Welcome to IS0951 DHS Component Radio Interoperability Training This training is based on information contained in the DHS Joint Wireless Program Communications Interoperability Policy TB150010 The training establishes a common plan for interoperability and radio programming across DHS age ID: 733950
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IS-0951
DHS Component Radio Interoperability TrainingSlide2
Welcome to IS-0951 DHS Component Radio Interoperability Training. This training is based on information contained in the DHS Joint Wireless Program Communications Interoperability Policy #TB-15-001.0. The training establishes a common plan for interoperability and radio programming across DHS agencies.Slide3
Course Objectives:
Explain the capabilities of land mobile radios and radio systemsDetermine which interoperability channels are programmed into DHS radios
Locate interoperability channels on portable and mobile radiosIdentify when and how to use interoperability channels in an operational environment Slide4
Units:
1: Radio basics2: InteroperabilitySlide5
Unit 1 objectives:
Explain common terminology relating to radio equipment and systems.Identify which radio frequency bands DHS agencies utilize and how this relates to interoperability with other agencies.
Explain common radio system functions and how they impact ability to communicate effectively.Slide6
Unit 1 objectives:
Explain basic radio functions and operation in order to increase proficiency when using portable and mobile radio equipment.Identify how and when to use or update encryption capabilities with DHS land mobile radio equipment.Slide7
Importance of the radio:
Users should be as proficient with their radio as they are with their other critical life-safety equipment. Radios are a critical communications lifeline during times when help is needed. Personnel should contact their agency’s designated communications technical personnel to obtain agency-specific radio information.Slide8
Terminology:
Encryption – Methodology that encodes a voice or data message to protect its content from unauthorized reception.
(In the) Clear – Unencrypted radio transmissions that can be heard by all persons who can monitor the frequency, including those with radio scanners and smartphone apps. Slide9
Terminology:
Hailing Channel (aka Calling Channel) – Channels designated for the purpose of making initial contact when approaching or arriving at an event. May or may not be monitored by dispatchers or other personnel.
Keyloader – Device which physically connects to a radio to allow the manual downloading of encryption keys. Slide10
Terminology:
Over-the-Air-Rekeying (OTAR) – Method to transmit encryption keys over the radio system. Encryption keys are received by the radio, and (normally) automatically updated.
Push-To-Talk (PTT) – Refers to the microphone button which is pushed to transmit and released to receive transmissions. Slide11
Terminology:
Soft Key – Buttons on a radio controlling various functions programmed into the radio. Often found directly adjacent to the display denoting the button’s function.
Strapped – Encryption is permanently attached to a channel and is always on, cannot be controlled by the user. Slide12
Why use radios?
When used properly, radios are a life-safety tool that provide the following:
Effective interoperable communications among agencies when managing unplanned events, planned events, or day-to-day operations
Ease of use, especially during times of distress. (Select the correct channel and use the push-to-talk button to broadcast a message)
Durability and ruggedness that exceeds other non public safety grade communications devices
Reliable means of communications without competition from the general public when cellular networks become congested Slide13
Real World Application – Boston Marathon:Slide14
Real World Application – Boston Marathon:
Explosive device detonates during a large-scale planned event in an urban area causing chaos and multiple casualties Cellular network overloaded
Public safety agencies overwhelmed Slide15
Real World Application – Boston Marathon:
If a radio operator is on the scene with a radio, they should be able to immediately accomplish the following: Broadcast or receive critical information such as suspect location/descriptions to users across all federal, state, and local agencies
Request medical/EMS response Provide information on potential secondary devices, area closures, etc. Slide16
Radio Types:
HandheldMobile
DispatchSlide17
Bands as used in public service:
HF (3-30MHz)VHF Low (30-50MHz)
VHF High (148-174MHz)UHF (406-420MHz & 450-512MHz)700 (758-805MHz)800 (806-824MHz & 851-869MHz)Slide18
Types of radio systems used in public service:
ConventionalConventional radios operate on fixed channels and each user group is permanently assigned a fixed frequency or a set of frequenciesSlide19
Types of radio systems used in public service:
TrunkedWhen operating on a trunked radio system, users will hear a “talk permit tone” after keying the mic, and must pause briefly before speaking Slide20
Types of radio systems used in public service:
AnalogGradual deterioration with increasing static or noise as a user moves out of range Slide21
Types of radio systems used in public service:
DigitalVery sharp drop-off when a user moves out of range User may hear some digital sounds like “blips and bleeps”, then other user will suddenly disappear Slide22
Types of radio systems used in public service:Slide23
Types of radio systems used in public service:
Simplex vs repeaterIn public service comms
, simplex operations are considered “off net”. Used sometimes for local tactical operations, but not like in amateur radio.Channel names often identify:DHSNET & DHS-RPT are repeater channelsDHSTAC & DHS-SIM are simplex channelsSlide24
Coverage range:
As amateur radio operators, we will have a better handle on a radio’s coverage than most public officers, except where they have learned the limits by experience.Slide25
Public radio functions:
Zone selector: Channel groupingChannel selector
PTTHome button Orange (emergency call) buttonSlide26
Zone selector:
Press the Soft Button under “ZONE.” If “ZONE” doesn’t appear on the radio
display screen, press the right or left arrows until it does.Press the arrows to toggle through the
zones
until the desired zone is identified.
Press the HOME button or the SEL
soft
button to select the desired zone.
Video:
https://
emilms.fema.gov/IS0951/curriculum/1.html
Slide 19,20Slide27
Encryption:
Public service radios may encrypt voice traffic. Amateur radios may not.Data files containing encryption must be transmitted only on public service frequencies. This includes password protected Office files.
Data files compressed with ZIP, 7z, or RAR not otherwise encrypted may be sent over amateur radio frequencies.Slide28
Encryption:
Using amateur radio as a general internet patch is also not allowed, because most internet traffic is now encrypted.Slide29
Encryption:
Encryption encodes a voice or data message to protect its content from unauthorized reception Using encryption does
not decrease range or coverage area Radios use “encryption keys” which are loaded by attaching a device called a “Keyloader” to the radio, or through “Over the Air Rekeying” (OTAR) Sensitive, but unclassified information, may be transmitted over encrypted channels Slide30
Encryption:
To participate in an encrypted conversation, all radios must use the same encryption keyWhen encryption is required, interoperability with other agencies requires coordination to ensure commonality and to prevent any sensitive radio communications from being transmitted in the “clear” Slide31
Encryption:
◯ = Clear∅ = Encrypted
∅ - Icon will appear on radio display when turned onThe icon will flash when receiving an encrypted transmissionIn some cases, users must use a switch to turn encryption on and off. In other cases, encryption is permanently attached (“strapped”) to a channel and cannot be controlled by the user.Slide32
Encryption:Slide33
Encryption:Slide34
Encryption:Slide35
Knowledge Check (True or False):
Mobile radios transmit with greater power and may offer greater coverage compared to portable radios.To communicate directly from one radio user to another (without additional equipment), both radios must be on a channel using the same frequency.Slide36
Knowledge Check (True or False):
Mobile radios transmit with greater power and may offer greater coverage compared to portable radios. [True]
To communicate directly from one radio user to another (without additional equipment), both radios must be on a channel using the same frequency. [True]Slide37
Knowledge Check (True or False):
A simplex channel has greater range than a repeater channel.If you are not in range of a repeater, you should attempt to use a Simplex Channel.Slide38
Knowledge Check (True or False):
A simplex channel has greater range than a repeater channel. [False]
If you are not in range of a repeater, you should attempt to use a Simplex Channel. [True]Slide39
Part 1 Summary
Explain common terminology relating to radio equipment and systems. Identify which radio frequency bands DHS agencies utilize and how this relates to interoperability with other agencies. Slide40
Part 1 Summary
Explain common radio system functions and how they impact ability to communicate effectively.
Explain basic radio functions and operation in order to increase proficiency when using portable and mobile radio equipment. Identify how and when to use or update encryption capabilities with DHS land mobile radio equipment.Slide41
Unit
2 objectives:Explain the concept of communications interoperability
Identify the DHS common interoperability channels programmed into mobile or portable radio equipment Navigate to and locate the DHS common interoperability channels programmed into mobile or portable radio equipmentSlide42
Unit
2 objectives:Identify the different types of interoperability channels programmed into mobile or portable radio equipment
Differentiate between repeater and simplex channels Apply the steps necessary to establish radio communications during planned or unplanned eventsSlide43
Operability:
The ability to establish and sustain communications in support of day-to-day mission operations. Slide44
Interoperability:
The ability to communicate among jurisdictions, disciplines, and levels of government, using a variety of frequency bands, as needed and as authorized.Slide45
Interoperability:
Interoperability is not the ability for everyone to talk to everyone else.
Think about our shared 60m allocation with MARS. That’s what interop is about.Slide46
National Interoperability Field Operations Guide:
www.publicsafetytools.info Federal Incident Response (IR) Zones IO-3 and 4Federal Law
Enforecement (LE) Zones IO-5 and 6Non-Fed VTAC Zone IO-7, UTAC Zone IO-8Non-Fed 700MHz, 800MHzDOJ 25 Cities ProjectSlide47
Obstacles to Interoperability:
Lack of awareness or familiarity with interoperability channels programmed in radios Only certain people are familiar with the appropriate process to establish interoperability
Communications personnel not involved in planning process Slide48
Obstacles to Interoperability:
Failure to select the most effective interoperability solution to support the operational requirements of an event or incident
Lack of on-going radio training, followed by limited opportunity to practice using interoperability channels on a regular basisSlide49
Communications Support:
Part of NIMS/ICSFalls under Logistics
Supervised by Communications Unit Leader (COML).Slide50
Legal Support:
In accordance with DHS Communications Interoperability Directive 034-02, radios across all DHS components will be programmed with a common standard interoperability template.
Interoperability channels will be programmed into specific “Interoperability Zones” in radios, separate from other agency-specific channels.Slide51
VHF (agencies):
Customs and Border Protection (CBP)Federal Law Enforcement Training Center (FLETC)Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)Office of the Inspector General (OIG)
Transportation Security Administration (TSA)United States Coast Guard (USCG)United States Secret Service (USSS)Slide52
VHF (agencies):
If you have a VHF radio, you should know how to find the DHS common interoperability channels: DHSNET and DHSTAC
Once your radio is reprogrammed with the new DHS common template, the 16 interoperability channels in Zone IO1 will appear as shown in the table in the following screen.Slide53
VHF (agencies):
If the radio has not yet been reprogrammed with the new DHS template, then the common channels may be in other existing zones within your radio.Slide54
Zone IO-1:
DHS Common repeater and simplex channels (DHSNET & DHSTAC) are used for interoperability among DHS components
IR (Incident Response) Channels: Interoperability among all federal agencies, and may also be accessed by state and local agencies Slide55
Zone IO-1:
LE (Law Enforcement) Channels: Interoperability among all federal law enforcement agencies, and may also be accessed by state and local law enforcement
https://emilms.fema.gov/IS0951/groups/170.html Slide56
U
HF (agencies):Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)Federal Protective Service (FPS)Slide57
UHF (agencies):
If you have a UHF radio, you should know how to find the DHS common interoperability channels:
DHS-RPT and DHS-SIM Once your radio is reprogrammed with the new DHS common template, the 16 interoperability channels in Zone IO2 will appear as shown in the table in the following screen.Slide58
Zone IO-2:
https://emilms.fema.gov/IS0951/groups/180.html Slide59
Alternate Forms of Communication:
When radios are not available, or cannot be used reliably to establish interoperability, agencies should consider alternative methods of communications, such as:
Assigning a representative to an incident facility (e.g., Command Post, Coordination Center, etc.)Combining or grouping personnel from different agencies with a designated means of communications Slide60
Selecting the Correct Channel:
There are several things to consider when selecting the appropriate interoperability channel (mostly common sense for hams):Know which interoperability channels are programmed into the radio and how to locate
themUse of interoperability channels should be part of a pre-established or coordinated planSlide61
Selecting the Correct Channel:
An operator should be given instructions regarding which zone and channel to use
When using “repeater” channels, an operator must be in range of an active repeater, otherwise NO ONE will hear youSlide62
Selecting the Correct Channel:
Simplex channels may be used for short distance, off-network communications, as long as you are in range of other users on the same channel.Slide63
Radio Communications Workflow:
Use the channel designated for the incident or event.Use the channel you last had reliable communication.
Use encryption first, then without.If VHF, use the DHSTAC channel.If UHF, use the DHS-SIM channel.Slide64
Radio Communications Workflow:
Try the calling channels.VHF: Channel IR5
UHF: Channel IR15Try communications via any other means necessary.If radio communications are unsuccessful, report to the nearest command post location or equivalent.Slide65
Knowledge Check (True or False):
Interoperability means everyone is able to talk to everyone else.Slide66
Knowledge Check (True or False):
Interoperability means everyone is able to talk to everyone else. [False]Slide67
Knowledge Check (Multiple Choice):
The DHS Common Simplex channel is _____ for VHF and _____ for UHF.DHSTAC, DHS-SIM
Multi-talk 1, Multi-talk 2VHF Interagency 1, UHF Interagency 2V-op 1, U-op 2Slide68
Knowledge Check (Multiple Choice):
The DHS Common Simplex channel is _____ for VHF and _____ for UHF. [A]
DHSTAC, DHS-SIMMulti-talk 1, Multi-talk 2VHF Interagency 1, UHF Interagency 2V-op 1, U-op 2Slide69
Knowledge Check (Multiple Choice):
When responding to an incident or pre-planned event, you should first….?Use the appropriate DHS common channel to determine if there have been any changes.
Use the channel designated for the event; then the last channel where you had reliable communications.Telephone the command center to report in.Use the appropriate DHS Calling Channel.Slide70
Knowledge Check (Multiple Choice):
When all attempts to use radio communications to report in at an incident/event have failed, you should.
Phone your supervisorReport to your assigned area and wait to be contactedReport to the command post or its equivalentContinue to attempt to make radio contact until you receive a responseSlide71
Knowledge Check (Multiple Choice):
When all attempts to use radio communications to report in at an incident/event have failed, you should. [C]
Phone your supervisorReport to your assigned area and wait to be contactedReport to the command post or its equivalentContinue to attempt to make radio contact until you receive a responseSlide72
Course Summary
Seek opportunities to maintain skill level and proficiency with radio equipment.Participate in exercises with other federal, state, local, etc. agencies
Include designated communications technical personnel as early as possible in the planning process for all classes of operations.Slide73
To receive credit for IS-0951:
You need a Student ID. Register at https
://cdp.dhs.gov/femasid Answer at least 75% of the questions correctly:http://training.fema.gov/IS/examnotice.aspx?eid=IS951