Open Standards for CBTC and CCTV Radio-based Communication

Ed Kuun, Product Manager, Data Communication, Systems, Product Strategy, Alcatel Transport Solutions Division (TSD), and Wayne Rickard, Solutions Manager, Network Architect, Solutions Design and Integration in the Alcatel Integration and Services Division

12/22/2008
(Original Publish Date: 6/6/2004)

Alcatel is pioneering the implementation of an open Radio Frequency (RF) communication technology, based on the Institute for Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11 Frequency Hopping Spread Spectrum (FHSS) standard, for trains moving in excess of 120 km/h. Whether it is used for Communication-Based Train Control (CBTC) or Closed Circuit Television (CCTV), IEEE 802.11 is the preferred choice as it is the only standard that supports mobility and protects against obsolescence. Alcatel adopted the 802.11 FHSS technology in 1999, since then it has carried out several trials and demonstrations.