TAIT launches: Advantages of DMR versus TETRA
TAIT aims at comparing the relative advantages and disadvantages of DMR and TETRA along several factors including coverage, frequency bands, fallback to analog and the ease and cost of migration.
If you are considering a new radio system or a replacement/upgrade of your existing system, choosing the right technology is of prime importance. The decision to use a particular technology should always be based on best fit to achieve the project’s objectives.
What is TETRA?
- Is an ETSI standard digital radio solution that is more like a cellular telephone system than other LMR standards.
- Standards (EN 300 392) were published in 1995 – the same time as P25 phase 1 was published in the USA.
- Operates in 25kHz channels and uses 4 slot TDMA to achieve 6.25kHz equivalence (1 communication path per 6.25kHz of spectrum)
- Only includes trunked operation.
- Primary market is Europe. It is starting to appear in the USA and Oceania.
What is DMR?
- DMR is an ETSI standard, low complexity professional digital radio solution designed to replace analog FM radio that is cost effective.
- Standards (ETSI TS102 361) were published in 2005. There are 3 ‘Tiers’ specified – Tier II and Tier III are for professional users.
- Operates in 12.5kHz channels and uses 2 slot TDMA (Time Division Multiple Access) to achieve 6.25kHz equivalence. Tier II is conventional, Tier III is trunked.
- Offers an easy path to migrate analog FM LMR users to 6.25kHz digital radio technology.
- Fast gaining traction in the Americas and Oceania as a lower cost alternative to P25.
If you wish to understand more how TAIT has compared both communications technologies, click to read more...
