Motion Applied delivering increased data offload for Network Rail with 5G technology
Network Rail increase data offload
Motion Applied's 5G connectivity solution, Fleet Connect paired with our 5G edge Active Antenna, has allowed Network Rail to enhance real-time connectivity performance for their infrastructure monitoring fleet across 14 trains. With over 20,000 miles of track including signals and level crossings, these trains cover a network of 30,000 bridges, tunnels and viaducts in Britain.
Our advanced technology enabling ultra-fast, reliable and immediate data offload has been appreciated by Network Rail. The technology can connect to multiple cellular networks simultaneous and uploading or downloading data at speeds exceeding any previous technology while the trains are moving at speeds of more than 100MPH.
Formula 1 technology powering data transmission
Originally developed for the pinnacle of motorsport, Formula 1, Motion Applied's patented Fleet Connect software splits data across networks in real time and reassembles it in the cloud en-route to its destination, reducing blackspots and providing a consistent connectivity stream for any moving vehicle in any environment.
This first implementation of 5G Active Antenna technology in the UK brings a new, simplified approach to on-train connectivity infrastructure. Utilising industry-leading Huber+Suhner componentry with Motion Applied edge compute module, a single ethernet cable replaces traditional Radio Frequency (RF) cabling in each carriage, delivering a solution that's lighter in weight, faster, has no RF losses and is more economical and better for the environment.
This patented advanced solution puts Motion Applied at the forefront of meeting the growing demand for high bandwidth, high quality data offloading off today's high speed rail network, as well as in other applicable industries as motorsport, commercial vehicles, and mining industries.
The challenge
Network Rail faced a challenge of accommodating a vast increase in data traffic generated by new monitoring tools. Every day these tools were passing more data, requiring a solution that could handle the increased load seamlessly. The existing equipment was insufficient in meeting these growing demands, making it necessary to install a more robust and future-proofed system.
The solution
The increase in data traffic is driven by the Infrastructure Management team's goal to enhance network reliability and safety. New monitoring solutions are being installed on the fleet of 14 yellow trains, requiring more data to be handled instantaneously. Motion Applied's 5G Active Antenna and patented Fleet Connect software seamlessly manage this increased data load without any external intervention.
Thanks to the advanced data 'pipe' enabled by the Active Antenna, the system can accommodate the growing data demands effortlessly. This capability ensures that the system is future-proof, ready to handle further increases in data traffic as needed. The technology has demonstrated exceptional reliability, with no failures in 18 months of full operation, reflecting Motion Applied's proven track record in motorsport.
The impact
The overall solution has shown the capabilities of using solutions originally developed and currently used by all Formula 1 teams and migrating that capability to other industries such as the Rail monitoring fleet used by Network Rail. As greater demands are placed on the fleet of 14 monitoring units for more real time data by the Infrastructure Monitoring program, the Network Rail team are able to increase the amount of data which is instantaneously offloaded from their trains. This transfer of data can be used immediately to keep the rail infrastructure operational and speed up time to fix identified issues keeping the rail network safer and more reliable.
"The combination of Fleet Connect software, and the cutting-edge Active Antenna hardware ensures that infrastructure monitoring trains can quickly and reliably transmit increased amounts of data throughout their journeys up and down the UK. The insight delivered to Network Rail means they can better manage the infrastructure, enabling the train operators to deliver more reliable services, with an impact on customer satisfaction and safety too."
"Network Rail has demonstrated an open, collaborative mindset in bringing Formula 1-derived software to the rail industry, and we expect further gains over five-year partnership"
Pablo Garcia Lopez, Director - Connected Intelligence at Motion Applied