Raytheon will demonstrate the new ISSI capability of its INTEROP-7000 Interoperability Gateway at the International Wireless Communications Expo in Las Vegas.

The P25 ISSI (Inter RF Subsystem Interface) adds another dimension to Raytheon's interoperability gateways that allow police, fire and rescue personnel on disparate radios to communicate with one another using their current equipment.

"Interoperable communication among first responders is paramount during emergency situations," said TJ Kennedy, director of Public Safety and Security for Raytheon's Network Centric Systems business.

"Raytheon's new INTEROP-7000 Interoperability Server can connect first responders now, allowing the continued use of existing hardware while providing agencies the flexibility to choose their own timeline for upgrading equipment."

Raytheon's P25 ISSI capability helps move the radio gateway concept beyond the donor radio approach, bringing in P25 users directly via Internet Protocol. P25 talk groups can be linked to any of the member agencies of the interoperability system, including talk groups of another P25 system.

ISSI enables the use of key metadata (such as user IDs, alerts and messages) while eliminating donor radio infrastructure costs and Radio Frequency coverage concerns. Bringing in P25 users via IP increases flexibility since talk groups can be configured at the gateway.

Raytheon's INTEROP-7000 Interoperability Server, available now, uses other Raytheon gateways, such as the ACU-5000, for local interoperability and to convert non-IP communications (radios and telephones) for transfer to the server via IP.

The system also includes mobile apps optimized for laptops, tablets and smartphones, enabling communication no matter what device is available.