Networking technology to support digitisation of the railway

Westermo presented its extensive range of data networking products for onboard and trackside rail applications at Elmia Nordic Rail, Scandinavia's foremost rail industry conference and exhibition. With the digitisation of the railway essential to meeting capacity demands and improved customer experience, Westermo demonstrated to visitors how its dedicated rail data networking technology is being used to provide the network resiliency and security the industry requires.

“IP technology provides the data communication backbone used by the Train Control Management Systems and Passenger Information Systems,” explained Jan Hellgren, Managing Director at Westermo. “Providing passengers and personnel with on board entertainment and Internet access is also becoming more important to train operators. It was therefore unsurprising that there was great interest from Nordic Rail visitors in Westermo’s robust Ethernet switches, which feature a range of IP networking protocols, that are being used extensively to build these networks.”

Westermo Ethernet devices supporting train inauguration, a process where the network can automatically reconfigure as carriages are joined or rearranged, were on display. As were Westermo Viper Ethernet switches supporting bandwith hungry applications such as video recording.

Hellgren continued: “Where it is not possible to use network cables, for example to get information off the moving train to the ground or connecting carriages where a specialised train coupler is not available, there is also a need for wireless connectivity. The Westermo booth therefore featured a live demonstration of robust WLAN solutions supporting video streaming from a train.”

“Resilient networks are absolutely critical to the operation of the train, Equally, trackside data communication requires products must be able to withstand the tough demands of these applications. Visitors to the booth received demonstrations of Westermo’s rail-certified Wolverine range that enable Ethernet networks to be created on existing copper cables installed trackside, thus helping to achieve significant time and cost savings.“

“Elmia Nordic Rail provided the perfect platform for Westermo to demonstrate how our rail networking solutions are helping the industry around the world and to advise potential customers how we can help them meet both their operational and customer requirements.”

To learn more about Westermo train networks and trackside solutions go to Train Networks and Rail Trackside