European train operator, Thalys, recently announced the availability of wireless Internet access on its Paris to Brussels route at transfer rates comparable to a faster variant of digital subscriber line (DSL) known as Asymmetric DSL plus. The maximum bandwidth is four Mbit/s downstream and two Mbit/s upstream at 300 km/h.

A test of the system, conducted last month was made possible with support from the ESA (European Space Agency) and was implemented by the Anglo-Belgian operator 21Net with Siemens as a technology partner.

The new satellite link on the Thalys high-speed train offers business people, train personnel and private travelers a fast and stable opportunity to surf the Internet while traveling at more than 300 kilometers per hour (180 miles per hour). The link between the train and satellite provides a maximum bandwidth of 4 Mbit/s downstream and 2 upstream, comparable to the quality of an ADSL+ connection.

When 21Net got the order from Thalys to implement the test installation, it chose Siemens to integrate a wireless broadband Wi-Fi network into Thalys' passenger cars. Siemens also operates the system, provides support and handles authentication of users and billing those who access the network

The pilot project will run for a period of three months on one train only. If proven successful, Thalys will equip its entire fleet of 28 trains running on the Brussels-Paris route with super fast internet.

How it Works
When paying for a seat, each passenger receives a password and ID for logging on to the wireless broadband interconnection. As soon as the passenger logs on, the authentication information is sent to the central Network Operations Center (NOC) of Siemens Belgium via satellite.

The NOC houses the Network Management Center where Siemens manages the authentication of users for 21Net and assimilates the time-based billing data. Additionally, the center manages all components on the train remotely. The first-line helpdesk for users is operated by 21Net. Siemens staffs the system helpdesk that intervenes at network level.

Special Requirements
An additional benefit to 21Net was the railway expertise of the Siemens "Energy Industry Transport" department in Belgium that designed the special racks for the servers and configuration components. The racks meet specific requirements imposed by the relevant railway networks, are vibration proof and are protected against electrical overvoltage. Ergonomically, they occupy only the smallest space.

More Information
A full description of how the technology works is available here.

--CM