Copper & Fibre Optic Cables Jointing, Terminating & Testing on the UK Rail Network
Client C Spencer Ltd
Project brief
Railcom Solutions was engaged on Clacton Wheel Lathe Project to lift & shift several copper & fibre cables, incorporating jointing, terminating and testing within the UK rail network. These works formed part of ongoing telecoms lift & shift operations supporting operational communications, lineside systems, signalling data, FTN/FTNx, and Traction Power SCADA circuits, to enable the building of Clacton Wheel Lathe.
What we did
The project involved jointing, terminating & testing across multiple REBs, and trackside locations.
Outcomes & Client Benefits
Testing
All passed within the Network Rail Standards
Circuit Disruption
Minimal, only temporarily disrupting the local SPTs, we always kept the FTN and SCADA PILOTs online, always maintaining fibre connectivity.
Compliance
100% to Safety & NR telecoms standards
Testing
All passed within the NR standards & Documentation Provided
Safety
Zero incidents / zero close calls
Conclusion
Successfully delivered a subcontract package of lift and shift of fibre & copper cables and standard fibre splicing and testing works across the UK rail network, meeting all safety, technical, and performance requirements.
This demonstrates Railcom Solutions’ capability as a trusted, specialist rail telecoms engineering provider with a focus on quality, reliability, and operational excellence
Gloucester Area Signalling Project (GASP)TDM - FTNx & DDW142 Ethernet Extender Modems
Client Telent Technology Ltd
Project brief
Railcom Solutions was engaged by Telent to provide PICOT, Installation & Testing resources.
The Gloucester Area Signalling Project (GASP) aimed to renew and enhance the reliability of the TDM systems within the Gloucester South region. .
The existing TDM infrastructure experiences regular failures due to aging technologies and the use of legacy cabling systems, often impacting operational reliability and therefore requiring urgent renewal.
The TDM arrangements were retained but upgraded using new hardware and newly derived data transmission using FTNx and existing FTN copper cable infrastructure.
What we did
To achieve these enhancements, Railcom Solutions working with Telent undertook the works which included the following key works:
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The deployment of Westermo DDW142-485 modems at multiple sites to allow for a combination of RS422, ethernet and SHDSL transmission to be utilised.
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The utilisation of existing FTN copper infrastructure to allow for reliable SHDSL data transmission over extended distances.
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The installation of line suppression devices at all designated lineside modem locations to protect equipment from transient voltage spikes and ensure data integrity.
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FTNx uplifts with new Routers and an uplift of the existing power supply to by undertaken at North of Awre TEH to accommodate new telecommunications equipment and ensure power resilience.
Comprehensive testing, which included Bit Error Rate Testing (BERT) and Single/ Dual End line testing (SELT/DELT).
Benefits to the UK Railway Network
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Improved telecoms resilience and bandwidth
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Newer & more reliable Signalling TDM traffic
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Lower maintenance demands due to newer infrastructure
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Future‑proof connectivity supporting modern rail applications using IP-based telecoms
Improved signalling and potential less risk of failures and train delay minutes.
Conclusion
Railcom Solutions successfully delivered a Scope of Works package of installation and testing works across the UK rail network, meeting all safety, technical, and performance requirements.
This project demonstrates Railcom Solutions’ capability as a trusted and specialist rail telecoms engineering partner with a focus on quality, reliability, and operational excellence..
