Westermo underlines commitment to rail industry by sponsoring UK events

Westermo is demonstrating its commitment to the rail industry by sponsoring the Train Communication Systems and Rolling Stock Networking events. These UK conference and exhibitions provide the opportunity for industry leaders to discuss and present solutions to the current challenges associated with the digital transformation of the railways. Westermo will participate at both events, presenting its next generation of data networking devices that support the systems required to meet the growing demands for onboard passenger services.

“With the rail industry digitally transforming to meet increasing passenger numbers and onboard services, there is a growing reliance on network technology to ensure availability of systems,” explained Alan Bollard, managing director at Westermo. “Our sponsorship of Train Communication Systems and Rolling Stock Networking demonstrates our commitment to supporting the industry and our desire to collaborate with stakeholders to ensure we develop networking solutions that meet the challenges they face.”

Westermo offers a wide range of robust, cybersecure and rail-approved networking products.

The annual Train Communication Systems conference, to be held in London on 16th-17th November 2021, will address the challenges of applying broadband wireless services onboard trains. The event will feature a range of presentations and panel discussions involving representatives from SNCF, Deutsche Bahn, RENFE, Amtrak, Indian Railways, First Group, HS2, Comboios de Portugal, Eurostar, Transport for London, Network Rail and the Department for Transport.

Westermo will provide a presentation on how the company is helping to improve Wi-Fi services on German regional trains, discussing the use of robust WLAN 802.11c WAVE2 solutions to form resilient networks that support these high-density applications.

The Rolling Stock Networking event in Derby on 30th September will focus on technical enhancements, equipment and ancillary services specifically for passenger and freight rolling stock. Westermo will exhibit its onboard train networking devices, including its wireless train-to-ground devices used to create secure and reliable data networks supporting communication-based train control solutions, wireless 5G gateway and Wi-Fi 6 access point that supports the next generation of applications.

“By developing networking solutions that provide the necessary performance, reliability and security, Westermo is ensuring that rail companies can deliver services such as onboard Wi-Fi, passenger information and CCTV,” said Mark Gibbs, UK market director of train networks at Westermo. “By offering a new generation of switches, wireless gateways and access points, we can enable train builders to future-proof their data networks to ensure they keep pace with demand.”

Westermo's Phil Mounter and Wesley Nel attending RSN in 2019.

Westermo will also be exhibiting at the Network Rail Level Crossing Innovation Day on 5th October at the National Railway Museum in York, showcasing its innovative trackside data networking products designed to support level crossing operating and safety systems.

“For rail infrastructure applications, the industry is keen to adopt commercial off-the-shelf products that help reduce costs, while maximising safety,” explained Mark. “Westermo offers a range of rail-certified products that are designed to maximise data network resiliency and reliability. This helps to increase system availability, which is critical if the industry is to deliver increased capacity.”