By Antonio Sequeira, Vice President, Market Management Railway, Huber+Suhner AG
Whilst fibre optic (FO) technology is not new to the market, modern advancements within this field have enabled operators to meet the increasing demand for data, as Close Circuit Television (CCTV), incarriage WiFi connectivity and 4K media streaming comes to the fore in modern rail operations. HUBER+SUHNER, the industry leader with over 30years’ experience of FO rail technology, are developing reliable, customisable and easy to install solutions to offer the suitable scalability and upgradability required for efficient communications both now and for the future. These innovative solutions overcome the data requirements necessary for ultrahigh bandwidth services whilst maintaining optimal operational performance.
Undisrupted, Unwavering Connectivity:
In modern day FO communication systems, information is coded within a beam of light, which is transmitted across glass or plastic pipes, providing a quicker, more efficient way of delivering information. Today, legacy copper solutions – in which radio waves are sent along copper cables – struggle to handle even 1Gbit of data, completely unsuitable for modern requirements, yet customers leveraging FO solutions can expect over ten times the capacity, with the potential to handle an unparalleled 100Gbit in specific application scenarios.
Monitoring systems found in environments high in electrical noise, or ones in control of the subsystems sensitive to this like traction control systems, require adaptable solutions that significantly limit or reduce any disturbance. Electromagnetic interference (EMI) is the buildup of unwanted noise or interference within an electrical path or circuit, generated by an external source. Legacy copper systems are more susceptible to disruption owing to the EMI being generated in areas next to or close to vital electrical equipment. FO solutions are resistant to these interferences, and are galvanically isolated, meaning they remain unaffected by disruption.
Solutions for The Past, Present and Future:
Further comparisons to legacy copper cabling only demonstrate that FO solutions are the superior option for the railways of today. FO technology is lighter and more flexible, having a much smaller diameter which is compatible with the latest train designs. FO cables are easier to handle and install and can maximise any available interior space for commuters, due to their compact nature. They can pass through tighter areas where space is practically nonexistent, perfect for operators carrying out retrofit projects on the older trains within their fleet.
The upgradable infrastructure bandwidth offered through FO solutions allow operators the opportunity to upgrade and enhance any onboard equipment without the need to replace the already existing fibre optic infrastructure in place. The FO solutions on offer from HUBER+SUHNER have been developed and thoroughly tested to withstand the exact same requirements as the previous legacy systems, meeting all modern railway requirements. The latest solutions can provide the same durability as the legacy copper systems, whilst offering increased performance and reliable high data rate transmission. As a result, resistance and reliability is improved, no matter how harsh the environment or status within the lifecycle, providing passengers and operators with a superior online experience required for a modern service, with reliable connectivity supplied at every point of an operation.
For more details, visit: www.hubersuhner.com
Product Expertise Source: Huber+Suhner | This Product Expertise is a part of our Latest Magazine: Subscribe to our Magazine Today!
