The future of rail is connected with Ericsson

An open framework with modern standardization

3GPP is the modern standard for mission-critical mobile communications. 4G and 5G will enable a much broader ecosystem of communication devices and sensors to be utilized and will therefore reduce total cost of ownership. The advantage of building an open framework is that it gives the urban metro and mainline rail operators the tools they need to keep trains competitive with other emerging forms of transportation, such as self-driving cars.

Upgrading to 5G mobile technology means that networks can handle large volumes of data with much faster response times. This change will bolster operations by allowing for network slicing on a single network, supporting various use cases including the remote control of trains travelling at speeds of up to 500km/h.

Deep dive

Metro over public mobile network

By using the existing public mobile network, metro operators can reduce sizable network infrastructure investment, improve passenger connectivity and guarantee performance for CBTC (Communication-based Train Control) in parallel, providing full coverage across the entire metro and prioritized signaling data traffic, even in peak hours.

Start of a field study on innovative antenna systems for FRMCS deployments

Digitale Schiene Deutschland, Ericsson and Rohde & Schwarz are cooperating in a field trial to investigate multi-antenna radio technologies signal propagation at 1.9 GHz, which is foreseen for the Future Railway Mobile Communication System (FRMCS)(digitale-schiene-deutschland.de)

If you are a member of IEEE you can download this paper: Field Study on Multi-Antenna Radio Technologies for Future Railway Communications at 1.9 GHz

Railway digitalization in India

Like many European countries, India is looking to embrace 3GPP Long Term Evolution (LTE) and New Radio as a future-proof base technology for railway applications. This will also allow Indian Railways to adopt many of the features planned for the FRMCS, the global standard for future railway communications and a key enabler for global railway digitalization. 

5G Gigabit throughput for rail (with Swisscom)

As part of the Swiss service provider’s initiative to unleash the next wave of 5G enterprise across Switzerland, Europe and the world, Swisscom, Ericsson and Swiss Federal Railways collaborated in multiple connectivity projects for railway track coverage, including to test and achieve world-first 5G throughput speeds of 1.2 Gbps and latency as low as 8 milliseconds – on a moving train.

Making every journey reliable

Passenger expectations are straightforward: they require quick, safe and punctual transport services. Every operational improvement that railways can do to elevate the customer experience hinges on a reliable and fast network infrastructure.

Use cases

Driverless, semi-automated trains

Advanced connectivity is essential for autonomous trains to be efficient and safe. Driverless trains require real-time monitoring of all on-board systems and fast and reliable communication with the control center. As a result, the chances of human intervention and human error are significantly reduced.

This is why railway communications needs great network design

The future of rail depends on reliable critical mobile broadband connectivity that is powered by innovative 5G network solutions for faster, safer and greener travel. We look at how railway communications depends on great network design.

Being smart about safeguarding passengers

Intelligent network connectivity and a larger ecosystem improves data sharing and situational awareness. Stronger communications infrastructure means rail operators are equipped with a more capable set of eyes and ears so passengers can travel safely and punctually, while operational efficiency is improved across the board.

Security video surveillance is vital for any rail operator’s security measures. With a suite of highly networked cameras located both in train stations and the trains themselves, rail operators can respond to potential threats and can gain greater insight into certain events with increased readiness and clarity.

Attempts to undermine cybersecurity present another factor of risk for train operators. Intelligent security monitoring systems, like the Ericsson Security Manager, constantly monitor networks to report on unwanted penetration or external tampering, which helps to keep security risk in the train control system to a minimum.