SBB TelecomAll signals on green: new IP network for SBB

Around 20,000 workstations are connected to the Swiss Federal Railways’ IP network. The 300 or so employees working at SBB Telecom ensure that data, voice and video images are transmitted reliably. Aiming to enable rail travellers to continue benefiting in the future from safe trains that run on time, SBB has entrusted Swisscom with the task of setting up a new-generation IP network.

With a heterogeneous structure and headed for the end of the line in terms of technology, the Swiss Federal Railways’ existing IP network was no longer fit to meet future challenges. The task assigned to Swisscom was to design, develop and implement a new network that sets new standards in terms of homogeneity, extensibility, and ease of operation and maintenance – and that would ensure safe, on-time trains thanks to top availability and stability.

Swisscom mastered this huge project in just three years. Those responsible at Swiss Federal Railways are amazed by the options offered by the new IP network. For example, network capacity has been multiplied by 100, and everything is much more straightforward thanks to consistent standardisation at the company’s 800-odd sites.