Much as carpenters rely upon an assortment of chisels, drills, and hammers to do their job, modern communication system designers and operators use very high frequency (VHF), ultra high frequency (UHF), and satellite communication tools, and rely on the unique capabilities that each provides to meet specific requirements.

A two way communication device is a voice network that provides an always-on connection enabling the user to just "push the button and talk." Also called "dispatch radio,"two-way radio has traditionally been used by police, fire, taxi and other mobile fleets. A two-way radio uses radio waves to transmit voice or data to another two-way. They can only communicate with other two-way radios on the same frequency and channel. Two-way radios have limited range based on their transmitting power, terrain, and the radio network available in that area.

Two-way voice was one of the first commercial applications of radio technology. In 1933, the first two-way mobile radio system was installed in patrol cars of the Bayonne, New Jersey police department. Since then, two-way radio has moved beyond the realm of public safety to become an invaluable tool for mobile professionals in a wide range of enterprises. The term “two-way radio” brings to mind a variety of images. Many people imagine public safety officers using expensive equipment and licensed spectrum to convey mission-critical information at the site of an incident.

Others think of hobbyists and sales clerks using low-cost, low-power “walkie talkies” in the unlicensed spectrum to keep in touch over relatively short distances. But there’s a vast and growing market between these two extremes for professional users who need high-quality yet affordable equipment that takes advantage of the power, range and coexistence characteristics of licensed channels.