Etherstack and Cisco Collaborate on Public Safety

SAN JOSE, California.- Etherstack, a global wireless technology licensor, today announced that Cisco and Etherstack intend to cooperate on the development of a range of new public safety radio network infrastructure products aimed at the first responder segment of North American markets. Etherstack has been licensing public safety wireless air interface protocol technologies to equipment manufacturers around the world for over 10 years.

Through its relationship with Etherstack, Cisco intends to enhance its range of public safety interoperability solutions for the APCO P25 ISSI protocol, which allows bridging between different manufacturers’ radio networks and advanced interoperability beyond radio to telephony, cellular networks and IP devices. The endeavor is aimed specifically at the APCO Project 25 (P25) digital radio network market in North America. Earlier this month, using Cisco IP Interoperability and Collaboration System (IPICS), Cisco and Etherstack conducted a demonstration of P25 interworking technology.

By using the integrated technology of the two companies, radio network operators will now be able to use multiple radio manufacturers’ equipment on a common, all-IP core network, providing cost savings and flexibility, while avoiding vendor “lock-in”. “This relationship is great for public safety network operators”, said Etherstack CEO, David Deacon. “It will allow them significant cost savings and equipment vendor alternatives, while simultaneously increasing their performance, service and interoperability options - the most important factor in public safety.”

“Cisco has a long commitment to the public safety sector, said Shmuel Shaffer, general manager of Cisco’s safety and security business unit, ”Working with Etherstack to cooperate on this development is the next logical step toward integrating the technology of the two companies to provide customers with more flexible and affordable options"