Caltrain and Nomad Digital have made history by launching North America’s first Gigabit Trackside Network, transforming the passenger experience on the electrified rail route between San Francisco and San Jose. This innovative project, which began with a contract awarded to Nomad Digital in December 2022, sets a new benchmark for high-speed rail connectivity.
The network was designed to cater to the needs of California commuters traveling to and from Silicon Valley, providing them with fast and reliable Wi-Fi access. Utilizing cutting-edge technology, the solution delivers broadband-quality internet onboard trains, ensuring stable and consistent Gigabit connectivity. The entire project, which involved the deployment of 63 radio sites, nine edge switches, and Blu Wireless’s 60GHz trackside radio, was completed in a remarkable 21 months.
This pioneering approach goes beyond providing high-speed internet, as it also supports a range of digital services through a continuous network. These services include CCTV for security, train monitoring for operational efficiency, real-time passenger information for enhanced convenience, and the Nomad Secure intrusion detection system to ensure cybersecurity.
The network’s architecture, incorporating features like Wi-Fi 6 and Hotspot 2.0, is designed to be adaptable to future technologies, ensuring its relevance and scalability to accommodate future demands. This initiative marks a significant leap forward in the passenger experience on high-speed rail, setting a new standard for connectivity and digital services in the North American transportation landscape.
