The GSM-R digital train radio system is the basis for ETCS Level 2. This innovative signalling and train warning system will replace the various warning systems currently in operation in the coming years. This will simplify the cross-border use of railway traction units. In the final stage, ETCS automatically monitors the trains’ movements and, if applicable, intervenes in the train control system. The maximum speed and direction of the trains can be precisely controlled via a permanent data exchange between the routing centre and the trains. The parallel use of both systems contributes significantly to increasing the safety of the European railway. The railway infrastructure’s capacity and economic efficiency increases due to the shorter distance between trains and higher speeds.
Railway operators rely on Kapsch CarrierCom’s expertise across Europe
"The interoperability of the pan-European railway system is an essential part of the railway’s overall success as a competitive, cost efficient and safe transport alternative. Kapsch CarrierCom and ÖBB have established a long-term partnership in order to achieve this goal and implement the project. Across Europe, a great number of railway operators rely on our many years of experience and on our extensive knowledge in digital wireless train communication to implement their GSM-R projects. With our expertise in the implementation of GSM-R projects, Kapsch CarrierCom makes a significant contribution to the realisation of a European railway network", said Michael Kleinhagauer, Kapsch CarrierCom’s Chief Technical Officer.
GSM-R expansion completed by 2013 in Austria
Interoperable passenger and freight traffic are especially important in a transit country such as Austria. The ambitious program to expand GSM-R on the ÖBB routes will be implemented by 2013. "We are pleased that we are on schedule for ÖBB and making very good progress. More than 800 kilometres of track, including the main international routes, have already been completed", said Michael Kleinhagauer. As the general contractor, Kapsch CarrierCom, on behalf of ÖBB-Infrastruktur AG, is responsible for the radio network planning, the implementation and functionality of the GSM-R technology, and must demonstrate complete radio coverage. With new innovative concepts and technical solutions, Kapsch CarrierCom as the GSM-R world leader, makes a significant contribution to meet the increasing demands of mobility.
ÖBB is one of the first railways in the world to use R4 technology
Kapsch CarrierCom has completed ÖBB’s migration to the new R4 technology (ATCA platform) and this makes ÖBB one of the first railways in the world to use this innovative GSM-R core technology. In order to meet new European GSM-R standards, operators are currently upgrading their existing infrastructure to Next Generation all-IP based networks. With the introduction of the new R4 technology, ÖBB goes a step further. R4 far exceeds current standards and offers a perfect combination of capacity, scalability and reliability. R4 technology is completely compatible with a wide range of equipment and reduces operating costs.
Kapsch CarrierCom is a global manufacturer and independent system integrator of telecommunication solutions for railway operators and providers of access, core and transmission networks. In seven R&D centers in Europe and Asia, Kapsch CarrierCom develops applications and services for next generation networks and innovative OSS/BSS solutions. In addition, Kapsch CarrierCom provides an end-to-end service spectrum, which ranges from consulting, designing, installing and integrating, to maintaining, operating and supporting entire networks.
With 70,000 track-kilometers covered by GSM-R, Kapsch CarrierCom is an internationally recognized specialist and partner for railway operators such as the French railway RFF, the German railway DB and Network Rail in the United Kingdom. In the public operator segment, Kapsch CarrierCom’s customers include service providers such as the companies of the Telekom Austria Group, eircom in Ireland and Chunghwa Telecom in Taiwan. Kapsch CarrierCom is part of the Kapsch Group and has its headquarters in Vienna.
Follow us on Twitter: twitter.com/kapschnet