Trackside networks control and manage train networks with a complex infrastructure of railway signals, track circuits, and switches. Railway and station systems rely heavily on this infrastructure during their daily operations. Any network interruptions can create serious safety issues or financial losses. Typically, a large number of signal cables and wiring connections are used in a wide area to create a signaling system. Human error or cable theft is a threat to the integrity of the system and can cause serious damage to the system. In addition, multi-vendor systems with different proprietaries can quickly become costly and complex to deploy. Open standards-based WLAN technology has emerged as a solution that can replace traditional railway signal cables and can also manage track circuits, switch positions, and signals in real time.

• Easy deployment with multi-vendor solutions
• A widely distributed network that links to the OCC
• An AP architecture optimized for less cabling.
• Real-time monitoring of track circuit signal devices
• Compliant with trackside EMC standards.

 

In this application, the railway station automatically manages the track control and signal systems with a redundant wireless communication system. Track circuits can be used to detect the real time position of the train on the track and inform the control center. To efficiently control and monitor the railway signalling system and track status, a widely distributed wayside network with redundant paths was deployed.

In this network, there are ten network segments, each with local video surveillance data to transmit to the OCC. Two AWK-6222 dual RF wireless devices were deployed in each segment. One is used as a redundant AP and the other as a redundant client. Each AWK-6222 creates a redundant dual RF AP-client connection to its respective adjacent AWK-6222. One AWK-4121 was deployed as a remote edge AP which allows rail operators to use mobile devices and panels to access the IP camera. The two AWK-6222s, the AWK-4121, and the IP Camera are all linked through a solar-powered and energy-saving EDS-P308 PoE unmanaged switch. All AWK series products are IP68 rated and operate at extended temperatures for use in harsh outdoor railway environments.