Narrowband  |  2024-03-05

Western Sydney Metro Picks Nokia and Siemens Mobility for Mission Critical Communications

Source: The Critical Communications Review | Gert Jan Wolf editor

Nokia collaborates with Siemens Mobility to provide state-of-the-art IP/MPLS backbone communications network and Nokia NetGuard Cybersecurity solution for the new Sydney Metro - Western Sydney Airport line.

Nokia and Siemens Mobility, an industrial partner, have today announced that the two companies will collaborate on the development of an IP/MPLS backbone communications network and cybersecurity solution for the new metro railway network in Sydney, Australia. By linking communities and travelers to the new Western Sydney International (Nancy-Bird Walton) Airport and the expanding region, the new Sydney Metro – Western Sydney Airport line will serve as the transportation artery of Greater Western Sydney.

The mission-critical communication network of Nokia, which comprises an IP/MPLS backbone network and data center fabric in conjunction with the Nokia NetGuard Cybersecurity solution, will provide support for resilient secure applications. These applications will include closed-circuit television (CCTV) systems designed to ensure passenger safety, train-to-ground communications backhaul systems that facilitate in-station, on-board, and trackside operations, and cloud networking infrastructure.

Parklife Metro was granted the most substantial Public Private Partnership (PPP) contract in New South Wales to manage the Stations, Systems, Trains, Operations and Maintenance (SSTOM) construction package in December 2022.

These will be the results of the SSTOM project:

  • Aerotropolis, Airport Business Park, Luddenham, St. Marys, and Orchard Hills have contributed to the construction of six new stations.
  • Twelve new metro trains
  • Orchard Hills will receive a stabling and maintenance facility.

Nokia's mission-critical IP/MPLS network, which consists of an extensive collection of routers and switches, will fulfill the intricate security, performance, and dependability demands of both new and legacy rail and passenger communications services. Using functionalities including device authentication, automated endpoint detection and response, real-time alerts, and multifactor authentication, the Nokia NetGuard Cybersecurity solution will safeguard sensitive systems and data against emerging threats by leveraging the most recent technological advancements and industry standards.

Vijay Singh, Project Director at Siemens, said: 

We are pleased to work again with Nokia as we deliver a safe, sustainable transport solution for residents and visitors to Sydney. The new data communications and cybersecurity solution will be vital to support both legacy and new digital passenger and rail communications services.  

Stuart Hendry, Head of Enterprise and Partner Sales for Asia Pacific, Network Infrastructure at Nokia, said: 

This exciting project further strengthens a longstanding partnership with Siemens in Australia and around the world. As the threat of cyberattacks on critical infrastructure continues to grow around the globe it is vital that communications networks benefit from the highest level of data security. As such we are pleased to be able to apply both our local knowledge as well as our expertise in delivering secure mission-critical IP/MPLS and data center fabric solutions to provide leading-edge mission-critical network for rail and NetGuard Cybersecurity package that will support reliable operations and the safety of passengers. Working with Siemens Mobility, we can replicate this for other metro rail programs.