Homeland security/ Waiting for RIC-M’s commercialization

The Radio Internet Protocol Communications Module (RIC-M) is a new low-cost interoperability solution developed by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Science and Technology Directorate (S&T) that could save the first responder community millions of dollars,” DHS announced.

RIC-M can be used by local, state and federal responders as a low-cost, external, stand-alone interface that connects radio frequency (RF) system base stations, consoles and other RF equipment – regardless of brand – over the Internet or Private Internet Protocol (IP) network.

According to DHS, “The RIC-M converts from a commonly used V.24 serial communications protocol to an open-standard Voice-over-Internet-Protocol (VoIP). Both encrypted and unencrypted Project 25 (P25) digital communications are supported, and it can also operate with analog communication equipment.”

“In the past, legacy systems were not interoperable,” explained S&T First Responders Group (FRG) Program Manager Christine Lee. “If you bought one brand of base station, you had to buy the same brand for the all other components even if other brands offered more economical choices or better options. RIC-M allows first responder organizations to be free from dependence on expensive, single-vendor communication solutions, offering cost savings and wider variety.”

DHS Interoperable Solution Makes It Easier, Cheaper For First Responders To Communicate