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From the 50s, walkie-talkies have become increasingly popular and have enabled companies to become more and more efficient through group communication. In recent years, a number of data functionalities have been added to this, which have ensured that messages, meter readings, volumes and hazard identifications can be shared via walkie-talkies. A walkie-talkie network almost always consists of one or more permanently installed transmitters and receivers that are optionally connected to each other wirelessly or via IP cabling. A separate power source ensures that the central equipment continues to operate in the event of a power failure. The walkie-talkies (subscribers) connect wirelessly to the base station and make it possible to communicate in a group.
Own walkie-talkie network
The high reliability of these networks means that companies still opt for such redundant solutions. The entire network is managed in-house and can be easily maintained. Because walkie-talkies have a limited bandwidth available, you may experience problems with sound quality and how much space is available to send information. A typical disadvantage of a walkie-talkie installation is the sound quality and the coverage.
Advantages of your own walkie-talkie network
- Own management
- No subscription fees
- Very high reliability
Disadvantage of own walkie-talkie network
- Multiple base stations required for desired range
- Limited bandwidth and therefore low sound quality
In these applications we often use a Motorola SLR5500 UHF repeater as central equipment with, for example, a Motorola DP2400e UHF as walkie-talkies.
PTT over Cellular (POC) or walkie-talkie apps
Because we have a good and covering LTE or GSM network in the Netherlands with stable 2G, 3G, 4G and 5G connections, it is a good idea to purchase walkie-talkies that use this available network infrastructure. This eliminates range issues and provides plenty of bandwidth to share not only speech, but also positions, messages, and even photos or videos. The walkie-talkies then use LTE and Wi-FI to connect to the internet and the central PTT server. This server can be located anywhere in the world.
This service is usually offered on a subscription basis. The overview above also shows that the equipment is more complex. There is a long chain of different suppliers and components. This ensures that the reliability of this technique is lower and you will have to take into account regular failures of the important components. You will have to decide for yourself whether this outweighs the benefits.
Advantages of POC solution
- High sound quality
- Wide reach
Disadvantages of a POC solution
- Low reliability
- High subscription costs
In this case we use Motorola TLK100 walkie-talkies.
Advice
We recommend a different solution in every situation. We can advise the right solution based on your experiences, wishes and requirements. Our specialists are ready to help design, prepare or install simple and complex walkie-talkie networks for emergency response, company fire brigade, logistics, security, industry, retail and much more.