Siemens Mobility

The software is compatible with LTE-R and will allow Siemens Mobility’s solutions to deliver stable voice and data communications. Credit: Reise Reise

Siemens Mobility has selected Softil’s BEEHD cross-platform client framework software development kit (SDK) to develop an advanced communication solution for Long Term Evolution-Railway (LTE-R rail) networks.

It will also use BEEHD software to develop mission-critical push-to-talk (MCPTT) radio system for metros, tram buses and similar applications.

Softil said that its software is compatible with LTE-R and will allow Siemens Mobility’s solutions to deliver stable voice and data communications on trains running at speeds in excess of 400km/h.

Live tracking of a train and transmitting railroad information to engine drivers is facilitated by LTE-R technology. It also facilitates multimedia-based group calling and SMS services on top of voice call services.

Furthermore, it enables real-time group/individual communication between train engineers and control centres.

Softil CEO Pierre Hagendorf said: “The rail industry is at the forefront of the mission-critical communication revolution and GSM-R based systems have already been replaced by LTE-R solutions in Asia Pacific (APAC) and the trend is expected to widen across other markets in 2019-2020.

“With Softil’s BEEHD client framework at the heart of Siemens Mobility’s next-generation LTE-R offerings, the rail industry will have a range of supremely reliable solutions packed with rich communication features.”

Siemens Mobility general manager mobile communications Russell Clarke said: “After careful analysis of market options, Siemens Mobility chose Softil’s BEEHD client technology as the outstanding Software Development Kit (SDK) for our developers to build best-of-breed LTE-R communications solutions for the rail industry in the shortest timeframe.”

The partners said that mission-critical communications (MCX) solutions will support the International Union of Railways’ (UIC) migration to Future Railway Mobile Communications Systems (FRMCS) to develop a Global Rail Traffic Management System (GRTMS) for railways.