Radio Communication: Advantages, Disadvantages, and Protocols

Posted on Feb 15, 2025 in Business Administration and Innovation Management

Radio Communication: Advantages and Disadvantages

Advantages:

  • Speed of more effective communications
  • Services
  • Better utilization of operational resources
  • More effective police equipment
  • Simple operation, comfortable, and lightweight

Disadvantages:

  • Limiting the means of expression
  • Demand clarity, brevity, and precision in messages
  • Attention and constant listening are required
  • It takes constant discipline

Personnel Duties and Communication Discipline

Transfers:

  • Broadcast service is secret and cannot be used for private affairs.
  • Correct microphone position before speaking; plan the talk.
  • Listen before talking; be impersonal and maintain communications discipline.
  • Verify that the channel is free.
  • Clearly identify the team to contact and wait for an answer.
  • Use equipment correctly and always respect staff duties.
  • Know the target and all service codes.

Transmission Obligations

  • The urgency depends on the incident.
  • Pay special attention to movements that can be observed during transfer.
  • Communicate upon reaching the scene, reporting the arrival of other services.
  • Provide information about the events, relief, and collaboration.
  • Communicate finalization of the occurrence.

PMR Networks

To cover an extensive geographic scope via links through repetitive and semi-duplex systems. Two frequencies are used for each communication channel: one for TX (transmit) and one for RX (receive), liaising through a repeater, which is located in an elevated position to maximize signal power.

Benefits:

  • Economy
  • Low cost
  • Simplicity
  • All users have the same knowledge of communications.

Disadvantages:

  • Limited range
  • Limited channels
  • If you lose coverage, the entire system is affected.

Trunking Networks

The area to cover is configured in cells, with a station located in each cell. A single control center manages all the stations, forming a mesh system that extends to cover the area. When a communication is initiated, it is issued by all stations. All channels are replaced by working groups managed by the control center.

Advantages of Trunking:

  • General Call option
  • Group or individual calls
  • Selective calls
  • Transmission of short data
  • Set up working groups to hear all in one device.

Advantages of TETRA:

  • Digital signal processing
  • High security, encryption
  • Dynamic allocation of channels
  • Increased coverage of devices
  • Take full advantage of frequency
  • Emergency call
  • Send data

Central Dispatch

The central dispatch receives all calls from the public and is staffed by trained personnel. It is composed of one or more fixed stations and is responsible for coordinating and directing all services provided by police vehicles. It is supported by all staff to request information, the presence of other services, emergency backup, etc.

Rules for Transmitting and Receiving Messages

  • Do not use equipment for questions not related to service.
  • Stations cannot be used by unauthorized personnel.
  • Maintain professional secrecy of communications. If unauthorized devices receive messages, try to locate them.
  • Do not abandon the equipment.
  • Use language indicative of communication with the press.
  • Only transmit long messages when timely.
  • Only the station assigned will communicate with the press.
  • Do not shut down any equipment without permission.
  • Notify when leaving the allocated area.