Nokia’s 5G Rail Solution: FRMCS & ProRail Partnership

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Introduction

Nokia has introduced a new commercial 5G radio solution, including the first commercial 5G radio for the 1900 MHz (n101) band, and its Core Enterprise Solution for Railways, to advance digital railway operations globally and support the Future Railway Mobile Communication System (FRMCS).

5G Radio Solution

Nokia’s new 5G radio solution supports mission-critical communications, enabling railways to adopt 5G while integrating with existing GSM-R systems. This development is intended to provide rail operators with high-capacity, high-performance, and resilient real-time communication capabilities. The solution features a commercial 5G radio from its AirScale portfolio and is paired with a railway-optimized Core Enterprise Solution.

FRMCS and System Features

The FRMCS is set to replace the existing 2G Global System for Mobile Communications – Railway (GSM-R) over the next decade. This 5G-based system features integrated security and high reliability, enabling improved automation, new digital applications, better passenger services, and secure communication across borders. Key advantages of the system include automated train operations that enhance safety and efficiency while reducing energy consumption and emissions, as well as real-time passenger information systems that improve the travel experience. Additionally, integrated voice communication consolidates services, and smart rail maintenance employs predictive techniques to minimize downtime and maintenance costs.

Technical Specifications and Deployment

Nokia’s 5G radio is engineered for mission-critical communications, allowing railways to transition to 5G while maintaining legacy systems such as GSM-R without interruptions. The solution features a fully optimized, cloud-native 5G standalone core that supports the complete range of FRMCS functionalities for transport operations. It is designed to be modular, flexible, and scalable, accommodating both regional and nationwide deployments. The solution will undergo testing as part of the EU-funded FP2-MORANE-2 project, which aims to further the digitalization of rail operations throughout Europe.

Nokia’s Perspective and Recent Developments

Nokia Mobile Networks president Tommi Uitto stated, “The drive toward digitalization demands the kind of high-speed connectivity and data capabilities that legacy systems simply can’t provide, creating an urgent need for rail operators worldwide to modernize. Our commercial 5G solution, backed by decades of proven rail industry expertise, reflects our commitment to laying the foundation for the next generation of railway operations.” Recently, Nokia secured a contract with Dutch rail infrastructure manager ProRail to deploy a cloud-native Global System for Mobile Communications for Railway (GSM-R) core network. This offering is further supported by Nokia’s range of mission-critical IP, optical, and data center networking products, all of which adhere to stringent standards and include a cybersecurity framework.

Conclusion

Nokia has launched a 5G radio solution that includes the first commercial 5G radio for the 1900 MHz (n101) band and its Core Enterprise Solution for Railways to enhance digital railway operations and support the FRMCS. The solution offers high-speed connectivity, improved automation, and enhanced passenger services. It is designed to be modular, flexible, and scalable and will undergo testing as part of the EU-funded FP2-MORANE-2 project.

Company Summary

Nokia: A technology company that has launched a new commercial 5G radio solution, including the first commercial 5G radio for the 1900 MHz (n101) band, and its Core Enterprise Solution for Railways to advance digital railway operations globally and support the Future Railway Mobile Communication System (FRMCS). Nokia recently secured a contract with ProRail to deploy a cloud-native Global System for Mobile Communications for Railway (GSM-R) core network.

ProRail: A Dutch rail infrastructure manager that has a contract with Nokia to deploy a cloud-native Global System for Mobile Communications for Railway (GSM-R) core network.

Technology

5G: A next-generation wireless technology used in the newly launched radio solution to enable high-speed connectivity and support the FRMCS.

FRMCS: The Future Railway Mobile Communication System is set to replace the existing 2G Global System for Mobile Communications – Railway (GSM-R) over the next decade.

GSM-R: The Global System for Mobile Communications – Railway is the existing 2G system that FRMCS will replace.

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