• Tallies, totals and other trend data in the freight transportation realm

• Assistant Vice President Bridges & Structures

2/23/2016

Cisco: IoT System

The Cisco® IoT System is a comprehensive set of products and technologies that addresses network connectivity, physical and cybersecurity, data analytics, management and automation, cloud-based application development and Cisco Fog Computing. Based on a systems approach, it helps improve operational efficiency and enables stronger security onboard trains in stations and at trackside, according to Cisco.

The Internet of Things (IoT) creates opportunity, but also increases complexity by producing vast amounts of data. Overcoming this challenge requires more than connecting things and collecting data. Realizing the true value of the IoT requires bridging IT and operational technology (OT) to create a scalable network across your organization, Cisco officials said. It requires not only understanding and acting on data but also protecting the data being shared between servers and devices. The Cisco IoT System helps rail operators and transit agencies securely integrate IT and OT for better business insight, the company said.

Passengers have high expectations of safety, dependability and mobility, so growth and security depend on smarter connections, resource optimization, network convergence and rapid innovation.  

Network connectivity is at the core of digital rail transformation. Cisco helps rail operators deploy a reliable, scalable, high-performance network that converges multiple proprietary systems into a single, secure IP network of ruggedized routers, switches, access points and video cameras.

The Cisco 829 IR with 3G/4G LTE, GPS and WLAN provides secure management of rail and mass transit applications like onboard passenger Wi-Fi, fleet management and capturing telematics data for proactive maintenance. The 819 IR can be used to deploy wireless kiosks and digital signage.  

Cisco Industrial Ethernet switches including the IE 3000, IE 4000 and IE 5000 with Power over Ethernet (PoE) can connect trackside sensors, ticketing machines or thousands of high-definition IP cameras.  

The IP67-rated Cisco Industrial Wireless 3700 provides reliable, high-speed connectivity in mission-critical outdoor rail networks. It connects IP devices and bandwidth intensive applications with full layer 3 mobility, PoE and best-in-class RF architecture without the cost of installing cables across long distances, according to Cisco.