Table of contents 

1. Can you connect two-way radios across multiple sites? 
2. What are the options for connecting different locations? 
3. Can you use your existing two-way radios? 
4. What equipment will you need? 
5. What should you consider before choosing a system? 
6. How D2N can help 
7. FAQs 

Say your business has a few worksites, warehouses or factories across multiple locations, each with its own team using two-way radios. Staff can communicate within their site, but what happens when they need to speak to someone at another location? 

Two-way radios can be connected across multiple sites, even when those locations are hundreds of kilometres apart. Depending on your requirements, you can use internet connections, mobile networks or linked radio equipment to connect your teams. 

You may even be able to keep the radios you already have. Here’s how the different options work and what you need to know before choosing a system. 

Can you connect two-way radios across multiple sites or locations? 

Two-way radios can be connected across multiple sites by linking the communication equipment at each location, allowing messages to travel between places that are outside normal radio range. For example, a staff member at Warehouse A speaks into their radio. The message travels through the connected network and is received by colleagues at Warehouse B, who can respond using their own radios. 

Depending on the setup, teams can have separate channels for local conversations and shared channels for communicating across locations. For staff, the experience can be as simple as using their normal two-way radios. 

What are the options for connecting different locations? 

There are several ways to connect two-way radio users across different locations. The most suitable approach depends on your existing equipment, the distance between sites and how your teams work. 

1. IP-connected digital radio networks 

Digital radio technologies such as DMR (Digital Mobile Radio) and NXDN can support multi-site communications using compatible equipment connected through an IP network. 

An IP network carries digital information between locations using internet or private network connections. 

Each site may use a repeater, which receives and retransmits radio signals to extend local coverage. Compatible repeaters can also be linked through an IP network to connect geographically separated sites. 

D2N supplies technologies including Motorola MOTOTRBO IP Site Connect, designed to connect multiple radio sites. 

2. Push-to-talk over cellular (PoC) 

Push-to-talk over cellular (PoC) allows compatible communication devices to exchange voice messages using 4G, 5G or Wi-Fi data connections. 

For example, a team in Sydney could communicate with colleagues in Broken Hill through the same PoC service, provided suitable connectivity is available. 

D2N also offers hybrid and PoC radio solutions that combine traditional two-way radio communication with mobile network technology and other applications. 

3. Radio-over-IP (RoIP) integration 

Radio-over-IP (RoIP) technology carries radio communications over an IP network, allowing certain existing radio systems to be connected. A RoIP gateway provides an interface between compatible radio equipment and the network. D2N offers integration equipment including the ICOM VE-PG4 gateway. 

RoIP may be suitable when connecting established radio networks or integrating different communication technologies.  

D2N’s radio migration solutions can help organisations move from individual site systems to larger connected networks, depending on equipment compatibility and operational requirements. 

Can you use your existing two-way radios? 

Existing two-way radios may be incorporated into a multi-site network, depending on their technology, compatibility and the equipment already installed.  

For example, if your business has separate radio systems at three warehouses, D2N can assess whether they can be connected using additional networking equipment. You may only need to upgrade certain components rather than replace everything.  

Explore D2N’s two-way radio solutions to learn about the different systems available. 

What equipment will you need? 

The equipment needed for a multi-site radio network depends on your locations, existing radios and the connection method. 

A system may include: 

• Two-way radios: Handheld or vehicle-mounted devices used by staff. 
• Repeaters: Equipment that helps extend radio coverage at a location. 
• Network connections: Internet, private data or radio links between sites. 
• Connection equipment: Devices that allow compatible radio systems to communicate. 

You won’t necessarily need all these components. Some mobile network-based solutions require little or no dedicated radio infrastructure at each location. 

For a single location, D2N also provides stand-alone radio systems, which can range from a few handheld radios to larger systems using repeaters. 

What should you consider before choosing a system? 

Choosing the right multi-site radio system starts with understanding where your teams work, what equipment you already have and how they need to communicate. 

Consider: 

• How many locations need to be connected? 
• How many people need radios? 
• Do you already have radio equipment? 
• Do all staff need to communicate across sites, or only certain teams? 
• Do staff travel between locations? 
• What happens if the internet or mobile network goes down? 

Reliability is particularly important. Some systems can be designed to maintain local radio communication if the connection between sites fails, while others may require backup connections or alternative communication methods. 

Professional radio systems may also require ACMA frequency licensing, depending on the equipment and frequencies used. A licence allowing radios to operate across multiple locations does not, by itself, connect those locations. 

How D2N can help 

D2N designs and integrates two-way radio communication systems for organisations across Australia, including businesses operating across multiple locations. We’ll assess your existing equipment, coverage requirements and how your teams communicate before recommending a suitable approach. 

With expertise across radio communications, RF engineering and system integration, D2N can bring together technologies from leading global manufacturers to create a solution that works for your organisation. 

For more complex requirements, D2N can also develop integrated radio systems that connect radio communications with other technologies, such as intercom and alarm systems. 

Tell us where your teams work, what equipment you have and who needs to communicate. We’ll help you work out the best way to connect them. Contact D2N to discuss your multi-site communication requirements. 

Keep your teams connected, communications clear and critical operations running with technology designed for demanding environments. D2N designs, integrates and supports two-way radio, intercom, professional audio, broadcast, video and RF solutions, backed by deep technical expertise and leading technology brands. Shop online or get in touch to find the right solution for your needs. 

FAQs 

Can two-way radios communicate between cities or states? 

IP-connected digital radio networks and push-to-talk over cellular (PoC) systems can connect teams across cities and states. D2N offers solutions including Motorola MOTOTRBO IP Site Connect, which supports up to 15 geographically dispersed sites, alongside hybrid and PoC technologies. 

Can two-way radios communicate over 100 kilometres? 

Two-way radios can communicate over 100 kilometres using suitable network infrastructure. Unlike conventional radio-to-radio communication, which is limited by signal coverage, IP-connected systems can carry voice communications between geographically separated sites. 

Can different brands of two-way radios communicate? 

Different radio brands may be interoperable depending on their technology, configuration and compatibility. D2N works with analogue, DMR, NXDN, TETRA and PoC technologies and offers integration equipment such as the ICOM VE-PG4 radio-over-IP gateway. Compatibility must be assessed for each system. 

Do multi-site two-way radios need the internet? 

Multi-site radio systems do not always require an internet connection. Multi-site radio networks can use IP connections, including private networks, to link geographically separated locations. Cellular-based PoC systems use mobile data connectivity, while other radio configurations can operate independently of the internet. 

What happens if the internet connection fails? 

Radio systems that operate independently of the internet can continue functioning during an internet outage. For IP-connected multi-site networks, communication between locations may be interrupted, although local radio communications may remain operational depending on the equipment and configuration. 

How much does a multi-site two-way radio system cost? 

Multi-site radio system costs vary according to the number of locations, coverage requirements, existing infrastructure and selected technology. D2N can assess whether existing equipment can be integrated or upgraded before recommending a suitable solution and providing a quotation.