ODINI is ambitious in respect of supporting different scenarios and providing a wide range of functionalities. However, the focus is on simplicity by eliminating the unnecessary mechanisms often found in telecommunication standards. In addition, ODINI is based on existing, proven, IP networking standards which eliminate the need to define and validate the lower layer protocols.

Currently, ODINI fully supports the tactical patch scenarios for group calls. Individual calls and the scenarios for expanding coverage and migration to other networks will be supported by protocol extensions.

It must be noted that implementation of ODINI is not limited to one air interface protocol only: networks with different air interfaces (TETRA, Tetrapol, APCO-25, DMR) can also be interconnected by means of ODINI.

In the longer term, ODINI will also provide interoperability between devices operating on IP-enabled mobile networks. Today, these networks are not robust enough for mission-critical applications.

But with the implementation of fine-grained Quality-of-Service, for example within the WiMAX and LTE standards, it is expected that TETRA functionality can be made available on terminals without sacrificing call setup delay and robust operation.

In principle, ODINI is already capable of this, but further definition of typical TETRA services over IP through ODINI will be necessary to provide identical services in order to emulate the rich functionality of TETRA.

An ODINI ecosystem

ODINI can be regarded as a middle-layer protocol supporting different scenarios which embody one common requirement: mission-critical communications.

Currently this market is dominated by companies promoting proprietary solutions. To avoid adding another proprietary solution to the scenarios listed here, Rohill has decided to take a dramatically different approach: to publish the ODINI protocol with no restrictions on disclosure. Open-source software will be made available to interested parties in order to stimulate deployment of ODINI.

The rationale behind this approach is simple. It is the most effective method of opening markets which are currently tightly controlled by a few large suppliers, as well as creating an environment in which best-of-class products and services can be combined and re-used in multiple projects.

The ODINI ecosystem is based on commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) products in combination with software-based solutions from third-party suppliers.

• System gateways are necessary to make a third-party infrastructure compatible with the ODINI protocol. By means of the system gateway, it is possible to support one or more scenarios for network interconnection. Supporting multiple scenarios often requires access to multiple interfaces in the third-party radio network. For example, speech calls are supported through existing dispatcher interfaces, while migration requires a (simplified) TETRA ISI, and extending coverage requires subscriber provisioning and call diversion capabilities.
• Dispatch workstation: using the open ODINI specifications, any supplier can develop a new dispatcher solution or customize an existing one for operation within an ODINI network. The simplicity of ODINI allows fast implementation without the worry to understand and support multiple supplier-specific interfaces.
• Voice and data logging is enabled by capturing voice and data within the IP network through the ODINI protocol. The logging server can attach to an ODINI group in order to receive speech, data and call-related events. If individual calls within the radio networks are also transferred out of the infrastructure, it is possible to also record these voice and data calls.
• Distributed database server: this optional component within the ODINI ecosystem provides reference database records to support roaming and individual calls between radio users operating within different networks. Although the routeing information is cached in the system gateways as well, the distributed database server is essential to quickly get a system up and running again after equipment or link failures occur.
• The telephony gateway supports a number of scenarios for tight integration of radio networks with VoIP telephony. Through the telephony gateway, users within the fixed and mobile telephone domain can access dispatchers as well as subscribers within the radio networks, and even talk groups within one or more radio networks. Possible applications also include Public Safety Answering Point networks.

Open protocols

The goal of the ODINI initiative is to open up the proprietary solutions for mission-critical radio networks. End-users will rapidly benefit from a wide choice of applications within the ODINI ecosystem and will enjoy increased competition and a wider choice of interoperable radio networks.

ODINI is independent of the access network’s air interface. This enables simple integration with existing PMR networks. Also, end-to-end mobile IP services are supported, which makes TETRA more future-proof by delivering TETRA functionality through mobile IP networks.
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