Implementing MLC 8000s

Prerequisites:

This expansion plan assumes that the site is built and is either functioning or ready to go online.

When and where to use:

This process ensures that you order and confirm receipt of appropriate quantities of equipment, racks/cabinets, and software based on number of sites, subsites, and types of base radio interfaces.

Procedure:

  1. Determine the type of subsystem where MLC 8000 devices are being implemented. See Examples of Subsystems Where MLC 8000s Can Be Used.
  2. Determine additional options to implement at the same time, for the MCN Server 8000™ Remote Comparator Display Software. See Setting Up the MCN Server 8000 Remote Comparator Display Software.
  3. Order and confirm receipt of the required number of MLC 8000 Analog Comparators or MLC 8000 Subsite Link Converters.
    • The number should correspond to the initial planning of the system.
    • Also, when ordering, you have identified which MLC 8000 devices should be configured as MLC 8000 Analog Comparators or as MLC 8000 Subsite Link Converters. See MLC 8000 Devices Per Site Type.
    • MLC 8000s include a grounding cable, with options for MLC 8000 software, external power supplies, and rack mount kits.
  4. Order and confirm receipt of appropriate quantities of equipment, racks/cabinets, and software based on number of sites, subsites, and types of base radio interfaces.
    If… Then…
    GCM 8000/GRV 8000 Installed at ASTRO 25 Mixed-Mode Non-Simulcast Voting Subsystem
    Site Gateway (Conventional Channel Interface), that is, GGM 8000 Gateway hardware platform Installed at the following site types:
    • ASTRO 25 Analog-Only Non-Simulcast Voting Subsystem
    • ASTRO 25 Analog-Only IP-Based Simulcast Subsystem
    • ASTRO 25 Mixed-Mode Non-Simulcast Voting Subsystem
    • ASTRO 25 Circuit-Based Analog-Only Simulcast Voting Subsystem
    For simulcast systems, a Site Gateway (Conventional Channel Interface) can support four channels, with a maximum of three Site Gateways (Conventional Channel Interface) at the prime site.
    Simulcast Site Reference devices Installed at the following site types:
    • ASTRO 25 Analog-Only IP-Based Simulcast Subsystem
    • Analog-Only IP-Based Simulcast Voting Subsystem
    If the Simulcast Site Reference device does not have sufficient capacity, then you may want to install a certified distribution amplifier. See Simulcast Site Reference Considerations
    MCN Server 8000 Remote Comparator Display Software (server/client) Two PCs required
  5. Review bandwidth and other considerations, see Ethernet Bandwidth Considerations for MLC 8000s.
  6. Determine a service window of time for performing the MLC 8000 implementation and communicate this time to radio system subscribers.
    CautionThe implementation results in down time and outages to the channel/subsystem connected to the MLC 8000 device. An estimate is 2–4 hours, including calibration.
  7. Obtain the IP Plan for MLC 8000 expansion following standard policies/procedures.
    • Discuss proposed connectivity and transport changes.
    • Obtain the pre-expansion IP plan for the system. IP addresses are dynamic, so review the existing plan before adding new devices.
    • Obtain the IP plan that includes MLC 8000s and other devices (Site Gateways [Conventional Channel Interface], switches, and so on) being added. Determine the number and type of MLC 8000 devices being added.
  8. (IP configuration) Obtain configuration files for switches and GGM 8000 gateways from Motorola Solutions.
    NoteThe configuration files from Motorola Solutions address the new transport requirements.
  9. Evaluate and procure transport requirement for the expansion.
    NoteThe bandwidth consumed over the IP link between the prime site and subsite using G.711 encoding is approximately three times that of G.728 encoding. Configuration files provide new transport requirements. Procure new bandwidth for the site (due to G.711 encoding) and new port capacity for the MLC 8000 devices.