I not too long ago shared some key traits and challenges rail operators are navigating, in addition to Cisco’s method to strengthening and securing onboard community infrastructure on this weblog sequence. For this put up, let’s discover the constructing blocks of contemporary trackside networks.
As rail operators spend money on Communications-Based Train Control (CBTC), they want trackside community infrastructure that helps ultra-reliable train-to-wayside wi-fi connectivity, resilience and excessive availability, and sturdy cybersecurity.
Cisco has designed an structure that helps CBTC, very important signaling, stage crossing, and different safety-critical purposes. And as a result of the identical trackside infrastructure helps asset monitoring, video surveillance, passenger Wi-Fi, and different non-vital techniques, the Cisco resolution curbs the time and prices related to implementation, operations, and upkeep. This unified infrastructure gives benefits that rail operators’ getting older – and infrequently siloed – networks merely can’t ship.
Signaling resilience
Cisco’s resolution makes use of a tiered structure composed of an entry layer with ruggedized IP switching infrastructure, a extremely redundant and dependable service supplier or massive enterprise–grade spine networks, and a knowledge middle connectivity layer. Together, these components provide resilient communications paths – at scale – between trains, tracksides, stations, and operations management facilities.
Solution highlights embrace Cisco ruggedized Catalyst Industrial Ethernet switches on the entry and distribution layer. The resilient ring topology connects trackside and station tools, akin to wayside radio, axle counter, interlocking, and different CBTC tools. At the aggregation and spine layer, the Cisco resolution helps obtain sub-50-millisecond quick reconvergence. It achieves that by migrating from legacy circuit-based transport infrastructure to Unified Multiprotocol Label Switching (MPLS) backhaul with quick reroute safety, by simplifying present MPLS infrastructure with Segment Routing (SR), or by deploying a Cisco Connected Communities Infrastructure (CCI) multiservice structure.
Securing trackside
As with all industrial organizations, rail operators are involved about cyber safety. Many have skilled a safety incident; most have expressed concern in regards to the adequacy of their present safety practices.
Cisco’s industrial safety journey offers a step-by-step path towards data expertise (IT)/operational expertise (OT) convergence. It begins with constructing a safety basis by defining the IT/OT safety boundary with Cisco safe firewall. From there, apply Cisco Cyber Vision to realize asset visibility, communication patterns, system safety posture, and operational perception. Then use visibility to drive industrial community segmentation and combine with Cisco Identity Service Engine (ISE) for safety coverage automation. Lastly, examine threats and orchestrate response with SecureX.
Autonomous working techniques may scale back rail visitors fatalities by as much as 90%. In addition to saving lives, such a discount would keep away from US$900 billion yearly in related public well being prices.[1] Resilient, safe trackside community infrastructure is a key to realizing these compelling outcomes – and it’s thrilling to be a part of that resolution.
To study extra in regards to the resolution, please try Cisco Connected Rail Solution Brief.
[1] McKinsey, “Signals for Growth—how OEMs can be successful in a digitalized infrastructure”
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