Introduction

TETRA (Terrestrial Trunked Radio) is a globally adopted digital radio communication standard used extensively in critical communications—such as public safety, transport, oil & gas, utilities, and defense sectors. This 12-day in-depth training program—developed by Global Horizon Training Center—provides engineers, technicians, and radio network managers with the technical expertise to design, configure, operate, maintain, and troubleshoot TETRA radio systems in mission-critical environments.

Objectives

By the end of this program, participants will be able to:

• Understand the principles and architecture of TETRA systems.

• Configure and manage TETRA base stations, terminals, and core systems.

• Apply best practices for signal planning, coverage optimization, and capacity management.

• Perform maintenance, diagnostics, and fault isolation.

• Implement encryption, user access control, and security protocols.

• Support end-user operations and dispatch functionalities.

Organizational Impact

• Improved availability and performance of critical communications

• Enhanced capacity for internal maintenance and support

• Reduced dependence on external vendors for TETRA management

• Increased resilience and uptime of communications during emergencies

• Greater user satisfaction through reliable voice and data services

Target Audience

• Telecommunications Engineers

• Radio Network Planners and Operators

• System Administrators and RF Technicians

• Oil & Gas, Transportation, and Utility Communication Teams

• Public Safety and Security Communication Specialists

Training Program Outline

Day 1: Introduction to TETRA Systems

• Overview of digital trunked radio

• History and role of TETRA

• Key features and benefits

• Industry applications and standards (ETSI)

Day 2: TETRA Architecture and Network Elements

• TETRA system structure: MS, BTS, SwMI, control room

• Logical channels and call handling

• Air interface and protocol stack

• Interfaces and interoperability

Day 3: TETRA Radio Access and Air Interface

• TDMA structure and time slots

• Control vs. traffic channels

• Call setup process and handover

• TETRA DMO (Direct Mode) and TMO (Trunked Mode)

Day 4: TETRA Terminals and User Equipment

• Types of terminals: handheld, vehicle-mounted, dispatch

• Terminal configuration and programming

• Authentication and encryption basics

• Group call vs. individual call handling

Day 5: Base Stations and SwMI Operations

• BTS design and configuration

• Base station parameters and frequency planning

• Switching and management infrastructure (SwMI)

• Synchronization and network timing

Day 6: TETRA Network Planning and Coverage

• RF planning principles for TETRA

• Coverage, capacity, and frequency reuse

• Site selection and antenna design

• Propagation tools and simulations

Day 7: TETRA Voice and Data Services

• Group calls, broadcast calls, and emergency calls

• SDS (Short Data Service) and Packet Data

• Status messaging and location-based services

• End-to-end latency and QoS considerations

Day 8: Security, Encryption, and Authentication

• Air interface encryption (TEA1, TEA2, TEA3, TEA4)

• Authentication process and key management

• Terminal security and user profile protection

• Best practices in secure communication

Day 9: Network Monitoring and Diagnostics

• Performance monitoring tools

• System alarms, logs, and analytics

• Radio testing (RSSI, BER, SINAD)

• Troubleshooting scenarios and diagnostic steps

Day 10: Maintenance and Firmware Management

• Preventive maintenance and site inspections

• Firmware updates and patching terminals

• Battery and accessory maintenance

• Fault isolation and RMA processes

Day 11: Dispatch Console and Control Room Operations

• Dispatcher features and workstation setup

• Command & control integration

• Real-time monitoring and group control

• Incident communication management

Day 12: Case Studies, Trends, and System Upgrades

• TETRA use in oil & gas, transport, utilities, and emergency services

• Integration with LTE and broadband solutions

• Upgrading TETRA infrastructure

• Future of critical communications and hybrid solutions