What is it?
For years, companies have been using ‘closed networks’ for their mobile communication. These usually consist of a sender-receiver, equipped as a fixed post, in combination with a number of mobile sender-receivers. This way, the company has one or more radio frequencies at its disposal.
Until recently, the closed network, or PMR (Private Mobile Radio), was the most frequently used form of company mobile communication. As a result of the increasing demand for mobile communication, a shortage of radio frequencies (radio channels) has developed particularly in Belgium and the Netherlands. As a consequence, the end-user can encounter congestion, interruption and disturbances through joint use.
A trunking system in Radio Communication
A technology that not only makes communication a lot simpler, but more efficient as well.
Installing or expanding closed networks is allowed only with the approval of the BIPT (in Belgium) or the Telecom Agency (in the Netherlands). Due to the administrative procedures involved, this can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months. For expansions, the new equipment must fit into the closed network configuration, with the risk that the configuration will have to be partially (or completely) modified.
With Entropia, the implementation or expansion of a fleet can be achieved in several hours. The coordination procedure with the authorities does not apply in this case. So, the customer does not experience any waiting-time difficulties during the request for frequencies from the authorities. When changing locations, the customer has no problems with infrastructural facilities such as antenna pylons, fixed connections, building permits, etc. If necessary, another subscription can be taken (for example, for the fixed post). After delivery of the total package (Entropia service and peripheral equipment), colleagues can communicate with each other immediately.
In traditional radio communication systems, the various users are active on various radio frequencies or radio transmitters. Often, in working through a traditional system, the number of users is greater than the number of available channels. As a result, users must share the same single channel. In a radio trunking communication system, the smart system monitors and directs the user to a free channel.
The user need not worry whether a channel is free or not. A trunking system became possible in radio systems with the introduction of the microprocessor, which makes it possible to have sufficient power in mobile and portable radios, as well as the system’s trunking controller. The trunking controller − the heart of the networked radio system − is the housekeeper of all the activities in the system. The trunking controller receives your request for communication, processes and is the contact.
Belgium – the Netherlands coverage at lower costs
International coverage can be achieved with a closed network. However, the costs for this are so high that it is usually not economically justifiable for a company. With the Entropia subscription, it is possible to achieve cross-border radio coverage at a relatively low cost.
Future-proof
Suppliers of the Entropia system follow the technological developments closely. By means of new software releases, the possibilities of this system are constantly being extended.
Low project management costs for the end-user
In the construction of large closed networks, high investments are made with regard to the infrastructure (including, construction of antenna pylons) and the large amount of time required for configuration of the network. Normally, Entropia does not require the end-user to make any infrastructural investments. These are usually made by the operator. Moreover, to implement the peripheral equipment, less support is necessary than for conventional networks. Also, there are no monthly recurring costs for rental lines to the base stations or utilisation costs for the central equipment, infrastructure, etc.
In addition to this, the Entropia base stations are equipped with emergency power and are monitored remotely 24 hours a day.
This means that, in the case of a power outage, the network remains operational for at least 8 to 48 hours, depending on the SLA offered.
In some cases, however, a contribution from the user is requested. This can stem from the fact that the (intended) user is housed in a remote area, where there is no (or limited) coverage. This contribution is then a purchase, but the maintenance is paid for by the supplier.
Migration of closed networks to Entropia
Although a complete conversion from a closed network to Entropia is the simplest solution, the customer may have various reasons for wanting to lay out a migration path. If the Entropia network must be able to work together with the existing closed network, the communication will run via the fixed post or an Entropia gateway.
This can be done in three different ways:
1. The central operator is able to transmit calls back and forth to the other network. The possibilities for this are determined in particular by the existing operating post.
- Connecting Entropia radiotelephone to existing service
- Connecting closed network radiotelephone to Entropia service
- Connecting closed network service to Entropia service
2. If the existing closed network has dial direct possibilities with a PABX or the public telephone network, this offers simple possibilities for connecting the two networks.By means of a PABX connection or PSTN inbound and outbound on Entropia the connection has already been realised. This same solution can also be achieved with a (automatic) connection \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\'box\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\' to which an Entropia radiotelephone and a PABX device are connected.
3. By means of an Entropia gateway. The gateway is able to process all voice calls between the conventional networks and the Entropia network. It’s also possible to send and receive status and data messages in both directions.
Distribution of the Entropia service
Entropia is sold via business partners who function as system integrators. They buy the Entropia service from the network operator in the form of connections, facilities and air time. The business partners then sell this service plus the added value (including service, peripheral equipment, data applications) to the market. Business partners determine the market price of the corresponding peripherals, and they determine the service contracts. In this way, the business partner has the necessary commercial freedom to create an optimal specialised offerings package for the various target groups. For particular national, technical or indoor projects, Entropia offers immediate, tailor-made solutions. If so desired, the customer can choose to have the complete integration developed by Entropia and its partners.
