In the demanding landscape of emergency medical services in Romania, the seamless and uninterrupted flow of critical information is paramount. The Romanian Ministry of Administration and Interior (MAI) and the Romanian Border Police (RBP) have long relied on a TETRA radio network, established in 2010, to provide secure communications for ambulance, police, and other vital agencies.
However, the reliance on both TETRA and LTE for ambulance data transmission, while effective, necessitates a robust and resilient backup strategy.
To ensure the continuous and reliable transfer of medical and personal data between ambulances and hospitals, a comprehensive 3-Way Backup Solution is essential.
This solution aims to mitigate potential single points of failure and guarantee that critical information remains accessible, regardless of network disruptions or technical challenges, thereby safeguarding the efficiency and effectiveness of Romania's emergency response system.
The Project
The Ministry of Interior has initiated a tender for the acquisition of 2,000 to 4,000 new ambulance vehicles, emphasizing the integration of robust and dependable connectivity solutions. This project, slated for implementation between 2024 and 2026, anticipates an annual deployment of approximately 700 to 1,500 units.
A core requirement of the project is the establishment of a resilient communication infrastructure. The primary communication solution will utilize a TETRA/LTE router, ensuring redundancy through active SIM cards and a failover mechanism via the existing TETRA network in areas lacking GSM coverage. Upon restoration of GSM signal, the system will automatically revert to data communication through the TETRA/LTE router.
Specifically, the system must support the use of at least two SIM cards in a redundant configuration, operating on distinct GSM networks. The LTE/GSM router is required to be seamlessly integrated within the equipment chassis.
The selected router for this critical application is the Robustel R1520-4L. This router is chosen for its ability to meet the project's stringent redundancy and reliability requirements. The R1520-4L will be paired with the Sepura SCG22 TETRA radio, provided through the project’s partnership with Telsec SRO, the established local distributor of Sepura TETRA radios. This combination ensures a comprehensive and secure communication platform for the new ambulance fleet.
The integration of the Robustel R1520-4L and the Sepura SCG22 will enable:
- Seamless Data and Voice Communication: Facilitating real-time data transmission and voice communication between ambulances, hospitals, and emergency response centers.
- Redundant Connectivity: Ensuring uninterrupted communication through dual SIM redundancy and TETRA network failover.
- Automatic Network Switching: Enabling seamless transitions between GSM and TETRA networks based on signal availability.
- Integrated Solution: Providing a compact and robust communication solution integrated within the vehicle chassis.
This project represents a significant advancement in the nation's emergency medical services, leveraging advanced technology to enhance response times and improve patient outcomes.
System Architecture Topology
The network topology is designed with a primary reliance on WWAN1 for connectivity. WWAN2 acts as a cold backup, only engaging when WWAN1 experiences a failure. Should both WWAN1 and WWAN2 become unavailable, the system seamlessly transitions to a TETRA connection.
This TETRA link, connected via RS232 to a dedicated modem, is maintained in a hot standby state, ensuring immediate availability.
Within the ambulance, a tablet utilizes WLAN to receive real-time link status data from the routers, including the operational states of WWAN1, WWAN2, and the TETRA link.
This status information is also accessible via Telnet to a Robustel gateway on TCP port 2015, where a string of binary digits, such as "101," represents the respective on/off states of WWAN1, WWAN2, and TETRA.
Why Choose Robustel Industrial Router?
Robustel routers present a compelling choice due to a combination of factors that address critical business needs.
Their cost-effective hardware provides a strong foundation for budget-conscious deployments.
Coupled with a remarkably short development time of just 3-4 weeks, Robustel enables rapid project implementation and faster time-to-market.
The routers' software flexibility is another significant advantage, offering the capability to run embedded applications and customize features to meet specific requirements.
Furthermore, Robustel's established good reputation, built upon successful projects like the one in 2018, instills confidence in their reliability and performance.
Contact us today to learn how Robustel routers can benefit your next project!
