Connected Trackside/Wayside Networks

Secure, safe and comfortable connectivity for trackside/wayside equipment with low maintenance

 

The modern mass transit organization has vast communication needs, and trackside/wayside infrastructure includes more than just the signaling and switch gears alongside the tracks. Trackside/Wayside networks comprise an integral part of modern rail systems and grow in importance as rail connectivity develops.

 

Through IoT and AI, the Connected Trackside/Wayside Network can predict potential issues before they become problematic. This proactive maintenance approach extends the life of transit infrastructure and significantly enhances passenger safety by reducing the chance of malfunctions and accidents. These technologies facilitate the continuous monitoring of track conditions, signaling systems and rolling stock health, allowing for immediate response to any detected anomalies.

 

Elements to consider for trackside/wayside network systems

 

Train-to-ground
connections

White high-speed commuter train in motion.

 

Rolling stock assets make the critical communication to a ground-based network for essential functions like remote access and performance monitoring.

Trackside/Wayside control
systems

Control center technician monitoring operations & communicating via two-way radio.

 

Trackside/Wayside control systems govern level-crossings, signal lights, track switching, and more, enable trains to safely move between stations.  

 

Trackside/Wayside operations
systems

 

CCTV, emergency telephones, environmental monitoring, and access control extend oversight capabilities to trackside/wayside environments.

 

 

Key benefits of connected trackside/wayside networks

 

Passenger safety & security

Onboard automation & surveillance improvements to passenger safety & security

Maintenance

Predictive maintenance for rolling stock to reduce unplanned failures & maintenance costs

 

Labor productivity

Automate onboard operations of rolling stock to increase productivity & limit errors

Asset productivity

Reduce distance between trains on the same track & operate more trains simultaneously to increase rolling stock utilization

 

Our approach to connected trackside/wayside network solutions

Railway networks operate in harsh environments requiring enhanced performance characteristics and resilience. Challenges include humidity and temperature, the need to span long distances yet fit in small spaces – all of which make achieving redundancy, reliability and data security more complex. Some standards also require electromagnetic compatibility (EMC).

 

Belden has the expertise to manage such complexity based on a deep knowledge of well-documented uses built specifically for rail applications. Our approach begins with a thorough analysis of the requirements, followed by designing, securing, deploying, and validating a solution that best adapts to the specific case.

 

 

Find more details on our mass transit solution brief

Industrial networking, infrastructure and cybersecurity products designed to work together for maximum performance, uptime and security.