Updates for the Polycom security radio network
The modernization of the Polycom security radio network is progressing, according to the federal government. An important rollout by a supplier was pending for some time. A total of 754 antenna sites with the associated components must be renewed throughout Switzerland.
The Polycom radio network is a nationwide radio security network of the rescue and security authorities and organizations (BORS). It enables radio contact within and between the various organizations, Federal Office for Customs and Border Security, police, fire department, ambulance service, civil defense and supporting units of the army. For some time now, the Federal Office for Civil Protection (FOCP) has been in the process of upgrading existing 55,000′ users with all functions to the latest generation of communications infrastructure. A large part of the equipment in use has to be renewed due to the technology change from Time Division Multiplexing (TDM) to IP technology.
The modernization of the security radio network is now progressing, according to the FOCP. Thanks to the cooperation with the supplier, the outstanding deficiencies and pending issues have been resolved, according to the FOCP, which has been able to give the go-ahead for the nationwide migration of a mass rollout to the latest generation since October 10. The updates will now allow all federal antenna sites to be fully modernized by 2024. According to the FOCP, outstanding deficiencies and functionalities could be worked through.
Switzerland-wide conversion of all 754 sites by 2024
With the decision to mass rollout, the modernization of all Polycom networks is now taking place in consultation with the cantons. Each canton has its own network, and in the case of the border cantons, the approximately 250 antenna sites of the Federal Office for Customs and Border Security are integrated. A total of 754 antenna sites with the associated components must therefore be renewed, of which around 90 have already been migrated as part of the pilot phase; among others, the antennas of the cantons of Aargau, Bern, Uri, Ticino, Neuchâtel, Vaud, Thurgau and Solothurn were converted in the process.
The antenna sites in the cantons of Basel-Stadt and Schaffhausen will now be renewed by the end of 2022 and work will continue in the canton of Bern. The ambitious goal remains the renewal of all antenna sites by the end of 2024 in order to avoid parallel operation of the old and new components beyond 2025, which would lead to additional costs, the FOCP writes.
Source: FOCP/Editorial Office
