Clear Cincom telecom Projects - 2013
Dynamic PLMN interference measurements
Client: ProRail
To conduct dynamic radio network measurements (tests of GSM-R network performance in a train moving along the track at high speeds), Clear CinCom uses a dedicated testing train called MP Jules made available by Eurailscout. Our testing results give Dutch railway operator ProRail insight in the severity of possible interference, mostly the result of the emergence of the new 3G (UTMS) network in the 900MHz band and 4G (LTE) in the 800MHz band, as commercial telecom providers rolled out and expanded their networks. We found that the potential performance degradation was significantly more troublesome than initially anticipated. Because of our early measurements, ProRail could take measures ahead of time, including the renewal of radio modules in the rolling stock of NS, guaranteeing the proper functioning of the country’s GSM-R network.
Optimization and acceptance of line E30
Client: Kapsch Carrier Com
The E30 line between Legnica and the German border is the first GSM-R enabled railway line in Poland. The line requires double layer coverage to provide redundancy of radio access, using BTSs and BSCs. The design was made by Kapsch Carrier Com, while Clear CinCom was responsible for optimization and acceptance. In order to be future-proof, the line was built in line with the specifications of ETCS level 2 (more specifically, the Subset093 specifications and O-2475 KPI-indicators).
Static PLMN interference measurements
Client: ProRail
One problem faced by railway operators is interference by commercial telecom operators, also called PLMN interference. At the request of Dutch railway operator ProRail, Clear CinCom conducted a number of static interference measurements on stations and along railway lines. This effectively meant installing a small mast and recording performance for a specific location, whereby we identify, characterize and report on possible sources of interference. Our reports are used by ProRail to negotiate with the public operators in order to mitigate the interference and ensure a correct functioning of the GSM-R network throughout the country. This is an ongoing project, where Clear CinCom steps in on an as-needed basis.
Verification of GSM-R and Tetra performance new central station Breda
Client: ProRail
As the city of Breda (Netherlands) renovated their wonderful railway station, Clear CinCom was asked to perform a radio network verification to sketch out the pre-renovation performance on the location. Third party vendor then used this data to create a network design that today guarantees the GSM-R and TETRA network performance at Breda station.
Verification of GSM-R network performance Amsterdam Lelylaan station
Client: ProRail
The train station Amsterdam Lelylaan (Netherlands) was experiencing performance issues with their passenger information panels. Clear CinCom conducted a number of measurements that confirmed the issues, after which the service and maintenance company Mobirail took the appropriate steps to mitigate the problems identified by Clear CinCom.
Verification of radio access line performance
Client: SyneRail
On the line between Chaurmont and Langrés, modifications where made to radio access network in order to improve GSM-R coverage in tunnels. Clear CinCom was contracted by the French GSM-R operator SyneRail [http://www.synerail.com/] to conduct an independent coverage assessment and perform quality tests, resulting in a subjective post measurement verification. As no test train was available for the route, Clear CinCom fitted a commercial train with a bespoke antenna setup. This was a bit of a challenge, as the antennas could not be roof mounted and data adjustments were required to account for this fact.
Verification of radio performance indoor PLMN network
Client: UMCU
The medical centre of the University of Utrecht (Universitair Medisch Centrum Utrecht) experienced issues with their DAS-system due to a PLMN distributed antenna system. Clear CinCom was asked to verify and characterize the problems, so that solutions could be found and implemented.