Clear Cincom telecom Projects - 2016
Optimization and Acceptance measurement of first Hungarian GSM-R radio access network
Client: Kapsch Carrier Com
In a particularly complex technical and political environment, Clear CinCom helped Kapsch Carrier Com with the optimization and acceptance of the first GSM-R radio access network for the Hungarian railway operator MAV. Various verification, tuning and other activities related to the radio network were carried out on the service areas Main line, Shunting areas, Connecting lines, Indoor locations and a predefined bandwidth around the track zone. The network is used for both voice and ETCS level 2 data, for which reliable access with a Quality of Service compliant to the international standards needed to be retained at normal operational and high travelling speeds. Full redundancy was achieved through an A-flex core network and BTS-R architecture comprising remote radio heads operating in both the GSM-R as well as the extended GSM-R frequency band. The technical environment was complex, as the Budapest ring area is subjected to heavy interference from commercial public land mobile network operators (PLMN). The political environment was complicated too, given the fact that it was controlled by multiple stakeholders. The national railway operator MAV, the infrastructure ministry NISZ, the Notified Body (NoBo) that was to ensure international certification for cross-border transportation, the EU observer (the project was financed by the EU) as well as an independent engineering company were all overseeing the project.
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 indoor cell performance Amsterdam central station
Client: ProRail
The passenger information panels in Amsterdam’s central station communicate with the GSM-R network using an inbuild IP modem. Dutch railway operator ProRail suspected that their performance with the network was compromised, leading to interruptions in the information stream. Clear CinCom conducted a series of test and verified the network performance with the objective to provide the necessary insight.