PCTEL has announced new testing capabilities to support the latest P25 networks and indoor coverage standards. P25 or Project 25 is a suite of standards for digital mobile radio communications designed for use by public safety organizations in North America. IBflex and HBflex scanning receivers now provide SINR (signal-to-interference-plus-noise ratio) and Frame BER (bit error rate) measurements for P25 Phase 1 and 2 networks. SINR and Frame BER are highly accurate, repeatable measures of signal quality. These measurements enable local jurisdictions to efficiently roll out new radio systems and enforce rigorous indoor coverage requirements that keep first responders safe.
Many local jurisdictions require certain commercial building owners to verify public safety network coverage and voice quality in order to obtain an occupancy permit. However, traditional DAQ (delivered audio quality) measurements for voice quality are subjective and time-consuming to collect. Following the inclusion of SINR in the International Fire Code (IFC), local jurisdictions are increasingly adopting SINR and BER as alternatives to DAQ.
PCTEL’s SINR and Frame BER measurements accurately and objectively verify signal quality for any P25 network in a fraction of the time it takes to conduct traditional voice testing. PCTEL’s test tools also support the installation of public safety DAS (distributed antenna systems) for indoor or outdoor coverage.
PCTEL is showing its network testing solutions and high-performance antennas for public safety and other critical communications applications March 6-7 at the International Wireless Communications Expo in Las Vegas, booth 1024.
