News
Press Releases: Government to Government
September 25, 2007
DHS Launches Radio Over Wireless Broadband Project
Demonstrates interoperability among incompatible communications systems
Washington, D.C. - The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Office for Interoperability and ompatibility (OIC) launched a pilot project today in the District of Columbia that will field-test the integration of new broadband technologies with existing emergency responder two-way radio systems.
The project, known as Radio Over Wireless Broadband (ROW-B), will enable emergency responders to communicate across traditional radio and advanced wireless broadband communication systems. ROW-B will also integrate this communication with geographic information systems data - thereby providing real-time access to the locations of resources in an emergency responder’s area.
ROW-B is a partnership with OIC, the D.C. Office of the Chief Technology Officer (OCTO), and Clarity Communication Systems Inc. The project will facilitate interoperability with OCTO's existing communication network and their citywide broadband network pilot program known as the Wireless Advanced Responder Network.
ROW-B will use a new standard called the Inter-RF Subsystem Interface (ISSI). ISSI is part of the Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials Project 25, which is an effort to create standards that allow emergency responder radios to communicate and interoperate. In this project, the interface will provide a common connection point between the disparate two-way radio systems and wireless broadband networks, providing true interoperability.
