Telecom Infrastructure: What You Need to Know About Network Design
Railways are complex ecosystems that rely on seamless communication to function efficiently. While tracks and rolling stock are the most visible components of a railway network, the underlying telecom infrastructure is what keeps everything moving safely and on schedule. From signalling systems and control centre communications to passenger information displays and cybersecurity, a well-designed telecom network ensures that every element of rail operations works in harmony.
For rail operators, procurement specialists, and project teams, understanding the fundamentals of railway telecom infrastructure is essential. A well-planned network design must balance performance, scalability, and security while integrating with legacy systems and future innovations. At Softech Rail, we have delivered telecom solutions across mainline, metro, and tram networks, ensuring that rail communications are not only robust but also future-proofed.
This blog breaks down the core components of railway telecom infrastructure, the challenges in modernisation, and the best strategies for effective network design.
The Role of Telecom in Railway Networks
Rail telecom systems serve multiple critical functions, each supporting a different aspect of operations. These functions can be broadly divided into three categories:
Operational Communications
Supports real-time communication between trains, control centres, and maintenance teams. These include trackside telecom networks, signalling communication, and GSM-R (Global System for Mobile Communications – Railways).
Passenger-Facing Systems
Delivers real-time travel updates, public announcements, and emergency communications via Customer Information Systems (CIS), Public Address (PA) systems, and passenger Wi-Fi.
Cybersecurity & Data Management
Protects rail telecom networks from cyber threats, ensuring safe and encrypted communications. As rail networks become more digital, robust firewalls, data encryption, and threat detection systems are essential.
Without a strong telecom backbone, even the most advanced rail networks would struggle with service disruptions, safety risks, and inefficiencies.
Key Components of Railway Telecom Infrastructure
Trackside Telecom Networks
Railways operate over vast distances, requiring continuous, uninterrupted communication between moving trains and trackside equipment. Fibre optic networks, radio-based communications (GSM-R and FRMCS), and microwave transmission links play an integral role in ensuring secure and instant data exchange.
The shift from GSM-R to the Future Railway Mobile Communication System (FRMCS) is a major development in railway telecom. While GSM-R has been the industry standard for decades, FRMCS will provide higher data speeds, greater bandwidth, and enhanced security. Future-proofing telecom infrastructure to support this transition is crucial for rail networks planning long-term investments.
At Purfleet Station, Softech Rail worked on integrating modern telecom solutions to enhance train-to-ground communication and improve overall system resilience. This project highlighted the importance of designing telecom networks that can adapt to new technologies without disrupting existing operations.
Control Centre & Operational Communications
Railway control rooms serve as the nerve centres of train operations. Operators rely on real-time voice, data, and video communications to make critical decisions about train movements, incident response, and timetable adjustments.
A resilient telecom infrastructure ensures that communication links remain active even in high-traffic or emergency situations. This includes:
• Redundant telecom links to prevent outages
• Real-time monitoring of telecom networks to detect faults before they cause disruptions
• Integration with signalling systems for synchronised operations
During the North Hertford Station telecom upgrade, Softech Rail implemented a dual-redundant control system that provided seamless communication between the operations team and trackside assets. The result was a more resilient and responsive telecom network that could handle increasing data demands.
Passenger Information & Public Address Systems
Modern rail networks prioritise passenger experience by providing accurate, real-time updates on train schedules, platform changes, and service disruptions. These updates are delivered via:
• Customer Information Screens (CIS)
• Automated Public Address (PA) systems
• Mobile applications and web portals
A well-integrated telecom network ensures that information flows instantly and consistently across all platforms, reducing passenger uncertainty and improving station management.
Softech Rail’s work at Haxby Station included the implementation of a Station Information and Surveillance System (SISS), incorporating CCTV, PA systems, and emergency help points. By ensuring that all telecom systems were interconnected, we enhanced both passenger experience and operational safety.
Cybersecurity & Network Protection
As railway telecom networks become more digital, cybersecurity is an increasing concern. Rail operators must safeguard telecom infrastructure from potential cyberattacks that could:
• Disrupt signalling communications
• Compromise passenger information systems
• Breach critical operational data
A robust cybersecurity framework includes:
• Encryption protocols for secure data transmission
• Firewalls and intrusion detection systems to block unauthorised access
• Regular security audits to identify vulnerabilities
At Purfleet Station, Softech Rail integrated advanced cybersecurity protocols into the telecom network, ensuring compliance with modern data protection standards while maintaining operational efficiency.
Challenges in Modernising Railway Telecom Infrastructure
Legacy System Integration
Many railway telecom networks still rely on outdated analogue systems that were not designed for today’s digital requirements. Upgrading to high-speed fibre, cloud-based communications, and AI-driven monitoring requires careful planning to ensure seamless compatibility between old and new systems.
Coverage in Remote & High-Density Areas
Rail networks span urban hubs, tunnels, and rural landscapes, each presenting unique challenges. Solutions include:
• Wireless repeaters in tunnels to maintain continuous signal coverage
• Satellite-based communication systems for remote areas
• Distributed antenna systems (DAS) for handling high passenger volumes in busy stations
Scalability & Future-Proofing
Rail networks continue to expand, and telecom systems must be designed with scalability in mind. Modular telecom infrastructure ensures that new stations, additional services, and evolving technologies can be integrated without a complete system overhaul.
Softech Rail’s approach to station telecom design focuses on scalable architectures, allowing for easy expansion as rail networks grow.
What’s Next for Rail Telecom Infrastructure?
The future of railway telecom infrastructure will be shaped by:
• FRMCS replacing GSM-R, delivering faster, more secure communications
• 5G-powered railway networks enabling real-time remote monitoring and AI-driven analytics
• Cloud-based telecom solutions providing more flexible and cost-effective operations
At Softech Rail, we are already working on telecom designs that incorporate these future-ready technologies, ensuring our clients are prepared for the next generation of rail communication.
Softech Rail: Your Partner in Rail Telecom Innovation
Effective telecom network design is critical to the success of any railway system. At Softech Rail, we specialise in delivering future-proofed telecom solutions that enhance safety, efficiency, and passenger experience.
From station telecom upgrades to trackside communication networks, our expertise ensures that every component works together seamlessly and securely.
