Macedonian security authorities’ TETRA system expands

Hytera Mobilfunk GmbH has expanded an existing TETRA radio system in Macedonia by 26 base stations, exchange nodes and state-of-the-art IP technology. The network is used by the Macedonian security authorities for public safety purposes.

Together with the partner Nokia Siemens Networks (NSN), in 2008 Hytera Mobilfunk GmbH (then still under the name of Rohde & Schwarz Professional Mobile Radio GmbH) delivered a TETRA system for the security authorities in Macedonia, which comprised 42 base stations, redundant exchange nodes and network management features as well as control centre technology made by NSN.

In 2012, Hytera Mobilfunk GmbH was awarded a contract to expand the network through the installation of further base stations to augment the service area with ACCESSNET-T IP.

The expansion comprises 26 DIB-500 R4.1 TETRA base stations, a completely IP-based TETRA exchange IP Node as well as workstation computers to administer the system. In addition, the existing control centres were modernised and provided with new features (GIS/AVL).

With ACCESSNET-T IP, the new network constituents are networked with each other via a completely IP-based network. E1-links can still be used in the existing network. The link between the new and the existing networks segment is implemented by a CS/IP bridge, technology which permits Hytera’s customers to expand their networks with the state-of-the-art ACCESSNET-T IP at any time.

Hytera Mobilfunk’s project handling division was able to implement the installation of the network - as well as the integration of the new network elements - at the end of 2012, beating the customer’s schedule by two months. Hytera Mobilfunk was also responsible for rendering the entire location fit for the expansion (mast, service room).