TETRA Two-Way Radio.
TETRA (Terrestrial Trunked Radio) is an open standard for digital trunked radio built for professional and critical communications. Unlike commercial mobile networks. It is designed specifically for organisations that need reliable, secure group communication, particularly where network congestion, coverage gaps, or communication failures are not an option.
What is TETRA two-way radio?
- TETRA is a digital trunked radio standard developed for providing voice and data communication over dedicated, managed networks.
- It is used by organisations that require resilient, secure, and simultaneous group communication, particularly in environments where commercial mobile networks are unavailable, overloaded, or unsuitable for example prisons, high level security sites, to oil and gas or an emergency service.
- TETRA devices support direct mode operation (DMO), allowing radios to communicate with each other without network coverage – a critical capability in tunnels, buildings, or areas of infrastructure failure.
- Modern TETRA terminals also support data applications including status messaging, location tracking, and integration with control room and despatch systems.
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Scope and function of TETRA.
TETRA systems range from individual handheld radios to vehicle-mounted devices, control room consoles, and base station and switching infrastructure that underpins the network.
Core functions include:
- Trunked voice communication: Allows efficient allocation of radio channels across a shared network, enabling large numbers of users and talk groups to operate simultaneously without interference.
- Group calls: A single transmission reaches all members of a defined talk group instantly – a fundamental requirement for coordinating operational responses.
- Direct mode operation (DMO): Device-to-device communication independent of network infrastructure, maintaining contact when coverage is unavailable or infrastructure is compromised.
- Integrated data: Support for short data services, location reporting, and application messaging alongside voice communication on the same device and network.
- Network infrastructure: Base stations, site controllers, and network management systems that form the backbone of a private or shared TETRA network.
Security and resilience.
The security capabilities available depend on the device model configuration. End-to-end encryption is enabled by default on all TETRA deployments.
Depending on the deployment, this may include:
- Over the air interface encryption supplied as standard across TETRA, preventing interception of voice and data transmissions.
- End-to-end encryption (E2EE) at the application layer, where implemented, providing protection beyond the air interface through to the receiving device or control room.
- Authentication of devices on the network, preventing unauthorised use of the system.
- Resilient network architecture with redundant infrastructure, designed to maintain operation during high-demand incidents or partial network failure.
- Centralised network management enabling remote monitoring, user control, and device administration.
How is TETRA used?
TETRA is deployed across sectors where group communication, network resilience, and security are a mandatory requirement. Here are some typical examples:
- Airports and ground operations: coordination between ground handlers, airside operations, and control functions on private TETRA networks operating within the airport boundaries.
- Defence and government: secure TETRA networks used for operational critical communication where a managed, private network is required.
- Emergency services and public safety: police, fire, and ambulance services using TETRA as their primary voice and data radio network, with direct integration into control room and despatch infrastructure.
- Transport and rail: driver, control, and maintenance teams communicating across rail, metro, and bus networks, often on dedicated TETRA infrastructure built to transport sector specifications.
Radiocoms is an authorised partner for Motorola Solutions, supplying and supporting TETRA devices and infrastructure across public safety, transport, and enterprise sectors. More details on available products can be found here.
Customer Stories.
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