WO2010070459A1

WO2010070459A1 - System and method for operating a relay device

Info

Publication number: WO2010070459A1
Application number: PCT/IB2009/051920
Authority: WO
Inventors: Tal Mashraky
Original assignee: Acceleradio Ltd.
Priority date: 2008-12-16
Filing date: 2009-05-10
Publication date: 2010-06-24

Abstract

A device for relaying messages between radio transceivers in a radio network, which includes ports and a processor The ports are configured for receiving input for further processing The received input includes an audio signal, interfeπng radio input, and a stream of digital data The processor is configured for getting a certain message associated with the received input, for obtaining parameters associated with the certain message, and for performing actions on the certain message in accordance with the obtained parameters The device includes a speech recognition module, configured for analyzing the certain message, and a memory adapted for stoπng a plurality of speech items The message may be compared to the plurality of speech items for matching, and the performed actions on the certain message may be done in accordance with that matching The relay device may also be controlled by a remote control apparatus

Description

TITLE SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR OPERATING A RELAY DEVICE

CLAIM OF PRIORITY

This application claims the benefit of provisional US application ser. No. 61/122,751 entitled "Method and system for relaying audio messages" by the present inventor, filed December 16, 2008.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Field of the invention

The invention is in the field of radio communication networks. In particular, the disclosed invention deals with a relay device for relaying messages between radio transceivers having no connection due to distance or an obstacle.

Description of related art

Throughout this section a military application is used to present the related art. However, the same or similar radio communication technologies are used by other enforcement units in police, border control, etc. Also, similar radio communication systems are used in transportation industry, cab stations, post services, and vehicle fleets.

Armies use tactical radio voice communication networks to have command and control in the hierarchy structure of the army combat units. Each level in the army hierarchy has its own dedicated radio networks that enable campaign control and communication between mobile troops. The tactical radio communications uses several frequency ranges, VHF(very high frequency) range for the main tactical systems, HF(high frequency) range also used for tactical systems at very long distances, and UHF(ultra high frequency) range to communicate ground troops with airborne means. Radio voice communication systems were modernized and improved along the years, giving users better mobility with smaller and more convenient radio devices for infantry. They also get longer communication ranges due to higher transmission power and better reception sensitivity. Modern tactical radio systems also enable encrypted transmission as well as frequency hopping to prevent hostile listening and jamming. Yet, a limited communication range is the main problem of tactical communication. Hilly topography, heavily built terrain and long distances limit radio communication ranges and make the command and control harder or impossible in a variety of geographical circumstances as radio devices approach their maximum range.

The common means to overcome range and screening limitations are a mediation station, an automatic relay stations and a radio keying system. The mediation station is a radio mobile station disposed in a place that controls and covers the desired territory by infantry or a vehicle,. The mediation radio system assists communication between troops having no direct communication, by receiving messages from one side and retransmitting them to the other side using the same frequency channel. That task necessitates an experienced radio operator of high skills. The automatic relay device (hereafter F1-F2 auto relay) enables transmitting information from a first radio network working in a first frequency channel (Fl) to a second radio network having a second frequency channel (F2). To this aim, a special frequency is allocated to the automatic relay device, and an auto-relay operation is enabled by locating the relay station in a place that covers the whole desired territory, and by connecting it to two radio transceivers, one transceiver at Fl and the second transceiver at F2. Thus, an automatic retransmission of voice information from the Fl to F2 is enabled with no manned mediator involvement.

Even though the action of the automatic relay station is automatic, still there must be a professional radio operator in the relay station to operate the relay system, to set the radio transceivers' frequencies and to supervise the system.

A radio keying system combines tactical radio transceivers with radio-telephone links to get better range of radio control. That system is used mainly in regional headquarters rather than in the field combat units.

Mediation and relay stations have many limitations and deficiencies as follows: 1. An experienced radio operator, skilled and trained for becoming a professional authority and efficient in working with senior officers is desired for operating a manned mediation station. As such trained operators may not be available, the operation of a mediation station suffers lots of mistakes and breakdowns in communication out of misunderstandings and wrong/mistaken message transferring.

2. In order to operate an F1-F2 auto relay, a dedicated frequency channel, which is not shared with any other network, should be allocated for the relay trunk. However, the VHF frequency range is rather limited and several users have to share the same frequency. As allocating a dedicated frequency channel to the exclusive use of the F1-F2 radio relay may not be possible, their use remains rather limited.

3. The existing relay devices have no self intelligence, thus in many cases they become a disturbance and obstacle. For example, the allocation of the relay device frequency channel is pre-set and may not be changed at ease. Such limitations are in contrast with a principle of "openness" and "flexibility" of radio systems. Also, the existing technology lacks any remote control capability and any change necessitates the presence of an appropriate operator to execute the desired change. 4. Relay trunks attract hostile electronic warfare (EW) troops, which may use the relay station itself to distribute and broadcast the hostile EW signals or noise. 5. Current relay stations are too big to be carried by a walking infantry, mini remote- piloted vehicle (MRVP), unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), etc, and need a vehicle or an airplane. 6. The existing relay systems are big and expensive, and thus their use may not be compatible with the needs.

Thus, there is a need for a novel radio relay technology to overcome at least some of the above drawbacks.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is provided for the first time a relay device for relaying messages between radio transceivers in a radio network, which includes ports and a processor. The ports are configured for receiving input and for providing the received input for further processing. The received input includes an audio signal from the transceivers, an interfering radio input item, and a stream of digital data. The processor is configured for getting a certain message associated with the received input, for obtaining parameters associated with the certain message, and for performing actions on the certain message in accordance with the obtained parameters. In some embodiments the relayed messages are audio messages, data messages and data over audio messages.

In some embodiments the device includes a speech recognition module, configured for analyzing the certain message. In some embodiments the ports include an analog to digital conversion unit and/or a digital to analog conversion unit.

In some embodiments the device includes a memory adapted for storing a plurality of speech items. The certain message may be compared to the plurality of speech items for matching, and the performed actions on the certain message may be done in accordance with that matching.

In some embodiments the device includes a buffer adapted for storing messages. A stored message may be relayed several times to the transceivers.

In some embodiments the relay device has two handset ports for linking the relay device to operator handsets. The relay device may provide protection or alarm in case that two operators communicate simultaneously with different radio transceivers at a different security level.

It is disclosed for the first time a novel method for operating a relay device configured for relaying audio messages between radio transceivers in a radio network. The method includes receiving radio input, obtaining parameters associated with a certain message related to the received input, and performing actions of on the certain message in accordance with the obtained parameters. The received radio input may include an audio signal from a radio transceiver, an interfering radio input item, and a stream of digital data. The actions performed on the message arc taken of a plurality of performable actions which includes relaying a message to a radio transceiver.

In some embodiments the method includes the steps of recognizing speech items within a message, and relaying the certain message to a radio transceiver in accordance with the recognized speech items.

In some embodiments the method includes remote controlling the relay device by submission speech items to it.

In some embodiments the plurality of performable actions includes actions to deal with a noisy message which is related to both an interfering radio input and a signal from a radio transceiver. First, the interfering radio input is reduced to get a relatively clean message, relative to the noisy message. Then, the clean message is relayed to a radio transceiver.

In some embodiments the plurality of performable actions includes relaying a message related to an audio signal received at a first radio channel into a second radio channel. The first and second radio channels are different by frequency, direction or tirneslot

In some embodiments the interfering radio input is generated by a human generated source or by a natural source.

In some embodiments the plurality of performable actions includes filtering of electronic noise.

In some embodiments the plurality of performable actions includes postponed relaying of a received audio signal. The postponed relaying may prevent collision, may enable quality of service and may enable service prioritizing.

In some embodiments the method includes attaching a digital signature to the certain message. The digital signature may contain parameters associated with the certain message. Also, the digital signature may be encrypted before relaying.

In some embodiments the plurality of performable actions includes the step of relaying of a stored message several times.

In some embodiments a program storage device readable by a computerized apparatus is used for tangibly embodying a program of instructions executable by the computerized apparatus to perform the above method.

It is provided for the first time, a remote control apparatus for controlling a relay device for relaying audio messages between radio transceivers in a radio network. The relay device includes several ports and a processor. The ports are configured for receiving input and for providing the received input for further processing. The processor is configured for getting a certain message related to the provided radio input from the ports, obtaining parameters associated with the certain message, and performing actions on the certain message in accordance with the obtained parameters. The apparatus is configured for remote controlling of the relay device. For example, the remote control apparatus transmits data items to the relay device, wherein reception of the data items by the relay device effects actions performed by the relay device.

Other exemplary actions by the remote control apparatus are: (a) Remote controlling of the radio transceivers connected to the relay device. (b)Issuing remote alarm for events like electronic noise stream, electronic interference, operational fault event and power failure alert.

(c) Positioning the relay device, thus enabling planning of best deployment of relay devices for optimal coverage of a geographical territory.

In some embodiments the remote controlling of the relay device includes changing its operational parameters,

In some embodiments the remote controlling of the relay device includes submitting of digital data or speech items to trigger commands to the relay device.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The subject matter regarded as the invention is particularly pointed out and distinctly claimed in the concluding portion of the specification. The invention, however, both as to system organization and method of operation, together with features and advantages thereof, may best be understood by reference to the following detailed description when read with the accompanied drawings in which:

Fig. 1 is a block diagram of a relay device serving a radio network. Fig. 2 is a flow chart of a method for operating a relay device.

Fig. 3 is a flow chart of an algorithm for the method for operating a relay device. Fig. 4 is a block diagram of a radio network having a relay device and a remote control apparatus for controlling the relay device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention will now be described in terms of specific example embodiments. It is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the example embodiments disclosed. It should also be understood that not every feature of the methods and systems handling the described device is necessary to implement the invention as claimed in any particular one of the appended claims. Various elements and features of devices are described to fully enable the invention. It should also be understood that throughout this disclosure, where a method is shown or described, the steps of the method may be performed in any order or simultaneously, unless it is clear from the context that one step depends on another being performed first. Before explaining several embodiments of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments or of being practiced or carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.

Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. The systems, methods, and examples provided herein are illustrative only and not intended to be limiting.

In the description and claims of the present application, each of the verbs "comprise", "include" and "have", and conjugates thereof, are used to indicate that the object or objects of the verb are not necessarily a complete listing of members, components, elements or parts of the subject or subjects of the verb.

A relay device

A relay device 10, as disclosed by the current application, is depicted in the block diagram of Fig. 1. Relay device 10 relays messages between radio transceivers 12a and 12b in a radio network 16. The relayed messages are audio messages like those transferred between army tactical devices or between cab drivers, and between a cab driver and a cab call center. The messages may be also data messages or data over audio messages. In particular data over audio message may be a radio over internet protocol message (RoIP) which carries destination address with it. Network 16 may work at a half-duplex communication mode or at a full-duplex mode.

The device 10 includes ports 20a, 20b and 22 and a processor 30. The ports 20a, 20b and 22 are configured for receiving input and for providing the received input for further processing. The ports 20a, 20b include analog to digital (ATD) conversion unit 32 to convert an audio message to a digital signal, for example. The ports 20a, 20b also include digital to analog (DTA) conversion unit 34 to convert digital data into an audio message before transmission.

The received input may include an audio signal from transceivers 12a or 12b, interfering radio input from a noise source 36, and/or a stream of digital data from a digital source 39, which communicates with port 22. The noise source 36 may be a human generated source like an engine working nearby or a high voltage cable, or a natural source like an atmospheric disturbance or lightning. Interfering radio input may also be received from electronic interference source 38. For example, in tactical environment, a hostile entity may use electronic warfare sources to block the radio communication of the side having relay device 10.

The processor 30 is configured for three main tasks. The first task is getting a certain message related to the received input. Sometimes, the certain message may be the received input directly from port 20a, either in the original form or after ATD conversion by ATD unit 32. In a preferred embodiment, the received input is first stored in a message buffer 40 and later on the processor gets it as the certain message from the message buffer 40. As the message is stored in the buffer 40, it may be relayed several times to the transceivers 12a and/or 12b.

The second task of the processor 30 is to obtain parameters associated with the certain message. Exemplary parameters are noise level, message priority, message length, and message destination. The third task of the relay device 10 is to perform actions on the certain message in accordance with the obtained parameters. For example, the action may be relaying the certain message to its destination. Another example is applying certain procedure for noise removing of the message according to the found noise level. More details on the parameters and actions appear below. The device 10 may include a speech recognition module 45, configured for analyzing the certain message, and thus facilitates the obtaining of the parameters by the processor. To this aim, the device includes a memory SO adapted for storing a plurality of speech items. The certain message is compared by the speech recognition module 45 to the plurality of speech items for matching, and the performed actions on the certain message may be done in accordance with that matching. For example, the message destination may be found by matching a keyword item in the first part of the message with one of the stored speech items. Consequently, the performed action is to broadcast the message to the matched destination.

Rather than the standard single handset port in the prior art relay devices, relay device 10 has two handset ports 52a and 52b for linking the relay device 10 to operator handsets 56a and 56b, respectively. That enables voice communication of two operator's simultaneously two transceivers. The relay device 10 should better provide protection or alarm in case that two operators communicate simultaneously with different radio transceivers 12a and 12b at a different security level. Relay device 10 may have two operational modes, a manned operational mode and a fully automatic operational mode. Intermediate operational modes in between the manned operational mode and the automatic operational mode may also be possible. In a preferred embodiment, relay device 10 may work in parallel on up to eight

Fl-Fl message relays, and on up to four F1-F2 message relays.

A method for operating a relay device

A method 100 for operating a relay device 10, according to the present disclosure, is shown in the flow chart of Fig. 2. The relay device 10 is configured for relaying audio messages between radio transceivers 12a, 12b in a radio network 16. The method 100 includes several steps 110-210, wherein the steps of method 100 may be performed in any order or simultaneously, unless It is clear from the context that one step depends on another being performed first. A first step is receiving 110 radio input which may Include an audio signal from radio transceivers 12a and 12b, interfering radio input from noise source 36 or electronic interference source 38, and a stream of digital data from a digital source 39. The digital source 39 may be a radio transceiver, or a remote controller.

A second step is storing 120 the received radio Input in a message buffer 40. Later on, the stored radio input may be used as a message to be relayed. Alternatively, the stored radio input may be processed by actions like noise filtering to get a certain message for relaying, which may also be stored. Once the message is stored it may be relayed later for several times.

The step of obtaining 130 parameters associated with the certain message may be conducted substantially simultaneously with storing 120, or a little bit later. Exemplary parameters are signal strength, noise level, message priority, message length, encryption level, and message destination. Measurement of signal strength is a common feature of radio transceivers and relay devices. ATD unit 32 may provide the message length. The processor may build noise histogram and deduce the noise level or the signal to noise ratio from analysis of the noise histogram. A message priority may appear in the message as part of its header, especially if it contains a digital signature as detailed below. Encryption level may be obtained from type or style of the audio signal, or from an Indication of encryption level which arrives from the transceiver with the message. Message destination channel may be the same as the message source channel in Fl-Fl mode. Generally, mode of operation and/or routing table which gives a destination per a source transceiver may determine the message destination. Also, in RoIP message the message destination parameter is simply been read from the message header, The obtained 130 parameters are used in the step of performing 140 actions on the certain message, effecting the undertaken actions and their operating details. The actions performed on the message are taken of a plurality of performable actions which includes relaying a message to a radio transceiver.

For example, in a case that an obtained priority parameter has a high value, the action is relaying the message immediately. Also, some actions need certain obtained parameters to be executed correctly.

The obtained 130 parameters may be used also for feeding into a management database data on the network transceivers for tracking and analysis, whereas the database may reside either in the relay device or elsewhere, The method may include the step of recognizing 150 speech items within a message. Also, the method may include the step of attaching 160 a digital signature to the certain message. The digital signature may contain parameters associated with the certain message, and it may be encrypted. The digital signature is disposed either on the message header or on the message tail. In an audio message the digital signature may be too short or at too high acoustic frequency to be heard or noticed by a human user.

The certain message is relayed 170 to a radio transceiver in accordance with the recognized speech items. For example, the destined radio transceiver 12b may be determined by recognizing 150 the name of the destined transceiver operator in the header of the received radio input. Also, certain message priority may be determined by matching a speech item to a word in the message, and consequently the message is relayed in a priority appropriate to the message.

The speech recognition module 45 may be able to identify a vocal signature.

Namely, module 45 may store a previous message and give its source a user code, and later it may identify that a new incoming message has the same source and may act in accordance with that identification. For example, that identification may facilitate the decision on message destination.

The method 100 may include remote controlling 180 relay device 10 by submission of speech items to relay device 10. Such a remote controlling may be done by a dedicated remote control apparatus as disclosed below, or by transceiver 12a having appropriate authorization.

The plurality of performable actions may include actions to deal with a noisy message which is related to both interfering radio input and a signal from a radio transceiver 12a or 12b. First, the interfering radio input is reduced 190 to get a relatively clean message, relative to the noisy message. Then, the clean message is relayed to a radio transceiver.

The plurality of performable actions includes relaying a message related to an audio signal received at a first radio channel into a second radio channel. The first and second radio channels are different by an operating frequency, antenna direction or timeslot in a time division multiplexing network.

Also, the plurality of performable actions may include postponed relaying 200 of a received audio signal. The feature of postponed relaying may prevent collision, at least simple ones. For example, suppose that a message should be relayed to transceiver 12a, while transceiver 12a has started to receive a message. Then, the relay device 10 waits until transceiver 12a has stopped to receive, and only then the relay device 10 broadcasts the postponed message to transceiver 12a.

Referring to collisions, in another collision event relay device 10 sends a relayed message to transceiver 12a, after "listening" to the line before starting transmission to ensure it is not busy. Right after transmission ends, a message is received that seems to be a continuation of a message broadcasted before the relay device 10 slopped transmitting. Consequently, the relay device issues an alarm to the operator that a collision of two messages has happened. In response, the operator or the relay device 10 itself initiate retransmission of the relayed message.

In addition to preventing collisions, postponed relaying 200 enables quality of service (QOS), and service prioritizing.

The plurality of performable actions includes the step of repeated relaying 210 of a stored message for several times. The broadcasting may be to a single transceiver 12a, multicasting to all transceivers in network 16, or multicasting to a sub group of the transceivers of network 16.

In some embodiments, a program storage device readable by a computerized apparatus is used for tangibly embodying a program of instructions executable by the computerized apparatus to perform method 100. The program storage device may be part of the processor, a separate component of the relay device, a compact disk carrying the program or a flash memory unit used to feed the relay device with the program. The storage device may also be an FPGA (field programmable gate array) component or an ASIC (application specific integrated circuit) element.

An exemplary algorithm for implementing method 100

The flowchart of Fig. 3 illustrates an algorithm 300 for implementing some of the steps of method 100. Once the relay device is started, it goes into an idle stale 310 waiting for a message, and checking that status frequently with a lest 315 for a new message trigger arriving from ATD unit 32. As a new message is received, relay device 10 samples it 320, and perform on the sampled message two actions, simultaneously or with a minor time delay. The first action is to store 325 the message in a message buffer 40. The second action is to analyze the message by a variety of means. For example, applying a speech recognition module to identify keywords and determine parameters associated with the message. In a second example, the message is examined for a decision regarding its destination, relay priority, etc.

Following actions 325 and 330, the message is checked 340 and 345 for transmission readiness. If the message should be returned to the source transceiver arrival of the message end is checked 340. Also, an operator approval for relaying or transmitting may be desired sometimes. If ready 350, a digital signature is attached 355 to the message, and the channel is checked 360 for availability. Once available, the message is relayed 365 to its destination, and the relay device 10 goes back to idle state 310.

A remote control apparatus for a relay device

A remote control apparatus 400 for controlling a relay device 10 is shown in the block diagram of Fig. 4. Apparatus 400 is configured for remote controlling of the relay device 10. For example, the apparatus 400 may remote control relay device 10 to change its operational parameters.

Remote control apparatus 400 may transmit data items to the relay device 10, wherein actions of relay device 10 are effected in accordance with the content of the data items. For example, radio network 16 may have two frequency channels and three ports 20a, 20b and 22, wherein ports 20a and 20b are allocated for the first channel Fl while port 22 is allocated for the second frequency channel F2. The remote control apparatus 400 may send to the relay device 10 a message containing a data item with a coded order "Fl - 20a, F2- 20b_t 22" . Consequently, port 20b is reallocated to F2, leaving only port 20a allocated for Fl .

Other exemplary action by the remote control apparatus 400 is remote controlling of radio transceivers 12a and 12b via their connection to the relay device. For example, in the above network of two frequency channels, transceiver 12a at Fl is ordered to change operating frequency to F2.

Also, apparatus 400 may issue remote alarm for events like electronic noise stream, electronic interference, operational fault event and power failure alert.

Additional remote control action is positioning the relay device 10. In a network 16 having several relay devices like 10, the positioning data may be used for the operator of the remote control apparatus 400 to design best deployment and allocation of relay devices 10 for optimal coverage of a geographical territory.

Although the invention has been described in conjunction with specific embodiments thereof, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, it is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and broad scope of the appended claims. In particular, the present invention is not limited in any way by the examples described.

Claims

1. A relay device for relaying messages between two or more radio transceivers in a radio network, the device comprising; (a) one or more ports configured for receiving input and for providing the received input for further processing, said received input comprising at least one of:

(i) an audio signal from one of said two or more radio transceivers; (ii) interfering radio input; and (iii) a stream of digital data; and (b) A processor configured for:

(A) getting a certain message related to said received input;

(B) obtaining one or more parameters associated with said certain message; and

(C) performing one or more actions on said certain message in accordance with the obtained parameters.

2. The relay device of claim 1 wherein the device relays messages of a group consisting of audio messages, data messages and data over audio messages.

3. The relay device of claim 1, wherein the device includes a speech recognition module, the module configured for analyzing said certain message.

4. The relay device of claim 1, wherein at least one of said one or more ports includes analog to digital conversion unit.

5. The relay device of claim 1, wherein at least one of said one or more ports includes digital to analog conversion unit.

6. The relay device of claim 1, wherein the device includes a memory adapted for storing a plurality of speech items, wherein said certain message may be compared to said plurality of speech items for matching, and said performing one or more actions on said certain message may be done in accordance with said matching.

7. The relay device of claim 1, wherein the device includes a buffer adapted for storing one or more messages, wherein a stored message may be relayed one or more times to one or more transceivers.

8. The system of claim 1, wherein said relay device has at least two handset ports for linking the relay device to an operator handset, whereby the relay device may provide protection or alarm in case two operators communicate simultaneously with different radio transceivers at a different security level.

9. A method for operating a relay device configured for relaying audio messages between two or more radio transceivers in a radio network, the method comprising:

(a) Receiving radio input comprising at least one of: (i) an audio signal from a radio transceiver; (ii) interfering radio input; and (iii) a stream of digital data; (b) obtaining one or more parameters associated with a certain message related to the received input; and

(c) performing one or more actions of a plurality of performable actions on said certain message in accordance with the obtained parameters, said plurality of performable actions including relaying a message to a radio transceiver.

10. The method of claim 9 wherein the method includes the step of recognizing one or more speech items within a message.

11. The method of claim 9, wherein the method includes relaying said certain message to a radio transceiver in accordance with the recognized one or more speech items.

12. The method of claim 9, wherein the method includes remote controlling said relay device by submission of one or more speech items.

13. The method of claim 9, wherein said plurality of performable actions includes:

(A) reducing interfering radio input from said certain message to get a relatively clean message, said certain message being related to interfering radio input and a signal from a radio transceiver, said relatively clean message being cleaner relative to said certain message; and

(B) relaying said relatively clean message for reception by a radio transceiver of said one or more radio transceivers.

14. The method of claim 9 wherein said plurality of performable actions includes relaying a message related to an audio signal received at a first radio channel into a second radio channel, the first and second radio channels being different by at least one of frequency, direction and timeslot.

15. The method of claim 9, wherein said interfering radio input includes interference generated by at least one of a human generated source, and a natural source.

16. The method of claim 9, wherein said plurality of performable actions includes filtering of electronic noise.

17. The method of claim 9, wherein said plurality of performable actions includes postponed relaying of a received audio signal, whereby the postponed relaying may prevent collision, may enable quality of service and may enable service prioritizing.

18. The method of claim 9, wherein the method includes attaching a digital signature to said certain message, wherein said digital signature may contain parameters associated with said certain message, and said digital signature may be encrypted before relaying.

18.5 The method of claim 9, wherein the method includes the step of storing the received radio input in a memory for later use.

19. The method of claim 9, wherein said plurality of performable actions includes the step of relaying of a stored message for additional one or more times beyond a first relaying.

20. A program storage device readable by a computerized apparatus, tangibly embodying a program of instructions executable by the computerized apparatus to perform the method of claim 9.

21. A remote control apparatus for controlling a relay device for relaying audio messages between two or more radio transceivers in a radio network, the relay device comprising one or more ports configured for receiving input and for providing the received input for further processing, and a processor configured for getting a certain message related to the provided input from said one or more ports, obtaining one or more parameters associated with said certain message, and performing one or more actions on said certain message in accordance with the obtained parameters, the apparatus being configured for remote controlling of said relay device.

22. The remote control apparatus of claim 21, wherein said remote controlling includes transmitting data items to said relay device, whereby reception of said data items by said relay device effects actions performed by said relay device.

23. The remote control apparatus of claim 21, wherein the remote control apparatus is further configured for performing at least one of a group of actions consisting of: (a) remote controlling of at least one of said two or more radio transceivers connected to the relay device; (b) issuing remote alarm for at least one of a group of events consisting of electronic noise stream, electronic interference, operational fault event and power failure alert; and

(c) positioning the relay device, whereby said positioning enables planning of best deployment of relay devices for optimal coverage of a geographical territory.

24. The remote control apparatus of claim 21, wherein the remote controlling of said relay device includes changing one or more operational parameters of the relay device.

25. The remote control apparatus of claim 21, wherein the remote controlling of said relay device includes submitting of digital data or speech items to trigger commands to said relay device.