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CTC over the 900 MHz A Block

Transform Your ATCS Network into a General-Purpose IP Network

The Siemens Airlink BCP and Airlink WCP - powered by Ondas Networks' FullMAX technology - enables railroads to migrate their Centralized Traffic Control operation to a general-purpose IP network seamlessly to the new 900 MHz A Block. Through the use of a dual-mode base station which operates simultaneously in legacy ATCS and modern 802.16t mode , railroads can deploy IP Local Area Networks to any control point. 

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Unlike the legacy radio codeline network, an 802.16t network allows railroad to deploy multiple applications over licensed AAR-owned 900 MHz spectrum. With a wide range of legacy and modern signal protocols, railroads can realize several operational benefits to their train control operation including: 

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  • Migration of  CTC applications to the 900 MHz A Block in order to meet the upcoming FCC mandate

  • Deployment of ITCM to non-PTC equipped control points

  • Primary and / or backup communications link for wayside PTC traffic ("PTC backhaul")

  • Elimination of single-points of failure in CTC-over-ITCM applications by maintaining redundant links for both CTC and PTC traffic

  • Offloading of PTC traffic from 220 MHz to 900 MHz while operating in crowded, congested areas 

  • Eliminate recurring costs associated with cell and satellite links by transitioning to an IP-based 802.16t private network

  • Extend the corporate LAN to every wayside location as ITCM is deployed over an 802.16t network

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Airlink BCP operating in dual ATCS / 802.t16 mode

Airlink BCP communicates simultaneously in legacy ATCS mode and 802.16t mode (IP over-the-air)

Airlink BCP NMRR

Airlink BCP includes built-in IP connectivity and eliminates the need for packet switches and CNAs in the base station

Airlink WCP Running Docker Application

Run Custom Software Applications  over the A Block

Airlink BCP and WCP radios incorporate Docker technology to enable railroads and third parties to develop and run custom applications directly on the radio. This powerful edge computing capability allows data from assets such as signal logic controllers and WIUs to be parsed and analyzed for specific trends and issues on-site. Data can be stored with a local historian, while alarms and compiled reports can be compiled and sent to the back office network over any available narrowband network. Applications can be developed to interface with devices connected over Ethernet and serial client ports. 

Enhanced Redundancy and Reliability for Wayside CTC and PTC Applications


The Siemens Airlink WCP - powered by Ondas Networks' FullMAX™ technology - provides a wide array of connectivity options to incorporate Wayside Interface Units (WIUs) and vital logic controllers into 802.16t networks. Airlink WCP is designed to provide railroads with a flexible and secure CTC-over-ITCM solution that eliminates single points of failure associated with other approaches.

Internal and External Field Gateway

Integrate legacy vital signal processors into ITCM without hardware changes in the field

Wayside locations can be moved to the A Block independently without disrupting operations

Ondas Networks Airlink WCP

Seamless Migration to A Block

Physically Isolated CTC and PTC Paths

CTC and PTC traffic can be independently switched between 220 MHz and 802.16t network

Dual Mode Base Station for Seamless Migration to the A Block

The Airlink BCP - powered by Ondas Network' FullMAX™ technology - is a high power, dual mode ATCS / 802.16t base station radio which enables operators to migrate applications from their legacy ATCS network to the new 900 MHz A Block. Airlink BCP is over-the-air interoperable with the Siemens legacy ATCS base station radio and Wayside Communications Package (WCP), enabling it to provide wireless IP connectivity to any wayside location.

Interoperable with Legacy ATCS Radios

Enables control points to be migrated to the A Block one at a time without disrupting operations

Crossings and intermediate signal locations can be migrated to the A Block as 802.16t base stations are deployed

Long Range, Over-the-Air IP Connectivity

IP and Serial Connectivity

Internal FEPHUB / FEPLCT eliminates the need for packet switches in the base station

Ondas Networks Airlink BCP

Ready to Take the Next Step?

Learn more about the advantages of IEEE 802.16t Point-to-Multipoint Networks and how they can transform your connectivity solutions.

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