Interviews

Platform of engagement

by Mark Rowe

In August, the British Security Industry Association (BSIA), the Fire Industry Association (FIA) and the Telecare Services Association (TSA) signed a memorandum of understanding for three years. That followed discussions on the telecommunication changes to landline networks and mobile networks across the UK. Dave Wilkinson, pictured, Director of Technical Services at the BSIA, looks at how these telecommunication changes will affect the security industry.

When BT first engaged with the BSIA in 2010 to seek our cooperation in their roll out of the then 21CN migration to an all IP network core across the UK, the reality that signalling from alarm systems across the UK telephone network was set to change became clear. Although 21CN didn’t continue in its extensive predicted roll out, it became a footprint for others to develop their ‘Voice over IP’ offerings and, most importantly, gave our industry its first chance to test signalling products on such a network.

Since 2010, we have relentlessly pushed the various Communication Providers (CPs) and their regulator, Ofcom, to ensure the BSIA are central to developments in network changes. Engagement from 2010-2012 was very much focused on core IP network infrastructure development, however, since then, it has become more aligned to the roll out of fibre access to the cabinet and premises. Consumers continue to demand super-fast broadband services with value added services, and, like it or not, security equipment is often part of this equation.

A significant proportion of security equipment, both new and existing, uses traditional analogue signalling formats such as DTMF, Contact ID and SIA; whilst these have long been robust protocols for operation across the PSTN network, changes to the communication infrastructure has required modifications to the design of the protocols. Fundamental restrictions within the protocols, however, reduce the scope for such modifications. Our experiences to date have confirmed that these signalling formats do not sit well with IP networks and, consequently, we have experienced unreliable operation on many CP’s networks, from incompatible tone recognition to failed communication due to the increased round trip delay IP networks often introduce.

‘Learning’ on these newer IP networks has also allowed us to realise the options of not using the landline infrastructure, so radio based communications can be an attractive option to avoid the pitfalls of uncertainty of the copper/fibre-optic hybrid mix. Equally, the continued development of IP security communication devices are fast becoming an alternative solution since the technology employed is more aligned to that of the network it is connected to.

Whilst there is no “one size fits all” solution to every IP migration by the plethora of CPs, the security industry’s “armoury” of signalling solutions is developing to cater for these changes. This is encouraging for newer products, but still leaves us with the legacy estate of signalling systems currently in service across the UK reliant on older analogue technology and this cannot be forgotten or changed without great pain.

The BSIA, FIA and TSA recently renewed its MoU to ensure each industry sector continues to speak with one voice to the telecommunications industry and Government alike, on matters of joint interest to its members and their customers. Its purpose is to ensure we are represented on the various forums and strategic groups affecting changes to the UK communication networks, and that we are able to engage in testing product and delivering a common message to industry and consumers. It also provides a platform for engagement with Ofcom and other Government departments should the need arise.

Over the last six months, we have engaged and met with some of the larger CPs and Ofcom to discuss continued developments to the core and edge network in terms of network development. We have engaged in testing signalling product with one major CP and are aligning further testing facilities for other CPs. We have engaged with the CP’s technical forum and are poised to be part of an industry stakeholder forum led by Ofcom. The MoU has great potential to lead for our industry in other matters of common interest and has already been of benefit in matters such as the Radio Equipment Directive debate, again, championed by the BSIA.

Engaging with the CPs and Ofcom is paramount to the success of our journey; there is much to be learnt and applied to ensure our industry benefits from the migration to this new IP infrastructure and that our customers are protected and continue to realise the benefits of signalling solutions in our market sector.

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