All posts tagged: 5G for train-ground

ELVA-1 presented a new task-oriented booklet about MobiBridge-10G radio

This new ELVA-1 booklet is intended for mass transit operators interested in ultra-fast 10 Gbps data offload from buses, trams, trains, etc. Currently their fleet uses many surveillance cameras, digital ticket machines and other devices and this data volume is usually 300-600 GB per vehicle per working day.

The task to offload such amount of data to operator’s network requires very fast wireless technologies. We tested ELVA-1 MobiBridge-10G with 600 GB data offload, and it takes only 10 minutes to complete.  Other technologies like 5G, Wi-Fi, and popular 60 GHz 1Gbps radios may require several hours to upload such volume of data.

Our MobiBridge-10G 10 Gbps full duplex radio allows a mass transit company to operate a fleet of vehicles without any downtime due to data offload. Data offload can take place either at the depot or at other parking locations. We are currently conducting a comparative experiment, where the same file is uploaded from the same points by our MobiBridge radio and a one of the popular on the market 60 GHz 1Gbps radio. We will post the video on YouTube to support this booklet with a convincing field experiment.

Introducing the Enhanced 10 Gbps MobiBridge-10G Black Edition Radio Link by ELVA-1

Exciting news from ELVA-1 as they unveil the upgraded 10 Gbps MobiBridge-10G Black Edition radio link, revolutionizing high-speed data transmission. Operating within the V-band spectrum, specifically in the license-free 57-71 GHz range, this cutting-edge radio link opens up a world of possibilities for seamless communication.

The MobiBridge-10G Black Edition boasts a maximum operational distance of 400 meters, ensuring reliable and lightning-fast connectivity. But what sets this radio link apart from others in the market? Let’s delve into the enhancements that make it a game-changer.

One notable improvement is the incorporation of a new dual degree of freedom bracket and an enhanced lower metal plate, ingeniously designed to optimize heat dissipation from the radio unit housing. This advancement not only ensures the longevity of the equipment but also boosts its performance in varying environments.

Moreover, the new bracket facilitates effortless mounting of the MobiBridge-10G radio on vertical supports. This user-friendly feature makes it ideal for applications in streetcar depots and bus terminals, enabling seamless communication with vehicles and enhancing overall transportation efficiency.

However, the true versatility of the MobiBridge-10G radio link lies in its applications in seaports, where it connects cruise ships and ferries to a vast number of passengers with high-speed broadband Internet. Seamlessly integrating with the port IT infrastructure, this radio link enhances the onboard experience and brings a new level of connectivity to the maritime industry.

But why is the V-band spectrum the perfect choice for this revolutionary technology? The answer lies in its license-free nature and ease of use. Unlike other frequency bands, the V-band does not require users to obtain expensive licenses, significantly reducing the deployment costs and eliminating bureaucratic hurdles. This makes it an attractive option for businesses and organizations seeking cost-effective solutions for high-speed data communication.

Additionally, the V-band offers a wide spectrum availability, which translates into reduced interference and enhanced signal quality. Users can enjoy a reliable and stable connection, making it perfect for critical applications such as communication with crewless vessels, data downloading, and software updates for onboard technical systems.

In conclusion, the 10 Gbps MobiBridge-10G Black Edition radio link by ELVA-1 is a groundbreaking innovation that brings high-speed connectivity to various sectors. With its optimized performance, user-friendly design, and seamless integration into different applications, it is set to transform the way we communicate and connect in the modern world. And with the V-band’s license-free nature and ease of use, this technology becomes an accessible and cost-effective solution for businesses and industries looking to embrace the future of data transmission.

Industry experts expect greater use of 5G to connect trains to the ground and provide passengers with broadband Internet access as they are used to in their homes, offices or on city streets. At the same time, the proprietary Trackside Networks networks are being built by rail operators.

The big pros of 5G are that it’s to be almost free for rail operators, and passengers don’t have to spend money on paid on-board Wi-Fi (to be fair, many rail operators provide it for free). To focus on 5G, the rail company doesn’t have to do anything at all – just wait for the mobile operators to install 5G base stations along the railroad tracks. Then they can do an inexpensive upgrade of the train modems that receive the signal from cellular towers from LTE to 5G and feed that traffic to the onboard Wi-Fi network.

At the same time, there is a long list of disadvantages of 5G for train ground communications. Some of them will be extremely difficult to overcome, for example, due to the fact that the car is an all-metal structure, significantly weakening the strength of signals from 5G base stations to passengers’ gadgets. Read more about the pros and cons of 5G for train-to-ground communications on the ELVA blog.

NOTE: You can find misleading terminology in the media about 5G “train-to-ground” communications, all to ” catch budgets” on the hype around 5G. It looks like this: marketing materials talk about a roadside 5G network, but in reality, it is a dedicated TSN network of the rail operator, which simply occupies the 5G frequency resource, most often in the 5 GHz band. Of course, this infrastructure is not a true 5G network, since passengers’ smartphones cannot connect to it, but only to special train terminals. An example: it is the TSN network of the British rail carrier FirstGroup called “Rail-5G”, built in cooperation with the developer of communications equipment Blu Wireless.