Codan Radio P25 Training Guide - Manual (Page 17)

P25 RADIO SYSTEMS | TRAINING GUIDE
Chapter 1: Introduction To P25 Page 9
Multiple Vendors
The P25 open standard will allow competing products from multiple vendors to be interoperable. This
will allow customers of the P25 product to benefi t from multiple manufacturing sources (decreased
costs, open bidding, non-proprietary systems).
Backwards Compatibility
A basic requirement for Phase 1 P25 digital radio equipment is backward compatibility with standard
analog FM radios. This supports an orderly migration into mixed analog and digital systems, enabling
users to gradually trade out radios and infrastructure equipment. By selecting products and systems
that comply with P25 standards, agencies are assured that their investment in the latest technology has
a clear migration path for the future.
Figure 1-5: P25 Backwards Compatibility
P25 radios operate in analog mode to older analog only radios, and either analog or digital mode to
other P25 radios.
Phase 2 P25 radio systems are backwards compatible with Phase 1 P25 equipment.
Encryption Capability
The P25 standard includes a requirement for protecting digital communications (voice and data) with
encryption capability. The encryption used in P25 is optional, allowing the user to select either clear
(un-encrypted) or secure (encrypted) digital communication methods. The encryption keys also have
the option of being re-keyed by digital data over a radio network. This is referred to as Over The Air Re-
keying (OTAR). This capability allows the radio systems manager to remotely change encryption keys.
Analog Mode
P25 Portable P25 Mobile P25 Repeater Analog Base Analog Portable
Analog or Digital
Mode
Analog or Digital
Mode
Analog Mode