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FPIC ISSI/CSSI Focus Group Develops the First Features and Functions White Paper for P25 Technologies

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Author: Brian Heitman, Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), FPIC Federal Lead Coordinator

The Federal Partnership for Interoperable Communications (FPIC) has released the Emergency Alarm: Project 25 (P25) Inter-RF Subsystem Interface (ISSI) and Console Subsystem Interface (CSSI) Features and Functions document. This is the first document in a new P25 informational series focused on specific ISSI/CSSI features and functions that provide critical life-saving communications capabilities to public safety users. This document - along with future documents in the series – is a byproduct of discussions within the FPIC ISSI/CSSI User Focus Group and is intended to increase awareness of P25 features, terminology, and implementation considerations specific to ISSI/CSSI deployment.    

Using the emergency alarm, emergency call, or emergency cancel features across an ISSI or CSSI when interoperating between native and foreign systems can be complicated, especially when multiple manufacturers’ systems are involved. While most end users and system operators understand emergency activation and cancellation within a single system, the FPIC ISSI/CSSI User Focus Group—a P25 user group of ISSI/CSSI first-adopters—found that the complexities can quickly become overwhelming for those looking to adopt ISSI/CSSI.

With the publication of this document, P25 system planners and administrators can advance their understanding of the technology and potential roadblocks identified by other users. Readers can expect to learn more about emergency activation and cancellation terminology, technical and operational considerations, potential use cases, implementation variables, applicable standards, and available resources.

To learn more about P25, ISSI and CSSI, and the FPIC, please visit cisa.gov/safecom/fpic or contact FPIC@cisa.dhs.gov.