Hanover, Germany – UMUX, KEYMILE’s multi-service access platform and next-generation SDH transmission system, was approved for use in closed transmission networks in Switzerland in early September. The system was accredited by the Swiss Federal Office of Transport in accordance with CENELEC specifications.

Multi-service access platform for Ethernet/IP data

It’s now official: UMUX complies fully with the European CENELEC EN 50159-1:2001 standard issued by the European Committee for Electrotechnical Standardization (CENELEC). The approval certifies that the UMUX multi-service access platform is suitable for transmitting Ethernet/IP data for safety-relevant applications and fulfils the conditions imposed by the Swiss national supervisory authority. Swiss regulations mandate that the transmission of data from safety-relevant applications should not be impaired by interaction with other data.

Ethernet/IP application interface with Ethernet-over-SDH technology

The SYN4E SDH module (STM-4, 622MB/s) is a central element of the UMUX platform. It provides the Ethernet/IP application interface with Ethernet-over-SDH technology on a dedicated, circuit-switched basis without an integrated switch or router, dispensing with the need for a two-part approach with a transmission network and an additional IP network. Unlike packet-based networks, this technology guarantees non-interacting data transmission.

The separation of data for the individual services is guaranteed by TDM technology (e.g. Ethernet-over-SDH). In addition to safety-relevant services, other services such as telephony (a/b, ISDN, VoIP, fax), wireless communications (analog or GSM-R), axle counters and all types of IP services (video, ticket vending machines, office applications, etc.) can also be transferred via the same network node to applications on a server in a train station or other destinations. This is realized while complying with requirements pertaining to closed networks.

Remote control and automation

The trend toward remote control and automation in railway environments is continuing unabated. Local interlocking systems are being linked and managed from ever fewer locations. The data links used for such applications must meet the highest standards, as malfunctions can endanger human lives. The national railway authorities – in Switzerland, the Federal Office of Transport (BAV) – have therefore issued strict regulations that apply to planning approval processes. With regard to closed transmission networks, this involves testing technical components between the application (such as ILTIS Release 40) and data transmission. In addition to requirements related to closed networks, the current trend is moving toward homogeneous, integrated transmission network technology, away from the island solutions of the past. This is being supported by the joint transmission of data from safety-relevant and other applications via a single network node.