Trunking versus conventional radio systems

Correctional Service Canada (CSC) has recently replaced the ageing, out-of-date radio communications systems in all major CSC facilities with new conventional digital radio systems. Based on very specific and restrictive operational requirements coupled with developments in digital radio technology and the Associated Public Communications Officers (APCO) Project 25 digital radio standards, it was determined that digital radio communications would best meet CSC's needs. The CSC national radio replacement program has been completed in March 2000. Switching to a digital radio communications system gave CSC an opportunity to consider changing the existing radio system from a number of conventional, single-site systems to a trunking system. This paper will present areas to be considered when determining the architecture for a radio communication network, whether radio trunking systems or conventional radio systems should be used. In addition, the paper will also outline the requirements and measures taken to keep the radio communication network active and operational while the equipment was converted from an analog technology to a digital one.