Branscher / Rail / Applications / Predictive maintenance / Rail data offloading using mmWave

Rail data offloading using mmWave

Modern trains generate vast amounts of data every day, from CCTV footage and passenger information systems to operational and diagnostic data. Offloading this data over conventional wireless networks can take hours, creating bottlenecks for operators and maintainers. Westermo's mmWave solution is designed to transfer hundreds of gigabytes of data during short station stops or depot visits, helping rail operators make better use of available time.

mmWave data offloading

Westermo combines high-capacity mmWave technology with a rail-certified networking architecture to create a reliable and scalable data offloading solution. By operating in the 57-71 GHz license-exempt spectrum and utilizing self-aligning active antennas with beamforming, the solution delivers multi-gigabit performance while minimizing interference and simplifying installation.

A single trackside unit can connect up to 16 trains and provide aggregate uplink capacity of up to 6 Gbps through dual-sector radios, enabling rapid transfer of large datasets without ongoing cellular data costs.

Key Benefits

  • Transfer large volumes of train data in minutes rather than hours.
  • Up to 6 Gbps aggregate uplink throughput.
  • Private wireless infrastructure with no recurring data charges.
  • Rail-certified solution designed for trackside and onboard deployment.
  • Self-aligning antennas and beamforming simplify installation and maximize performance.

Recommended products for mmWave data offloading

Westermo combined blu wireless logo.

Product photo, Oryx-7321 with antenna

Oryx-7321

EN 50155 mmWave train-top and train node
Up to 3 Gbps wireless throughput between train and track
IP66 and -25° to +55°C ambient temperature range supported
Power feed 20 to 48 VDC

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Product picture, Oryx 7322, Front Left

Oryx-7322

EN 50155 mmWave trackside distribution node
Up to 3 Gbps wireless throughput between train and track
IP66 and -25° to +55°C ambient temperature range supported
Power feed 20 to 48 VDC

 VISA PRODUKT

Why Leading Rail Operators Choose Westermo

Westermo combines rail-certified networking infrastructure, mmWave expertise, self-aligning antenna technology, and proven deployment experience in a complete solution designed specifically for railway operations. The technology has been validated through the DB InfraGO Rail Data Challenge, where the Westermo and Eviden team achieved 2.4 Gbps per stream under operational test conditions.

Learn more

Frequently asked questions about mmWave rail data offloading

mmWave data offloading is a high-speed wireless method for transferring large volumes of train data between onboard systems and trackside infrastructure. Using the 57-71 GHz spectrum and highly directional antennas, mmWave technology enables multi-gigabit data transfer during station stops or depot visits.

Modern trains generate terabytes of data from CCTV systems, passenger information systems, diagnostics, condition monitoring equipment, and operational applications. This data must be transferred quickly to support maintenance, operations, security investigations, and passenger services. Conventional wireless technologies can struggle to move these large data volumes within available operational windows.

Westermo’s mmWave solution uses license-free spectrum to provide a dedicated, private wireless network for high-speed train data transfer. Unlike public cellular networks, including cellular mmWave, the network is designed specifically for high-capacity data offloading, with extended communication range, dedicated bandwidth and no recurring cellular data charges.

Westermo's mmWave solution provides up to 3 Gbps per link and up to 6 Gbps aggregate throughput using dual-sector radios. Multiple links can be combined to further increase capacity where required.

The solution is designed to transfer hundreds of gigabytes of data during short dwell times. In practical testing, Westermo and Eviden demonstrated the ability to transfer 10 terabytes of data in less than five hours.

No. The solution operates in the license-exempt 57-71 GHz frequency band, making deployment easier while avoiding spectrum licensing costs.

Westermo's beamforming active antenna technology supports data offloading over distances of up to 1 km while maintaining high throughput and reliable performance.

Yes. A single trackside mmWave unit can support up to 16 trains, helping operators maximize infrastructure utilization in stations, depots, and rail yards.

The solution uses self-aligning active antennas, beamforming, and highly directional communications to maintain reliable connections while minimizing interference. It is specifically designed for demanding rail environments.

Yes. The solution is built using rail-certified components and supports EN50155 requirements for railway applications.

Khawar Naeem

Sales, Trains & Trackside

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