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INDUSTRY FOCUS RAIL
equipment to ensure operators have greater visibility of asset performance and health. Increased modern and high-performance rail electrification is set to expand, helping to address the challenges of increasing capacity, cutting costs and linking existing networks. This requires data network infrastructure to be put in place to support applications such as substation connectivity.
RAIL NETWORK CHALLENGES There are several factors that set train data networks apart from traditional networks. For example, train networks must deal with a dynamically changing topology, as carriages are either connected to or disconnected from a train. They also must ensure high uptime, by coping with different failure scenarios. Onboard applications typically involve installation in the tight confines of rail carriages, requiring compact products, while network security is another crucial aspect, as threats are intensifying. Dedicated rail data networking technology is used to provide the reliability, resiliency and security the industry requires. Extended service life is essential, with networking devices required to offer high mean time between failure (MTBF) figures. For all electronic equipment, rail applications
are very demanding in terms of the environment. Devices must be designed to cope with wide temperature variations and electromagnetic interference. Data communications technology installed on rolling stock must comply with the EN 50155 standard, having gone through numerous performance examinations and insulation tests to determine reliability of operation. The standard covers aspects including operating temperature, humidity, shock and vibration. Similarly, technology deployed in trackside applications must meet the requirements of the EN 50121-4 standard and have Network Rail acceptance. Network resiliency is also essential, especially
for critical applications related to control and safety. This requires redundant solutions and fast
recovering ring networks that quickly reconfigure should hardware or a link fail.
SWITCH TECHNOLOGY Ethernet switches, that feature a range of IP networking protocols, are used extensively to build high-performance, resilient and secure networks. A good example is Westermo’s Viper Managed Ethernet Switches, which are optimised for rolling stock applications. These extremely compact 12, 18 or 20-port switches are designed to withstand constant vibration and extreme temperatures, with very high MTBF figures that reduce lifecycle costs. The switches are suitable for Ethernet Consist ring networks, while a dual bypass relay ensures that aggregated links between rail carriages are maintained, even if there is a power failure on one carriage. The Viper switches utilise Westermo’s WeOS
operating system, which offers a suite of IP networking features for resilient and flexible networks, such as the FRNT ring protocol that provides very fast failover. This enables them to be used for critical applications such as the TCMS. Gigabit ports enable them to cope with high bandwidth applications, such as for CCTV. Power-over-Ethernet variants are also
available, which simplify network configuration and reduce costs, with power and data transmitted on the same cable. Easily accessible ports help simplify installation, which is especially useful for retrofit applications. When connecting to remote assets, there is
often a need to install new fibre optic cabling, but it can be possible to utilise existing copper cabling, thereby helping to reduce project
Westermo’s Viper
Managed Ethernet Switches, which are optimised for rolling stock application
complexity, time and cost. Typically, high- performance Ethernet networks do not operate beyond 100m over copper cables. However, this issue is solved using Westermo Ethernet line extenders, which enable networks to be created over long distances, at high data rates, using existing cables. Network configuration tools, such as
Westermo’s WeConfig, allow network engineers to easily manage the network and determine whether the cables are suitable for use and can deliver the required data rates and reliability.
WIRELESS NETWORKS To support wireless connectivity onboard the train and in train-to-trackside applications, Westermo offers the Gigabit WLAN dual-band Wi-Fi 6 access points. Ensuring reliable and available onboard Wi-Fi for passengers is now essential and these devices have been developed specifically for high density applications with many users, ensuring that the quality of service meets passenger expectations. Providing dual band network functionality in a single compact device helps installation onboard the trains, and these devices also offer extremely fast handover between access points and the latest security features to create cybersecure solutions. To ensure reliable, continuous
high-speed connection to industrial wireless clients onboard the train, Westermo has designed a WLAN infrastructure access point for deployment trackside. This device is extremely robust and utilises a special GORE-TEX membrane to prevent internal condensation, and high-level isolation protects against overvoltage and spikes/surges.
Westermo
www.westermo.co.uk
44 DESIGN SOLUTIONS JUNE 2023
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