Kapsch wins Irish Rail GSM-R tender for the implementation of a digital train radio system

The Irish railway operator “Iarnród Éireann – Irish Rail” (IÉ) recently awarded the implementation of a digital train radio system for the DART (Dublin Area Rapid Transit) region to Kapsch CarrierCom. This contract includes an upgrade of the analogue railway system to GSM-R with innovative IP based release 4 architecture. In a first step Kapsch CarrierCom will be equipping a 48 km pilot line, the total kilometers of lines to be equipped amount to approximately 2,000. Kapsch CarrierCom continues to win GSM-R projects globally. An additional service contract is also planned. Railway operators across Europe, such as in France, Germany and Austria rely on Kapsch CarrierCom’s expertise and innovative leadership.

“After a two year preparation and tendering phase, we look forward to the implementation of this strategically important project in the DART region and hope that it extends to other routes in Ireland. Based on our many successful projects with the most advanced technology currently available on the market, we are proud to be the technology partner for Irish Rail. Now that the contract is signed, we can immediately begin with the implementation of a test system for the release 4 network infrastructure as well as the access network and demonstrate our railways telecommunication dedicated end to end competencies,” said Michel Clement, Kapsch CarrierCom’s Vice President for GSM-R Global.

Future proof using the latest technology

Kapsch CarrierCom’s end-to-end solution is a scalable, efficient architecture, which is characterized by high density and availability. This platform can be extended using future applications as required. A high performance network subsystem (NSS) based on the new IP 3GPP release 4 technology as well as a base station subsystem (BSS) will be implemented. Additionally, a modern service control point (SCP) for the complete service management of intelligent networks (IN) will be delivered. Base transceiver stations (BTS) will also be integrated, which establish the wireless connection to the mobile stations. Furthermore, value added services (VAS) for data and GPRS extend the functionality of Kapsch CarrierCom’s solution.