Audio Bridging: What it is, Why you Need it
In light of this issue, companies are installing audio bridging solutions that enable personnel with different radio equipment to speak with one another without disruption. As opposed to procuring new equipment to synchronize communications, professionals can simply install the technology at remote sites, enabling them to communicate across the different sections of their system.
This functionality, while helpful, is just the tip of the iceberg in regard to audio bridging’s functionality. In this article, we’ll detail how the technology works and the manner in which it can support your business.
What is an Audio Bridge?
Typically, this is done at the repeater remote site to provide multiple paths within a single radio network.
How an Audio Bridge Works
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Audio Bridging: Real-World Applications
Audio Bridging provides a uniform way of interconnecting radio equipment from different manufacturers and in different frequency bands. Typically this is done at the repeater remote site to provide multiple paths within a single radio network. However, with advances in technology a vast array of additional applications are possible.
How are Audio Bridges used?
Cross-Banding Disparate Radios
The simplest and most common application of an Audio Bridge is to cross-band disparate radios – across both radio manufacturers and radio frequency bands such as VHF, UHF and more.
A USA Air Force base in Florida did just this – combining Air-band, VHF Marine-band and UHF with audio bridges. Learn more here.
Rebanding and Narrowbanding
When your organization opts to replace outdated radios, the audio bridges enable you to do so with little-to-no disruption. You can connect the new radios to the audio bridge while allowing the old ones to access the network.
This is just what one Central Maryland Public Safety works used to re-band their radios to meet the FCC mandate. Read more.
Pager Linking
Some industries still use pagers to notify employees. Audio bridges support conventional paging gates, allowing radios utilizing different frequencies to connect to the devices. One of our customers used this technology to provide links between P25 frequencies and employee pagers.
On-Demand Network Re-Configuration
Authorized users can activate several link paths via radio frequencies. For instance, you could allow two regional links to communicate with each other at night, but discontinue the connection during daytime operations.
See how one Oil Rig has used Audio Bridges to automatically switch between UHF, VHF Marineband and Airband here.
Automatic Steering
Audio bridges can reroute communications along different connections if one should fail.
As an example, a gold mine created a back-up link via a fiber-optic cable, which the audio bridges could access in the event the facility’s Ethernet link shut down unexpectedly. See how here.
Fast Link Keying
CTCSS (Continuous Tone-Coded Squelch System) controlled multi-hop links can cause long delays. The 619DSRI Audio Bridge removes this hurdle by incorporating a fast CTCSS mode for input signals.
There are numerous ways your organization can take advantage of these functions. Government, maritime, public safety, utilities and supply chain management and other industries have eliminated conventional communication costs after installing audio bridges.
What are the Different Types of Audio Bridges?
Each has its benefits.
For example, a system configured by front panel DIP switches (such as the 619EI), are much simpler to use while providing operational flexibility. Technicians in the field can quickly make changes to suit the current requirements.
On the other hand, firmware configuration (such as in the 619DSRI) provides system integrators with advanced ways to establish de-centralized, interoperable networks that do not require intervention from central control rooms. This is what will give you the more advanced features such as network re-configuration on demand.
How many Ports do I need in my Audio Bridge?
The 619DSRI enables system integrators to establish de-centralized, interoperable networks.
There are numerous ways your organization can take advantage of these functions. Government, Maritime, supply chain management and other industries have eliminated conventional communication costs after installing audio bridges.
Which model suits your operation?
The 619EI provides a system configured by front panel DIP switches that is simple to use but very flexible in operation. It has six ports.
The IPR400 S2 is a full featured, fast and flexible multi-channel VoIP radio interface with RoIP gateway software. It combines Voice over IP extensions for analog radio equipment and interoperability between disparate radio systems all in one.
If you have any questions regarding the 619DSRI or any of our other audio bridges, contact Omnitronics today.
Products
Interoperability Gateways & Audio Bridges
619EI
Highly robust & reliable, 6-port audio bridge that is remarkably easy to install and configure.
619DSRI
8-port digital audio bridge providing powerful features using dynamic configuration.
IPR400 S2
2-in-1 Interoperability and full multi-channel RoIP for IP connectivity.
Testimonials
Hear From Our Customers
“We have never had a fault with any of these devices, and have used them extensively for interfacing radio equipment with other devices at local and remote sites to support radio communication networks for train control operations across multiple state borders”
Peter James, Communications Services Manager at Broadspectrum – users of Audio Bridges for over 20 years
Case Studies
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