Communications systems upgrade By Bruce McDonald, Group Manager Mobile Assets & Infrastructure and Aidan Moore, Program Manager, Communications Systems Upgrade
The reliability of NSW RFS communication systems, such as radio and paging networks, is critical for effective operational activities. These systems cover 95 percent of NSW and minimise the impact of bush fires.
1. PMR networks targeted for upgrade during 2012 Region South Region East MIA Manning Southern Tablelands Monaro
These networks need to be upgraded at the end of their practical life, leading to two projects: the Statewide Emergency Paging Network Upgrade and the Radio Network Upgrade.
Region North Clarence Valley Namoi/ Gwydir Tamworth
Paging systems will be upgraded to replace ‘single broadcast technology’ with ‘simulcast technology’ and operating systems will be standardised across NSW RFS Districts. Radio systems will move to “Digital P25 technology”, providing added capabilities and resilience that adapts to changing and developing needs. The program upgrades the backbone communications infrastructure, not the radio handsets or pagers. The progressive upgrade will not replace planned or scheduled maintenance still required on networks.
Paging Upgrade Project The Paging Upgrade Project has two separate yet linked components. Firstly, paging servers, will be replaced with new servers, connected into the Service’s IT Wide Area Network (WAN) with “Messenger” (formerly known as BasePage) operating software installed. When complete the IT paging platform across the State will be consistent. The second component is to replace network transmitters with new infrastructure, delivering a simulcast transmission medium for all networks.
2. Communications availability during and after implementation During implementation, network availability will vary based on various technical and site-related factors. District Operations Teams will advise brigades closer to the implementation date on how the network will be upgraded and what impacts there may be on operational activities.
3. Radio compatibility Unfortunately, older analogue radios outside the recommended models and brands will not be compatible with the new P25 Digital System. Supported radios are:
Full upgrades (server/transmission components) have been completed in Manning and Southern Tablelands Zone. Full upgrades are well underway in Orana and Lower Western. New Paging servers have been commissioned in these locations: Paging Network Baulkham Hills Riverina Blue Mountains Hawkesbury Tamworth Regional
Far South Coast Lower Hunter Sutherland Manning Canobolas Castlereagh Illawarra Namoi/ Gwydir Lower Hunter Mid Lachlan Valley
FCC/Server Locations Kenthurst Moruya & Bega Wagga Wagga Heathcote Great Lakes/ Taree Orange Wilberforce Albion Park Cessnock Narrabri Inverell Forbes
Raymond Terrace Katoomba Coonabarabran Tamworth Moree
Radio (PMR) Upgrade Project The recent focus has been network, infrastructure and spectrum planning, IP linking and finalising the technical and physical design of the new network. Key design decisions are being finalised.
Motorola
Tait
Simoco
XTS2500
TM9155 – with P25 Enabled
SRM9022 – With P25 Option Board only
XTS5000
TM9154 – with P25 Enabled
SRM9030 – With P25 Option Board only
XTL5000
TP9155
APX6000
TP9160
4. New profile Based upon member feedback over the last two years a new radio profile has been developed. This profile is being tested by our User Group and State Mitigation Support Services crews. Once finalised, the profile will be rolled out to over 9,000 radios across NSW.
5. GRN (Government Radio Network) The NSW Government is overhauling the way GRN is used. The NSW RFS is trialling GRN for coverage and capacity in the following four Region East Districts: Cumberland, Warringah/ Pittwater, Macarthur and Sutherland.
General questions and feedback FAQs can be found on the Services Intranet or MyRFS. Send specific Radio Upgrade feedback and questions to the Communications Systems Upgrade team at comms.upgrade@rfs.nsw.gov.au
24 BUSH FIREbulletin // GENERAL NEWS
Region West Bland Temora Orana Canobolas