Vendor community can leverage new standards-based IEEE 802.16t (dot16) wireless technology to accelerate adoption of intelligent systems
Collaboration across the rail technology ecosystem can support growth and increasingly productive and resilient train operations
The rail industry is blessed with a vendor ecosystem intent on developing and deploying the next generation of technologies and services focused on the continuous improvement in rail operations. These solutions, utilizing software-driven automation, edge computing and sensor technologies to support ever increasing efficient and safe train operations are typically data-intensive, and require increasingly robust wireless networking capabilities. This is why embracing a standards-based wireless platform, such as the IEEE 802.16t (dot16) standard, offers substantial benefits to a wide range of stakeholders across the railroad industry ranging from railroad operators and technology vendors to railroad customers, employees, and the public.
Ondas Networks, working closely with the Association of American Railroads (AAR) and other stakeholders, has been at the forefront of architecting the dot16 standard and tailoring it to unique railroad requirements. Today, through engagement with the AAR’s Wireless Communications Committee (WCC), MxV Rail and various AAR member railroads, dot16 is beginning its adoption curve with integration in new networks such as the new 900 MHz system, as well as advancing new initiatives for specific edge applications and use cases at the wayside, rail crossings and on locomotives and train cars.
The dot16 wireless standard is open and available and Ondas Networks, as an industry partner, is committed to sharing its experience, expertise and intellectual property across the vendor ecosystem. An ecosystem approach, across various core technologies leveraging the railroad's critical wireless networks, is required for the rail vendor community to support our railroad customers and their technology roadmaps. As we do, we will all contribute as rail systems become increasingly intelligent, productive and resilient in the years ahead.
Technology Vendors: Driving Innovation and Growth
Technology vendors are at the forefront of advancing the rail industry by developing and deploying cutting-edge solutions driving train operating efficiency and safety. Enterprise networking firms, large rail system integrators, service providers, and new IoT companies specializing in sensors and automation tools have a significant role in this ecosystem. By actively participating, these vendors can drive product and service sales while contributing to a resilient and interconnected rail system that enables revenue growth.
Enterprise networking companies can leverage their specialized knowledge to deliver high-capacity, reliable wireless networks. Large rail systems integrators, with their deep understanding of traditional rail systems and operational needs, ensure seamless integration of innovative technologies. IoT companies introduce advanced sensors and automation tools, enhancing the ecosystem's overall capabilities. The integration of these capabilities across a shared ecosystem is critical to our collective success and to the future of the railroad industry.
Enhanced Operations for Railroad Operators
Railroad operators stand to gain significantly from adopting the IEEE 802.16t wireless standard. Enhanced communication and operational capabilities from this standard lead to heightened efficiency, better customer service and improved safety in train operations, yielding a high return on investment (ROI).
Secure and reliable wireless networks facilitate the adoption of data-intensive technologies, enabling operators to make informed, real-time decisions. This results in quicker issue resolution, reduced downtime, and optimized performance. The open standard's interoperability ensures operators aren't confined to proprietary systems, offering flexibility and choice in technology investments.
All of this serves to accelerate the benefits of digital technologies and the promise they have for more efficient train operations with benefits ranging from market share gains from competitive modes of transit, better pricing and margins via higher quality of service and cost savings from more efficient operations.
Better Services for Customers and the Public
Rail freight and transit customers will experience significant benefits from increased efficiency and safety of rail operations. Enhanced data capacity and bandwidth combined with systems upgrades and customer-facing data platforms enable better tracking, scheduling, and communication, ensuring more reliable and timely delivery of goods for freight customers. This leads to efficiencies in supply chain management, reduced inventory costs, and greater customer satisfaction. Transit customers will enjoy more reliable schedules, resulting in a smoother and more predictable travel experience. Additionally, the integration of intelligent technologies helps improve overall service quality and passenger comfort, making public transit a more attractive option.
Employees will benefit from safer working conditions as enhanced communication and operational technologies minimize accident risks and improve response times. The public also gains from safer and more efficient rail services, which enhance public safety and environmental sustainability.ed private wireless network, is not available with the single purpose legacy rail networks in operation today.
Supporting a Dynamic and Innovative Ecosystem
The rail industry can drive continuous innovation and efficiency by fostering a diverse ecosystem of technology vendors. This collaborative effort—encompassing wireless network providers, large systems integrators, and IoT vendors—leads to the development of sophisticated technologies designed to meet the industry's evolving needs.
Ondas Networks, as a leading IP provider, has been instrumental in introducing the dot16 standard to the railroad sector. It has focused on engaging the railroad ecosystem and offering the necessary infrastructure and support for vendors to develop and deploy next-generation solutions that can leverage the benefits of modernized private wireless railroad networks. This collaboration results in a vibrant ecosystem where all stakeholders benefit from shared advancements and innovations.
Leads to Shared Success Across the Ecosystem
Adopting the IEEE 802.16t wireless standard marks a transformative step for the railroad industry, significantly enhancing communication and operational efficiency. This collaborative technology ecosystem ensures that all stakeholders—railroad operators, technology vendors, customers, employees, and the general public—reap the benefits.
As the ecosystem thrives on collaboration, each stakeholder shares in the success. Technology vendors benefit from increased market opportunities and larger revenue streams. Customers benefit from more reliable and efficient train operations and higher quality of service. In addition to operating efficiencies, providing a higher quality of service can drive higher top line growth for railroads via market share gains versus the trucking industry, and higher pricing. Operating margins expand, driving a high return on investment (ROI) for network upgrades and the technologies attached to these networks. Ultimately, the entire rail industry becomes more resilient, productive, and capable of meeting future demands.
In summary, the adoption of the IEEE 802.16t wireless standard and the resulting collaborative ecosystem drive industry progress across many rail technologies and services. Increased data capacity and bandwidth, coupled with the integration of intelligent technologies, lead to safer and more efficient train operations driving industry sustainability and creating a promising future for rail transportation. Partnership and collaboration cultivate a brighter, more efficient, and safer future for rail transportation, ensuring shared success for all stakeholders involved.
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Eric Brock is Chairman and CEO of @OndasHoldings (Nasdaq: ONDS) and Ondas Networks. Ondas Networks is a developer of software-based wireless technology for large established and emerging commercial and government markets. Ondas Networks' standards-based (802.16s), multi-patented, software-defined radio FullMAX platform enables Mission-Critical IoT (MC-IoT) applications by overcoming the bandwidth limitations of today's legacy private licensed wireless networks.