On-Vehicle Equipment
Routers
R3500Nomad's high end router deployed worldwide as well as being able to support simultaneous connectivity to up to x networks, it has significant expansion capabilities for media applications and other devices. Appropriate for train based solutions required to support multiple applications (passenger WiFi, passenger information systems, infotainment, data downloading etc). R3500 also delivers GPS functionality.
R3200Nomad's mid-level router enabling simultaneous connectivity to up to 5 networks but with limited internal expansion capability. The R3200 delivers similar network bandwidth capabilities as the R3500 but is suited to supporting vehicle solutions where the emphasis is on data transfer from vehicle to shore and not additional on-vehicle applications.
The R3200's form factor makes it suitable for deployment in confined spaces and as such it is ideal for trains, cars, vans and buses. A key feature of the R3200 is its scalability from enabling connectivity to a single network through to 5 networks - this expansion capability future proofs our customer solutions and when used in tandem with Nomad's aggregation capabilities (see below) uniquely positions the R3200 as best in class. R3200 has GPS functionality.
The Nomad R3500 and R3200 routers can be deployed in two modes:
- Switched mode. In this mode, the CCU chooses a single channel for data transmission. This is based upon network availability, usage charges. Switching between the networks is seamless to the end user or application.
- Aggregated mode. In this mode, the CCU will have multiple channels available for data transmission. It will simultaneously route data through the multiple channels by allocating specific users / applications to specific data routes. (e.g. operational train data and seat reservation info using network 1, Passenger WiFi using network 2 and network 3). The CCU still retains the ability to switch the applications between the networks as availability varies. In some cases, where service is good, it may be beneficial to have 2 network cards from the same mobile provider. This mode is typically used with many users / applications each requiring low / medium data bandwidth.
All data communications initiated by the R3500 and R3200 is transmitted through a secure UPD tunnel ensuring delivery to the shore. To achieve this, the routers work in tandem with a shore based Home Agent which forms the land end of the tunnel. Whilst not strictly "on vehicle equipment", the Home Agent is designed to work with the on-vehicle routers and ensure onward transmission of the data. The Home Agent is typically deployed as a clustered topology to provide resilience.
Vehicle Ethernet Backbone
In the rail environment, Nomad solutions typically involve the building of an Ethernet backbone throughout the vehicle in order to transmit data from various IP devices throughout the train to the router for onward transmission to the shore. The Nomad team has extensive experience at design and implementation of the on-vehicle network. To support intra-vehicle communications, our solutions utilise the following Nomad products:
- Inter Carriage Links (wireless solutions)
- Industrialised Switches (rail approved)
- Industrialised Access Points (rail approved)
