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FAQs Is this a VoIP product?
Yes. The IC-360 utilizes an H.263/H.264 Video-over-IP package for its video communications.With regard to Voice-over-IP, it does not utilize any hardware-based VoIP technology and is capable of use with all VoIP softphone products that run on a Windows 2000/XP platform (including Cisco, Avaya, Nortel, Mitel, Broadsoft, et al). Most important in determining viability of VoIP within a mobile solution is the issue of necessary bandwidth: VoIP (video or voice) is no problem across any form of broadband transport (more below within question 2). Because typical VoIP codecs (including IP overhead) consume anywhere from 14k to 30k per session, utilization across either satphone data channels or across many digitally-trunked radio networks (such as numerous state-wide 800Mhz and first responders are migrating toward) can be accomplished, but often requires additional preparation and planning.
For a VoIP (voice and video) user, a user would typically utilize the ¼” jacks for PC microphone and headphones provided on the IC360’s jackfield (a single contact point for all user interfaces). We picked the ¼” form factor for the jacks because it provides a more physically stable connection in diverse environments/usage and also the largest range of headset compatibility options, including military. For video capture and transmission, a user can make use of either the integrated camera OR the provided A/V inputs on the IC360 jackfield (suitable for interface of everything from a digital camcorder to a broadcast TV truck). The video input is switchable “on-the-fly”, including during a video call.
The headset provided with the IC-360 is a standard computer headset/mic with dual 3.5mm stereo plugs and adapters for the ¼” jacks. Also provided are adapters for standard cellular (2.5mm) headsets.
If a user community does not have requirements or compliance issues with regard to voice transmission security, they can also utilize either Bluetooth or IRda headsets with the IC360. A majority of first responders will be unable to utilize Bluetooth, however, because the current standard only supports 256 different encryption keys a.k.a 8-bit encryption (also, most headset manufacturers, such as Plantronics, preset a majority of their headsets to pair with devices on Key 0 only).
How does it link to the users? Wi-Fi? Wi-Fi is one option. The IC360 is designed with multiple, redundant methods of connectivity. By default, the IC360 possesses the following connectivity methods: *Wired Ethernet - 10/110 BaseT *Wireless Ethernet - 802.11b and 802.11g-supporting 256-bit AES encryiption and numerous forms of 802.1Q LEAP and PEAP authentication. Capable of more than 54Mbps throughput. *Globalstar satellite phone data transmission - capable of up to 9.6kbps throughput over satellite link (limitation is satellite itself). Various form factors of satellite connectivity are possible, typicallyi with very steep price curves for increased bandwidth (a dedicated 64k satellite channel is typically $1.60 to $180 per minute for a government user) *Globstar cellular phone data transmission - the Globalstar handset contains a SIM chip slot that can utlize any digital 800Mhz, 1800Mhz, or 1900Mhx network provider (all the major carriers) for both voice and data transmission. Utilizing GMS-EDGE or CDMA-x (or even emerging true 3-G networks), users can recieve throughput well in excess of 200kbps. *2 PCMCIA slots - capable of direct connectivity to any of the following: -state-wide digital radio networks (800 Mhz, emerging 5.9Ghz public saftey band and capable of up to 118kbps SHARED bandwidth typically) -Emerging Project MESA network (first-responders Project 25 Phasaes 3 and 4, capable of broadband data speeds to each handset) -Emerging 802.16 (WiMAX) networks - capable of greater than 54Mbps at line-of-sight ranges of up to 20 or more miles from a tower: limited motion by user. -Emerging 802.20 (MBWA) networks - capable of greater than 1Mbps at up to 10 miles from tower; usable at speeds in excess of 120mph (useful on express trains, aircraft, and/or first responder units). By providing multiple flavors of connectivity, the IC360 simply falls back from the most favorable connection (wired Ethernet) to the lowest common denominator (satellite data), based upon which are available and/or surviving in an area. With regard to “traditional” voice telephony, users can utilize either the satellite phone half or the cellular half of the Globalstar product. In addition to handset functionality, the IC360 also contains an embedded microphone and speaker for satellite phone usage. How does it link to the wide-area network? Satellite?
The IC360 connects to the wide-area network utilizing any of the transports noted above in question 2. For effective, secure communications in first response environments, it is often important to provide the capability for a user’s “home” network (typically through VPN) as well as to the public Internet. In doing so, the IC360 provides the tools, applications, and dialing plans (when using VoIP) with which users are most familiar. The IC360 sets up in less than 90 seconds from arrival at an incident site. The IC360 is designed to allow first responders and homeland defense personnel to focus on the content of their communications, rather than the method. |
