How does IP Link compare to the Cisco or Twisted Pair Wave solution?
They are different animals, using different technologies, and having different applications. IP Link is designed for mobile radio dispatch and interoperability. The Twisted Pair approach uses telephony technology to route radio traffic. Catalyst interfaces to mobile radios with an intelligent interface that allows for channel and talk group selection, control of the scan function, processing of caller ID, the emergency indication, and over-the-air encryption selection. The Twisted Pair solution interfaces to the mobile radio with 4-wire audio and PTT. The radio must be pre-set for a single channel and none of the parameters described above can be leveraged. Catalyst provides a simple Graphical User Interface for added new users, changing user privileges, and modifying interoperability scenarios. The Twisted Pair solution requires Cisco networking engineering to make these changes. Catalyst provides security and accountability for access to the radio system. The Twisted Pair solution allows anyone with access to the network to transmit and receive radio traffic.
How does IP Link compare to the ACU-1000?
They are different animals, using different technologies, and having different applications. IP Link is a software-based solution that runs on non-proprietary, off-the-shelf hardware that allows additional Gateways to be easily added for ongoing expansion. The ACU is a hardware-based solution that leverages JPS’s DSP technology. IP Link allows the dispatcher to remotely control the settings on each mobile radio so that a specific talk group or channel can be selected on each. Catalyst new Channel Specific Patching technology even allows the discriminate routing of specific talk groups and channels between Gateways. Thus field users need merely to turn the knob on his radio to a pre-determined position and gain interoperability. The ACU does not provide this kind of sophistication. Catalyst also provides dispatch services from any PC on the network.
How long does it take to enable a patch?
Typically about 1 second when it is pre-configured. A new patch scenario can be created from scratch in about 1 minute.
But I want to connect lots of radios to a single PC. How many radios can you connect to each PC?
One today. We get this question a lot. We architected our solution with one radio per Gateway on purpose. It allows for use of off-the-shelf hardware, reducing the cost of implementation and maintenance. It provides fault-tolerance, giving each transceiver its own processor. It allows for parallel processing. It gives the agency the flexibility to move transceivers to different locations to enhance coverage, include more agencies, and reduce the risk that a single event will disable multiple Gateways. It also allows for a simpler implementation of our software, reducing the risk of bugs. We have a plan to implement Multiple Radios per Gateway, but to date, once we have explained the benefits of our architecture to other agencies, no one has elected to go this route.
How many radios can be connected to each Gateway?
We can package twelve radios in a single Gateway rack with antenna combining equipment and monitor. We can provide a picture of this implementation. An example is Bexar County, TX where we mounted twelve 1 rack unit high PCs, twelve trunked mobile radios, transmitter combiner, receiver multi-coupler, PC monitor and switch, and network hub in a single 86” high cabinet.
How many patches can each Gateway support simultaneously?
Today only one. To simplify the solution Catalyst designed IP Link to prevent a single channel from being congested with multiple patches. As interoperability procedures are developed by different agencies, Catalyst continues to solicit input on the changing needs of the market. We welcome your feedback on this question and other aspects of Interoperability.
How many patches can exist simultaneously?
Patches are independent of one another and hence are only limited by the number of Gateways. Since a minimum of two Gateways are required for each patch, the limit is the total number of Gateways divided by two.
How many Gateways can be included in each patch?
Today our customers are linking up to eight Gateways in each patch. We have designed IP Link to scale in patch size, allowing for many more Gateways per patch and have demonstrated this capability in our lab. Our execution strategy dictates is a methodical roll-out of this scaling capability. We are continuing to survey the user community for feedback on how large the links should be. We welcome your input into that process.
How many Gateways can be deployed in your IP Link solution?
Thousands of Gateways can be deployed for IP Link. Each Gateway needs a unique IP Address. Dispatchers can patch Gateways together in any combination on an as needed basis.
How do you handle encryption?
The two links that are most frequently encrypted are the over-the-air link and the Wide-Area-Network link. Catalyst allows each agency to use its existing encryption scheme, if any, for each. For the over the air link, the mobile radio or base station performs the encryption/decryption. It provides base band, clear voice audio to the Catalyst Gateway. The Catalyst Gateway converts that audio to IP packets. If the agency chooses to encrypt its network traffic, these packets can be encrypted at the network layer and securely routed to other Gateways and to dispatchers.
What microphones do you recommend?
The Acoustic Magic® Voice Tracker™ is a professional grade array microphone. One of the great things about this microphone is with its built in voice tracking system it can electronically follow your voice as you move about your desk or cubicle, effectively eliminating the need for the multitasking user to wear a headset. Acoustic Magic® also offers a USB version which can act as its own sound card, therefore bypassing the current sound card in your system. This is a great feature for people who cannot (laptop users) or do not want to upgrade their current sound cards. For more information visit Acoustic Magic.
Another microphone we recommend is the Plantronics® DSP-100, which is a digitally enhanced headset with built-in noise canceling. For more information visit Plantronics.
What sound cards do you recommend?
We recommend Creative Labs Sound Blaster Live™ & Audigy™ series as well as the Turtle Beach Santa Cruz™
How do I protect the Gateway PC from Inadvertent Mouse Clicks and Key Presses?
You can protect the Gateway PCs from user manipulation by enabling a password protected screen saver. It is suggested that a Blank (or Default) screen saver be used to prevent the screen saver from using valuable processor time. This can be done by doing the following:
- Right-click with the mouse on the Windows desktop, then select the "Properties" menu item.
- The "Display Properties" window will pop up. Click on the tab labeled "Screen Saver".
- In Windows 2000, select "Default Screen Saver" from the drop down list.
- In Windows NT / 98, select "Blank Screen" from the drop down list.
- Check the check-box next to "Password Protected".
- Note that you must set the password in Windows 98 by clicking on the "Change" button next to the "Password Protected" check-box. When "Password Protected" is enabled on a Windows NT or 2000 computer only the user that logged on or an administrator for the computer can bring the computer back out of the locked state. In Windows 98 you must enter the password that you set above.
Can we get help installing our Catalyst equipment if we need it?
Yes, Catalyst offers contract support for installation of hardware and software, radio equipment, radio programming, and network configuration. Training can also be contracted on a per diem basis. Extensive online help and manuals are provided with system purchase. We've found that many customers are able to install Catalyst VoIP systems using their own IT and radio personnel.
How much do the products cost?
Contact Catalyst Sales at (434) 582-6146 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it for a quote on your specific configuration
Do Catalyst applications work over the Internet?
No, Catalyst products were not intended to be used on the public Internet. Our products are used over managed-backbone networks such as an organization's WAN or LAN due to security and control issues.
Will I be able to get rid of my leased telephone lines if I purchase a Catalyst VoIP system?
Yes, our customers realize significant cost savings, as they're often able to eliminate costly PBX lines. IP packets are carried across an organization's WAN or LAN in much the same way emails are forwarded.
What type of bandwidth is required for Catalyst VoIP products?
Catalyst VoIP products are low bandwidth applications. The need for bandwidth is typically for short duration due to the PTT nature of mobile radio, and when bandwidth is required, it frequently is less than 30 kilobits per second. This is because most Catalyst customers take advantage of voice compression technologies with minimal degradation of voice quality. In addition to standard 64 kilobit per second uncompressed digital voice (PCM), Catalyst products offer ADPCM at 32 kilobits per second, Microsoft GSM at about 13 kilobits per second, and Microsoft TrueSpeech ® at about 10 kilobits per second.
What type of delay (latency) can I expect from when I PTT until the receiving radio hears the voice?
Latency is typically one half second or less and is mostly attributable to compression and coding.
Do your products work for real-time 2-way dispatch?
Yes, Catalyst systems are used by large public utilities and public safety agencies for both primary and backup dispatch.