Narrowband  |  2023-07-11

TETRA Data Capabilities are still Under-Utilized in 2023

Source: The Critical Communications Review | Gert Jan Wolf editor

Today, TETRA is by far the leading mobile communications system that provides mission-critical voice services to public safety and mobility workers globally and we should embrace the technology more often...

You might not be aware, but there are numerous TETRA data application examples for automation that are available from a large community of creative developers.

As TETRA technology is a Mission Critical Communications technology, it can be utilized for automation control, including;

  • Internet of Things
  • Internet of Life Saving Things
  • Machine to Machine
  • SCADA applications

IoT in a narrowband radio network refers to the use of the radio network for data communications for control, reports, alerts, etc. and the exploitation of its features for control, such as security, encryption, private network, and quick, reliable little data delivery. TETRA can automate and operate critical systems because to its robust security and encryption and fast round-trip time for tiny data transfers.

Public Safety

Over the public safety TETRA network, public safety, fire, and ambulance operators can safely convey alarm and task information to field units. The users' in-vehicle device can display data sent over TETRA, such as task information, destination address, and priority information. From this device, users can send progress updates that are updated via TETRA in the emergency call center.

Millions of TETRA Packet Data IP transmissions, data SDS, and status messages are sent and received daily in some nations to convey vital information to and from the field units, giving both the field units and the control room superior situational awareness.

Automation & Control

For automation and control, bandwidth is not the most important feature. Often having a guaranteed data rate and response time is most important. Reliability and quick delivery of small pieces of data enables most automation and SCADA applications with TETRA.

Today’s IP based SCADA protocols like IEC60870-5-104 or DNP3 are optimised for small bandwidth technologies like TETRA. A short heartbeat packet over TETRA to each field unit every few minutes is enough; in case something changes in a field unit it will be reported automatically to the server in the control room. With these protocols and Packet Data Channel Sharing active on the infrastructure, up to 800 field units can be handled per basestation and traffic slot using a 15 minute heartbeat.

Alarm & Alerting

With its quick round-trip times, TETRA is particularly well suited for alarms and changing systems, including public siren systems that are meant to warn the public about potentially dangerous circumstances as well as for monitoring IoT sensors and environmental sensors. For instance, a water utility can use TETRA enabled RTUs with alarm functionality to monitor readings from various points in its water treatment facility. The utility can efficiently provide safe drinking water by continuously monitoring the entire process.

SCADA

For applications that need a lot of data bandwidth, such surveillance cameras, video, and high-speed data streaming, TETRA solutions can also be used in conjunction with broadband solutions. There are many different types of handheld TETRA radios available, but there are many different TETRA terminals and devices as well. Automation RTU (Remote Terminal Unit) capabilities can be included into industrial TETRA terminals. These terminals frequently include I/O (input/output) and local networking ports for simple SCADA and other device integration. In a remote site, this means that a single device can address the needs for automation, SCADA, and communications.

Industrial processes can be monitored using SCADA running over TETRA packet data. This is a suitable solution for outstations and remote locations from which SCADA information is needed for the operational processes. TETRA 

SCADA-enabled terminals can be part of a standard SCADA solution. Some of these TETRA terminals designed for automation also include programmable business logic functionality, allowing a portion of the automation to be handled locally on the device itself. TETRA can provide information updates to public transport station displays while also providing ahigh-qualityvoiceaudiochannelfor audio notifications in special situations.

Bandwith

TETRA data communications capability is also relatively simple tointegrateintheback-endoffice IT system world. Using a TETRA data gateway, TETRA’s efficient narrowband radio optimised data communications can be connected with standard IT protocols and IT systems. TETRA packet data is standard IP networking, but the SDS and status messages and group- addressed data delivery allow for even more efficient communications over the network.

TETRA Private Network

TETRA can be used as a private network totally under the owner’s control. As a private narrowband radio network, frequencies can be  available even in most built-up areas. A private TETRA network enables the owner to control coverage, capacity, availability, resilience, and security to fit specific requirements. Network coverage can be optimised to cover an oil or gas pipeline with low number of base stations and enable pipeline monitoring and control using a secure wireless network in addition to providing secure and reliable voice communications along the length of the pipeline. The lower number of base stations also makes it easier to provide battery or generator backup power for a business or mission critical network.

When purchasing a TETRA network, you should consider both voice and data benefits, which can enhance the return on investment. Existing private or shared TETRA networks can be utilized to deploy data and automation, thereby extending their useful life.