Motorola Solutions launched the second generation of the TETRA (TErrestrial Trunked RAdio) RF Automated Coverage Evaluation System (TRACES). TRACES now allows public safety network operators to collect, visualise and evaluate real-time data from mission-critical TETRA networks allowing them to view usage patterns and quickly identify and react to coverage black spots, thereby maintaining a stable network at all times for users in the field.

The new TRACES version builds a detailed picture of the entire mission critical network by automatically and continuously capturing network performance data from actual user devices and base stations.

Real time Information availability also allows network operators to monitor their compliance against typical KPI and SLA criteria.

Key Facts

• TRACES is designed to be flexible, easy to install and modular. The new version of TRACES can be customized to mission critical network operator needs whether they solely manage a network or whether they also have their own fleet of users
• The new Uplink Measurement Report (UMR) module, the latest TRACES innovation, enables Operators to collect real-time data from their Motorola Dimetra IP network system over ETSI GPS signals from any TETRA user radio while they are in use in the field. This enables operators managing to gain a comprehensive view of network coverage from an end-user perspective, without actually owning a fleet of TETRA radios.
• The first generation of TRACES focuses on recording coverage issues (Downlink Measurement Reports - DMR) via the radio as it’s used in the field. Issues are uploaded to the TRACES server once the radio is docked in the Motorola charger. The second generation of TRACES collects real-time data from base stations (UMR) and devices while in use.
• The use of TRACES as an analytical tool can also greatly reduce maintenance costs because it averts the need for regular drive testing in problem areas.
• When changes occur on the network the actual coverage that is being supplied by the network is quickly visible to the operator who no longer has to rely on predicted coverage maps
• TRACES enables network administrators to instantly analyse measurement reports and statistics created from end-user radios and network devices. This allows effective and rapid identification and tracking of network coverage issues and changes

The new generation of TRACES was launched at TETRA World Congress 2012.