What is the difference between IDAS and Apco P25?
IDAS digital technology and P25 digital technology are not compatible because they do not use the same over-the-air protocol. IDAS and P25 technology were specified and designed to support very different markets. IDAS radios are intended first and foremost for business and industry and are priced accordingly. P25 systems are required to support the high-end requirements of public-safety systems, such as secure encryption. If you compare the prices of P25 equipment to IDAS equipment, you’ll see a substantial difference. For uses that are not “mission-critical” IDAS systems may be used by public safety agencies. In fact, IDAS is an excellent low-cost alternative to P25 for providing inter-agency interoperability where the requirements of P25 do not apply.
