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Cisco Offers New Transportation Solution [Travel & Leisure Close - Up]
[September 11, 2014]

Cisco Offers New Transportation Solution [Travel & Leisure Close - Up]


(Travel & Leisure Close - Up Via Acquire Media NewsEdge) Cisco said its new Connected Transportation Solutions offer a safer and more productive commuter experience and deliver on the value of the Internet of Everything.

According to a release, whether train passengers are arriving at the station or have reached their final destination, they can connect their mobile devices to a single Wi-Fi network -- rather than switching networks -- when moving from the station into the train or along the journey. Passengers have the speed and reliability of a Wi-Fi connection without relying on the coverage or speed of cellular data networks that can be slow or result in spotty coverage on many commuter journeys.



Cisco said its holistic approach to connected rail allows commuters to track scheduled train arrival and departure times, access alerts on delays, and share real-time travel updates with others over mobile devices. Commuters can also access train information through interactive signs on the station platforms that are fed real-time information coming directly from the movement of passengers and the status of the infrastructure around them.

Safety was the top priority when developing this solution. The U.S. Federal Railroad Association (FRA) reports that human error accounts for almost two-thirds of all rail-related accidents. Cisco's positive train control (PTC) system can determine the train's location and speed, and augment the safety measures set by the train operator or engineer. If warnings are ignored or cannot be performed, PTC will automatically apply the brakes to slow down or stop the train.


Cisco Connected Transportation Solution includes: -Cisco Connected Station integrates multiple in-station networks and retail communication systems into a standards-based IP network.

-Retailers and advertisers can work directly with the station to provide traveler information, creating new business models and opening up new revenue opportunities.

-Precise location with combined network and GPS data brings faster alerts to changes in a train's schedule and help commuters accurately plan their trips.

-Video surveillance cameras and video surveillance manager on the platforms will let operations managers monitor control length at each stop, ensure optimal passenger boarding, and proactively address any issues related to the safety and well-being of passengers and personnel.

-Cisco Connected Trackside, a ruggedized IP infrastructure platform designed to support operational services, lower costs of network operations, and reduce complexity of older, proprietary networks.

-Through a sensor network with computing power at the edge, Cisco fog computing, a rail operator can take analytics to aggregate data generated by the sensors and make informed decisions to avoid incidents. Fog computing systems offer the possibility to analyze and decide, in real time, what data should be transmitted back to the cloud and what can be discarded or stored. Operators are alerted when sensor data diverges from the norm, increasing reaction speed, saving network bandwidth, and providing enhanced visibility and control.

-Cisco Connected Train for onboard, IP-based communications, including Wi-Fi services, entertainment, video surveillance, and automated operations.

-The high-speed Cisco Connected Train network is built on hardened, small-form-factor switches and routers that support consumer and business mobility features without sacrificing performance security.

The network also supports video surveillance, with a dedicated video surveillance media server on each car to store video archives from the onboard IP cameras, and a system to integrate all video feeds in a central location at the request of the operator.

Wim Elfrink, chief globalization officer and executive vice president, Industry Solutions, Cisco, said: "The rail industry stands to gain $27 billion of economic value over the next 15 years from disruptive solutions now made possible by the Internet of Everything. The Cisco Connected Transportation Solution delivers an application-centric infrastructure to enhance commuter safety, communication and transport efficiency by connecting the unconnected, such as people, mobile devices, GPS tracking systems, sensors and data. This digital overlay allows operators to receive and analyze real-time data flows to reengineer processes as well as respond immediately to irregular incidents along the tracks or in the train." Norman Mineta, former United States Secretary of Transportation, said: "It's exciting to see an innovative titan like Cisco join forces with Lilee Systems to create an ecosystem that will greatly enhance safety and connectivity on America's railways. We are just starting to see the advantages of a connected rail system, with positive impacts for both operators and travelers becoming more evident. Innovative positive train control (PTC) technologies being brought to market by companies like Cisco and Lilee are key to ensure these advancements continue." More information: www.cisco.com ((Comments on this story may be sent to [email protected])) (c) 2014 ProQuest Information and Learning Company; All Rights Reserved.

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