Short Answer
A radio network does not start with device selection, but with requirements. First, the area of application, user groups, buildings, terrain, range, availability, frequencies, and operational processes are clarified. This is followed by system selection, locations, repeaters, antennas, channel planning, measurement, and documentation. Good radio network planning reduces dead zones, disturbances, over-dimensioning, and later operating costs.
Many radio problems arise because there is premature discussion about devices. A stable radio network needs a clear target picture first: Who communicates with whom, where, how often, in what quality, and with what reliability?
Planning in Meaningful Steps
- Gather requirements and operational processes.
- Capture buildings, terrain, critical areas, and user groups.
- Check frequencies, licenses, and regulatory requirements.
- Select system family: analog, DMR, TETRA, NXDN, LTE/5G, or hybrid.
- Plan repeaters, antennas, filters, power supply, and locations.
- Carry out measurement, test operation, acceptance, and documentation.
How many users does a repeater support?
This depends strongly on the system. An analog repeater fundamentally provides one voice channel. A DMR Tier II repeater offers two time slots on a 12.5-kHz channel, thus enabling two simultaneous communication paths. TETRA and trunking systems manage capacity more dynamically via talk groups and network resources.
The most important question is not only the number of devices, but the simultaneous talking load. Twenty devices can be manageable if speaking occurs infrequently. Ten teams can be critical if they work simultaneously on the same resources.
Measurement and Simulation
Measurement shows the actual radio environment. Simulation aids in preliminary planning but does not replace on-site checks. Buildings, machines, topography, glass, steel, basements, and neighboring systems significantly affect the outcome.
Operation and Documentation
A radio network requires clear responsibilities after commissioning: device management, programming, battery and accessory management, disruption process, maintenance, frequency documentation, emergency plan, and periodic checks.
Typical Mistakes
- Devices are procured before clarifying requirements and frequencies.
- Capacity is confused with the number of radios.
- Building supply and outdoor supply are not evaluated separately.
- Power failure, redundancy, and maintenance are forgotten.
- There is no current documentation of channels, groups, and locations.
FAQ
What is the first step in radio network planning?
The first step is gathering requirements: operational processes, user groups, critical areas, availability, range, and legal framework conditions.
Does every radio network need a repeater?
No. Small teams can communicate directly. Repeaters become important when range, building penetration, areas, or multiple locations need to be covered.
What is more important: range or capacity?
Both must fit. Range without capacity leads to busy channels, capacity without coverage leads to dead zones.
When should a radio network be replanned?
When there are changes in location, building renovations, new user groups, frequent dead zones, disturbances, old devices, or changed regulatory requirements.
Sources and Current Status
This page was created on July 6, 2026. Technical and regulatory information must be reconciled with current manufacturer data, standards, frequency specifications, and site conditions for specific projects.