Benefits of Upgrading from Legacy JPS to Z-Series

In this article, we discuss the benefits of upgrading legacy JPS equipment.

JPS Wide Area Interoperability Solution (WAIS) software and the legacy JPS equipment it supports exemplified the capabilities and benefits of communications interoperability and is still being used by agencies and services around the world.

However, WAIS is limited by technology.

  • WAIS and the majority of the legacy JPS devices it supports (ACU®-1000/-2000/-5000/-T/-M™, and the NXU®-2/-2A™) have reached their end of life.
  • The WAIS software requires significant system knowledge, pre-planning, and implementation of static, public-facing IP addresses and port forwarding prior to initialization.
  • Audio from modern communications device types, most notably Push-to-Talk over Cellular (PoC), and audio encryption is not supported.

Modern communications technologies are more secure, easier to use, and broadly accessible through mobile, satellite, and fiber networks.


Upgrade Solution Tree

JPS Z-Series Devices Provide Several Solutions

Option

Although it is possible to continue using legacy JPS equipment and add modern RSP-Z2s or ACU-Z1s to integrate PoC, the PoC links must run through the intermediary of RoIP resources. That may require reallocation of DSPs. Moreover, WAIS cannot directly control Z-Series resources, and the legacy ACU module will be limited (e.g., it cannot simultaneously be a WAIS Talkpath).
DSPs use RoIP

Option

A more capable upgrade option is to build out new Z-Series systems alongside legacy devices. For example, within a region there might be three locations (firefighting camps, emergency evacuation points, warehouses, etc.).

  • At each location there is an RSP-Z2 to patch the communication devices (radio, PoC, SIP, etc.) used locally.
  • Using the built-in Unity feature set, these RSP-Z2s can easily be connected to a Z-Series Controller to participate in a wide area system.
  • The Z-Series Controller also has its own local resources, which can include RoIP links from legacy ACU or NXU devices.
  • From the Z-Series Controller, an operator or dispatcher can see, patch, and manage everything: its own local resources and RSP-Z2 resources.
  • Audio can be shared between any resources in the system.

Z-Series and Legacy JPS

Conclusion

The decision to upgrade from WAIS or legacy equipment to a Z-Series system cannot be generalized because every implementation and use is different. However, the benefits of the Z-Series are unmistakable.

  • Create wide area interoperability systems. Built-in Unity streamlines and automates setup and management from a Z-Series Controller. Easily expand, change, or update all or any part of the wide area Z-Series system.
  • Access the Z-Series user interface from any standard web browser. Access is controlled through login credentials and permissions.
  • Gain access to modern communications standards or requirements like encryption and Push-to-Talk over Cellular (PoC).

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