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FS_IOPS (Feasibility Study on Isolated E UTRAN Operation for Public Safety)

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Introduction:

FS_IOPS stands for Feasibility Study on Isolated E UTRAN Operation for Public Safety. It is a study that investigates the feasibility of deploying a separate E UTRAN (Evolved Universal Terrestrial Radio Access Network) for Public Safety services in isolated areas. The study was initiated by the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) in response to the need for Public Safety services that operate independently of commercial mobile networks. The study aims to identify the technical and operational requirements of a standalone Public Safety network and assess its feasibility in terms of cost, interoperability, and effectiveness.

Background:

Public Safety services are critical communication systems that enable first responders, emergency services, and other government agencies to communicate during a crisis. These services require reliable, secure, and dedicated communication channels that can operate independently of commercial mobile networks. However, in many remote and isolated areas, there is limited or no mobile network coverage, which can hamper the effectiveness of Public Safety services. Therefore, there is a need for standalone networks that can provide Public Safety services in these areas.

The 3GPP is a global standard-setting organization that develops specifications for mobile communication systems. It is responsible for defining the technical requirements for Public Safety communication systems that operate on commercial mobile networks. However, these specifications do not cover standalone Public Safety networks, which are needed for isolated areas.

Therefore, the 3GPP initiated the FS_IOPS study to investigate the feasibility of a standalone Public Safety network that operates on a separate E UTRAN. The study aims to identify the technical requirements for such a network and assess its feasibility in terms of cost, interoperability, and effectiveness.

Technical Requirements:

The technical requirements for a standalone Public Safety network are different from those for a commercial mobile network. The following are the key technical requirements for a standalone Public Safety network:

  1. Coverage: The network should provide coverage in remote and isolated areas where there is no commercial mobile network coverage. The coverage should be sufficient to enable communication between Public Safety agencies.
  2. Capacity: The network should be able to handle the traffic generated by Public Safety agencies during a crisis. The capacity should be sufficient to enable voice, video, and data communication between agencies.
  3. Reliability: The network should be reliable and provide continuous service during a crisis. It should have backup power and redundancy to ensure service availability.
  4. Security: The network should be secure and protect against unauthorized access and interception. It should use encryption and authentication mechanisms to ensure secure communication.
  5. Interoperability: The network should be interoperable with commercial mobile networks and other Public Safety networks. It should use standard interfaces and protocols to enable communication between different networks.
  6. Scalability: The network should be scalable and able to handle future growth in traffic and users. It should have the ability to add new sites and upgrade equipment as needed.
  7. Cost-effectiveness: The network should be cost-effective and provide value for money. It should be able to provide Public Safety services at a reasonable cost.

Assessment of Feasibility:

The feasibility of a standalone Public Safety network depends on various factors, including technical feasibility, cost, and interoperability. The following are the key factors that determine the feasibility of a standalone Public Safety network:

  1. Technical Feasibility: The technical feasibility of a standalone Public Safety network depends on the availability of suitable equipment and infrastructure. The network should be able to provide reliable coverage and capacity in remote and isolated areas. The equipment should be interoperable with existing Public Safety networks and commercial mobile networks.
  2. Cost: The cost of deploying and operating a standalone Public Safety network is a significant factor in determining its feasibility. The cost includes the cost of equipment, infrastructure, and ongoing maintenance. The cost should be reasonable and provide value for money.
  3. Interoperability: Interoperability is essential for the success of a standalone Public Safety network. The network should be interoperable with commercial mobile networks and other Public Safety networks to ensure seamless communication between agencies. Interoperability requires the use of standard interfaces and protocols.
  4. Regulatory and Legal Framework: The regulatory and legal framework is an important factor in determining the feasibility of a standalone Public Safety network. The network should comply with applicable regulations and standards. The network should also have appropriate licenses and approvals from regulatory authorities.
  5. Organizational Framework: The organizational framework is also an important factor in determining the feasibility of a standalone Public Safety network. The network should have a clear governance structure and management framework. The network should also have adequate funding and resources to support its operations.

Conclusion:

The FS_IOPS study is an important initiative by the 3GPP to investigate the feasibility of a standalone Public Safety network. The study aims to identify the technical and operational requirements for such a network and assess its feasibility in terms of cost, interoperability, and effectiveness. The study recognizes the need for Public Safety services that operate independently of commercial mobile networks, especially in remote and isolated areas. The study also recognizes the importance of interoperability and compliance with applicable regulations and standards. The findings of the study will provide valuable insights into the feasibility of a standalone Public Safety network and help to inform future policy decisions.