As the name implies, all phases of strategic and tactical planning are conducted under this work area, but problem solving and actual implementation engineering also are done. ITS engineers identify or derive users' functional requirements, and translate them into technical specifications. Associated issues, such as network management and control and network protection and privacy, are also addressed. Integration of individual services and technologies is a common task in many projects, along with the application of new and emerging technologies to existing applications. The Institute develops new radio propagation algorithms and methods that improve spectrum usage of wireless systems.
Technical standards are prepared that support U.S. interests in broadband wireless systems.
The Institute conducts a technical program aimed at providing effective interoperability and information-sharing among dissimilar telecommunications and information technology systems of the public safety community. The main thrust is the development of interoperability standards. The Institute performs radio infrastructure system planning in support of a high-speed rail pilot program, and evaluates a proposed railroad VHF band channel plan. The Federal Railroad Administration funds this project. The Institute develops measurement systems and conducts performance measurements of MPEG-2 video over satellite ATM circuits using the ITS Transportable Video Quality Measurement System.