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Nomad
Digital Enables Live CCTV Communications for Capitol Corridor
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LONDON and Oakland,
California, 8 February 2007: Nomad Digital, providers of specialist mobility
networks, completed a successful demonstration of the first US wireless closed
circuit television (CCTV) communication from on-board a passenger train, using
WiMAX as the backhaul, for the Capitol Corridor Joint Powers Authority (CCJPA).
The proof of concept (POC) was conducted on a moving train on Saturday, 3
February 2007, and the uninterrupted high-speed communication was enabled by
Nomad's unique wireless technology.
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Jim Allison, Principal Planner,
CCJPA commented: "We set up very high thresholds in terms of bandwidth and
applications to be tested on the system and are pleased to see that the results
exceeded those thresholds. We wanted a simulated safety and security test with
video to and from the train, and test additional operational and passenger
applications. With the successful test using Nomad Digital's system we are
confident that there is a system out there that meets our operational and
customer needs."
The success of the demonstration, conducted by Nomad
Digital, proves that aside from enabling rail operators to upgrade their safety
and security systems, the technology also allows them to achieve improved
operational efficiency through real-time ticket transactions, train diagnostic
data, food sales and inventory and other miscellaneous communications. In
addition, train operators will be able to increase passenger ridership and
improve passengers' experience on board trains by offering wireless DSL,
enabling them to utilise seamless broadband connection for all Internet
applications.
Nigel Wallbridge, Chairman and Joint-Founder, Nomad
Digital, comments: "We have just made a 'killer application' a reality! This
POC demonstration shows the extensive capabilities that our cutting edge
technology can bring to the railway community worldwide."
Nomad is
already established in providing advanced WiFi services on board trains across
the UK and North America. Prestigious contract wins in 2006 with Virgin Trains
and the Heathrow Express have helped establish Nomad Digital's global
footprint. Already 2007 has seen the opening of Nomad's global headquarters in
Newcastle (UK) and its expansion into Asia.
Test Methodology
The POC was conducted for Capitol Corridor. A CCTV camera was installed at
trackside near a train station and used WiMAX technology for connectivity to
the train. CCTV video, streamed from the trackside to the train, proved to be
of sufficient quality to be used for general safety measurements. In addition
trackside CCTV, in particular images from dangerous grade level crossings,
forwarded straight to the train engineer, allowed him to anticipate any
potential obstructions on the track prior to reaching the actual station.
In the other direction - from the train to the shore - CCTV video
stream could be sent to the management centre, and in case of danger
situations, law enforcement agencies would be able to react in a timely
fashion. The total bandwidth demonstrated during the trial was sufficient for
CCTV and the other applications CCJPA/BART is envisioning to use on their
trains.
Ends
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