NXDN is an open standard narrowband digital protocol employing 6.25 kHz and 12.5 kHz FDMA technology to comply with frequency coordination requirements in many countries; it supports a comprehensive radio system including trunked, non-trunked and direct mobile-to-mobile communication. NXDN was developed by JVCKENWOOD in cooperation with Icom Incorporated to offer an alternative for the Land Mobile Radio (LMR) industry that would facilitate development of more affordable digital radio products that would satisfy the FCC narrowbanding mandate. It is also intended to help countries that lack sufficient frequency resources for their public safety agencies and business operators.

This future-proof protocol offers numerous advantages. For example, 6.25 kHz dual-channel systems can  be configured to fit within a 12.5 kHz channel, effectively doubling spectrum efficiency compared to an analog FM system occupying the same channel. Two NXDN channels can be allocated as voice/voice, voice/data, or data/data. Compared to analog FM, it provides wider coverage and superior multipath characteristics, but at the same time NXDN systems support mixed digital/analog operation, thus facilitating smooth migration to a narrowband digital system. With these and other advantages such as clear voice quality and strong security, it has proved highly successful and the number of NXDN radio terminals supplied into mission-critical non-mission critical applications has grown rapidly. NXDN has truly become a leading digital protocol for mobile communications.

NXDN is implemented in the KENWOOD-brand NEXEDGE product range, which since 2008 has offered digital conventional and trunked radio solutions to meet the diverse requirements of a wide range of government and industry users. And 2015 saw the debut of Gen2, the second generation of NEXEDGE products, with enhanced features, flexibility and performance – including the capability of linking up to 1,000 sites or 24 networks. NEXEDGE solutions are leveraging the full potential of the NXDN protocol, now officially recognized by the ITU.

JVCKENWOOD Corporation is a global manufacturer specializing in Automotive and Professional System Solutions. It was reborn as one company in October 2011 through the merger of Victor Company of Japan, Limited (JVC) and Kenwood Corporation (Kenwood) three years after management  integration.