Alcatel-Lucent - Urban and Main Line Rail Communications

Rail operators are facing many challenges. Passengers are demanding to be connected, entertained and informed. They want access to information and entertainment at the station and on the train.

Rail communications technology for safer operations and security

Rail operations are becoming increasingly complex. Integrating advanced signalling and automation along with improved video security all put tremendous pressure on existing networks.

Operations staff need reliable maintenance information and the latest sensor data on the health of the rail network and all rolling stock. Newer closed circuit television (CCTV) cameras provide not only security at the station, but also now on trains.

The European train control system (ETCS) is becoming the preferred automatic train control (ATC) system for main lines in most countries. Similarly, communication based train control (CBTC) is becoming the most widely used ATC system for urban lines. Both of these train signalling systems demand timely and safe information transfer to enable more automated operation and authorise more trains on existing tracks.

New revenue opportunities such as advertising or selling spare network capacity require flexible communications networks that are easy to manage while providing fail safe reliability.

These opportunities and capabilities increasingly rely on the same technologies that run the internet and web enabled communications devices. Next generation passenger information displays, cameras, and even SCADA platforms are being connected over IP. This means rail operators must transform their networks to take advantage of these newer technologies. Information is a vital tool in optimising operational efficiency and delivering it when required is critical.

Rail communications networks

Alcatel-Lucent helps urban and main line operators meet these challenges in order to make every journey on time, safe and connected. Alcatel-Lucent does this by enabling rail operators to leverage their communications network as a strategic asset to optimise operational efficiency, ensure safety and security and enhance the passenger experience.

Alcatel-Lucent's extensive rail communications experience brings its customers the proven solutions and knowledge that enable them to keep up with the rapid changes in their industry. With Alcatel-Lucent's assistance they can safely transform their existing legacy networks into next generation, integrated packet infrastructure. Alcatel-Lucent's dynamic communication solution for urban and main line rail delivers:

• Turnkey communications systems consulting, design, migration, integration and commissioning
• Wireline and wireless networks (including. IP/MPLS, SDH, 2G/3G/LTE/Wi-Fi and GSM-R installation)
• Tunnel cabling, microwave radio, optical cable networks, SDH and IP infrastructure, including MPLS
• Integration of CCTV, TETRA radio systems, emergency help points, public address/general alarm, passenger information display systems, IP telephony, contact centres and standard wired and wireless LAN solutions
• Integrated communications network management and control room monitoring of services such as CCTV and help point operation

Next-generation communications infrastructure

Recent advances in communications technology enable rail operators to evolve their networks safely and cost effectively. Alcatel-Lucent is the right partner with whom to make the journey to obtaining next generation communications infrastructure.

Compact and powerful radio networks for rail operators

Alcatel-Lucent innovation teams at Bell Labs are leaders in the communications industry with advanced developments in technologies that will allow rail operators to fully exploit the possibilities of long term evolution (LTE). These technologies are seen by the International Union of Railways (UIC) as the replacement of GSM-R. With the Alcatel-Lucent lightRadioTM solution, Alcatel-Lucent is changing the way radio networks will be designed and built in the future to make them greener, smaller and more powerful. LightRadioTM is a flexible architecture that distributes intelligence throughout the network so that it can dynamically expand to meet increasing data demands.

With over 20 of years of rail communications experience and 80 railway customers around the world, Alcatel-Lucent has the right people and solutions to help you leverage all the strategic benefits of your network to offer better services, optimise your operations, generate more non-fare revenue and guarantee safety and security for your staff and passengers.