Overview

The convergence of radio, wireless and IP communications is fundamentally changing the way that railroads operate today. The railroad industry relies on these telecommunications systems to comply with safety and communications requirements. In particular, the use of radios to enhance safety practices is widespread within the railroad industry. All locomotives are required to have radio communications capabilities. In addition, railroad dispatchers and conductors are required to maintain radio contact.

REDCOM’s HDX with TRANSip® addresses the needs of the railroad industry with an integrated, drop-in Voice over IP (VoIP) communications solution. This next-generation IP softswitch, based on the industry-standard Session Initiation Protocol (SIP), fully integrates VoIP and TDM in a single Next Generation Network platform. Combined with REDCOM’s Radio Interface, the HDX allows any phone in the REDCOM system to dial out to a remote radio, or allows a radio to dial directly into the system and ring a phone, make an outside call, or call another remote radio system.

By coupling enhanced VoIP capabilities with existing TDM networks and a simple and reliable connection between REDCOM switching systems and two-way radio systems, railroads can ensure that they meet their operational telecommunications requirements with REDCOM’s HDX softswitch, serving as a fully integrated Call Manager and Media Gateway.

Interoperable

REDCOM’s TRANSip technology suite empowers railroads to interoperate with IP and TDM networks, as well radios and wireless communications, enabling a seamless, incremental transition to VoIP networks. REDCOM’s HDX softswitch allows railroads to future proof their networks to interoperate today and tomorrow with a wide range of protocols and interfaces, positioning them for long-term evolution.

With HDX, railroads continue to utilize their existing legacy networks while leveraging next-generation VoIP applications. This functionality provides REDCOM’s rail customers with the flexibility to smoothly and incrementally migrate to IP in a cost-effective manner when it makes sense for their business, while still being able to deploy advanced communications technologies without compromising service quality and reliability.

Reliable

Reliable radio communications is critical to the day-to-day operations of railroads. REDCOM’s Radio Interface provides a simple and reliable connection between REDCOM HDX switching systems and two-way radio systems. Radio users gain all the same benefits of a REDCOM system normally available to station users. This feature allows any phone in the REDCOM system to dial out to a remote radio, or allows a radio to dial directly into the system and ring a phone, make an outside call, or call another remote radio system. And, with redundant processors, REDCOM’s HDX softswitch offers industry-leading reliability (99.999%) providing protection against a single point of failure.

SIP Trunking

The extensive SIP trunking capabilities of REDCOM’s TRANSip technology suite allows railroads to scale their telecom system faster and more cost-effectively than with traditional phone lines. SIP trunks are used to connect two switches together and to connect them to the Internet. With proper network assessment planning and implementation, SIP trunks can deliver high quality and reliable service with substantial cost savings that directly impact the bottom line of railroads.

Conferencing

REDCOM’s HDX conferencing capabilities allow rail networks to teleconference with multiple participants simultaneously. Conferencing provides railroads with a powerful tool for communication, collaboration, and training. With the HDX softswitch, there are several conferencing styles available including “progressive” (participants added one at a time), “meet-me” (participants meet at a valid number at a specified time), and “preset” (conference controller initiates the event, adding participants as they answer). Some or all of these elements can be combined into a single conference.

VOX, COR & PTT Calling

The REDCOM Radio Interface contains two circuits and supports full two-way calling with Push to Talk (PTT), Voice Operated Transmission (VOX) or Carrier Operated Relay (COR). Each circuit can interface with an HF (pulse) or UHF/VHF (DTMF) radio for simplex or duplex operation. The Radio Interface allows direct, back-to-back radio patches with both VOX and COR.

Call Management

To provide railroads with a complete, user-friendly overview of network services, REDCOM offers the Scalable Operator Platform, a GUI software package call management system that delivers extensive conferencing, call control and handling capabilities. Working with any standard PC, the system creates a powerful attendant console that allows operators to place, accept, and intercept calls. Operators can also control held calls, active conferences, directory assistance requests, and call queue management.