Alstom and Huawei have completed a pilot project to develop a 4G long-term evolution (LTE) multi-service, broadband radio networking technology for metros.
The pilot was carried out at metro lines near Alstom’s Valenciennes site in France as part of a memorandum of understanding signed by the parties in April 2014.
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For the project, Huawei provided the eLTE network while Alstom provided a train set and LTE-compliant onboard equipment.
Huawei was responsible for optimising the network planning, broadband data services and mission-critical voice trunking services, and Alstom provided the technology integration support.
Under the project, the two firms have jointly conducted several tests, including laboratory and static tests on trains, dynamic tests on metro tracks, and testing of eLTE multi-services capabilities.
According to Huawei, the successful project, which covered the unified multi-service capabilities of several systems, including communications-based train control (CBTC), passenger information system (PIS) and closed-circuit television (CCTV), marks a major step forward in the LTE commercialisation of CBTC services.
Alstom is the first train manufacturer to integrate LTE 4G into its signalling system solution, the Urbalis Fluence CBTC solution.
Urbalis Fluence improves the suitability of eLTE, providing a converged ground-to-train wireless communication network for metro operations.
The LTE technology allows a single wireless communication system supporting mission-critical voice trunking and video communications, CBTC and broadband data applications such as passenger information systems and live streaming of CCTV images.
It also improves operational services, strengthens security control and allows remote diagnostic of the onboard equipment while reducing operational costs.
Image: The first LTE 4G project for metros was conducted at metro lines near Alstom’s Valenciennes site in France. Photo: courtesy of Alstom.
