interoperation Interfacing on demand
Freedom to interconnect their TETRA networks via an common open interface would allow users a real choice of suppliers, argues David Taylor, of infrastructure supplier Rohill
T e objective of ODINI is to create an ecosystem of
products and services in a multi-vendor environment. Its open architecture has been emphasized by publishing the draft ODINI standard as an open specifi cation, and making the ODINI gateway software available as Open Source.
Users’ needs Even multi-agency networks do not always provide interoperable communications. For example, security personnel or private fi re brigades working on a private mobile radio (PMR) network cannot usually communicate with public safety offi cers working on a nationwide network, even where both groups use TETRA-based radio networks. A second requirement comes from the need to integrate
David W Taylor is a consultant to the mobile network infrastructure developer Rohill Technologies
V
irtually all network solutions for professional mobile communications are based on proprietary system architectures. Although the air interface may be
compliant with an open standard such as TETRA, the internal interfaces are not open for integration with products from other suppliers. Users who require seamless nationwide coverage therefore
cannot use equipment from multiple system suppliers. Instead, they must depend on a single supplier for all their TETRA network requirements. T is results in a ‘vendor lock-in’ which unfortunately prevents system expansion, interworking between diff erent networks and future migration to newer technologies. Rohill’s ODINI initiative is an attempt to remove
the barriers of closed system architectures. It allows interoperability between PMR systems, including TETRA networks, on the basis of open standards. ODINI has been developed in close co-operation with end-
users and independent system integrators. A large number of interactive meetings have been held with public safety agencies around the world to establish requirements and fi nd possible solutions for PMR network interoperability. Without exception, all end-users have confi rmed their need for open solutions. Rohill’s development of ODINI has attracted the attention
of major European partners. T rough a European-funded programme referred to as Heterogeneous Networks for Public Safety (HNPS), the company has been able to develop ODINI as a real open standard with help from universities, industrial partners and end-users.
Issue 2 February - April 2011 TE TRA TODAY
Rohill’s ODINI concept allows interoperation between different voice and data technologies and devices, allowing interworking between PMR systems
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diff erent networks of the same end user. Often, there is no interoperability or only limited interoperability between the PMR network, the data network (LAN, WAN) and the telephone network. T is means that information available in the police station cannot be retrieved by the police offi cer on the street or in the car. T e need might be met by installing an overlay mobile data network – but a higher-level integration
ohill, the specialist TETRA network supplier based in the Netherlands, has been working with others to defi ne and agree an open, IP-based connection between Tetra systems and also with other radio networks. Rohill has named this open specifi cation On-Demand Intelligent Network Interface (ODINI for short). It defi nes a method of interconnecting Private Mobile Radio (PMR) networks, both fi xed and mobile, that supports group and individual-oriented communications. ODINI is an interface founded on a modern IP-based network
Introducing the ODINI concept R
architecture. It allows for integration of legacy, current and new radio networks, telephony and PC-based applications to support interconnection of voice and data calls.
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