupport, socapitalisingonanexistingassetsuchasa

radio system and using a set of standardtechnologiesmakesgoodeconomicsense.

Aswehavediscussed,cellularnetworkshavelimitationsintermsofcoverage-radiocanfillinthesegapstoenhanceandextendexisting M2M networks. M2M applicationscan therefore adopt a mixture of cellularandradiocommunications.MostsensorsandRTUs are network agnostic, lending them-selves perfectly to this blended approach.

Figure 3 indicates how radio may beused to fill in coverage gaps in the opera-tional area for a utility. The radio networkused for voice may also be used to carrydata traffic and is therefore ideal for M2Mcommunications in areas where cellularnetwork coverage does not exist.

Insummary,M2Mnetworksarealreadyvital to businesses in maximising the uti-lisation of assets and delivering improvedcustomerserviceandsolutions.TheprolificavailabilityofcellularwillmeanthatthisisthenaturalchoiceformanyM2MsolutionsbutM2Mwillalsobedeliveredovermultiplebearersincludingradio.Insomeindustriessuchasutilitiesandnaturalresources,therewillbeacompellingargumentfordeployingM2M networks over radio.

Simoco Australasia Pty Ltd

Contact info and more items like this at wf.net.au/V962

RADIO’SROLEINM2M



Bayswater

Temperature scannerFluke has introduced the 1586A Super-DAQ Precision Temperature

Scanner which, with up to 40 analog input channels and scan

rates as fast as 10 channels per second, is suitable for appli-

cations such as thermal mapping, process sensor calibration,

quality-control testing, life-cycle testing, process monitoring and

environmental testing.

The device can measure thermocouples, platinum resistance

thermometers (PRTs), thermistors, DC current, DC voltage and

resistance, with measurement accuracy of ± 0.005°C for PRTs,

0.5°C for thermocouples and 0.002°C for thermistors.

The device has a colour display with channel indicators that can chart up

to four channels simultaneously and features scan, monitor, measure and

digital multimeter modes, with alarms that indicate when a measurement

exceeds an assigned limit.

It has 20 MB of memory for data and configuration files, a USB port to

collect and store files directly to a USB drive and a LAN interface. It also

includes a dedicated RS232 interface to control Fluke Calibration drywells

or temperature baths for automated tests.

Fluke Australia Pty Ltd


Multiband antennaThe three-cable Mobile Mark SMW series multiband anten-

nas incorporate three antennas into one IP67-rated radome

and are said to provide excellent coverage for GPS, GSM

and GPRS (including LTE), Wi-Fi and WiMAX. This range of

antennas provides a wide variety of fleet management antenna

solutions and can be tailored to meet unique tracking and

communication needs.

With applications ranging from traditional long-haul freight

to local delivery vans, from public safety to public transit, or

from agribusiness to mining, the antenna series is a suitable

antenna solution for flexible, customised, multiband coverage.

Step Global Pty Ltd

Contact info and more items likethis at wf.net.au/V837

Software-defined radioCodan Radio Communications has announced the

launch of its second major capabilities upgrade to

the Envoy HF software-defined radio (SDR).

Envoy is an advanced commercial HF radio, featur-

ing digital voice for hiss-free communication, good

RF performance, ethernet and USB connectivity and

a large high-resolution display with a smart-phone-like

user interface. A true SDR, the SDR is said to protect

the value of the users’ investment through its extensive

feature set and future upgradeability.

The SDR’s upgraded features include a full MIL-STD-

188-110A/B high-speed modem for secure communica-

tions up to 9600 bps, and upgraded IP connectivity

that enables remote control/operation over minimal

bandwidth links. The SDR’s USB capability has also

been enhanced to enable fast and convenient fill of up

to 256 encryption keys direct from USB memory sticks.

Codan Limited



http://www.emctech.com.au

DIGITAL RADIO SOLUTIONS

FEATURES> Digital ready to accept

P25 upgrade.

> Software key migration to trunked, encrypted and data versions.

> High power 25W & dedicated low power models.

> 403 MHz - 480 MHz 450 MHz - 520 MHz 136 MHz - 174 MHz

> 1072 channels

> AS/NZS 4365 CB and AS/NZS 4295 commercial LMR.

> 1072 channels

> ETS 300-086

> TIA-603-C

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NewsP25DEMONSTRATIONAt the Comms Connect conference andexhibition,apresentationanddemonstrationof P25 System Interconnections wasconductedbysupportingmembersoftheP25SolutionCentre.AP25networkwithstandardised interface support removesthe last proprietary link between P25conventional and trunked networks.Key benefits include: multi-networkinteroperability for extended coverage,mutualaidandfutureproofing,andmulti-vendor procurement for purchasingflexibility and choice. The live P25 ISSIandCSSIdemonstrationwerehostedbyMarkWard,AirwaveSolutionsAustralia,joined by the PSC partners supportingthe development of the ISSI and CSSIopen standards - Auria Wireless, TaitCommunicationsandZetron.Full story: bit.ly/1dGIgRh

BROADBANDSATELLITEInmarsat’s first Global Xpress satellite(Inmarsat-5 F1) was launched aboard aProton Breeze M rocket launched fromBaikonurCosmodromeinKazakhstanonSunday8December.Thespacecraftwasexpectedtoreach itsfinalgeostationaryorbitbytheendofJanuary,readyforthestartofpayloadtestingatthebeginningof February. Built by Boeing SatelliteSystems,Inmarsat-5F1ispartofaUS$1.6billioninvestmentbyInmarsatintothenextgeneration of global mobile broadbandcommunications.ThisinvestmentincludesafourthInmarsat-5satelliteorderedfromBoeinginOctober2013.Full story: bit.ly/1iHrXHL

P25INTERFACETESTOmnitronics’DRG100P25DFSIinterfacehasbeensuccessfully testedwith threedifferentradios:theTaitTB9100,SpectraMX800 and RF Technology Eclipse 2.ThetestsdemonstratedtheabilityoftheDRG100totransmitvoiceanddatabackto Omnitronics’ DX-Altus and RediTALKdispatchsolutions.Thisnotonlyenablesgreater dispatch capabilities but alsointeroperabilityacrossprotocolsincludingthe capability for phased migrationfrom analog to P25. Emergency andblast tones have also successfully beenimplemented across a P25 network forAnglo American’s Capcoal coal miningoperationintheQueenslandBowenBasinusingaDX-Altusdigitalradiomanagementsystem.Full story: bit.ly/1cSbc8O

Two-port network analyserAvailable to rent, the Agilent

E5071C-260 2-port, 9 kHz to

6.5 GHz network analyser is

a fast, accurate and versatile

solution to RF component

testing. The unit incorporates

an integral S-parameter test

set and 85032F calibration kit.

It is suitable for use in RF

evaluation tests in component manufacturing and wireless design, and by

R&D engineers and aerospace/defence contractors.

Features include: wide dynamic range - >123 dB dynamic range at

test port (typical); low trace noise - 0.004 dB rms @ 70 kHz IFBW; fast

measurement speed - 41 ms; high temperature stability - 0.005 dB/°C;

built-in programming environment (Visual Basic); LAN/USB/GPIB connectivity.

TechRentals offer a set-up and download service for this product.

TechRentals


Compatible connectorsA range of Sreada Lemo and Hirose compatible

connectors is now available from Connector-

Tech ALS. The SRD-001 and SRD-002 series

offer a high-quality alternative to the Lemo and

Hirose push-pull connectors at a reduced cost.

Australian manufacturers are now able to specify this type of precision-

engineered, small-format, low-current, multipole, push-pull connector in general

industry and radio applications where the cost of Lemo or Hirose connectors

may have proven prohibitive.

Independent testing has shown good continuity and continuous current capacity

when mating Sreada connectors with the compatible Lemo equivalent.

Mating cycle testing has shown no significant wear after 5000 cycles when

fitted with the standard gold-plated contacts. Optional contacts with enhanced

gold plating are also available.

The Sreada range of approximately 50,000 connectors is designed to cross-

reference directly with Lemo and Hirose part numbers.

Connector-Tech ALS Pty Ltd


Panel antennaThe MiMOMax low-profile 450 MHz panel antenna is a high-gain, rugged wideband

antenna with a typical 9 dBi antenna gain and a maximum input power of 200 W.

Like all MiMOMax antennas, the low-profile 450 MHz panel antenna provides inde-

pendent horizontal and vertical polarisations making it suitable for a wide range of radio

applications including MiMO. This pattern-type diversity solution provides increased

signal quality and path resilience in challenging environments.

The low-profile antenna comes with a fully enclosed radome making it a good fit for

harsh weather conditions and radio sites that encounter ice, snow and strong wind loading.

MiMOMax Wireless Ltd



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Australia’s key disaster management agencies havejoinedforcestotackletheproblemofhowtoaccessandinterpretinformationgatheredduringbushfiresandother natural disasters to help emergency servicessave lives and property.

“Currently, there are many ways emergency services and thecommunity accesses official, crowd-sourced and social mediainformationduringnatural disasters,”CSIRO’sDigitalProductivityand Services Flagship Research Leader Alan Dormer said.

“There isarealneed foraunitedapproachtohelpbringallofthis information together in a way that makes it easier to under-stand,andmakequickand informeddecisionsonhowtorespondto minimise the risk to life and property.”

Atwo-dayBuildingaSystemofSystemsforDisasterManage-menteventheld inNovember2013sawkeyagenciesfromacrossthe country look at how they currently access vital informationduring emergencies and how they can work together to improveon their systems for future benefit.

“Our aim is to develop a … plan of attack on how to addressthe research and information concerns that restrict our ability toachieve full situational awareness during a disaster at a nationalscale,” Dormer said.

Emergency services, such as the NSW Rural Fire Service,are already using some technologies, like the CSIRO-developedEmergencySituationAwareness(ESA),tosupplementinformationfrom other sources.

“Minimising the time for communication and integrationof thisinformation freesup time for discussion, considering options andresults in faster and better decisions,” Dormer said. “Having thisinformation in an accessible form also enables incidents to bereplayed and reviewed so that we can learn and respond betternext time.”

CSIRO is working on a suite of information-based tools fordisaster management, including: predictive modelling of floods,bushfiresandtsunamis;riskanalysis;supporttoolsforcommunityresilience; and apps for disaster recovery.

Social media’s roleDuring the recent NSW bushfires, the NSW RFS used ESA andVizie tools in its state operations centre to detect minute-by-minute,unusualpatterns intweetsthatwouldprovide informationon emerging fires.

Anthony Clark, group manager of corporate communications,NSW RFS, said that fire agencies like the NSW RFS have been

SMARTSOFTWAREBATTLESNATURALDISASTERSSmartsoftwareishelpingemergencyservicesagenciesgatherandanalyseinformationin a more timely way.


Melbourne30 Sept – 02 October 2014Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre

CALL FOR PAPERS

We are seeking case studies for Comms Connect Sydney.

Join us at the very first satellite event outside Melbourne this June. Be part of this growing industry and submit a case study online by visiting www.comms-connect.com.au or by emailing [email protected] with full details.

Closing deadline for submissions — 14 February, 2014

The place to learn, network and share information for the business and mission critical communications communities — don’t miss out.

For further information call Lisa on 02 9487 2700 or email [email protected].

Sydney18 – 19 June 2014Australian Technology Park

www.comms-connect.com.au

CALL PAUL DAVIS OR NARELLE GRANGER TODAY TO DISCUSS YOUR INVOLVEMENT:

+61 2 9487 2700

To book exhibition space or to discuss sponsorship opportunities

Magazine partner: Organised by:In association with:

http://www.comms-connect.com.au


usingsocialmediatopushinformationouttoandengagewiththecommunity during emergency situations.

“However, the challenge now is how to harness social mediaand use it as a reliable source of information and intelligence,”Clarksaid."Withmorethan470millionimpressionsofthehashtag#nswfires during the October fires, it’s a significant challenge tomonitor, sort and analyse that amount of information.”

Mobile incident managementThe National Safety Agency, supported by the Victorian FireServices Commissioner, has developed a mobile test platform(or truck) called SAMMI, Strategically Activated to Monitorand Manage Incidents. Over a two-year period, NSA will delivera new emergency services integrated communications vehicle,leveraginghigh-capacitybroadbanddata foruseonasmartphonefor all emergency services frontline and command personnel,providing them with access to the right information at theright time.

Thevehiclewillbelocatedclosetomajoremergencyincidentsand incorporates over 30 screens, including CSIRO softwaredeveloped for analytics and disaster simulation. SAMMI providesa comprehensive incident management platform through multipleperspectives including weather location information via cameras,hydrologydata,real-timeimagesfromemergencyservicesoperators’helmet-heldcameras,emailinformation,dashboardswithdifferentknowledgesources,reportingfromTVstationsandvideoconferencingcapabilitiesbetweenthevehicleandthestatecontrolcentre(SCC).

CSIRO ICT

Contact info and more items like this at wf.net.au/W076

OVER A TWO-YEAR PERIOD, NSA

WILL DELIVER A NEW INTEGRATED

COMMUNICATIONS VEHICLE.

A National Safety Agency vehicle provides emergency services per-sonnel at the scene and in the command centre with access to the right information at the right time, to improve the coordination of operations during disasters such as bushfires. Credit: NSA.

SMARTSOFTWAREBATTLESNATURALDISASTERS

Power suppliesInnovative Energies’ DC UPS and PSU options feature a variety of communication options including serial and

Ethernet versions of Modbus/DNP3, SMS and SNMP for remote monitoring of the battery, power, temperature

and control of scheduled or manual battery condition tests.

The redundant system includes two completely independent chargers, isolated by output diodes, so that failure

of one system will not result in any loss of DC power to critical loads. Other features include: a low volt disconnect

function that will protect the batteries from a life-shortening deep discharge condition; temperature compensated

charging voltage to ensure long battery life; and battery detection circuitry giving an alarm if the battery circuit

becomes open circuit or if the battery is missing. Voltage/amp and energy meters can be added with ease.

In addition, there are relay alarm contacts for interfacing with other monitoring equipment. SNMP units come

with web pages that can be accessed remotely. Alarms received via ‘Traps’ can be investigated further when the

user logs in to the web page and interrogates the system status of the unit. This method has been commonly

used by many telecommunication network customers worldwide for monitoring hard-to-access remote sites.

Innovative Energies Ltd



http://www.simocogroup.com


Public Safety Educational and Networking Event

www.apcoaust.com.au/201429 APRIL - 1 MAY

GOVERNMENT | INNOVATION | COMMUNICATIONS | TECHNOLOGY

Critical communications

Technology advancement

Emergency management

Cross-industry innovation

Network and share information with others in similar roles

Gain insight and practical advice on communications

Collaboration with Transport, Utilities, Mining, and Defence sectors

Improve your organisation’s information, resources and response

Experience innovative business solutions and meet with suppliers

Learn to better manage community expectations and communications

Get ahead with LTE and P25 technology integration solutions

What to expect:

Vector network analysersAnritsu has expanded its VectorStar family of vector

network analysers (VNAs) with the introduction of the

MS4640B series. The VNAs feature PulseView, which

provides pulse profile, point-in-pulse and pulse-to-pulse

measurements of S-parameters, and DifferentialView

for true mode stimulus S-parameter measurements.

The series helps designers address the challenges

associated with testing and characterising components

and subsystems designed for radar and high-speed

serial applications.

The series models maintain all the inherent capa-

bilities of the VectorStar platform. VectorStar features

high-performance measurement capability down

to frequencies as low as 70 kHz to achieve highly accurate S-parameter measurements necessary to accurately

model devices in simulation applications. It achieves high-quality, low-frequency data that ensures good DC-term

estimation and improves causality.

MS4640B VNAs are available in frequency ranges from 70 kHz to 20, 40, 50 and 70 GHz, and as broadband

systems from 70 kHz to 125 GHz. The series can also provide frequency coverage up to 750 GHz.

Anritsu Pty Ltd



http://www.apcoaust.com.au/2014


COMMSCONNECTACRITICALSUCCESSJonathan Nally

TheCommsConnect2013conferencesurpassedthepreviousyear’seventandexceededtheexpectationsof delegates, speakers and exhibitors.

CommsConnect2013washeldat theMelbourneCon-ventionandExhibitionCentre,andbyallaccountswasa resounding success. The workshops and speakersessions were packed and the exhibition hall wasoverflowing into the adjacent entrance area.

“We are hearing from the attendees - speakers, exhibitors,delegates - that it was our best yet. It was also our biggest innumerous ways - more exhibition space, 35% more attendees,andweran forthree fulldayswithalmost70speakersandpanelmembers,” says Paul Davis, the conference organiser.

Yourwriterspokewithmanydozensofattendees,allofwhomagreed that itwas a great opportunity to network, learn from theexperts,andengagewithmanufacturersandvendorsinthecriticalcommunications industry.

Workshops and speakersA full day of workshops on the Wednesday saw well over 100industry professionals attend a series of presentations from ex-perts in many fields of critical communications. As there weretwo simultaneous streams, it wasn’t possible to be everywhereat once, but the conference organisers had split the topics intological divides, meaning that there was something for everyone.Yourwriterwasabletoattendthe‘MobilebroadbandandLTEforcriticalcommunications’and‘TETRAmasterclass’workshops,andcame away a great deal wiser and better informed.

The conference proper kicked off with two special presenta-tions.ThefirstwasbyLenRicardo,operationsmanageratNASA’sTidbinbillatrackingstationnearCanberra.Lendelightedtheaudi-encewithhis‘bigpicture’viewofinterplanetarycommunications,where - unlike here on Earth - signals can take an awfully longtime to reach their destination … more than 17 hours in case ofthe Voyager 1 spacecraft.

He was followed by Lance Valcour, a highly distinguishedretired Canadian police officer and head of CITIG, the CanadianInteroperability Technology Interest Group. He gave a masterfuloverviewofthecriticalcommunicationsfield inCanada,theUSA,Australia and New Zealand, pointing out many similarities andsomedifferences. (Did you know that theUSAhas 17,000policejurisdictions?)

Thereweredozensofotherspeakersofnoteduringthecourseof the twodays, includingPeterClemons,headofTETRABusi-ness,Americas,forHyteraMobilfunkGmbH,whogavethekeynotepresentation on the topic of ‘Safe cities will be smarter cities’.

All of the presentations were videotaped and will be avail-able for viewing on YouTube in a couple of weeks, once somevideo post-production work has been completed. Powerpointpresentations will also be available for download. Keep an eyeon the Comms Connect and Critical Comms magazine websitesfor details.

ExhibitionThe exhibition hall was absolutely packed, with more than 80different companies represented - from the largest internationalcommunicationscompaniestothesmallest,local,specialistfirms.Awiderangeoffieldswascovered, fromthetraditionaldigitalradioproviders,toconsolemanufacturers,microwavelinkmanufacturersandproviders,testandmeasurementsuppliers,antennacompanies,powersupplyprovidersandmanymore.Thefull listofcompaniesis available on the Comms Connect website.

Gala dinner and awardsA highlight of the conference was the associated gala dinner ontheThursdaynight,heldbyARCIA-theAustralianRadioCommu-nicationsIndustryAssociation.ApackedhallattheMCECenjoyed



finefoodandwine,entertainmentprovidedbysingerChloeMaggs.Master of ceremonies was Paul Stathis, who kept the eveningmoving along with wit and charm.

The highlight of the dinner was the presentation of ARCIA’sIndustryExcellenceAwards.Therewerealargenumberofnomina-tionsineachoftheeightcategories,demonstratingthehighregardin which the awards are held. The winners were:

•Professional Sales Award - Roger Webber, Telechnics•Engineering Elegance Award - Paul Whitfield, Omnitronics•New Talent Award - Fahad Hassan, Vertel•Customer Service Award - Ian Gibson, Airwave Solutions

•Technical Excellence Award - Adrian Caldiararo, Radlink Com-munications

•Apprentice or Trainee Award - Chris Pritchard, Icom•Peter Wallace Award - Lee Watson, Tait Radio•Community Service Award - Phil Holden, Gencom

ThespecialJonathanLivingstonSeagullAwardwaspresentedtoAlbertHazebroek,ownerandmanagingdirectorofMobileMasters,forhischarityworkandthecontributionshehasmadetohislocalcommunity in Western Australia.

Photos of the dinner and awards ceremony can be found onthe ARCIA gallery page.

Comms Connect in 2014ThisyearwillseetwoCommsConnectevents:thetraditionalonein Melbourne, plus a new satellite event to be held in Sydneyover 18-19 June.

For 2014, the main Melbourne Comms Connect will take place30Septemberto2October insteadoftheusualNovember,butatthesamevenue-theMelbourneConventionandExhibitionCentre,located on the Yarra River at the southern end of the city.

TheSydneyCommsConnect,whichwillbeheldattheAustralianTechnologyPark in innerSydney,willbeanopportunity forthosewho find it difficult to get to Melbourne to experience first-handthe depth of speakers, exhibitors and workshops that attendeeshave come to expect.

The event “won’t be a carbon copy of the Melbourne event”,saysDavis,“but itwillbesubstantial intermsofdepthofconfer-ence material and technologies available to exhibition visitors onthe show floor”. He adds that it is attracting a lot of interest andbookings are already coming in.

Comms Connect

www.CommsConnect.com.au

COMMSCONNECTACRITICALSUCCESS

FM testersThe Rohde & Schwarz CTH100A/CTH200A handheld analog testers

are versatile tools for the verification of analog FM radios. Designed

for outdoor usage and rough treatment, the models ensure reliable

maintenance and verification of FM radios in the field.

These units are simple to use - simply connect the radio and start

the receiver and transmitter measurements. Power measurements

and frequency counts provide information of the radio’s transmitter

and the antenna, while a sub-audio squelch tone is generated as

well as an audio tone to verify the radio receiver.

High accuracy and repeatability of the measurements ensure high-

quality service and maintenance of all kinds of analog FM radios.

The instrument is ruggedised and performs according to the MIL-

STD 28800F. A backlit display informs about selected measurements,

results and device status. The backlight can be adjusted in several

steps for convenient operation and measurement reading.

With a weight of around 500 g and its small dimensions, it fits

easily into pockets and backpacks, which is important for those

involved with in-field service and verification.

Rohde & Schwarz (Australia) Pty Ltd




Introducing Trio Q, the new generation of licensed UHF data radios for critical infrastructure.Bringing versatility and reliability to wireless telemetry and remote SCADA solutions.

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CB radioGME has introduced a range of Australian-made fixed-mount UHF CB

radios with a five-year warranty and incorporating the ScanSuite scanning

technology made possible with digital signal processing.

GME says that ScanSuite scans twice as fast as other UHF CBs, cre-

ates seamless uninterrupted conversation with a group of like radios,

and skips nuisance signals while continually scanning memory channels.

At more than 40 channels/s, the TurboScan feature enables the radio to

scan all 80 channels in under 2 s. Network Scan enables radios to have

uninterrupted communication by dynamically switching to unused channels.

Network Scan scans for other radios that share the same CTCSS or DCS

tone. Once identified, the radios communicate on a channel until radios

in the group detect the wrong code or no code at which point the radios

will automatically select another unused channel to continue transmitting

and receiving. This allows for Network Scan-enabled radios to continually communicate without interruption.

When scanning in open or group scan, the radio may continuously stop on nuisance channels. These channels

may be temporarily skipped or easily removed from the scan cycle without deleting from scan memory.

The ScanSuite feature can be used by any type of radio group looking for greater privacy and seamless uninter-

rupted communications. For example, a 4WD group can enable ScanSuite and communicate with any of the group

users, without having to know what channel to start on. In an organisational environment, and when programmed

using the dealer software, ScanSuite can create a virtually private network of radios, without having to pay com-

mercial licence fees or set up expensive infrastructure.

Standard Communications Pty Ltd



http://www.schneider-electric.com.au


Hamish Duff, PresidentAustralian Radio Communications Industry Association

IndustryTalkingI hope you had a happy and safe Christmas and haveenjoyed some well-earned time off over the New Year’sbreak.Thistimeofyearbringspeopletogethertocelebrate,and of course we have major sporting and cultural eventshappening all over the country. It is a great time to enjoyeverythingAustraliahastoofferandIdowishthatwecangetthroughthisperiodwithoutanyofthenaturaldisastersthat we seem to have endured over the last few years.

ThefinalmajorARCIAeventfor2013wastheGalaDin-ner, and I extend my congratulations to the entire ARCIAteam for achieving another hugely successful event. Theresult was a tribute to all the hard work put in by theteam leadbyMadeleineCahill and IanMiller. ItwasalsoagreatpleasureagainforARCIAtobepartoftheconcurrentCommsConnectshowattheMelbourneConventionCentre.My impressionwas that both events continue to growandgive people two great reasons to come to Melbourne andimmersethemselvesinourindustry.Havingparticipatedinbothevents, Ihaveanewappreciation forboththeARCIAand Westwick-Farrow teams and the amount of work thatgoes into making the week really worthwhile.

ARCIAhadastandatCommsConnectandmanymemberstook time out of their busy schedules to spread the wordandencouragethosewhoarenotalreadymembersto joinup. I am reliably informed that members on the stand ledpassionate debates on the future of our industry - a bigthank you goes out to you.

Planningfor2014iswellunderwayandthisyearlooksto be very busy indeed with many events to be held, in-cludinganewsatelliteCommsConnect inSydneyinJune.ARCIA will align its NSW event with this new addition tothecalendarasweaimtohaveasmanydifferent industryparticipants getting together to further the interests of allgroups.Astheneedsofmajoruserssuchasgovernmentsunfold-alongwiththeopportunitiesthatnewdigitaltech-nologiesbring-theworkshops,tradeshowandnetworkingevents are a great way to participate in the process as ithappens.TheSydneyevent isalsoidealforthosewho,forone reason or another, just can’t get to Melbourne. So ifyou have an interest in radio communications, make sureyou set time aside in June to attend.

ARCIAcommitteememberswill be conducting compre-hensiveplanningsessionsover5-6FebruaryinMelbourne.Weaimtoplanall ouractivities for2014and, importantly,focus our resources on areas that we believe can delivermaximum benefits to members and partners.

I am looking forward to the year ahead and wish youthe best of luck with all your endeavours.

Industrial vehicle radiosThe Madison Connective Technologies WLg Road

is a rugged radio designed for applications in road

transportation, depots, warehouses, agriculture, manu-

facturing floors, docks and distribution centres. It can

be mounted in trucks, city buses, forklifts, trailers,

tractors or cranes, for material handling, real-time

information transmission and inventory management.

The Acksys WiFi Access Point products feature: Wi-Fi

IEEE 802.11 a/b/g/h and super AG, up to 108 Mbps;

operating environment from 25 to +70°C; WEP, WPA-

PSK, WPA2-PSK and IEEE 802.1x RADIUS security;

web-based configuration and SNMP administration;

auto-sensing 10/100 Base TX network interface; DC

power supply input (+9 to +50 VDC), POE IEEE 802.3af

for /NP; UTAC E2 certified (CE standard for electronic

equipment installed aboard vehicles); shockproof and

vibration proof; and protection against dust and water

projections (IP65).

Madison Technologies


Power distribution panelsInnovative Energies' IEICT Distribution Series 2, for DC distribution,

is available with remote IP monitoring and power control. These

features enable the user to power down equipment, such as mo-

dems and routers, to reset them remotely. Other features include:

five digital alarm contact inputs for site monitoring such as door or

intruder alarms; SNMP v1 and SNMPv2c support allowing for trap

alarm reporting; front panel-mounted fuses up to 40 A rating; and

mobile phone-optimised web pages.

The 12 independently configurable load outputs can be used as

low-voltage disconnects (LVDs); complex load shedding can be

achieved using this feature. The remote power cycle feature can

be used to individually power cycle equipment connected to the 12

load outputs in case of lockups and switch them back on again.

Alarm reporting can also be configured remotely per individual load

output using the TCP/IP connection.

The panel has a peak system current of 180 A, up to 30 days of

data logging and even displays voltage and amps all in a 1U rack.

The firmware can easily be upgraded. The intelligent DC power

distribution panels can also be used without the ability to control,

with remote monitoring via SNMP and web pages still possible.

Innovative Energies Ltd




Mobile access controllerNEC Australia is releasing the latest generation of its Mobile Access Con-

troller (MAC) solution. Evolving over eight years, it is tougher, smaller and

purpose-built for harsh environments. With all-new hardware, software and

configuration flexibility, this solution offers a list of integrated voice and data

features to make operations smarter, safer and easier.

Designed specifically for vehicle fleets, the MAC solution provides a highly

configurable mobile communications platform that enables organisations

to cost-effectively extend voice and IT systems using private and public

networks, beyond the office environment to field workers in remote, rural

or urban environments. The MAC improves availability and coverage through

the intelligent use of multiple existing networks.

The MAC is a productivity and workforce management tool enabling businesses to

track and manage assets, monitor personnel safety and facilitate workflow and service

delivery functions to their customers. Developed in Australia, the solution provides a

single flexible, reliable and adaptable communication platform that facilitates multiple

communications channels (LMR, 3G, LTE, Wi-Fi, satellite) when other systems become

redundant or out of range.

NEC Australia



http://www.icsindustries.com.au


BROADCASTNEWSJonathan Nally

Fromitsoriginsasanobscuregovernmententity,Australia’sBAIhastransformedintoamarket-leadingcommercial operation providing services to almost the entire broadcast industry.

Up until the late 1990s, there existed a governmentbody called the National Transmission Agency. Thisbody had arisen from a federal government realisa-tion that it would not be economically viable forprivatebroadcasterstorolloutmultipleradioandTV

transmissionnetworks intothebush.Sothegovernmentchosetodo it itself, oftenusing itsCommonwealth status togrant right ofentry toareas, suchasnationalparks, thatwouldotherwisehavebeen hard to access.

Thesignificantcapitalexpenditurethatwouldberequiredtorollout digital television led to the decision to privatise the businessin 1999 on the understanding that the new company - BroadcastAustralia, now the BAI Group - would lead the rollout. The gov-ernmentraisedmoneyfromthesaleandconvertedavariableandlumpy capex program into predictable annual fees.

More recently, BAI became part of a listed entity, MacquarieCommunicationsInfrastructureGroup,whichwastakenprivatein2009.Todayit isownedbytheCanadianPensionPlanInvestment

Board (CPPIB)andsomesmallerCanadianpension funds.CPPIBhasafocusonAustraliaandhasalsoinvestedinBarangarooandsome local toll roads.

WespokewithBrettSavill,strategyandcorporatedevelopmentdirector for the BAI Group, to find out where the transmissiontower business is heading.

What is the present scale and distribution of BAI’s infrastructure?

BAIoperatesfromaround600sitescovering97%oftheAustral-ianpopulation.Themajority are in regional and remoteAustraliabecauseofthebroadcastnatureofthesignal.Thebulkare largelattice towers (30 to 180 m) rather than the monopoles that areoften used by the telco industry. Many have large huts (in the1980smanyofthefieldforceusedtoliveonthesites)withsparecapacity as well as backup power.

Generally speaking, the sites are on the top of hills becauseof the propagation characteristics of TV and radio. The excep-tions to this are the AM radio sites, which are close to the edge

BROADCASTNEWS



of towns. A network operations centre (NOC) runs the networkandwehave large teamsofengineers - specialists inRF,powerand structures.

We use a mix of technologies to get signals to the towers.Some sites use fibre; remote sites use microwave links; and themost remote sites of all use satellite.

What types of customers do you have?

Ourcustomersrunthebreadthofthemedia,telecommunicationsand emergency services industries.

ABCandSBSrepresentabouttwo-thirdsofourturnoverandreceive a managed service; that is, BAI invests the capex andruns theserviceonbehalf of thenational broadcastersagainstaservice levelagreement.Alltelcosuseourtowers,plusmanygovernment agencies use them for their radio networks, eg,rural fire services.

WehaverolledoutdigitalTVandaseriesofothercontractsfor the ABC and SBS, including News Radio, Digital Radio etc.

Over time the business has expanded and we have acquiredRFE (a radiocommunications engineering business in HongKong), Hostworks (a critical application manager in Australia)andTransitWireless (whichoperates aDASsystem in theNewYork subway), and we have set up Airwave Solutions Australiato focusonthepublicsafetyspacehere,andBAICanadawhichis developing a DAS system for the Toronto subway.

We like to think that all our networks are resilient, shared,safeandsmart.Ourtaglineisthatwearethe‘PlatformtoCom-municate’ -weenableadigitalworldconnectingourcustomersto their audiences and users across multiple platforms.

As well as providing access to your towers for customer equipment, do you also sell bandwidth on your microwave and other links?

Yes. Some customers want to own the equipment themselves,andinthosecaseswejustdowhatyoucall‘verticalrealestate’.Others want a managed service, in which case we’ll put in thecapex and run it for a semi-annual fee. Telcos and commercialbroadcasters tendto rentspaceonsitesbut runtheactivepartof the service themselves.

What effect is the trend away from analog to digital having on your business?

It’sinterestingyoushouldmentionthat.Thenewdigitalequipmentproducesavastamountmoretelemetryinformationthanitsendsback toourNOC.Soat themomentwearegoing throughabigchange,toworkouthowwecanbestuseallofthis informationto make better decisions.

There must be huge demand from rural Australia for better communications access - what role is BAI playing in fulfilling that need? What are the opportunities and challenges?

We started up Airwave four years ago to focus on private net-works, initially the emergency services, but also the utility andthe mining sectors. All have a need for high-availability, low-pricedconnectivityfromaservice-basedcompany.Wehavealsorevampedtheteamdealingwiththetelcocustomerstoraisethequality of our service to best practice levels: this means fasterturnaround,proactiveadviceondealingwithlocationissuesandflexible and competitive pricing.

Earlier this year, BAI acquired a group of transmission sites from the Mine Site company. What prompted that?

MineSitehadacquiredabusinesscalledNixonCommunicationsthathadaportfolioofsitesthatwerenon-core.WeacquiredMineSite because they were in great locations with strong demand,such as the edge of Mackay in Queensland. We felt we couldinvest in those sites to bring them up to the highest standardsexpected of our sites.

With that acquisition, is it simply a case of taking on a management role for current customers, or is there a goal of building more business using those assets?

Ourbiggest customer todayon those sites is actuallyMineSiteitself, which was a new customer to BAI. However, the otherswere all existing customers.

With the Mine Site assets, will you be able to pick up any business from the eventual wider rollout of the new Queensland GWN?

Telstrahasbeenawardedthiscontractandwearekeentoworkwith them if our sites are in the right locations. Airwave alsohasacontracttorolloutanetworkforErgonandthesitesmaybe useful for them as well.

BROADCASTNEWS



BROADCASTNEWS

What can you tell us about the federal government’s ‘black spots’ program and where might BAI fit into it?

We are keen to talk to industry and government about where wemight be of assistance. We do believe that the way the programhas been managed in the UK provides some useful pointers to asuccessful program here in Australia. Our sister company ArqivawasrecentlyawardedGBP150millionbytheUKgovernmenttobuild575 new sites in black spot areas on behalf of mobile operators.

Do you see more opportunities or need for infrastructure growth for BAI? If so, where and when?

Australia is unusual for a first-world country because there issucha lot of newmacrosite communications infrastructurebeingplannedandbuilt: there is theNBNfixedwireless rollout, aswellas the new sites planned by Optus and VHA. There will also benew investments in private networks such as Ergon. Finally onthe microsite front, we will see the rollout of distributed antennasystems(DAS)likeourNewYorkbusiness,TransitWireless.Therehas been some movement in Australia on this front, but nothinglike the level seen in the US and Europe.

Finally, there’s a concept called ‘neutral hosting’. Does BAI have a stake in that?

You’velookedattheNewYorkbusiness(interviewwithChrisJaegerof Transit Wireless in the Sep/Oct 2013 issue), which involves aDAS, a distributed antenna system. The telcos plug their equip-ment into a basestationhotel, and rather than just renting spaceonatower,theneutralhosthastheresponsibilityofradiatingthesignal from the base station hotel to multiple smaller locations,microsites or whatever.

Everyonerecognisesacrosstheworldthatsmallcellsarewherethegrowthis.IntheUS,Ithinktherearesomethinglikefivetimesasmanysmall cells as therearemacrocells. I thinkwe’ll see thesamethinghere inAustralia-not inthenextcoupleofyears,butcertainly in the next five years.

BAI Group's Network Operation Centre in Sydney.


http://www.erntec.net


NewsCOLD-WEATHERCOMMSIn September 2011, a group of sixparticipantsfromtheChileanAntarcticbase,O’Higgins, and five from the Argentineanbase, Esperanza, faced 100 km/h windsand temperatures of -24°C in a 280 kmtrainingrescue.Aspartofthemission,theBarrett exclusive dealer in Chile, SkytelTelecomunicaciones,wasaskedtoprovideequipmentonatrialbasis.Skytelsuppliedthe Barrett 2050 HF transceiver set upasabasestationatO’HigginsBaseandasecondBarrett2050wasmountedontoasnowmobilewithaBarrett2019automatictuningmobileHFantenna.Full story: bit.ly/1a9tba1

APCOACONFERENCEAPCOAustralasiaisinvitingmembersoftheindustrytoparticipate inthe2014AnnualConference andExhibition, to be held29Aprilto1MayinMelbourne.Thethemeoftheconferenceis‘PublicSafety:ChallengingPeople,TechnologyandProcess’, and theorganisersarecallingforpotentialspeakersto submit their ideas. The submissiondeadlineis31January2014.Full story: bit.ly/1bJlgfJ

ZETRONFORTORONTOZetron’s Advanced Communications(Acom EVO) system utilising the P25Console Subsystem Interface (CSSI) hasbeen deployed at the Greater TorontoAirportsAuthority(GTAA),whichoperatesToronto Pearson International Airportin Canada. The 26-position system isserving as the master dispatch consoleforathree-site,12-channelsimulcastP25solutiondeployedattheGTAA’sIntegratedOperations Control Centre (IOCC). TheIOCC oversees airport safety, security,maintenance and service operations.Full story: bit.ly/1cDFc3N

TASMANIANRAILDMRMiMOMaxhaspartneredwithTaittosupply19LinkRadioUnitstolink10Taitbasestationsand81mobile units across 10TasmanianRail sites. The units transport voice andpacketdatatoprovidecommstolocomotivesand trackvehicles.MiMOMaxutiliseshighordersofmodulationovernarrowbandMiMOtechnologiestoprovidelinkingatultra-highspectralefficiency.Proprietarycompressionschemes and data management providelinking forup to 13+1 trunkedchannelsofDMRorotherdigitalPMRin25kHzwhilestillhavinguncommittedEthernetbandwidthforotherapplications.Full story: bit.ly/1lqLZWE

Spectrum analyserThe Anritsu S332E Site Master is a compact, handheld unit with touch-

screen interface, numeric keypad and built-in file management system for

traces and set-ups. It comes preloaded with analysis software including

functions for Smith chart tools and is available to rent from TechRentals.

The cable analyser mod-

ule will measure return loss,

VSWR, cable loss, phase and

distance-to-fault. The spec-

trum analyser will measure

occupied bandwidth, chan-

nel power, ACPR, C/I and

spectral emission masks.

The interference analyser

handles requirements involv-

ing spectrograms, signal

strength, RSSI and signal ID.

Applications for the Anritsu

S332E include: cable and

antenna installation; two port measurements of tower-mounted amplifiers,

duplexers, diplexers and filters; phase matching cables; transmitter verifica-

tion; interference analysis of cellular systems, land mobile radio systems and

Wi-Fi; signal strength mapping and spectrum monitoring; field analysis of

2G/3G/4G signals; maintenance for wireless service providers, contractors,

military, aerospace and defence, and public safety applications.

Features include: cable/antenna analyser frequency range of 2 MHz to

4 GHz with a sweep speed of 1 ms/data point (typical); spectrum/interfer-

ence analyser frequency range of 9 kHz to 4 GHz with DANL -152 dBm

in 10 Hz RBW; USB interface to connect to a PC.

TechRentals


Cableselement14 has announced availability of its portfolio of the most essential cables

to provide complete connectivity solutions from connectors to cables and cable

management. The comprehensive portfolio includes over 12,000 cables and

wires, and cable accessories products from industry leaders.

The range of cables includes single wire, multi-cored, multi-paired, coaxial

and ribbon for use in a wide range of applications such as medical, aerospace,

defence, smart energy, industrial automation, lighting, consumer electronics and

telecommunications. In addition, the company offers an extended range of cable

accessories; cable ties and mounts, labels, heat shrink, grommets and glands.

Exclusively available from element14, the Pro-Power range comprises the widest

selection of over 800 products of multi-core cables and ribbon cables. Belden

is one of the world’s leading suppliers of signal transmission solutions including

cable, connectivity and active components for mission-critical applications such

as aerospace and broadcast studios.

The company stocks Alpha Wire’s range of high-quality, premium-grade products

which include wire, cable and tubing products, and from TE, a world leader in

cable management products, which include heat shrink, wire markers, sleeving

and grommets. In addition, Hellermann Tyton offers products for fastening, fixing,

identifying and protecting cables and its connecting components.

element14




LTEFORLOSANGELESThe Los Angeles Regional InteroperableCommunications System Authority(LA-RICS) looks set to acquire an LTEnetwork for first responders. Followingconsideration of two bids, LA-RICS hasopened negotiations with an unnamedvendortosupplythesystem.The232-sitenetwork,whichwill includebothLTEandP25technology,willneedtointegratewiththeFirstNetsystem.Theplanistounloadnon-mission-criticalvoicetoLTEandkeepmission-criticalvoiceonthe700MHzband.Full story: bit.ly/19Ww4L3

SILVERCOMMGOESDMRSilvercomm,whichsupportsorganisationsacross the greater Melbourne area withits MPT network, will upgrade to a DMRsystem - the Silvercomm CLEARCALLNetwork-usingTaitequipment,aspartofplanstoenhanceitsservice-qualitylevels.TaitCommunications,withdistributorLogicWireless,issupplyinganine-siteUHFDMRTier3trunkedvoiceanddatanetwork.ThenetworkwasduetobecustomerreadybylateDecember2013.Full story: bit.ly/196MAtO

NZ4GAUCTIONTheNewZealandGovernmentisauctioningtheremaining2x5MHzblockof700MHzradiospectrum.InOctober2013,Telecomand Vodafone were each successful inbidding for 2x15 MHz (three lots), while2degrees successfully bid for 2x10 MHz(two lots), leaving one 2x5 MHz blockunsold.BiddingwastobeginatthereservepriceofNZ$22million(plusGST),andthepricewasto increase ineachrounduntilonlyonebidderremained.Full story: bit.ly/1gauMgk

TETRAFORLNGPROJECTMotorola Solut ions has completedinstallationofadedicatedTETRAnetworkforQueenslandGasCorporation’sliquefiednaturalgasprojectinsouthernQueensland.The microwave and TETRA wide-areanetworklinksthecentralprocessingplantinthegasfieldstothecompany’sprocessingplants, field compression stations, mainline valve stations, Chinchilla office andlogistics facility, and its corporate officein Brisbane. The infrastructure includesvehicle terminals with GPS tracking,handheld terminals, desk terminals,dispatcher console and voice-recordingfacility. To date, more than 1500 deviceshavebeendeployedforstaffontheground.Full story: bit.ly/1dofgu4

News

Data acquisition systemFluke Corporation has

introduced the 2638A

Hydra Series III, its most

recent addition to the

Hydra line of data ac-

quisition systems/digital

multimeters. It features

a full-colour display with

easy-to-use menu sys-

tem, DC measurement accuracy of 0.0024%, 6.5-digit DMM mode and CAT

II safety ratings.

The 2638A incorporates the Fluke Universal Input Connector that supports

15 common thermocouple types and delivers thermocouple accuracy of 0.5°C.

The plug-in universal input connector has 22 channels of differential analog

input (expandable to 66) for wiring multichannel systems. Once wired, the con-

nector can be disconnected and the 2638A moved and connected to another

input connector, eliminating the need to disconnect and rewire test set-ups.

Selectable measurement input types include DC voltage, AC voltage, re-

sistance, thermocouple, RTD, thermistor, frequency, and DC and AC current.

The Hydra Series III has 20 onboard maths channels with alarm settings

for even complex maths calculations that record results to data files during

each scan. It can chart real-time data of up to four channels at once with a

history mode that allows scrolling through previously collected data without

a PC or charting programs.

The Hydra Series III has onboard memory for storing more than 57,000

data records and configuration files, as well as a USB port to collect and

store large files directly to a USB drive. The USB and LAN interfaces allow

easy connection to PCs and networks.

Fluke Australia Pty Ltd


WCDMA handset simulatorAeroflex Limited has announced that the TM500 Test Mobile family now

provides a full-stack WCDMA handset simulation capability that is scal-

able, from testing and verifying the performance of small cells right up

to multi-handset, multi-cell network capacity performance testing.

The WCDMA handset simulator shares a common platform with the

TM500 LTE and LTE-A simulators, and also supports emulation of real

data services.

Current industry forecasts from both Ericsson and Cisco predict that

3G connections and devices will continue to grow faster than those for

4G until beyond 2017, and that 3G will still be the dominant technol-

ogy in 2018 in all market regions except North America. The Aeroflex

TM500 WCDMA test solution has been specifically developed to meet

these evolving test needs.

Aeroflex Incorporated




RF test solution for wireless networksThe JDSU CellAdvisor JD740 series now supports LTE-Advanced, ag-

gregating up to five component carriers and MIMO 4X. In addition, users

can remotely control the instrument via Bluetooth within a 100 m range.

Field activation lets operators, equipment manufacturers and contrac-

tors keep pace as LTE evolves, while their staff safely test remote radio

units mounted high above the ground.

The CellAdvisor JD740 series can test aggregate composite carriers

within the same frequency band or even between bands with the flex-

ibility to configure each component carrier at any transmission band-

width. In addition, they can test MIMO implementations for two or four

transmitting antennas to assess the independent power and modulation

quality for each branch.

JDSU allows users to test existing LTE networks and evolve to LTE-

Advanced through simple software activation. Current CellAdvisor us-

ers can enable this capability immediately, while new users’ hardware

investment is protected.

CellAdvisor’s wireless remote control capability allows cell technicians

and RF engineers to remotely test radio heads that are installed in

high towers using Bluetooth long-distance (Class 1) connectivity. While

remaining safely on the ground, users have the same visibility and

control as if they were in front of the instrument.

JDSU Australia Pty Ltd


High-power attenuatorsPasternack Enterprises’ line of high-power RF at-

tenuators operate from DC to 6 GHz and have an

average power rating of 100 W, with peak power-

handling capabilities of 2000 W. The high-power

fixed attenuators are built from lightweight, strong

anodised aluminium heat sink bodies and can be

ordered with passivated stainless steel SMA, TNC

and N connectors, and silver-plated brass 7/16 DIN

connectors.

The attenuators have large cooling fins, enabling

them to effectively operate between temperature

ranges of -55 to +125°C.

There is a range of attenuation and connector op-

tions: they come in 3, 6, 10, 20, 30, 40 and 60 dB

models, with a total of 42 different male or female

7/16 DIN, SMA, N and TNC in-series and between-

series connector combinations. They are all RoHS

compliant.

Rojone Pty Ltd



http://www.techrentals.com.au

TETRA has now been de-ployed in 130 countries,through2500contractsandwithmorethanthreemillionradiosinactiveuse.Inlate2012, TETRA commencedinNorthAmericafollowingacceptancebytheFCCandCanadian telecom regula-tors. Finally, after morethan a decade, customersin the world's largest LMRmarket can access TETRAsolutions.Systemshaveal-readybeenimplementedbytheutilities,publictransportand airport sectors, and itwill support the Superbowl in 2014.

In Australia, spectrum reforms and ageing analog systems continue to stimulate themigrationtoTETRA,particularlywithintheindustrial/resourcessector.During2013morethan17,000handheldsandmobilesweresold,includingover5000IECeXintrinsicallysafeTETRA radios. A number of vendors were involved, including Motorola, DAMM, Sepura,Cassidian, SELEX, Simoco, Rohill, Teltronic, Funkwerk and Hytera, supported by localdealers, systems integrators andvalue-add suppliers.

Projects included: the massive Gorgon LNG project; the Roy Hill project, incorporat-ing a 350-kilometre rail system; the Wheatstone Chevron LNG project; the Fortescuemineupgradeswitha300-kilometrerailsystem;andtheQueenslandGas (LNG)pipelineproject. Other markets included port and airport operations as well as public transport:for example, the Queensland Light Rail project; Brisbane City Council; and bus servicesthat use the Motorola ZEON system.

Communications systems at mines and oil and gas facilities are mission critical, andthe IP-based TETRA architecture has become the preferred DLMR technology for voiceand data in these sectors. Over 80% of the TETRA market in Australia is in the re-sourcesandassociatedsectors,primarilyinruralWesternAustralia,QueenslandandtheNorthernTerritory,wherespectrumhasbeenmorereadilyavailable.UsersincludeShell,Exxon Mobil, Santos, Chevron, BHP Billiton, Rio Tinto, Xstrata, Fortescue, British Gasand Queensland Gas. These companies demand 100% availability to support operations,ensurestaffsafetyandprotectthecriticalinfrastructurethatdrivesmajorexportrevenue.

The selection of TETRA revolves around key criteria: maturity and innovation; voice,data and security functionality; spectrum efficiency and traffic capacity; interoperabilitybetween vendors; and whole-of-life cost. TETRA offers users multiple operational andvalue-added benefits: multi-vendor procurement; security; health and safety advantages;simplified integration with other systems; high redundancy; and an IP-base.

WithTETRA,operatorscanhaveanintegratedvoicenetworkandgetthemostefficientdigitalLMRdatanetworkcapableofsupportinguser location,SCADAandtelemetryandmessaging and information transfer… all from the one investment.

A reflection of the increasing appreciation of the rise of TETRA in the local mar-ket was the high level of attendance at the TETRA workshops at the recent 2013Comms Connect conference in Melbourne. Phil Kidner, CEO of the TETRA & CriticalCommunications Association, joined other international and local attendees to reflecton another year of significant migration to TETRA technology - a year that has seengrowthinnewcontractawardsacrossAustraliacontributingtotheAsia-Pacificregionbecoming the world's fastest-growing region for TETRA.

Welcome to Backhaul, where each issuewe’ll take a trip down memory lane andlookatthestateoftheindustry25and10yearsago.

25 years. The December ’88/January’ 89 i ssue o f What ’s New in Rad io Communicat ions featured the VicomFM1200Scommunicationsservicemonitoron the cover. Among its features wasthe capability to test cellular mobiles andportables, as well as the ability to testLTR compatible mobiles, portables andrepeaters.

Fibre optics were all the rage, withstories on anAustralia-NewZealand link,plus the installation of a Telecom fibre-optic communications system (OFCAS) atAlan Bond’s headquarters in Perth. TheOverseas Telecommunication Commission(OTC - remember them?) also reportedtheinstallationofafibrelinktoitssatellitegroundstationatMoree.

Theissuehadfeaturearticlesonprogressindevelopinganadvancedcommunicationsystem for NSW’s State Rail Authority -especially for the Tangara trains, whichwerenewintoservice-andwaysinwhichto implement a voice security system forusewithmobiletransceivers.

TheWaterAuthorityofWesternAustraliahadjusttakendeliveryofanewvoiceanddata communication system from PhilipsTDS,whichincludedatelephoneswitchinganddatasystem linkedwithanetworkofVHFbasestationsandmobiles.

10 years. The cover of the January/February2004issueofRadio Comms Asia-Pacific showed how far things had comein 15 years, with online services now inplay.Thethreecompaniesfeatured-EMCTechnologies, FuturePace Solutions andBailey Dixon - had developed an onlinemanagementsystemfor implementingfullcompliancewithgovernmentrequirementsforEMR.

ProductslistedinthisissuerangedfromBluetoothradiomodules(Vitech)towirelesstelemetry remote fieldunits (Conlab); tacticalcombatradios (Marconi)t o L i M n O 2 p r i m a r ycells (Saft Australia);and CB handhelds andmob i les ( f rom GMEand Icom, respectively)to multiband mobile/GPS an tennas (RFIndustries).

SpectrumBackhaul

Contributed by the directors of the Australasian TETRA Forum Ltd (tetraforum.com.au) which comprises more than 20 major vendors, integrators, consultants and distributors, and is part of the international TETRA & Critical Communications Association.

TETRA on the rise



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Critical Comms Jan/Feb 2014