Raytheon adds ISSI interface to interoperability gateway

LAS VEGAS — Agencies operating P25 systems will be able to interoperate with users of disparate networks via a new ISSI interface on Raytheon's INTEROP-7000 interoperability server, which will be demonstrated this week at the International Wireless Communications Expo (IWCE).

"We think [the ISSI interface] will certainly get some attention from those that are looking to tie together their systems from the past and present, as they move into the future of broadband," TJ Kennedy, director of public safety and security for Raytheon's Network Centric System business, said during an interview with Urgent Communications.

"We really look at this as the ability to improve communications for first responders by being able to leverage legacy communications systems with their current systems, as well as to be prepared for future networks and systems.

With the ISSI interface, key metadata — user IDs, alerts and messages — functionality is enabled and the need for donor P25 radios is eliminated, according to a company press release. And enhancements to the INTEROP-7000 go beyond the ISSI interface, as the solution also includes network-management functionality, Kennedy said.

"You have the ability, through a GUI interface, to manage all of these different inputs," he said. "On a computer screen or dispatch screen, you can now add or delete networks and tie different systems together, whether that's radio systems, telecom systems or [commercial] wireless systems.

"With the ISSI interface, we now have the ability to tie in P25, as well, which is an important thing. It will allow things like metadata to also come through to send alerts and things of that nature. So, we believe that this is a big step in an important direction."

Raytheon will be in Booth 221 on the IWCE show floor, which will open tomorrow.