Transforming Train Travel with FRMCS: The Future of Rail Communication

For years, Teldat has been at the forefront of next-generation telecommunications, pioneering advancements in 5G and Wi-Fi 6 connectivity with integrated cybersecurity for trains.

Our aim has always been to enhance traveler communication and connectivity during their journeys.

Despite the challenges of extending 5G and Wi-Fi 6 technology across entire train services, primarily due to the reliance on GSM-R for operational communications, progress is underway.

FRMCS, the new project which has started to develop a new totally digital train scenario, with modern generation communications throughout the whole of the train and railway network. ?

In this newsletter, we'll explore FRMCS, its functionalities, and the advantages it brings to both train operations and passengers.

Definition of FRMCS.

The Future Rail Mobile Communications System or FRMCS represents the next generation of railway communication standards, designed to succeed the Global System for Mobile Communications – Railway or GSM-R.

Developed under the aegis of the International Union of Railways (UIC) and supported by the European Union Agency for Railways (ERA), FRMCS aims to address the evolving needs of modern railway operations, enhancing safety, efficiency, and connectivity.

The FRMCS, as its predecessor GMS-R, will connect 130.000kms of track in Europe and at least 210.000kms of track worldwide.

Telecommunication standards for railways

The European Union Agency for Railways that has been given the task of building the FRMCS, has established precise telecommunication standards that it wants to obtain. Some of the key points that have been established are the following.

??Large data flows will be used between the trains, operation networks and users.

??The use of IP protocol to develop its new software and hardware compatibility.

??It will begin with the use of 5G technology, but it requires that the system should be interoperable with following generations of cellular technology, such as 6G and beyond.

??Other communication technology, especially Wi-Fi 6 and satellite are also placed as necessities.

??The efficient deployment of cybersecurity to protect data being transmitted by railway operators and users.

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Digital train enhancer

The FRMCS is seen as an enhancer of many applications which will need to be applied on the new digital train and new railway networks. These applications will be directed to all types of areas.

FRMCS is seen as the enhancer of all the new applications geared towards the new digital train.

What are the areas in which applications will be applied for the new digital train?

Automated operations: increasing the efficiency of train management in general and performance, benefitting those who have to carry out the operations of the railway networks and the also the users.

Customer satisfaction: passengers will be more content with the service that they receive, because it will be more efficient. Additionally, they will be more highly informed when delays occur. Keeping travelers well informed is of utmost importance to enable a high level of customer satisfaction.

Transport of goods: companies which use the railway as a logistical network for the transport of their goods, will also receive a better service, as the monitoring of goods being transported will be more precise, with higher quality level.

Infrastructure maintenance: will be easier, because more modern tools and applications can be used by the departments in charge of this maintenance. Indeed, with the use of predictive maintenance via artificial intelligence, this will lead to an exponential rise in infrastructure efficiency, which in turn feeds to a higher level satisfaction of customers. More exact arrival times and less delays, making train service a more attractive form of transport.

New Services: can be deployed, making the railway a more attractive form of transport for both passengers and logistics related companies. Indeed one of the new services that have be most talked about, is the possibility to interacting with other transport services. Especially for passengers being able to manage their whole journey, interacting with, not only their railway trip, but also with other forms of public transport.

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Conclusions on FRMCS

Important steps have already been taken in the FRMCS project and the first trials have commenced to take place in the operational fields.

Perhaps one of the most important issues that point to this railway project being a success, is the fact that many important industry stakeholders have participated in the development of this project. From major railway operators, to telecommunication operators and many other companies and organizations that have been able to offer their insights into how FRMCS should be constructed now, and with a vision placed into the future as well. ?

Precise dates are still not out, however it is foreseen that the first totally operational installations of FRMCS should take place in 2026, then migrating gradually from the current GSM-R technology over the following years. All of which will prepare us for the complete digital train scenario. Making railway transport a much more key point to transport in Europe and other nations. ??

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Teldat one step ahead

In comparison to many others, within Teldat, as a telecommunications manufacturer and developer, we feel one step ahead, because we have for such a long period of time, being working with train companies on train connectivity throughout the world. Not only in Spain or Europe, but on a global basis.

Teldat has supplied many projects with 5G and Wi-Fi 6 connectivity hardware and software, including cybersecurity solutions.

Teldat has supplied many 5G and Wi-Fi 6 train connectivity projects.

Are you interested in discovering what Teldat offers for 5G, Wi-Fi 6, and cybersecurity in train connectivity? Curious about our future plans? Let’s connect and explore the possibilities together.

Contact us ?? ? https://go.teldat.com/l/1033423/2024-03-20/n3vb