Solutions for Backwards Compatibility
Fully Interoperable Solutions for Legacy Networks
When faced with product obsolescence, railroads are often forced into expensive options - such as lifetime buys and multi-year support contracts - in order to maintain operation of their legacy networks. That's why Ondas Networks provides solutions to not only provide backwards-compatible solutions for your existing radio network, but also dual-mode solutions which allow you to seamlessly migrate from legacy radio protocols to modern, IEEE 802.16t networks. This enables railroads to maintain their existing operations while gradually transitioning their purpose-built network in to a general-purpose IP network. ​​​
Case Example: Delivering Solutions for Obsolescence in the Northeast Corridor​
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In support of the deployment of Positive Train Control (PTC) in the Northeast Corridor (NEC)​​, operators originally selected a radio technology offered by a single vendor. As time progressed, numerous issues associated with product support and availability arose which culminated in the need for the railroads to reconsider the approach to utilization of a single
supplier. ​​​​​​
Case Example: Seamless Migration from Legacy to Modern Networks​
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In many instances, operators are looking for more for a solution that maintains backwards-compatibility with their legacy system. For example, most of the AAR-owned frequency bands are purpose-built network using antiquated RF protocols. The use of modern radio modulations and coding schemes would allow the railroads to deploy high speed networks over these narrowband frequencies, enabling more applications to better utilize scarce spectrum resources. The question is: how can this be achieved without disrupting operations?
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To address these challenges, Ondas Networks developed a solution with their partner Siemens which enables operators to seamlessly migrate purpose-built CTC applications operating on legacy channels to a general purpose 802.16t network. The centerpiece of the solution is the Airlink BCP, a dual-mode base station which operates simultaneously on the legacy ATCS bands and the new 900 MHz A Block. Airlink BCP is fully interoperable with the legacy BCP, allowing it communicate with legacy WCP radios operating in ATCS mode. As the Airlink BCP also supports connectivity with 802.16t-compliant radios, Airlink WCPs can be installed in the field to enable over-the-air IP connectivity to any wayside location. This solution not only provides backwards-compatibility with existing radios, but also provides operators a roadmap to upgrade their radio network with IP connectivity gradually as time and budget allows.
​​​In response to the needs of operators in the NEC, Ondas Networks partnered with Siemens to deliver the Airlink ACSES radio - a drop-in, fully interoperable solution with the existing GE MDS TD-220 MAX radio system previously deployed. While Airlink ACSES solved the issue of product obsolescence in the NEC, it also delivered a host of radio performance improvements and third-party software hosting capabilities to meet the future needs of operators using ACSES. ​​
Ondas Networks Custom Radios
Fully Interoperable Solutions for Train Control Applications
Airlink ACSES Positive Train Control Radio
The Airlink ACSES is a fully interoperable, drop-in replacement to the existing PTC data radio used in ACSES onboard and wayside installations. The Airlink ACSES supports the legacy ACSES air interface protocol and STFP (Simple Timeslot / Frequency Power Protocol). As such, it can be integrated seamlessly into any ACSES system with an internal or external communications manager.
Airlink BCP
The Airlink BCP (Base Communications Package) is a high power, dual mode ATCS / 802.16t base station radio which enables operators to migrate applications from their legacy ATCS network to the new 900 MHz A Block. Airlink BCP is over-the-air interoperable with the Siemens legacy ATCS base station radio and Wayside Communications Package (WCP), enabling it to provide wireless IP connectivity to any wayside location.
Airlink WCP
The Airlink WCP (Wayside Communications Package) serves as an 802.16t or ATCS wayside radio to enable operators to migrate wayside CTC locations seamlessly to the new 900 MHz A Block. Airlink WCP is over-the-air interoperable with the Siemens legacy ATCS base station radios, and provides serial and Ethernet network interfaces with standard ATCS and railroad protocols to allow it be a “drop in” replacement for legacy WCPs ​