Tyco Electronics Wireless Systems' P25 Compliance Assessment Lab Officially Recognized By U.S. Department Of Homeland Security
Tyco Electronics Wireless Systems, a worldwide leader of mission critical wireless networks, recently announced that the company's interoperability testing lab in Lynchburg, Virginia has been formally approved to test equipment and technology for P25 compliance according to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) Office for Interoperability and Compatibility (OIC) standards. The DHS-OIC formally approved eight laboratories across the country as part of the Project 25 Compliance Assessment Program (P25 CAP). These standards will raise the level of interoperability between different brands of public safety grade radios and provide greater choice for agencies looking to upgrade their wireless communications equipment.
"Having a P25 compliance assessment lab officially recognized by the Department of Homeland Security speaks to our commitment to interoperability standards that will improve communications among first responders across the country," said Paul May, business development manager, Tyco Electronics Wireless Systems. "Not only have we made substantial investments in P25 Compliance Assessment laboratories but we are putting the labs to immediate use to establish the P25 compliance of both our networks and our subscriber equipment. Wireless Systems plans to host other P25 trunked subscriber suppliers within the coming weeks to fulfill the requirements of the P25 Compliance Assessment Program and to demonstrate the level of interoperability available today."
In partnership with the National Institute of Standards and Technology's Office of Law Enforcement Standards and a coalition of emergency responders and communications equipment manufacturers, the P25 CAP establishes an independent compliance assessment process to ensure various manufacturer's communications equipment interoperates, conforms to P25 standards, and meets performance requirements. P25 standards allow radios to interoperate regardless of manufacturer, thereby enabling emergency responders to communicate as necessary. The test laboratories demonstrated their competence through a rigorous and objective assessment process based on internationally-accepted standards. Laboratory assessments began in December 2008 and continued through April 2009.
In its P25 Compliance Assessment Lab, Wireless Systems will be testing equipment from multiple manufacturers for interoperability with the Tyco Electronics P25IP (P25 to the Power of IP) network. The P25IP network provides first responders with advanced, wide area communications and is based on the Wireless Systems IP-based VIDA network platform. VIDA is a cost-effective, interoperable radio communications technology that supports OpenSky, P25 and other IP-based systems. It addresses voice and data communications needs of Transportation, Utility and Public safety radio users around the world. VIDA provides a full IP management platform, including interoperability without intervention of console operators; IP consoles; networking technology for both the P25 Phase 1 and Phase 2 technology standards; and other benefits inherent in open IP architecture systems.
About Tyco Electronics
Tyco Electronics Ltd. is a leading global provider of engineered electronic components, network solutions, undersea telecommunication systems, wireless systems and specialty products, with fiscal 2008 sales of $14.8B to customers in more than 150 countries. We design, manufacture and market products for customers in a broad array of industries including automotive; data communication systems and consumer electronics; telecommunications; aerospace, defense and marine; medical; alternative energy and lighting; and public safety communications. With approximately 7,000 engineers and worldwide manufacturing, sales and customer service capabilities, Tyco Electronics' commitment is our customers' advantage. For more information about Tyco Electronics, visit: http://www.tycoelectronics.com/.
Tyco Electronics Wireless Systems is a leading supplier of critical communications systems and equipment for public safety, utility, federal and select commercial markets. Tyco Electronics Wireless Systems' products range from some of the most advanced IP-based voice and data networks, to traditional wireless systems that offer customers the highest levels of reliability, interoperability, scalability and security. More information about Tyco Electronics Wireless System's solutions can be found on the Web at http://www.tewireless.com.
SOURCE: Tyco Electronics Wireless Systems