Interoperability for Public Safety Networks

It is widely recognized that efficient communications are of paramount importance to have effective Public Protection and Disaster Relief (PPDR) operations. Indeed, there is a great interest of governments and organizations involved in PPDR toward the evolution of existing wireless systems for critical communications to have higher communication capacity. However, an efficient communication system depends also on the capability of providing service interoperability among different networks. Interoperability barriers among the communication systems of various PPDR organizations are present both at national level and among PPDR organizations from different nations. This chapter passes through the main issues regarding interoperability, first analyzing the current status of European networks and giving a quick overview of some agreements and treaties active between particular countries. A possible framework to implement interoperability is described; the framework encompasses technical and procedural topics for networks and terminals and is here mainly illustrated in its technical aspects. The interoperability framework may represent a solution available in the short time, supported by current professional mobile radio (PMR) networks and bridging them toward an IP-based common European standard for broadband PPDR communications, shared by operators of all countries.