Critical Communications Service Layer Bringing mission critical broadband on 4G/5G networks White Paper 1
Contents Executive summary... 3 The key requirements for critical communications... 3 The hybrid network offers flexibility... 4 The need for a Critical Communications Service Layer... 5 A case with no integration with a narrowband network... 5 Service layer functions for critical communications... 6 Tactilon Suite implements the Critical Communications Service Layer... 7 Airbus offers the necessary expertise... 7 Conclusion... 7 Disclaimer The contents of this document are copyright 2017 Airbus Defence and Space. All rights reserved. This is not a contractual document. The content of this document may be downloaded and copied for personal use only. No other rights, license or use of this document or any other intellectual property rights of Airbus Defence and Space is granted herein. Airbus has used best effort to put together this document. The content of this document is provided as is, without warranties of any kind with regards its accuracy or reliability, and specifically excluding all implied warranties, for example of merchantability, fitness for purpose, title and non-infringement. In no event shall Airbus Defence and Space be liable for any special, indirect or consequential damages, or any damages whatsoever resulting from loss of use, data or profits, arising out of or in connection with the use of the document. Airbus Defence and Space reserves the right to revise the document or withdraw it at any time without prior notice. Airbus Defence and Space, Tactilon and Tetrapol are registered trademarks of Airbus Defence and Space. Other product names and company names mentioned herein may be trademarks or trade names of their respective owners. 2
Executive summary TETRA and Tetrapol narrowband communications have served mission-critical and business-critical organizations for many years, fulfilling their most demanding needs by delivering services securely, reliably and with high availability. Many of these organizations are now looking to expand their communications to achieve new levels of safety and efficiency by adding mobile broadband technologies, using either dedicated networks or commercial services. Mobile broadband allows officers in the field to use smart devices such as tablets, smartphones and laptops to support their work. The biggest benefits will be attained by mobilizing existing applications such as database queries and data analytics in the field, and enabling new apps and devices like video and online body cameras. The future holds the prospect of even greater capabilities with 5G and the Internet of Things (IoT). It is important that evolving to mobile broadband does not disrupt an organization s established and familiar operational models. This is best achieved by a hybrid network deployment. In this approach, a public safety organization can continue with a TETRA or Tetrapol network for mission critical voice and data and introduce mobile broadband gradually. Broadband services can be based on a dedicated broadband network, commercial services with a secure Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO) model, or a combination of the two. A hybrid network allows investments to be made gradually as and when needed. Any 4G/5G network is essentially a wireless bit pipe that carries data and provides mobile IP services. To enable critical communications services that meet the needs of users, a service layer is also needed. Running on top of the network, this service layer provides essential functions. For example, to enable group communications services, several functions are needed, including interworking between existing and broadband networks; provisioning of organizations, groups and users; priority management; control room interfaces and many others. This Critical Communications Service Layer is implemented by the Airbus Tactilon Suite, which combines the capabilities of TETRA/Tetrapol networks and broadband communications, including smart devices and apps. Tactilon Suite is a hybrid solution that offers mobile broadband for public safety users. The key requirements for critical communications Critical communications solutions are used by governmental public safety authorities, such as police and border guards and other critical users such as energy and transportation companies. All these user segments need reliable, high availability communications and have special operational needs, such as group communication. Public safety users also need uncompromised security and wide geographical coverage. The key public safety communications requirements are well known: Key Drivers: Safety of first responders and citizens and Efficiency of missions Drivers Existing services Safety of citizens and first responders Efficiency of missions Service continuity Mobile applications Added value for users New TETRA / Tetrapol capabilities Controlled and secure broadband safety of first responders, safety of citizens and efficiency of missions. As new security threats emerge, new ways to ensure the everyday safety of people are needed. In addition, governmental budget constraints are being implemented in many countries, limiting the resources available to public safety organizations. These requirements can be met more effectively by introducing stepwise new technologies and solutions matching the needs and investment capabilities. Service continuity is a top priority It is vital that introducing new technologies and solutions does not hinder existing services. The safety of citizens and first responders must never be jeopardized. A police officer 3
4 HY B carrying a TETRA/Tetrapol radio must be able to rely on the communications supporting their demanding duties, now and in the future. Service continuity also needs to be taken into account when introducing new applications, services and devices. Public safety organization operational procedures are very stable, with changes needing thorough planning and careful implementation. Any new services or applications must support existing operational models and need to be integrated with the management of organizations, users, groups and security. Integration with control rooms and field command solutions are other important topics to be addressed. Adopting mobile broadband is a great opportunity to offer more value to public safety users. For example, first responders to an accident could send video and photographs from the scene, allowing commanders at the control center to make better decisions. Police officers using reporting tools supported over broadband could spend more time in the field with people and less at the police station. This would improve the efficiency of police work, saving on operational expenses. It would also help to improve relations between the community and the police. Mobile broadband will complement existing narrowband TETRA-based or Tetrapol-based networks, enabling applications and new devices, such as tablets, smartphones and laptops, to be used by officers in the field. Mobilizing existing and new data-hungry applications, such as video, database queries and pictures, could transform the way people work, taking their efficiency and safety to a substantially higher level. D RI ORKS W T NE TETRA / Tetrapol - Mission critical voice and data - Continuity of service - Current operational models Dedicated broadband - End-to-end control - Guaranteed capacity Commercial broadband - Available now for complementary services - Secure MVNO model The hybrid network offers flexibility The need for service continuity and the requirement for least disruption to existing operational models can be met by a hybrid network model. In this approach, a public safety organization can continue with a TETRA/ Tetrapol network for mission-critical voice and data while introducing mobile broadband services step-by-step. These services can be based on a dedicated broadband network, commercial services with a secure MVNO, or a combination of the two. Using a hybrid network means investments can be made gradually as and when needed. The broadband network can also be developed in different ways depending on which applications are needed and the level of investment that can be supported. Another key issue is the availability of radio spectrum. If spectrum is not available for dedicated public safety broadband networks, broadband services from commercial mobile operators can be used instead. The hybrid network model also offers easy risk management. Maintaining the continuity of public safety operations is achieved by making group voice services the first priority. Having TETRA/Tetrapol services as one element of hybrid networks ensures existing operations are supported. Mobile broadband apps and new devices will complement TETRA/Tetrapol. Only when standards and technologies evolve will mobile broadband gradually take on the role of a critical communications technology.
The need for a Critical Communications Service Layer The figure on the right-hand side describes a hybrid network based on an existing TETRA/Tetrapol network and a Mobile Network Operator s (MNO) 4G/5G radio network. This combination provides existing mission critical services with assured service continuity, as well as new broadband apps and smart devices. The MNO network is shared with other user segments, typically consumers and enterprise users. Hence, rigid traffic prioritization and other quality-of-service provisioning are needed to guarantee fit-for-purpose services for mission critical users. A diverse range of devices can be used with a hybrid network. A new user device category that has not existed before is the hybrid device, combing a PMR radio and a smartphone. This device provides public safety users with the well-known and reliable services of a TETRA/Tetrapol terminal, as well as new apps made possible by smartphone technology. However, the hybrid network by itself cannot make all these capabilities a reality for critical communications users. A service layer is also needed. Running on top of the network, this service layer Hybrid Network with Mobile Network Operator User Organizations Control Centers Applications Service Provider / Operator Critical Communications Service Layer Radio Access TETRA / Tetrapol MNO 4G/5G User Devices Users provides essential functions. For example, to enable group communications services, several functions are needed, including interworking between existing and broadband networks; provisioning of organizations, groups and users; priority management; control room interfaces and many others. The Critical Communications Service Layer sits between the narrowband and broadband radio networks and the user organization s solutions like control rooms, applications and repositories. The service layer integrates these elements and ensures users get seamless services, whichever network is used and wherever services reside; and all this while ensuring security and reliability. A case with no integration with a narrowband network The hybrid network model most commonly answers the needs of mission critical organizations that are using narrowband networks, like TETRA / Tetrapol, but which need more data bandwidth for new apps and devices. However, there are also other potential scenarios. For example, an organization using an outdated radio solution not anymore meeting the needs would need a technology that could be deployed quickly as a replacement. This could be achieved with an MNO providing services from its 4G and future 5G network. In this case, a Critical Communications Service Layer would still be needed even though no existing narrowband network exists to connect with. This is because the major part of the service layer s services and functions are needed to support mission critical services on top of a 4G/5G network. For example, group communications services are needed including the provisioning of the user organizations, groups and users, as well as the management of the priorities for mission critical applications. Naturally legacy interworking functionalities are not needed, because there is no parallel use with existing radio communications solutions. Service Layer with MNO s Network Control Centers Applications Critical Communications Service Layer MNO 4G/5G User Devices 5
Service layer functions for critical communications Service Layer for Critical Communications Tactilon Suite SMVNO Agnet Tactilon mgmt RCS 9500 Mission Critical Services PTT, data, video Service Layer Legacy Interworking 4G/5G priority management Application security Organizational management Subscriber management Tactical management Control room interfaces Mission critical push-to-talk (PTT), video and data are the basis for group communications services widely used by public safety organizations. 3GPP standards define the architectural guidelines and protocols for these applications. Legacy interworking is needed to connect broadband services with existing TETRA or Tetrapol narrowband networks. Talk groups can then communicate regardless of which radio network they use, legacy narrowband or broadband. This function also supports seamless control room communication. Priority management ensures public safety users get the network priorities they need. When an MNO network is used, there are various types of prioritization: Priorities between mission critical users, consumers and other users Priorities between different mission critical users/user organizations Priorities based on service type (for example voice/signaling/ data) and application. 6 Radio access situational awareness The Critical Communications Service Layer provides the functions needed to run mission critical communications on top of 4G/5G networks: Dispatching solutions Cross-border interworking TETRA ISI Viewcor 4G and future 5G networks offer a rich set of QoS mechanisms for prioritization. Application level priority management is based on these standardized capabilities. Application security secures end-to-end public safety services and ensures services are accessible only to authorized organizations and users. Different organizations are authorized for different services and resources. A protective security wall is also needed between the service layer and 4G/5G networks, especially when a commercial mobile operator s services are used. Organizational management manages user organizations structures, groups and operational models. It is an essential function for mission critical solutions that is not available in consumer networks. Subscriber management is related to organizational management and takes care of end users, their roles and group memberships. Tactical management functions handle the daily management of groups and subscribers to support changing field operations, and are typically run by the user organization. Dispatching solutions help manage field forces and task assignment. Operational models can involve centralized and distributed control rooms and the management of single and multiple response organizations. Control room interfaces and integration are required to link mission critical services and other applications with control room systems. Introducing new data-rich applications sets new challenges for control room integration due to the use of multimedia data. Radio access situational awareness solutions provide a r eal-time view of the radio network s performance and service level and supports long-term planning. Various tools enable network load to be visualized and to reveal its impact on services, while the location of disturbances can also be analyzed. If an MNO s radio network is used for broadband services, it is essential to have powerful tools to help understand the end-toend service level being experienced by mission critical users. Cross-border interworking enables authorities from different countries to cooperate. This is achieved by connecting together the neighboring countries networks. Today, TETRA Inter-System-Interface (ISI) is a standardized solution to connect TETRA networks from different vendors. The first practical ISI deployments are taking place between Norway and Sweden, operational from early 2017, followed by other Nordic countries. In addition to these key functions, other services may be needed, for example Enterprise Mobility Management (EMM) to manage smart devices and applications.
Tactilon Suite implements the Critical Communications Service Layer Airbus offers the necessary expertise Airbus Tactilon Suite implements the Critical Communications Service Layer to combine the capabilities of TETRA/TETRAPOL networks and broadband communication, including smart devices and apps. Tactilon Suite offers existing public safety service providers a flexible route from narrowband TETRA/Tetrapol services to mobile broadband, including mobile operator networks and dedicated broadband networks. It is a highly capable option for MNOs looking for a service layer solution to introduce mission critical services on top of an existing mobile network. Airbus Defence and Space has long experience in mission critical communications. Over several decades in the critical communications business, we have seen many generations of technology and today we are a market leader in large nationwide public safety networks. Although the technologies have been evolving, the basis of customers needs remain unchanged. Special operational models, very high service availability and uncompromised security are the essential requirements of critical communications customers. Airbus customers can be confident that whatever the technological solution, these needs are driving the development of new products and solutions. Airbus is experienced in 4G/LTE technologies and how to apply them in critical communications. Airbus is experienced in integrating Tactilon Suite solutions with LTE networks, as well as with commercial mobile operators. The comprehensive expertise and experience of Airbus is at your service when you need to learn more about the Critical Communications Service Layer solutions offered by Tactilon Suite and how to apply them with mission critical communications. The portfolio includes: Tactilon Agnet application allows smartphone users connected via broadband to use TETRA/Tetrapol PTT voice and messaging services, while TETRA/Tetrapol and smartphone users can use the same talk groups. Tactilon Management provides control and management of organizations, groups and subscribers, using the same processes and operational models for hybrid networks. It also manages Tactilon Agnet and Tactilon Secure MVNO users. Tactilon Secure MVNO enables public safety service providers to make the best use of their communications budgets by introducing broadband services based on one or more commercial mobile operators services, while also allowing them to control the security of communications and subscribers. Tactilon Dabat is both an Android smartphone and a TETRA radio in a single device for professional users. Tactilon Suite is the key solution for existing public safety service providers and for MNOs looking for new business opportunities within mission critical services. Tactilon Suite makes public safety services possible in mobile broadband networks and is a flexible way for hybrid networks to develop broadband services. Conclusion Mobile broadband offers new ways for public safety and other mission critical communications users to meet the growing challenges they face. The use of smart devices and innovative apps in the field brings added value to users, provided they can be introduced without interrupting the continuity of existing services. The hybrid network model offers a highly flexible way to introduce broadband services. In addition, a Critical Communications Service Layer provides many functions needed to enable 4G/5G mobile networks to deliver mission critical services. These functions include group communications services; interworking between existing and broadband networks; provisioning of organizations, groups and users; priority management; control room interfaces and many others. Airbus Tactilon Suite implements the Critical Communications Service Layer to combine the capabilities of TETRA/Tetrapol networks and broadband communication, including smart devices and apps. 7
Learn more Find out more about how Airbus solutions are bringing more value to TETRA/Tetrapol users by complementing existing services with new broadband capabilities and smart devices. Discover more information about Tactilon Suite solutions: www.securelandcommunications.com/tactilon-suite To get any further information, please do not hesitate to contact us: marketing@securelandcommunications.com 04/2017 Copyright 2017 Airbus Defence and Space. All rights reserved. This document is not contractual. Subject to change without notice. www.securelandcommunications.com e-mail: marketing@securelandcommunications.com For more information please contact Airbus Defence and Space Hiomotie 32 00380 Helsinki Finland T: +358 10 4080 000 Airbus Defence and Space Wörthstraße 85 89077 Ulm Germany T: +49 (0) 731.392-0 Airbus Defence and Space MetaPole 1, bld Jean Moulin CS 40001 78996 Elancourt Cedex France T: +33 (0)1 61 38 50 00 8