Technology
Talking to trains M
Nigel Chadwick explains how machine-to-machine communications are redefining the passenger experience
achine to machine (M2M) technology, where devices, rather than people, communicate with each other over mobile
phone networks, is changing the way transport networks operate. Passing data wirelessly over 3G networks has become a fast, economically viable alternative to cabled systems for railways to monitor assets, deliver content to digital signs at stations and enable CCTV monitoring in remote areas. There are also real opportunities to use the mobile networks to drive additional content and services adding value to users. One example is using the mobile
networks to deliver wi-fi access, enabling passengers to surf the net without interruption. The mobile network provides a connection to the train that then enables passengers to receive a wi-fi connection to the internet. The problem with this kind of service, to date, has been the execution – it is not as simple as buying a mobile SIM card
on the high street and plugging it in. Some of today’s on-train internet services can, at times, suffer from poor connectivity when consumer-focused mobile internet offerings are used to deliver a business service – with the end result that onboard customers struggle to get online. A new generation of machine-to-
machine networks are creating a more reliable and powerful service, delivering an ‘enterprise grade’ quality of connectivity and service. Built to be resilient, these networks use the same mobile infrastructure, but it is enhanced to guarantee large numbers of high-quality connections, which connect wherever you are. Such high quality connectivity comes with a cost, but as part of a wider strategy to deliver new services to customers, it becomes a valuable investment. Chiltern Railways is already delivering
this service to its passengers. But this is just starting to scratch the surface of what M2M can deliver to what is in essentially a captive audience demanding more information and entertainment.
A carriage makes use of 3M
communications for signage and wi-fi
Delivering live content to screens
on trains is a prime opportunity for such investment. To bring this vision to reality requires a secure, highly resilient 3G/ enterprise grade mobile network. The M2M mobile network can provide the remote management of content delivered to those screens, despite the issues of range, geography and network handover that trains demand as they travel hundreds of miles. A typical installation would operate in a
similar way to existing wi-fi access services, with a router installed on the train operating multiple connections to the M2M network. Content is then sent over the network, via the router, and dispersed via wi-fi to screens located throughout the train, working in the same way as many bar and restaurant digital signage installations. As each screen can be allocated its own IP address, a content management platform company can split content and information according to the address. For example, first and second class passengers may receive different, targeted content – empty seat or seat upgrade notifications, travel information or marketing relating to the next stop. The reliability of ‘enterprise quality’
mobile communications over the 3G network offers the chance to deliver a higher level of flexibility in the management of content or information delivery. It can elevate the entire passenger experience, and not just aboard trains, but throughout the station environment as well. Portable, wireless digital signs can be deployed as required at any entrance, or on any platform. M2M networks can also carry live video, extending the opportunities for CCTV provision.
Developments in M2M applications
are happening at a fast pace, offering new opportunities to educate, inform, entertain and generate value from passengers.
NIGEL CHADWICK is founding director of Stream Communications:
www.stream-communications.com
PAGE 38 DECEMBER 2011
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