Siemens Deploys Nortel Supplied GSM-R System

Siemens Transportation Systems (Siemens TS) has deployed Europe's first commercial GSM Railway (GSM-R) communications network -- using a complete radio and infrastructure solution from Nortel Networks -- to serve Deutsche Bahn's new "InterCity Express" high-speed train route between Frankfurt and Cologne.

The GSM-R network -- including 56 radio base stations along the 177-kilometre Frankfurt-to-Cologne route -- provides integrated voice and data communications between conductors and crew, dispatchers, operation managers, and train stations. Plans call for addition of maintenance, motor vehicle and operational communications as well.

This deployment extends a relationship that began in 1999 with an agreement between DB Telematic (formerly Mannesmann Arcor) and Nortel Networks for supply of a GSM-R network -- expected to be the world's largest -- for Deutsche Bahn. Currently being deployed across Germany and Europe, this network is positioning Deutsche Bahn to communicate with other European networks; to increase reliability, safety and operational efficiency; and to reduce operating costs.

Nortel Networks has been a pioneer in the GSM-R standards process since 1992, and has worked with UIC (Union Internationale des Chemins de Fer) and ETSI (European Telecommunications Standards Institute). Nortel Networks supplied equipment for the MORANE (Mobile Radio for Railways Networks in Europe) trial, and was heavily involved in the EIRENE (European Integrated Radio Enhanced Network) project. Nortel Networks has also been selected for GSM-R projects in Italy and the UK.'"

Posted to the site on 7th August 2002