Bridging Systems Interface
Bridging Systems Interface is a standard protocol for communicating with physical interfaces which attach analog or digital voice radios to digital data networks—known as 'Radio over IP'--to make easier the use of remote radios by local users, and the sharing of radios by multiple users, in the service of improving emergency communications interoperability. The standard is promulgated by the SAFECOM program in the US Department of Homeland Security's Office for Interoperability and Compatibility, specifically, the VoIP Working Group .
Technical Details
The working group has broken down the problem of moving public safety communications audio over data networks into 5 specific interface points:- Radio System Interface – an interface that enables VoIP communication to radio system infrastructure
- Dispatch Interface – an interface to a dispatch console
- End Unit Interface – an interface that allows a network-connected computing device to connect into a radio system using a software implementation
- Radio Site Interface – an interface to a base station or similar device
- Bridging Systems Enhanced Interface – additional functions of the BSI Core Profile, an interface between bridging or gateway devices
This interface is based on SIP, the Session Initiation Protocol, and the document provides standardized mappings between that protocol and the actual functions that are provided by individual radio hardware, whatever those might be.