ROIP Technology: What To Know

ROIP stands for Radio Over Internet Protocol, which is a way to connect radio users. The technology uses the Internet Protocol (IP) standard, like voice over IP (VoIP). Radio communications were traditionally transmitted through microwave equipment and leased telephone lines. Modern radio communications are made not only over the air, but also through IP technology. Here’s what to know about the technology, including how it works, its advantages, challenges, and more:

How Radio Over IP Works

ROIP technology works by enabling radio communications over the Internet. The technology works like traditional radio communications, but radio devices connect over the Internet. In older systems, audio from radio transmissions may have been transmitted over microwave links or telephone wires to relay between radio sites.  With RoIP, an IP network is now used.

Here’s how the communication works:

• Users press the PTT button, then talk into the portable radio.
• The radio wave transmits over the air to the Radio Over IP gateway.
• The RoIP gateway converts the audio to IP packets and transmits it over the connected network.

Gateways connect multiple radio systems over IP networks. You can implement the gateway of private or public networks. Radio Over IP connects individuals and groups using the same PTT communication interface. The technology can connect people with different types of radio handsets, including PTT apps on smartphones.

ROIP Benefits and Challenges

Radio Over IP has made radio communications cheaper by eliminating the need to lease telephone lines or purchase specialized microwave equipment for radio relay. IP communications are used extensively, so the infrastructure already exists for radio communications. Internet transmission is also more reliable, even over a significant distance between the radios.

Here are three benefits of Radio Over IP technology:

• Better coverage than land mobile radio (LMR) because of the internet
• Compatibility with many devices, from traditional radio handsets to phones
• Replacement for traditional radio equipment, which can be costly to set up and operate

Using Radio Over IP can pose a few challenges. Users must push the PTT button each time they communicate with one another. You cannot talk simultaneously without buttons like in VoIP communications. Radio Over IP is voice-only, meaning text messages, images, and videos aren’t supported.

The communications also lack an encryption standard. Users should purchase devices with inherent security features and implement preventative protocols like regular changes to network passwords.

Radio Over IP vs Alternatives

Radio Over IP, Voice Over IP, and land mobile radios are the three related technologies that transmit radio communications. VOIP and Radio Over IP have many similarities because they use the Internet Protocol standard to transmit communications over the Internet. The interface also works on computers, mobile phones, and other devices. VoIP communications don’t feature PTT, and are full duplex, which is the main difference between these two IP technologies.

The presence or lack of PTT impacts how radio and VoIP devices are used. Radio Over IP systems are commonly used by the military, utility companies, emergency operations centers, and public safety departments. VoIP has a more extensive user base, including users in the security, eCommerce, and logistics industries. The technologies come with the inherent pros and cons of radio communications.

The Radio Over IP technology was invented to expand coverage for the traditional land mobile radio. LMRs presented various issues, including limited coverage and device limitations, which Radio Over IP resolved. The invention also reduced the need for special networking hardware and offered better performance than LMR-only systems. Voice and Radio Over IP communications are the most popular technologies modern companies use to streamline communications.

Radio Over IP Hardware and Software

Companies looking to transmit radio communications over the Internet need specific hardware and software. You can find standalone solutions for voice-only communications or use integrated systems that support video, fax, and data. Stick to reputable companies with premium hardware and software. Radio Over IP technology has existed for several years, so you can find long-serving companies to meet your needs.

Before implementing communication solutions, speak to the experts concerning your current and future needs and budget. The priority is to set up reliable ROIP communications that are customized to meet the needs of your business. Look for high-quality transmission, low operational costs, and exceptional 24/7 customer support. Leading companies have engineers with extensive experience in voice and data communications.