High-Speed WiMax Connectivity Demonstrated Along California Rail Line

Caltrain -- a rail line between San Francisco and San Jose -- announced a proof of concept for high-speed broadband access technology that provides continuous high-speed Internet access along a rail line at travel speeds of up to 79 miles per hour. The project, in conjunction with Intel Solution Services and Nomad Digital Ltd., is superior to the slower wireless technologies used on other rail lines, according to the release.

The proof of concept -- conducted along 16 miles of track between the Millbrae and Palo Alto stations -- was deemed a success when multiple people surfed the Internet simultaneously, watched streaming video, answered e-mail and completed a large file download all the while maintaining continuous connectivity at broadband speed.

"Caltrain reinvented itself when it introduced faster train service," said Caltrain Board Chair Ken Yeager. "With this cutting-edge technology, Caltrain is poised for future success."

A seamless broadband wireless network based on WiMAX technology (IEEE 802.16/WiMAX) would be a significant customer enhancement because it would allow Caltrain customers to work from their laptops and turn their commute time into productive office time. Caltrain runs from San Francisco through the heart of Silicon Valley, and its customers are very tech savvy, commuting to well-known high-tech and bio-tech companies, as well as world-class universities.

With the proof of concept successfully completed, Caltrain will continue work on engineering that's required before the wireless access can be implemented along the entire rail mainline.

In addition to Intel Solution Services, major technology providers for the proof of concept were United Kingdom-based train communications specialists Nomad Digital, Sensoria Corp. of San Diego and Redline Communications of Toronto.