SPAIN: CAF announced the succesful demonstration of its OPTIO communications-based train control system operating over a private 5G network at the RailLive! exhibition in Madrid on November 26.
CAF’s signalling division and telecoms infrastructure operator Cellnex Telecom have undertaken laboratory and field validation. Railway Gazette International understands that the trials are being undertaken on Bilbao’s metro Line 3, which is operated by regional railway company Euskotren.
Testing of CBTC and mission critical traffic inlcuding voice and video was undertaken during the out of service period at night, using a private 5G network and trains retrofitted with the onboard unit.
’5G brings significant advantages for our customers to merge different functions in one network,’ Ion Irazabal Garciandia, Director of CAF Signalling told Railway Gazette International in Madrid. ’Wi-fi doesn’t allow us to put more than one service in the same wireless infrastructure, necessitating the deployment of different wi-fi networks for using CBTC, for sending camera images to the control centre, and for emergency communication channels. In contrast, the CBTC over 5G trial allows the use of a single network for all the functions.’
CAF said OPTIO is designed to be modular, flexible, scalable and suitable for new lines as well as the modernisation of existing routes. It is compatible with multiple wireless communication technologies such as wi-fi, LTE and now 5G, which CAF said offers a reliable and secure environment making it easier for asset managers and operators to use.
‘OPTIO’s validation on a private 5G network confirms the technological versatility of the system, which positions us at the forefront of the digital transformation of the railway sector’, said Jon Alzate, General Manager of CAF’s signalling division, on November 13.
’The fundamental objective of the project has been to promote R&D to integrate ultra-low latency and high-capacity 5G connectivity in critical railway systems, including tunnels, thus improving the safety, efficiency and reliability of operations and preparing the infrastructure for the challenges of future smart mobility’, said Alfonso Álvarez, CEO of Cellnex Spain.
The project was supported with EU Recovery & Resilience Facility co-financing.
