Active Antenna
The first 5G edge computing rail antenna
The Active Antenna is the first 5G edge computing antenna for rail. Developed in collaboration with HUBER+SUHNER, this revolutionary product makes the rollout of 5G applications in trains easier, faster, and cheaper.
Trains need radio-frequency (RF) cables which have a significant impact on cost and performance. The new Active Antenna eliminates the need of RF cables and routers in trains, bringing up to 33% CAPEX savings.
By embedding the radio and computer into the antenna itself, we do not only fix RF problems but also provide up to 4x throughput at the same time.
The Active Antenna also helps reduce emissions from rail communications, supporting the drive towards decarbonisation. The weight saved by replacing multiple RF cables with one ethernet cable significantly reduces fuel consumption. In addition, the heavier materials used for cooling traditional radios are no longer required.
An enabler of 5G transport apps
Operators now want to monitor real-time vehicle metrics, as well as infrastructure factors such as overhead, vegetation, and security - this trend will be accelerated with the uptake of commercial 5G in rail in the next couple of years.
The Active Antenna enables the easy deployment of digital applications in public transport fleets, such Motion Applied's Fleet Connect. By virtualising this process, we have removed the need of extra hardware in the train, offering operators savings on cost, space, and weight.
Our edge platform would handle multiple complex systems seamlessly allowing transport operators to focus on what really matters: the passenger.
Bringing rail communications into the edge
With 5G even more cables will be required for connectivity, so the Active Antenna is preparing the industry for years of savings on costs, environmental impact, and installation efforts.
- Up to 33% less capital costs with no RF cables, routers, splitters
- Reduced installation and maintenance costs with single power-over-Ethernet cable to connect
- Increased network bandwidth (up to 400%)
- Fewer antennas per train required, with the same footprint as a standard antenna
- Flexibility of train interior design with active antennas connecting directly to a switch in any carriage
- Environmental benefits with reduced weight of connectivity equipment
A new era for connected trains: a decentralised system
In addition to supporting decarbonisation of public transport, the Active Antenna paves the way for a distributed gateway system.
Trains can be more flexibly configured as the concept of 'master carriage' will become obsolete. Instead Active Antennas can be installed in any carriage, meaning the antennas can share the bandwidth of other antennas across the train if the demand is greater than the supply. This approach ensures high availability, high performance through network and base station diversity, as well as ease of scalability should train operators require more antennas and bandwidth.