Northern Ireland Rail’s Digital Revolution: Actelis Networks Drives Modernization

Northern Ireland Rail Network Set for Digital Overhaul with Actelis Networks

May 9, 2025 – Northern Ireland

The railway infrastructure across Northern Ireland is poised for a significant technological leap forward, with US-based Actelis Networks securing a pivotal order to modernize and digitize its operations. This initiative, facilitated through Actelis’s esteemed UK partner, the Kenton Group, heralds the deployment of sophisticated networking technology along crucial railway corridors. The primary objective is to establish a robust and secure digital backbone capable of supporting a new generation of digital rail operations and a diverse array of Internet of Things (IoT) applications. This modernization drive aims to enhance operational efficiency, bolster safety protocols, and ultimately improve the passenger experience. The project underscores a growing trend within the global rail industry towards leveraging advanced connectivity to create smarter, more responsive, and resilient transportation systems, paving the way for future innovations in automated control and predictive maintenance for railway assets.

Strategic Upgrade for Enhanced Digital Operations

This new order represents a strategic move to infuse Northern Ireland’s railways with cutting-edge networking capabilities. The core of the project involves the implementation of Actelis’s specialized technology to create a high-performance communication network along the trackside. This network is fundamental for enabling a seamless transition to digital rail operations, a paradigm shift that encompasses a wide range of improvements from automated processes to data-driven decision-making. The collaboration with the Kenton Group ensures localized expertise and support for the deployment, which is critical for navigating the specific environmental and logistical challenges of railway infrastructure projects. The focus is on creating a future-proof system that can adapt to evolving technological demands and integrate new functionalities as they emerge, ensuring the long-term viability and efficiency of the rail network.

Empowering Rail with Secure IoT Connectivity

A key driver for this infrastructure upgrade is the need for secure and reliable connectivity for various Internet of Things (IoT) applications. The deployment is meticulously designed to support critical systems such as:

• Automated signalling systems: Enhancing safety and line capacity through more responsive and accurate train control.
• Real-time asset monitoring: Allowing for continuous oversight of rolling stock, track conditions, and other vital infrastructure components, facilitating predictive maintenance and reducing downtime.
• Advanced security surveillance: Improving safety for passengers and staff, and securing railway assets through high-definition video feeds and intelligent analytics.
• Intelligent train control systems: Optimizing train movements, energy consumption, and adherence to schedules.

The integrity and security of data transmission for these Operational Technology (OT) networks are paramount, and Actelis’s solutions are engineered to provide this level of assurance.

Leveraging Hybrid-Fibre Technology for Resilience and Cost-Effectiveness

Actelis Networks will employ its unique hybrid-fibre networking solutions for this comprehensive upgrade. A significant advantage of this approach is its ability to utilize existing railway infrastructure, such as copper cabling, in conjunction with fibre optics. This strategy substantially reduces both deployment costs and project timelines, minimizing disruption to ongoing rail services. Tuvia Barlev, Chairman and CEO of Actelis, highlighted this aspect, stating, “Our unique hybrid-fibre networking solutions provide rail operators with the ability to quickly digitise and secure their railway infrastructure across challenging trackside environments.” These solutions are specifically engineered to be cyber-hardened, ensuring robust protection against digital threats, and are designed to maintain reliable performance even under the extreme environmental conditions often encountered along railway lines, such as electromagnetic interference, vibrations, and temperature fluctuations. This ensures consistent, real-time data transmission crucial for safety-critical applications and operational intelligence.

Addressing the Evolving Demands of Modern Railway Networks

The initiative in Northern Ireland reflects a broader global trend: railway networks are becoming increasingly complex and reliant on sophisticated digital frameworks. As Actelis notes, there is a pressing need for robust digital infrastructure to accommodate advanced automated control systems, sophisticated predictive maintenance tools, and comprehensive security measures. Modern rail operations demand high-bandwidth, low-latency communication to manage an ever-increasing flow of data. Actelis’s technology is tailored to meet these evolving requirements, providing the foundational connectivity that enables automation, enhances operational intelligence, and significantly improves both safety systems and passenger services. This latest order builds upon Actelis’s growing portfolio of successful projects with railway and transportation authorities across North America, Europe, and Asia, demonstrating a proven track record in delivering critical communication infrastructure. This project also aligns with broader regional investments in rail, such as the Government of Ireland’s DART+ South West rail project, signalling a concerted effort to modernize rail transport across the island.

Conclusion: Paving the Way for a Smarter, Safer Rail Future

The modernization project undertaken by Actelis Networks in Northern Ireland marks a significant step towards a more technologically advanced and efficient railway system. By deploying its specialized hybrid-fibre networking solutions, Actelis, in partnership with the Kenton Group, is set to provide the critical digital backbone necessary for a new era of rail operations. This upgrade is not merely about enhancing current functionalities but is a foundational investment for the future, enabling the seamless integration of a wide array of Internet of Things (IoT) applications. These applications, ranging from automated signalling and real-time asset monitoring to advanced security surveillance and intelligent train control, are pivotal for elevating safety standards, improving operational responsiveness, and optimizing resource management.

The strategic use of existing infrastructure will ensure a cost-effective and timely deployment, minimizing disruption while maximizing impact. The emphasis on cyber-hardened connectivity addresses the critical need for secure data transmission in an increasingly interconnected world, particularly for sensitive Operational Technology (OT) networks. As railway networks worldwide grapple with the demand for greater capacity, enhanced safety, and improved passenger experiences, the adoption of robust digital frameworks becomes imperative. This project in Northern Ireland serves as a compelling example of how targeted technological investment can transform traditional rail infrastructure into a smart, resilient, and future-ready system, ultimately benefiting operators, passengers, and the broader economy by fostering a more reliable and intelligent transportation network.

Company Summaries:

Actelis Networks: A US-based company specializing in the development and provision of high-performance, cyber-hardened, hybrid-fibre networking solutions. Actelis technology is designed to enable secure and reliable connectivity for Internet of Things (IoT) and Operational Technology (OT) applications within critical infrastructure sectors, including railways, utilities, and smart cities. Their solutions often leverage existing copper and fibre infrastructure to deliver rapid and cost-effective network upgrades.

Kenton Group: A UK-based company and established partner of Actelis Networks. The Kenton Group likely serves as a technology integrator, distributor, or provides localized support and expertise for the deployment of networking solutions in the UK and Ireland. They play a crucial role in facilitating projects by bridging the gap between international technology providers and local infrastructure needs.