The challenges at Harwell

The CNC is a specialist police force that oversees the security of nuclear materials and nuclear sites in the UK. There are a number of challenges to providing effective communications at these sites. Materials at nuclear sites are stored in buildings constructed of dense concrete, which makes radio coverage sporadic and difficult. In addition, the CNC must be able to coordinate activities and communicate with Home Office Police and other public safety agencies. To address these challenges and improve communications at Harwell, the decision was made to upgrade the communications system at the site.

The solution

Pennine Telecom Ltd. was chosen to provide a solution that would meet the CNC’s requirements. The system Pennine implemented at Harwell includes three Zetron DCS-5020 consoles—two in the main control room and one fall-back console at another location. The DCS-5020 uses four Motorola MTM700 TETRA Mobile Radios at two separate locations. Because the two workstations provide dual-site control, all functions can be accessed by any of the workstations. The system also connects the CNC to local police and fire and ambulance services. The telephone and radio dispatch functions are integrated into a single operator position. Because the DCS-5020 supports both analogue and digital radios, the CNC can communicate with the local constabulary via British Telecom’s Airwave TETRA network, and with the on-site ambulance and County Fire Brigade via analogue radios.

The results

The new communications system has significantly improved the interoperability, coverage and quality of communications at Harwell. As a result, Pennine and the CNC have implemented the DCS-5020 at additional sites. Article provided by Zetron.