Integration of TETRA functionalities with 5G MCX: Feasibility Analysis & Research Opportunities

The Terrestrial Trunked Radio (TETRA) system has been essential for mission-critical communications in public safety and operational radio. However, its limitations in bandwidth and scalability are increasingly problematic as demands for higher data rates and real-time multimedia communication grow. This paper explores how 5G Mission Critical Services (MCX) can address these challenges, particularly in Public Protection and Disaster Relief (PPDR) and Autonomous Vehicle Control (AVC) scenarios. By analyzing the communication requirements of these use cases, the study identifies TETRA’s shortcomings, proposes a nomadic 5G architecture to enhance the reliability and scalability of future mission-critical communications and discusses future research opportunities.