I_HeERO Newsletter December 2016

UPDATE ON I_HeERO ACTIVITIES
Status Next Generation 112 (NG112) eCall Activity
by Harold Linke
Ministère de l’Intérieur, Administration des Services de Secours
From a technical perspective, eCall is a legacy technology using in band-modem technology for data transmission
and GSM and ISDN networks as communication channels.
Figure 11: NG112 eCall Options
Modern technologies such as LTE, 3G data transmission or VoIP based communication were never considered
during the definition of ETSI and CEN eCall specifications. However, modern networks become more
and more relevant. ISDN is not supported for new connections in many European countries anymore. The
new data transmission methods also require changing specifications in many ways and on many levels of
network communication. This affects signalling, voice and data transmission. 112 calls and eCalls are freeof-charge,
and this must be reflected in all networks and by all partners involved. Next Generation 112
(NG112) eCall communication is even more a challenge since eCall is a safety relevant system. This means
that data transmission of eCalls and the setup of the voice channels must be prioritised.
NG112-eCall moves from circuit switched to all-IP, and carries the vehicle data and other eCall- specific
data as additional data associated with the call. NG112 eCall is expected to offer to carry more data (e.g. an
enhanced MSD or an MSD plus additional sets of data), to handle video and text, and to provide the ability
for the PSAP to access vehicle components (e.g. an on-board camera (such as rear facing or blind-spot
cameras) for a visual assessment of the crash site situation) and to request the vehicle to take actions (e.g.
sound the horn, disable the ignition, lock/unlock doors).
I_HeERO Newsletter - December 2016
to be continued...
16