Application of Communication Command Dispatch Switch in Fire Emergency Command Scenarios

Current Situation and Issues:

Fire brigades currently commonly use two-way radios for on-site communication, with high-power radios linking the scene to the command center. Some units are also equipped with audio/video command terminals.

In large disaster relief sites, multiple agencies such as public security, health, and power utilities are involved, requiring coordination across departments. Switching radio channels frequently is impractical, and some units operate on different frequency bands or incompatible systems, e.g., 350 MHz, 800 MHz, or air-to-ground communication bands. Leaders may also need to use GSM mobile phones or landlines to stay informed about on-site operations.

Requirements:

Fire scene commanders need to be equipped with multiple wireless trunking radios, especially those operating on different frequency bands and systems. These radios should be interconnected via a Dispatch Switch, enabling monitoring, command, and trunk merging through a Dispatch Console. Considering the complexity of the scene, vehicles with communication capabilities can be fitted with a touchscreen Dispatch Console and audio/video dispatch functions, while simpler setups like a keyboard Dispatch Console can be used in vehicles without such facilities.

The Dispatch Switch can also be configured with GSM/CDMA SIM cards or 4G communication cards to maintain external communication links.

Voice recording equipment can be installed to capture all on-site audio.

A comprehensive dispatch system can also bind video signals to voice and data, synchronize with geographic location information, and display the positions of dispatched units in real time.

Application System:

The diagram below illustrates an example of wireless trunking application.

Function Overview:

The IDM M9000 in the diagram can accommodate up to 12 service interface cards.

If radio interface cards are installed, each card can connect up to 4 radios (trunking).

If telephone interface cards are installed, each card supports 8 telephone lines (FXO or FXS).

If GSM/CDMA interface cards are installed, each card supports 2 mobile phone SIM cards.

The WG300 processing card features an IP telephony gateway function, enabling analog voice services to interoperate with IP (compliant with SIP standard VoIP protocols), allowing dispatch and data storage over IP.

The central processing card WG300 also provides TDM-based telephone switching. It can perform program-controlled telephone switching for voice services on the IDM M9000, with user and trunk ports interchangeable, supporting a total capacity of 120 channels.

The WG300 central processing card supports multi-party voice conferencing, allowing the allocation of conference rooms for trunking radios and IDM MCC keyboard Dispatch Consoles, enabling flexible multi-party communication.

The WG300 central processing card also features E1-based digital signaling extension, supporting conversion of signaling systems such as China No. 1, China No. 7, and PRI.

IDM MCC Dispatch Console Function Overview:

The IDM MCC is an IP-based keyboard Dispatch Console without a computer system. It connects to the IDM M9000 via an Ethernet switch, offering flexible installation. It includes a built-in 10W loudspeaker and can be deployed over any IP channel for ease of use.

The IDM MCC features 5 sets of radio-specific keys (with configurable mapping).

Monitoring Function: When monitoring a selected radio, the corresponding indicator shows the monitoring status color. If the radio trunking channel has audio, the loudspeaker outputs amplified sound, and the corresponding channel indicator flashes.

Talk Function: If a channel is enabled for talking (configurable), the talk-enabled indicator lights up. Pressing the group broadcast key transmits the microphone audio to all enabled trunking channels.

For enhanced dispatch capabilities, a dispatch server and touchscreen Dispatch Console are required.