Master - Remote Interlockings
Wireless Networking for Distributed Interlocking Locations
In a master-remote interlocking application, the signal logic controlling an interlocking is distributed across two or more signal logic processors located in different bungalows. One of the logic processors is configured as the "master" and all remaining logic processors are configured as "remotes," and the master continuously exchanges status bits in its programmed logic with all configured remotes.
The installation of master-remote applications at railroad signal locations requires a reliable communications link between each individual location to ensure the interlocking remains operational. The loss of communication on any link will render the location to fall back into a safe state, and the interlocking will be unable to operate. Traditionally, hard-wired connections needed to be installed between crossings which requires the burying of cables - which may be very expensive to deploy due to terrain.
Wireless communication of vital signal data between locations
As opposed to burying new cables to support master-remote applications, Ondas Networks FullMAX™ radios Mercury and Venus radios support "wireless interlockings" - vital communications over radio links between signal locations. This enables railroads to install master-remote interlockings at less expense as all vital communications between locations occurs via radio link - no burial of new cable is required.
Designed for Mission-Critical Vital Communications Links
In a master-remote application, FullMAX™ radios can operate in 802.16t Point-to-Multipoint Direct Peer-to-Peer (DPP) mode where a base station radio communicates to all remote radios synchronized in time over one frequency (using Time Division Duplex) or across multiple frequencies (using Frequency Division Duplex).
FullMAX™ radios can also operate in 802.16t Direct Peer-to-Peer (DPP) mode to implement a highly reliable and secure communications link. In DPP mode, all radios communicate directly as equal peers without the need for an intermediate base station.
Interference-Free Communication over Licensed Channels
As opposed to ISM radios which operate in unlicensed bands, FullMAX™ Mercury radios operate in licensed AAR-owned frequencies such as the 900 MHz A Block. This makes deployment of vital wireless communications links much more secure and reliable as they are not subject to interference by radios operating on unlicensed bands which may be installed nearby.
Ondas Networks Mercury Radio
Ondas Networks Venus Radio
Gather and Parse Local Data With Edge Processing
Ondas Networks FullMAX™ radios incorporates 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 railroad crossing recorders and hot box detectors 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.