FAQs
Common Questions We Get About Radio Over IP
Since 1976, we’ve been delivering professional radio communications engineering solutions and have fielded countless questions from organizations exploring new technologies. If you’re planning to implement or upgrade a Radio over IP (RoIP) system, this page addresses some of the most common questions we receive about hardware, software, and network integration. If your questions are more specific to your operational need, feel free to reach out to us here >>.
What is RoIP and how does it work?
Radio over IP is a way of sending and receiving digital voice packets (audio, data) by way of an existing Internet Protocol infrastructure. Radio over IP gateways now enable two-way analog or digital transceivers to interface with both local and wide area networks. Click here to learn more
What are the primary benefits of RoIP?
The benefits of using RoIP technology include lower costs, improved reliability, an extended range of operation and increased interoperability. One of the primary benefits of radio over IP (RoIP) is the reduced equipment costs when compared to an aging UHF infrastructure. Click here to learn more
What is the difference between RoIP and VoIP?
VoIP (Voice over IP) transports telephone conversations across IP networks between endpoints such as IP phones (hardware) or softphone clients (apps). RoIP (Radio over IP) extends two-way radio communications across IP infrastructure, connecting radios, repeaters, and dispatch consoles while preserving push-to-talk control and radio signaling used in land-mobile radio systems. Larger VoIP providers like Verizon, Xfinity, Bandwidth, Telnyx and Lumen most often use their own Tier-1 IP voice networks. Radio over IP providers typically piggyback on private and public LAN’s, WAN’s and VPN’s like those used by VoIP providers. Click here to learn more.
What equipment is needed to set up a RoIP system?
A typical Radio over IP (RoIP) system requires a radio interface gateway or RoIP gateway that converts analog or digital radio audio into IP packets, an IP network (LAN, WAN, or VPN) to transport the traffic, and endpoints such as dispatch consoles, control stations, or field radios. Proper configuration also requires timing, signaling control, and network quality-of-service management. Click here to learn more
Can I use any radio with a RoIP system?
Not every radio integrates directly with a Radio over IP (RoIP) system. Most RoIP deployments require radios that support external audio, push-to-talk control, and signaling interfaces compatible with an IP gateway. Analog and many digital radios can be adapted, but compatibility depends on interface standards and manufacturer specifications.