Icomera Solutions for Rail

:: High capacity broadband solutions for passenger & freight rail
:: Patented SureWAN™ technology for seamless network switching
:: Leverages concurrent trackside, wide-area & satellite backhaul
:: Connectivity for CCTV, EPOS and telematics with GPS tracking
:: Almost four million Wi-Fi sessions served by Icomera rail systems

Icomera – the original pioneer of Internet on trains

Icomera launched its high-speed Internet technology for trains in September 2002, with the first deployment in January 2003 with Scandinavian rail operator Linx between Gothenburg and Copenhagen. Since then Icomera technology has been utilized in some of the world's largest on-train installations serving millions of passengers a year with Wi-Fi services, and providing real-time connectivity for mission-critical on-board systems.

surewan

Patented Icomera SureWAN technology switches networks seamlessly

The increasing demand for Wi-Fi on rail

The availability of Wi-Fi connectivity on public transport has developed at an incredible speed. In the UK alone, Icomera has supplied Moovbox technology on hundreds of vehicles for all five of the top operators – Arriva, First, Go-Ahead, National Express and Stagecoach. Internet access on trains is rapidly becoming a key passenger expectation, particularly among business travellers. A 2007 report by SQW Consulting, 'Wireless on the Move' indicated that "business travellers have increasing expectations with relation to connectivity", and customer research carried out in 2006 by YouGov found that over half of respondents want access to Wi-Fi services on trains.

This level of demand for Internet connectivity is demonstrated by experience on the UK's East Coast passenger service. In 2006 Icomera installed Wi-Fi capability on the entire fleet, then operated by GNER and now by National Express (NXEC) who assumed control of the franchise in December 2007. NXEC took the bold step of extending the Wi-Fi service to all passengers for free. During the first month of operation the number of travellers using the service tripled with numbers rising from 30,000 users per month to over 200,000 – with 85% of laptop owners taking advantage of the service. Research carried out among passengers on the East Coast service has established that Wi-Fi availability had led to a model shift; 22% extra journeys were being made by train rather than by domestic air travel due to the presence of on-board Wi-Fi.

Connecting the passengers, the staff and the fleet

The benefits of provisioning Internet access on public transport are not solely about productivity, passenger expectations and encouraging model shift. It can also function to increase safety and performance for the operator. Moovbox broadband gateways from Icomera ensure that train staff can be in constant contact with back office systems and colleagues at the Control Centre. Train systems, including heating and ventilation can be connected and updated to ensure functionality and operation in the most cost-effective way. Moovbox connectivity enables authorities and operators to supervise and manage train traffic efficiently by receiving positioning and status reporting instantly and continuously. The ability of the Moovbox to aggregate bandwidth across multiple providers and network types provides capacity to transmit footage from CCTV cameras onboard commuter trains in real time.

The Icomera Moovbox connects all aspects of fleet operations

Introducing the Moovbox M200R, M400 & M800 Mobile Broadband Gateways

The Moovbox M200R Mobile Broadband Gateway and the MoovManage hosted service is an entry-level system for delivering Internet connectivity to trains. Supporting up to two simultaneous cellular data links, the Moovbox M200R provides a fully self-contained system for passenger Wi-Fi and remote control of on-board equipment.

The Moovbox M400 Mobile Broadband Gateway and the MoovManage Pro management service is a complete system for rail-based mobile communications. Supporting up to four simultaneous cellular data links as well as trackside Wi-Fi networks, the Moovbox M400 creates a system of unmatched flexibility, forming the heart of award-winning deployments by some of the world's largest transport operators.

The Moovbox M800 Mobile Broadband Gateway provides even greater flexibility for long-haul journeys by supporting up to eight simultaneous cellular data links and DVB-S satellite backhaul when terrestrial networks are unavailable.

›› Download Moovbox case studies as PDF
›› Learn more about the Moovbox M200R
›› Learn more about the Moovbox M400
›› Learn more about the Moovbox M800
›› Ask an Icomera representative to get in touch