How to Integrate a Wideband/Narrowband Communication Convergence Gateway with a Public Network Communication Platform?

Interoperability methods

Currently, there are three interoperability methods: back-to-back configuration, cluster intercom gateway integration, and protocol interface integration.

Back-to-Back Networking Method

The back-to-back approach connects public network communication terminals and private network communication terminals via custom cables to a dedicated convergence gateway system, enabling interconnection between the two channels. Since this method relies on terminal-level integration, both public and private network intercom devices must deliver high-quality performance to ensure a satisfactory user experience.

Cluster Intercom Gateway Networking Approach

The alternative approach involves integrating via a cluster intercom gateway. This mature product interfaces with private network intercom base stations or handheld radios on one end, while communicating with public network communication platforms via IP on the other. It represents the most established integration solution currently available, offering robust overall performance and straightforward project implementation.

Protocol Integration Networking

Protocol integration represents a more complex approach, requiring development and integration by the public network intercom platform. It necessitates familiarity with the external interfaces of various cluster intercom systems. Furthermore, many narrowband communication systems lack external interfaces, making implementation highly challenging.

How to choose

As a public network intercom platform manufacturer, unified communications provider, or command and dispatch system vendor, selecting a compatible trunking intercom gateway is essential to meet public-private network integration requirements. However, the market offers a wide array of trunking intercom gateways with varying specifications and prices. How should public network communication platform manufacturers choose a suitable trunking intercom gateway? Key considerations include the following capabilities.

Interface Compatibility

The trunking intercom gateway connects to various walkie-talkie base stations and handheld radios via external custom cables. A high-performance gateway can interface with diverse intercom equipment types, whereas low-quality products only support specific radio or base station models.

Interface Definition of the Intercom Gateway

Based on advanced IP softswitch communication technology and digital signal processing, BelFone Converged Communication Gateways integrate diverse communication devices—including radio stations across different frequency bands, analog/digital trunking systems, landlines, mobile phones, SIP phones, and video surveillance—into a unified communication platform. They enable rapid networking between disparate terminals, facilitate multimedia exchange of voice and video information, and achieve seamless interconnectivity, delivering a complete IP-based multimedia dispatch solution.

Interoperability with Diverse Radios and Walkie-Talkies

For mobile radios, it supports comprehensive activation methods including COR (Call On Radio) or audio detection. For walkie-talkies, it adapts to various interface types. High-end models with device detection and headset expansion ports with insertion detection are also compatible. This includes matching and interfacing with various shortwave radios and VHF radio equipment.

Public Network Platform Protocol Capabilities

Public network walkie-talkie (PoC) lacks standardized protocols, with manufacturers implementing proprietary standards for communication. The cluster walkie-talkie gateway application possesses the capability to adapt to diverse public network walkie-talkie platforms.

Configuration for Various Public Network Platforms

Whether utilizing SIP registration or other proprietary registration methods, it supports adaptation for talk control via DTMF, SIP INFO, or RTCP modes.

Parameter Configuration Capabilities

For optimal integration, a cluster intercom gateway requires extensive parameter configuration capabilities. Specific parameters must be tailored to match diverse scenarios, particularly when connecting to cluster intercom systems. This necessitates configuring feedback suppression, voice buffering, activation sensitivity, and other parameters to achieve superior call quality and minimal latency.

Comprehensive Intercom Device Connection Parameters

Another often overlooked aspect is test feedback capability. Many current cluster intercom gateways lack any configuration feedback. This makes it extremely difficult to identify where issues occur during project implementation, significantly complicating troubleshooting.