In the primary weblog on this weblog sequence I shared that passenger volumes for city railways, automated folks movers (APMs), and different types of mass transit proceed to develop. To fulfill growing demand whereas assembly security, passenger expertise, and operational effectivity targets, rail operators are ramping up investments in progressive know-how options.
One of an important is Communications-Based Train Control (CBTC). In the only of phrases, CBTC places passenger rail on “auto-pilot.” This excessive degree of automation presents vital advantages for rail operators and their passengers. But CBTC additionally introduces new networking challenges, together with the necessity for an easier but extra highly effective community on board every practice automotive.
With the transfer to CBTC, rail operators are taking a recent have a look at their onboard practice community, implementing a multiservice basis that shifts from disjointed proprietary networks to a standard IP community.
At Cisco, we’ve constructed a community structure that each strengthens and simplifies the onboard practice community. As a part of Cisco’s Connected Train answer, we offer a resilient infrastructure able to supporting quite a few providers and use circumstances. Whether supporting important functions similar to CBTC, or non-vital functions similar to passenger WiFi, CCTV, infotainment, digital signage and point-of-sale programs, the Cisco Connected Train onboard community supplies the wanted bandwidth, reliability, and safety.
A linchpin of our structure is the Cisco Catalyst IE3400 Rugged Series. This next-generation, IP67-rated switching platform is designed to supply enhanced network-based safety, segmentation, and visibility in essentially the most demanding environments. It can stand as much as the tough circumstances rail operators usually face similar to heavy vibration, excessive climate, publicity to water and dirt. Additionally, it’s compliant with the stringent onboard rail trade requirements.
In addition to bodily sturdiness, cyber safety is one other space of power for the IE3400 switches. Because they’re powered by Cisco IOS XE, a next-generation working system, safety, and belief are in-built through Secure Boot, picture signing, and the Cisco Trust Anchor module.
The Cisco Catalyst IW9167 Series entry level is one other key participant in our onboard community structure. This entry level supplies dependable wi-fi connectivity for mission-critical functions on board rail vehicles. It can function as Wi-Fi 6 or Cisco Ultra-Reliable Wireless Backhaul – providing flexibility and mobility to accommodate evolving wants.
When operating in Wi-Fi mode, it supplies Wi-Fi connectivity to rail personnel and passengers throughout the practice. When connectivity offered from Cisco IW9167E (CURWB) or Cisco FM4500 wi-fi radio, it delivers fiber-like train-to-ground communication for each important and nonvital functions. In both mode, it delivers the excessive degree of bandwidth that fashionable rail programs – and their Wi-Fi-dependent passengers – require.
A easy and dependable onboard community is vital to the success of CBTC programs. Another essential element is resilient and secured trackside infrastructure – a subject I’ll dive into in my subsequent publish.
In the meantime, study extra about Cisco’s capabilities for railways, try Cisco Connected Rail answer design zone.
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