As described in the Safenet, Nationally RCOIP on the Forest Service network has become the new standard for radio communications traffic. As with any system there are limitations and weaknesses. As a standard LMR designed local base communications is case of failures that impact interoffice communications. This provide the local unit communications to the field during system outages. The Durango did implement this system, but do to high activity and the length of the outage the plan personnel became extremely stressed. The plan should be analyzed due to the fact that all systems will fail, wither it is radio control over IP, microwave, leased lines.
The Radio Design Architecture Program is currently in the design phase for an LTE communications link on the Nebraska NF to analyze its viability. Due to concerns with certain aspects, The design personnel are working closely with USDA and cyber security to ensure the project meets all USDA standards and policies. This solution is not intended to be a holistic solution to replace radio control over IP, but to provide additional solutions on a case by case basis. This could possibly be an option to add redundancy for site that have been deemed critical. We will continue work with both CIO and the Forest to evaluate and explore options for a solution. |
