Transport & Rail Cases

Next-Gen Onboard Connectivity: How Arcobel Turns Rail Hardware Challenges Into Reliable Solutions

Modern public transport relies heavily on continuous connectivity. Passengers now consider free onboard Wi-Fi and real-time journey updates non-negotiable standards of modern travel. However, deploying high-speed digital networks across fast-moving rolling stock presents significant engineering hurdles for transport operators and system integrators.

From space constraints to extreme mechanical stress, hardware installed on trains must overcome severe operating conditions while maintaining uninterrupted data transmission. As an industrial hardware partner, Arcobel Embedded Solutions bridges the gap between complex engineering requirements and long-term operational performance.

Customer Challenge to Solution Journey Overview

Our step-by-step framework turns complex rolling stock obstacles into reliable onboard systems:

1. The Challenge: Achieving Continuous Connectivity in Moving Trains

Delivering stable Wi-Fi and dynamic Passenger Information Systems (PIS) on trains requires solving four main engineering barriers:

• High Passenger Demand: Passengers expect fast, uninterrupted internet access and live schedule updates throughout their trip.
• High-Speed Signal Degradation: Maintaining reliable signal handovers while moving at high speeds requires specialized antenna and modem configurations.
• Severe Physical Constraints: Space inside ceiling voids and control cabinets is strictly limited, demanding ultra-compact form factors that can survive high temperatures and constant vibration.
• Rigorous Railway Compliance: Hardware must meet strict safety, electrical, and fire standards before approval for rolling stock deployment.

2. The Solution: Multi-Modem Architecture & Industrial Compute Power

To address these challenges, Arcobel engineers custom-configured, high-availability onboard network architectures:

• 8 Industrial Modems: Multiple high-performance cellular modems communicate with external antennas mounted on the train body.
• SIM-Based Multi-Carrier Data: Multi-SIM configurations aggregate network coverage across providers, guaranteeing smooth data delivery even across rural stretches.
• Dual Industrial Embedded Computers: Two centralized embedded PCs process network traffic, dynamic PIS data, and security protocols.
• Rugged Ethernet Switches: Industrial switches distribute high-bandwidth connectivity from the core computers to ceiling-mounted wireless access points and passenger display screens.

4. The Result: Reduced Operational Risk & Long-Term Reliability

By combining deep technical expertise with long-term hardware availability, Arcobel turns complex railtech challenges into proven solutions:

• Guaranteed Uptime: Continuous, stable passenger Wi-Fi and real-time travel updates.
• Lower Total Cost of Ownership: Long-lifecycle components reduce maintenance overhead and extend fleet service life.
• End-to-End Technical Partnership: Arcobel acts as a hands-on technical advisor from initial system design to large-scale deployment.