Project 25 Radio Network Upgrade

About the Program

Category: Information Technology (Best in Category)

Year: 2023

The Howard County Radio Team completed an expansive overhaul of its radio system. It replaced its core and 911 radio console and Public Safety portable radio, re-engineered its radio site, and completed a cutover. In the impressive engineering phase, the team took a 15-channel trunked radio system to a 20-channel trunked radio system, adding 25% more capacity to the operations. They moved the network from a Microwave T-1 platform to a robust IP network on fiber. Having fiber at each site with redundant fiber paths provided a quicker response to transmit and receive voice traffic. This also enhanced reliability of system uptime and eliminated issues from weather conditions. The team brought new features on-line to enhance the reliability for all users on Howard County’s P-25 radio network such as: system refresh to include software upgrade and firmware along all platforms, GPS to 911 CAD, over the air programming, Radio manager server to manage radio programming, Wave/Critical connect to allow users outside radio coverage area to communicate with 911, all radios in network to APX series of radios, removal of older XTS and Spectra Plus radios.