Service provider Telia Lithuania and Ribbon Communications, a global provider of real-time communications technology and IP optical networking solutions, have come together to upgrade communications for Lithuania’s rail network.
Specifically, the partnership has successfully deployed a critical network upgrade for LTG Group, the Lithuanian railway company.
The deployment covers everything from architectural design and replacement of network nodes, network management systems, and security systems, to cabling and migration of existing services to the upgraded network. It also includes seven years of service and support for the newly installed equipment.
The project is described by Egidijus Lazauskas, CEO of LTG Group, as “one of the largest network modernisation projects of such size and complexity in the last decade, not only in LTG but also in the Lithuanian public sector”.
He adds: “The upgraded network ensures smooth and safe train traffic and efficient office operations – from now on, we will share data within the Group via a network that will provide greater security [and] data transfer speeds, and smoother roll-out of new services.”
As Ribbon explains, modern railways utilise services such as communications-based train control (CBTC), telemetry, and signalling to enhance the user experience and address both physical and cyberthreats. Networks must ensure deterministic performance for automated incident detection, reporting and security measures.
Ribbon says its Future Railway Mobile Communication System (FRMCS)-ready critical infrastructure solutions surpass the industry’s stringent performance and security standards.
The Future Railway Mobile Communication System (FRMCS) is an international wireless communications standard for railway communication and applications. It will replace GSM-R (2G) by 2035.