UK: A pilot deployment of next generation ‘superfast’ on-train wi-fi using technology originally developed for Formula 1 cars has been launched by southwest England’s sub-national transport body Peninsula Transport, supplier Motion Applied, Great Western Railway Network Rail and Hitachi Rail.
The EDGE Rail high-speed mobile network computing platform powered by the F1-derived Fleet Connect software platform aggregates signals from ground-based cellular masts and low earth orbit satellites to provide fast and stable connectivity. The partners say this is the case even in areas of poor cellular network coverage, and can be achieved without relying on costly trackside infrastructure.
Motion Applied said this delivers up to five time faster downloads, 10 times faster uploads and up to 80% fewer blackspots compared to legacy systems. Processing power is built directly into the antenna, eliminating the need for separate routers or cables on the train.
Nick Fry, Chairman of Motion Applied — formerly McLaren Applied — said the company ‘recognised that rail networks have struggled with onboard wi-fi for customers and we have used technology originally developed for F1 cars to reliably connect a fast moving vehicle by reducing signal drop outs and seamlessly switching cell networks’.
He said ‘the challenges faced in transmitting data to and from a fast moving train have many parallels with motorsport and the application of our industry-leading data link aggregation systems specifically tailored to the unique demands of rail will provide an improved customer experience using racing technology’.
At the launch on November 17, Rail Minister Lord Peter Hendy said seamless fast wi-fi should be part of the ‘21st-century experience’ and ‘the real question is how quickly and how cheaply it can be rolled out. This could be a real productivity benefit for the whole country, hopefully at a modest cost.’
