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Scalable, mobile Tetra radio solutions with satellite connection and
broadband enhancement
At this year’s PMRExpo, Airbus Defence and Space will be presenting an extended portfolio
of mobile Tetra radio networks. Based on a modular concept, Airbus Defence and Space is
expanding its mobile vehicle solution featuring a miniaturised TB3p base station and the
ability to connect via satellite, with a compact DXT3p switch and control centre solutions.
This will, in the future, be supplemented by an LTE broadband data communication module.
The scalable end-to-end solution package of mobile network infrastructures is made up of
the following essential components:
 Mobile Tetra base stations and switches with corresponding connection and antenna
technology,
 Mobile control centre solutions with person location capability,
 Equipment and services for establishing satellite connections via portable and/or
stationary components,
 A wide range of Tetra receivers, from the TH1n, the world’s smallest Tetra radio
device, to the THR9 Ex, a robust all-rounder for endangered working areas and the
Tetra Pager P8GR
 LTE broadband module with the corresponding broadband modem for installation in
vehicles, and
 Services for configuring, integrating and operating the networks.
LTE broadband enhancement specifications
LTE broadband enhancement consists of the µEPC compact switch component, which is in
fact a miniature version of a complete LTE core network. All LTE core network functions are
integrated into a hardware platform. The µEPC requires just two height units, making it
extremely compact. All logical network elements of the LTE core are implemented within it.
A further component of broadband enhancement is the eNB compact LTE base station,
which comprises the base band unit, the transceiver unit and the accompanying duplexer.
The components for LTE broadband enhancement can be integrated into two robust radio
containers each measuring six height units and with the corresponding IT network
components. LTE broadband enhancement offers data rates of up to 2 Mbit/s when using a
1.4 MHz LTE channel and radio coverage comparable to that of a Tetra system. The
availability of this transmission bandwidth thus opens up possibilities for a multitude of data
applications, e.g. image and video transmissions.
Fields of application
This results in a wide range of application possibilities that require reliable yet flexibly
deployable radio coverage. Combined with a satellite link from Airbus Defence and Space,
one or more base stations can, for example, be connected directly to the core network via
the switch, or a new self-contained network can be formed. All the usual Tetra performance
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features such as group and individual calling and data communication are supported for
satellite links too. Mobile control centre solutions with person location capability, as well as
with radio device and accessory programmes for concealed carrying methods, adverse
mission conditions or explosion-prone areas, can practically supplement Tetra networks in
special cases.
They can, for example, be used when events such as natural catastrophes, serious train or
place crashes and anti-terrorist operations occur suddenly and unpredictably in terms of time
and place. In such instances, completely new screened network infrastructures can be set
up, existing network coverage can be extended or, in the event of a failure of available base
stations, network coverage can be re-established by means of a TB3p and, where
necessary, a DXT3p connected via satellite.
Planned major events such as demonstrations, whose location could change foreseeably or
unforeseeably, require additional mobile radio coverage solutions. A TB3p, which due to its
small fitting dimensions can be easily installed in vehicles, offers one possibility for providing
a mobile solution of this kind (“nomadic deployment”) with continuous radio coverage during
the entire mission.
Ultimately, it offers a solution for providing additional local radio capacity easily and efficiently
in exceptional situations.
Airbus Defence and Space
Airbus Defence and Space is a division of Airbus Group formed by combining the business
activities of Cassidian, Astrium and Airbus Military. The new division is Europe’s number one
defence and space enterprise, the second largest space business worldwide and among the
top ten global defence enterprises. It employs some 38,000 employees generating revenues
of approximately €14 billion per year.
Contact:
Anke Sturtzel
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+33 1 6138 5330 / [email protected]