Grid operator rides powerful WAVE to connect communications between TETRA radios and mobile devices
The German power grid operator EWR Netz GmbH is using innovative WAVE™ Work Group Communications from Motorola Solutions to deliver enhanced connectivity, interoperability and collaboration to its entire communications network.
Motorola Solutions’ WAVE technology extends the reach of EWR’s Terrestrial Trunked Radio (TETRA) digital radio system to already deployed Android and iOS smartphones and tablets. When control room and office-based personnel can use their own smart devices to securely communicate on TETRA voice channels, collaboration with radio-equipped field teams is faster, leading to improved response times and more successful event outcomes.
“WAVE is a powerful business tool that allows us to create a unified push-to-talk environment where everyone can participate in business-critical communications, even if they are not using a TETRA radio,” explained Johannes Krämer, CEO EWR Netz GmbH. “This capability enables us to systematically extend our existing 39-site Motorola Solutions TETRA network to meet future requirements.”
EXTENSION OF HIGHLY AVAILABLE TETRA SYSTEM
The biggest distributor of electricity, gas and water in the Rhinehessen region has been successfully using Motorola Solutions’ TETRA infrastructure since 2007 to provide a secure and independent communications platform for their employees.
WAVE now allows EWR Netz GmbH to extend its highly available TETRA network to its partners such as public utility companies, municipalities and local distributors in the region. In cases of emergency or breakdowns, employees can access pre-defined TETRA communications channels using their mobile devices equipped with the WAVE Mobile Communicator application. The internal and external users are still able to leverage the benefits of their TETRA technology, but can also connect and set up group calls with their employees via public radio networks. This is enabled by MOTOBRIDGE, which is a scalable, cost-effective IP-based solution for quickly establishing communications between different systems.
FUTURE LONG TERM EVOLUTION (LTE) BROADBAND CONNECTIVITY
“Our WAVE technology enables EWR and their local partners to communicate flexibly and reliably at any time, no matter which network or device they are using,” said Klaus Dieter Drossel, sales director for key accounts, Motorola Solutions Germany GmbH. “We provide a hybrid solution that extends the reach of EWR’s network beyond the current radio system, enabling connectivity to established mobile devices or even broadband networks in the future.”
