Motorola upgrades Orion digital mobile radio network

New Zealand trunked mobile radio network operator Orion New Zealand will today officially launch the Orion Converged Communications Core (OC3) its Tier3-compliant next generation digital mobile radio network using technology from Motorola.

According to Motorola, the network has already been rolled out in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch and will be progressively extended across the nation for completion in 2020.

According to Wikipedia the DMR Tier 3 specification covers trunking operation in frequency bands 66–960MHz, supports voice and short messaging handling similar to Tetra with built-in 128 character status messaging and short messaging with up to 288 bits of data in a variety of formats. It also supports packet data service in a variety of formats, including support for IPv4 and IPv6.

The network is modelled on a similar network in Australia and is being established by Motorola in association with long-standing radio network operators and critical communications specialists CSE Genesis, a division of CSE New Zealand and TL Parker Ltd.

When complete it will provide trans-Tasman connections and links with users on the Orion Network in all states of Australia, the largest commercial digital two-way radio network in the country, according to Motorola.

The existing Orion network uses Motorola’s Mototbro DMR technology. OC3 uses Mototbro Capacity Max technology, billed as being “optimised for high performance, high efficiency and graceful scalability, enabling instant, reliable voice and data communications, better decision-making and seamless coordination across a single campus or a large-scale operation.”

According to Motorola OC3 comes with “powerful management tools [that] give you complete control over the system – all from a single console.”

Orion NZ’s website details function of OC3 under a number of headings: Dispatch, Locate, Protect, Record, VPRN, Monitor, Encrpyt, Core Connect, Cloud RT, Aggregate.

Motorola Solutions general manager of radio channel for Australia and New Zealand, Dan Leppos, said some of these features were available on the earlier network but had been enhanced with Capacity Max

He said the new network represented a major advancement for the company in New Zealand.  “Capacity Max allows you to manage all features from a central control centre. It is a more consolidated platform that allows businesses to operate in a more effective manner,” he said.

“it is an easier, more productive way to manage your fleet, your system and your people; not just around voice but around data and analytics.”

CSE New Zealand managing director, Harry Singh, said the network had been designed to meet the needs of any organisation with industrial and critical infrastructure.

“The Orion network will provide converged voice, data and video applications that integrate seamlessly with cellular networks. The infrastructure includes a nationwide radio communications network that can connect with other public and private broadband LTE and Wi-Fi networks, creating a bridge between data and voice services,” he said.

“The network will enable users to access a single platform of technologies to unify workgroups across their entire operations, regardless of the device they carry or where they are located.”

TL Parker director and owner Garry Parker said The Orion network was suited to a broad range of organisations, from utilities to transport and logistics operations, government departments and beyond.