A Survey on Legacy and Emerging Technologies for Public Safety Communications (1509.08316v2)

Abstract: Effective emergency and natural disaster management depend on the efficient mission-critical voice and data communication between first responders and victims. Land Mobile Radio System (LMRS) is a legacy narrowband technology used for critical voice communications with limited use for data applications. Recently Long Term Evolution (LTE) emerged as a broadband communication technology that has a potential to transform the capabilities of public safety technologies by providing broadband, ubiquitous, and mission-critical voice and data support. For example, in the United States, FirstNet is building a nationwide coast-to-coast public safety network based of LTE broadband technology. This paper presents a comparative survey of legacy and the LTE-based public safety networks, and discusses the LMRS-LTE convergence as well as mission-critical push-to-talk over LTE. A simulation study of LMRS and LTE band class 14 technologies is provided using the NS-3 open source tool. An experimental study of APCO-25 and LTE band class 14 is also conducted using software-defined radio, to enhance the understanding of the public safety systems. Finally, emerging technologies that may have strong potential for use in public safety networks are reviewed.

• The paper provides a comprehensive survey and comparative analysis of legacy (LMRS) and emerging (LTE, 5G) technologies for public safety communications, highlighting their strengths and challenges.
• It compares traditional LMRS systems with modern LTE networks for PSC, discusses emerging tech benefits, and analyzes convergence strategies.
• The paper outlines significant future challenges for PSC, including regulatory hurdles, cybersecurity, and the successful integration of 5G and other emerging technologies.

Legacy and Emerging Technologies for Public Safety Communications

The paper "A Survey on Legacy and Emerging Technologies for Public Safety Communications" offers a thorough comparative analysis of traditional and new technologies for public safety communications (PSC). It addresses the evolving landscape of PSC systems from Land Mobile Radio System (LMRS) to Long Term Evolution (LTE) broadband networks, highlighting their respective strengths and challenges.

Comparative Analysis of LMRS and LTE

The authors begin by detailing LMRS, which includes APCO-25 and TETRA suite of standards, focussing on their role in providing mission-critical voice communication. LMRS systems are characterized by wide area coverage and high reliability, making them a staple for emergency responders over the past decades. However, their limited data capabilities prompt the exploration of LTE broadband technologies, which can offer high-speed data services and transform PSC capabilities significantly.

As LTE technology evolves, its ability to deliver broadband data and low latency communication becomes increasingly critical for emergency scenarios requiring real-time updates. The paper details simulations contrasting LMRS and the FirstNet network in the U.S., demonstrating LTE's superior throughput capabilities essential for multimedia applications during emergencies. While LMRS offers wider coverage, LTE’s high data rates support the mission-critical demands of modern PSC.

Emerging Technologies and Their PSC Applications

The paper reviews emerging technologies such as mmWave, massive MIMO, small cells, UAVs, V2X communication, and cognitive radio, assessing their potential impacts on PSC. For instance, massive MIMO and mmWave technologies could significantly boost throughput and spectral efficiency, resolving the bandwidth constraints that PSC systems face. Small cells and UAVs emerge as crucial supplementary solutions, capable of filling coverage gaps during emergencies or augmenting network capacity in congested areas.

The authors speculate on the integration of these technologies into PSC, potentially redefining emergency response capabilities with unprecedented situational awareness and efficiency. The implications are broadened with discussions on logistical influences like spectrum allocation and global standardization hurdles, emphasizing regional variations, such as those seen in the U.S. versus Europe or the Asia-Pacific.

Frameworks and Convergence Strategies

Acknowledging the transitional phase of PSC technologies, the paper underscores the importance of the LMRS-LTE convergence strategy. It outlines various frameworks and devices designed to bridge the legacy capabilities of LMRS with LTE advancements, offering an interim solution that supports both mission-critical voice and high-speed data. The paper illustrates frameworks like Motorola's VALR and Harris Corporation’s VIDA, emphasizing interoperability, utility, and resilience.

Numerical Simulations and SDR Studies

The comparative analysis includes numerical simulations using NS-3 to quantify throughput and signal quality across PSC systems. These simulations illuminate the efficiency and limitations of both LTE and LMRS technologies under varying conditions. Complementary to this, SDR experimental studies facilitate practical insights into real-world applications, solidifying the paper’s theoretical conclusions with empirical data.

Future Directions

In conclusion, the paper articulates challenges and open research areas in PSC, noting that while the transition to LTE systems is underway, full operational maturity is hampered by technological, regulatory, and infrastructural hurdles. The discourse on future-generation networks such as 5G further explores potential enhancements in PSC capabilities, emphasizing the importance of robust cybersecurity frameworks and efficient spectrum utilization.

This paper underscores the importance of innovation and strategic planning in modernizing PSC systems, paving the way for more resilient and capable networks that better serve the needs of emergency responders and public safety at large.