PoC Communication
PoC, “Push To Talk over Cellular”, aka “Broadband PTT” is becoming more and more popular. Using WiFi and the 4G networks for transmissions instead of dedicated two way radio networks has its advantages.
Being able to use your smartphone as a “PTT radio” is of course practical, as well as using a dedicated device looking more like a radio unit although it is a 4G device.
Also see the page about using X-Link with PoC.
PTT over Cellular - Broadband PTT
Most smart phones can be equipped with an application that gives talk group communication using the 4G/LTE network as the carrier. There are also dedicated “PoC-radio” terminals that looks like a portable or mobile radio but are infact a PoC terminal.
For those who need to combine this cellular talkgroup with their existing two way radio system, we have the solutions.
Alternative 1 - Connecting to a PoC provider server
You will need a Mimer Network Interface connected to a radio in your radio system and to the Internet. A connection is then done to the server at the PoC service provider.
We have partnered with the PoC service provider “GroupTalk” and have good experience with their service.
Please note that this smart phone connection admits audio and PTT. There are no other remote control functions, like channel change, available on the radio from the smart phone.
Suitable Network Interface is 3130.
GroupTalk is a subscription service that you set up through www.grouptalk.com.
Please note that the GroupTalk connection works in combination with all other SoftRadio system functions. In this way you can build your advanced dispatch system with voice recording and other functions, plus the PoC functionality.
This type of solution is used on many offshore and harbour installations in Norway and on most Scandinavian airports.
Alternative 2 - Using SoftRadio
Instead of connecting to the PoC systems server you can set up a PoC unit together with a Mimer Network Interface and connect to one or more SoftRadio operators just as you do with radios.
If you then do a cross patch at the SoftRadio operator the radio talk group and the PoC talk group will work as one. See drawings below.
You can read more on these pages:
Alternative 3 - Using X-Link
You can bridge your radio system to your PoC/WiFi system through the use of Mimer X-Link. X-Link connects any two radios together, building a permanent patch between systems.
Read more about X-Link on this page. And specifically about X-Link and PoC on this page.
Network Interface LE 3130
Cable Kit to the radio of your choice
Use together with SoftRadio
Customers that already have a Network Interface and a PC operator with SoftRadio software, can connect GroupTalk in parallel, using the same network Interface.
The GroupTalk server will connect over TCP in the same way as a remote operator would do in the SoftRadio system. This means that in some cases a Mimer RadioServer is needed.
Examples of use:
- When some users are far away from the radio coverage, they can still be connected.
- When some users can´t carry a two way radio but have a smart phone.
- When radio users and phone users shall be able to talk in the same talk group.
- When a dispatcher goes away from his desk, he can still be active through his phone.
Typical users:
- Airplane pilots when standing with the plane at the gate, so that they can be part of the radio conversation going on around the airplane.
- Harbour personel that needs to listen in on what is going on, on the marine radio channels in the harbour.
- Security companies that have only a few guards in an area and it is too expensive to set up a separate radio base station.
- Transport companies that sometimes have rides that take them outside the normal radio coverage.
Supported phones:
- Android
- iPhone
- iPad
Supported PoC units:
- Kirisun M50
- Icom IP501H
- Motorola TLK100/TLK150
- Hytera MNC360
- And more, please ask
System examples:
GroupTalk users connected to the talk group in the radio system through a network interface and a fixed radio.
GroupTalk users connected to a radio system in parallel with PC operators using SoftRadio.
GroupTalk is used in combination with two way radio on SAS aircrafts around Scandinavia.
More reading here.
Motorola Wave TLK100 PoC/WiFi radio connected to an LE Interface.
Kirisun M50 PoC/WiFi radio connected to an LE Interface.
PoC units can be combined with standard radio units in the same SoftRadio system.
The dispatcher can then cross patch calls between radio and PoC.