ABSTRACT
Next generation telecommunications networks such as IP based Multi-Protocol Label Switching (MPLS) are driving the world’s largest telecommunications infrastructures. Enterprises now see MPLS as a technology platform which can help achieve better operations, reduce complexity and related costs and enable introducing new services. Rail operators are beginning to explore how they can benefit from the latest network technology. The challenges are how to integrate this technology with legacy systems and how to safely migrate into the new infrastructure environment. Equally important is identifying the benefits of this migration and how the next generation network technology can help rail operators manage obsolescence and network management challenges. The goal is to retain the maximum amount of flexibility for the lowest cost and make the most use of existing assets.
This paper will explore the drivers behind moving toward a single core backbone network for rail operations includ-ing areas such as wireless communications. It will also outline the necessary steps of safely and cost effectively mi-grating legacy networks to the new infrastructure with minimum risk. Short case studies will be provided to high-light how rail operators make use of next generation telecommunications to improve operations, increase security and enhance passenger experience.
