TrainComms 2024: Blu Wireless showcases revolutionary Caltrain project
27th November 2024 by Blu Wireless
While tech headlines buzz with AI breakthroughs in Silicon Valley, another quiet revolution is transforming the daily commute for thousands of Californians. At this year’s Train Communication Systems 2024 conference in London (known as TrainComms), we unveiled how LightningBlu, Blu Wireless’ mmWave system is delivering previously unattainable performance; consistent, real Gigabit-speed internet connectivity that stands up to even the most complex topologies and along one of America’s busiest rail corridors.
Growing beyond adolescence
The 19th edition of TrainComms brought together the world’s leading rail connectivity experts, highlighting the industry’s transformation from experimental beginnings to today’s sophisticated solutions. With 20 of 22 presentations referencing Starlink and SpaceX, attention largely focused on satellite solutions for which obstacles such as foliage and tunnels cause issues. However, sharing a stand alongside our partners Westermo UK, Blu Wireless showcased a different path forward that ensures greater consistency in delivery.
Breaking new ground with Caltrain
Against this backdrop, our presentation from Mark Barrett, (Chief Strategy Officer) with Nomad Digital’s Ken Cowley (Senior Solutions Architect) about the groundbreaking Caltrain project sparked significant interest. This implementation along the San Francisco to San Jose corridor demonstrates what’s possible when innovative technology meets ambitious vision. The project has been long anticipated, with electrification desired since 1997 and radio network plans dating back to 2007. Serving Silicon Valley’s bustling commuter population, the newly electrified line supports Caltrain’s modern fleet of Stadler FLIRT EMU trains, with particularly high passenger use during peak hours. Today, we are delivering consistent Gigabit connectivity across 48 miles of track, with impressive 1.2km base spacing.
Beyond the gigabit debate
Throughout the conference, we encountered people suggesting Gigabit speeds are unnecessary for smaller routes and trains. However, our Caltrain implementation proves otherwise. The system delivers end-to-end aggregated data rates of 1.9 Gbps, with passengers reporting download speeds of up to 198 megabits per second. These speeds far exceed the project’s 100Mbps pass criterion. Our testing involved three laptops running dual iPerf sessions on the train WiFi, demonstrating consistent high-speed performance across the route. While we haven’t yet hit the maximum theoretical throughput of 2Gbps due to current on-train setup limitations, the system’s performance clearly demonstrates the viability of high-capacity networks for rail applications.
Tunnels – no longer a barrier to connectivity
Our technology stands alone in its ability to maintain connectivity in tunnels, a critical differentiator that emerged during conference discussions. None of our competitors can match this capability. Our success in tunnel environments combines with extended range technology reaching 1.2 kilometres between access points, versus the traditional 400-500 metres. This performance is achieved through our innovative use of license-exempt 57-71 GHz spectrum, allowing for 6×2 GHz channels up to +40dBmi EIRP. Testing in the 870-meter Dudley BCIMO tunnel demonstrated comprehensive coverage even through curves, with evidence of signal ducting due to constructive and destructive interference from internal reflections. The system maintains an SNR margin of 7dB at crossover points, ensuring reliable connectivity throughout the tunnel environment.
Partnership in action
Working alongside Nomad Digital and Alstom, we’ve shown how collaboration drives innovation. Our LightningBlu mmWave technology has proven instrumental in delivering a solution that not only meets today’s needs but is positioned for tomorrow’s demands. The system’s implementation includes a sophisticated ‘Ring of Stars’ deployment in the Stadler FLIRT EMU trains, with two WiFi access points per car ensuring comprehensive coverage throughout each carriage. The network architecture includes dedicated routers and Blu Wireless TN units, carefully configured to support throughput of up to 1Gbps in each direction, while maintaining clear lines of sight for optimal performance.
Looking forward
The conversations at TrainComms revealed an industry at a crossroads. While many focus on satellite solutions, the achievement with Caltrain and our mmWave technology demonstrates a more reliable path forward. The robust debate around gigabit speeds showed that some in the industry still think incrementally, but our real-world results speak for themselves. What became clear through our discussions with operators and technology providers is that the future demands more than just faster speeds – it requires consistent, reliable connectivity everywhere, including in tunnels. Our unique capability in this area, demonstrated through concrete performance data rather than theoretical promises, generated significant interest among attendees looking for proven solutions.