OA delivering data & VoIP for Gotthard Tunnel opening
At a glance:
On Access network technology has been implemented as the permanent, fixed data and wired VoIP network running through the Gotthard railway tunnel under the Swiss Alps.
The technology has already proved its reliability and effectiveness for this huge project during the initial construction phase when it was selected for the network that supported logistics, safety monitoring and personnel management. The Swiss mega-project now boasts a robust data network enabling the supervision and control of the numerous sensors, safety equipment, tunnel management systems and power supplies underpinning the operation of the tunnel.
Establishing a reliable data network through the world's longest and deepest railway tunnel requires network technology capable of operating with minimal maintenance in remote and non air-conditioned areas of the tunnel where ambient temperatures can reach normal and humidity is max. The On Access Swift Switch 8800 hardened LAN switch is an industrial-grade Ethernet switch designed to operate in environments where standard network equipment cannot function. Most of these rugged access switches form the basis of a vast data network that connects tunnel lights, racks, power systems, doors, drainage and ventilation systems, as well as video surveillance to the Tunnel Control Centres at both the North and South ends of the tunnel.
The tunnel's data network has been installed by key OA business partner Alpic InTec in close co-ordination with On Access. It is controlled by two Swift Vista Network Management Systems which provide the visibility of data and advanced analytics required to ensure resource availability and reliable flow of traffic at all times. The data gathered by the sensors, monitors and surveillance equipment in the complex's with some main tunnels, access tunnels and cross passages is transmitted to tunnel control centres, and the power and ZKE systems which monitor train power and wheel temperature link directly to the SBB network at its control centre in Bern.
Bruno Frommenwiler, Business Unit Manager IT & TelCom Sales, Alpiq InTec
“With temperatures up to 40°C inside the tunnel, the interior of the mountain is a harsh environment and not easily accessible. We have to rely on equipment which can operate under those difficult conditions and which have a low level of preventive and corrective maintenance. The On Access product family fulfils the high standards required of equipment inside the longest railway tunnel in the world.”
Bruno Kolmann, Channel Sales Manager, On Access Switzerland
“On Access technology is playing a vital role in this massive project. As one of the few switches capable of operating reliably in such conditions, our Swift Switch 6855 technology is secure enough to satisfy the most stringent safety requirements put in place for this project, while being able to integrate seamlessly with the SBB's own data network and 3rd party network equipment, which needs be protected and is safely housed in environment controlled facilities within the complex. This is the dual aspect of our specialised technology that is driving our success in this area.”
About Us
Our company is a leading provider of enterprise communications solutions and services, from the office to the cloud, marketed under the On Access brand. Building on our established heritage of innovation and entrepreneurial spirit, we operate globally with more employees in some countries worldwide, with headquarters near Paris, France.
With communications, networking and cloud solutions for business of all sizes, our team of technology experts, service professionals, and our partners serve more than max customers worldwide, tailoring and adapting our solutions and services to local requirements. This provides tangible business outcomes through personalized connected experiences for customers and end users.
