Telecom Lead America: Digi International’s Digi TransPort WR44 RR, an enterprise-class cellular router, is aimed at on-board rail applications such as locomotive communications and monitoring, and passenger Internet access.
The router, according to Digi International, provides connectivity to equipment on the train and the wayside via a primary, high-speed cellular network connection, or can create a secure back-up connection to the existing railroad data network.
Digi says the new router can be used for Positive Train Control (PTC), a system for monitoring and controlling train movement to increase railway safety. The Digi TransPort WR44 RR is a key enabler of PTC systems because it provides an on-board, cellular network connection ensuring system dependability.
“Congress set a deadline of 2015 for the adoption of PTC technology and reliable connectivity is critical,” said Larry Kraft, senior vice president of marketing, Digi International.
The Digi TransPort WR44RR features an optional, integrated Wi-Fi access point allowing rail lines to offer their customers Internet access and improve passenger convenience, which can lead to increased ridership. It offers communications with 3G/4G Qualcomm Gobi multi-carrier cellular connectivity, GPS, a serial port and a four-port Ethernet switch.
The Digi TransPort WR44 RR features rail industry certifications including AREMA C/H, AAR S-5702 and EN50155. The router also features advanced dynamic routing, state-of-the-art security with firewall features including stateful packet inspection and integrated IPSec VPN.
The Digi TransPort WR44 RR connects to the iDigi Device Cloud for easy setup, configuration and management of large installations of remote Digi TransPort devices.