802.16t - The New Standard for Next-Generation HOT-EOT Communications
The Association of American Railroads (AAR) has taken a pivotal step toward modernizing freight rail operations by selecting the IEEE 802.16t ("dot16") protocol as the new communications standard for the Next-Generation Head-of-Train and End-of-Train (NGHE) program. This decision marks a significant advancement for the North American rail industry, addressing longstanding challenges in maintaining reliable, secure, and efficient wireless communications across increasingly longer and more complex train operations.
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Led by the AAR’s Railroad Electronic Standards Committee (RESC), the NGHE program is intended to deliver a broad array operational and safety benefits to the railroads such as:
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Enabling future train control operations such as Vital PTC, train integrity monitoring, and full moving block
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Significant improvements in radio performance to enable highly reliable communications required for longer train operations
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Optimization of existing radio spectrum to enable railroads to run multiple applications – including NGHE – over the same channels
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Enhancements to communication security to prevent spoofing of over-the-air data and other vulnerabilities
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Facilitating new efficiencies to operations such as single person arming and testing of NGHE equipment
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Advanced Wireless Technology to Meet the Needs of Modern Operations
Applications such as advanced distributed power systems and longer train operation require highly reliable communications links to deliver the safety and operational benefits to the railroads. With Ondas Networks’ FullMAX radios – powered by 802.16t technology – railroads can eliminate the downtime associated with the use of legacy Head-of-Train / End-of-Train radios. Our advanced technologies include: ​
Highly Advanced
Receiver Technology
Enables an improvement in receiver sensitivity to – 126 dBm without any changes in transmit power, enabling distributed power trains to consistently run at track speed.
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Integration with the
PTC ITCM Network
Enables HOT and EOT data to be routed through the Interoperable Train Control Messaging (ITCM) system to support back office applications.
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Direct
Peer-to-Peer Mode
Enables mid-train / distributed power radios to be utilized as in-train repeaters and relays, greatly extending the capabilities of the train control network.​​​
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Dual
Mode Operation
Allows an Ondas Networks NGHE radio to simultaneously support both NGHE and legacy mode of operation, providing railroads with the ability to migrate to NGHE operation gradually.
Train Movement Communications System (TMCS) Support
Enables multiple applications such as Distributed Power and Remote Control Locomotive to simultaneously utilize the NGHE network as needed.​