IOPS Definition
3GPP introduces isolated E-UTRAN operation for public safety (IOPS) to meet public safety requirements on LTE networks using one eNodeB.
IOPS introduces a local evolved packet core (EPC) and an application server. If the backhaul from the eNodeB to the macro EPC becomes faulty, the local EPC will be activated and the eNodeB will be connected to the local EPC through interfaces. Basic communications services can still be provided to meet special requirements for public safety on 3GPP trunking networks. In eLTE5.1 and later versions, the IOPS mode supports either unicast services only or supports evolved multimedia broadcast/multicast services (eMBMS) and unicast services at the same time. Figure 1-1 shows how the network architecture changes.
1-1 IOPS logical networking
In the eLTE solution, each eNodeB that provides the IOPS function must be configured with a set of local EPC and a local mission-critical push-to-talk (MCPTT) server.
Benefits
In the case of transmission exceptions, the eNodeB can provide basic MCPTT voice service, short message service (SMS), multimedia messaging service (MMS), and point-to-point (P2P) video service for specific terminals within its coverage through the local EPC and local MCPTT server. This helps meet customers' demands for emergency communications and improve reliability of the entire network.
