Nokia, Siemens Mobility to enhance Sydney Metro Railway Network with advanced communication and cybersecurity solutions

In a significant development for public transport in Sydney, Australia, Nokia has announced its partnership with Siemens Mobility to deploy an advanced IP/MPLS (Internet Protocol/Multi-Protocol Label Switching) backbone communications network and cybersecurity solution for the forthcoming Sydney Metro – Western Sydney Airport line. This project marks a critical milestone in enhancing the transportation infrastructure of Greater Western Sydney, connecting key communities and the new Western Sydney International (Nancy-Bird Walton) Airport with a robust transport network.

The deal, pivotal in the expansion of Sydney’s metro railway system, leverages Nokia’s state-of-the-art mission-critical communication network, encompassing an IP/MPLS backbone network and data center fabric. This network is fortified with Nokia NetGuard Cybersecurity solution, ensuring the highest standards of security and reliability for essential applications such as Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) for passenger safety, and comprehensive train-to-ground communications backhaul supporting in-station, on-board, and trackside applications.

December 2022 saw the awarding of the largest ever Public Private Partnership (PPP) contract in New South Wales to Parklife Metro for the Stations, Systems, Trains, Operations, and Maintenance (SSTOM) work package of the project. The SSTOM project is set to deliver six new stations, 12 new metro trains, and a maintenance facility, significantly enhancing the public transport network in the region.

Nokia’s mission-critical IP/MPLS network, incorporating an extensive range of routers and switches, is designed to meet the complex security, performance, and reliability demands of both digital and legacy rail and passenger communications services. The incorporation of Nokia NetGuard Cybersecurity solution, featuring multifactor authentication, automated endpoint detection and response, real-time alerts, and device authentication, underscores the commitment to protecting sensitive systems and data against emerging cyber threats.

Comments from Vijay Singh, Project Director at Siemens, and Stuart Hendry, Head of Enterprise and Partner Sales for Asia Pacific, Network Infrastructure at Nokia, highlight the significance of this partnership. Both executives underscored the importance of delivering a safe, sustainable transport solution for Sydney’s residents and visitors, and the role of advanced data communications and cybersecurity in supporting both legacy and new digital passenger and rail communications services.

This collaboration between Nokia and Siemens Mobility not only strengthens their longstanding partnership but also emphasizes their commitment to applying local knowledge and global expertise in delivering secure, mission-critical network solutions. As the threat landscape evolves, particularly against critical infrastructure, such initiatives become crucial in ensuring the reliability of operations and the safety of passengers.

This partnership between Nokia and Siemens Mobility is a testament to the increasing importance of advanced communication and cybersecurity solutions in the development of modern public transportation networks.

By integrating cutting-edge technologies, Sydney’s Metro Railway Network is set to offer enhanced safety, reliability, and efficiency, setting a benchmark for future infrastructure projects worldwide.

The collaboration between Nokia and Siemens Mobility represents a significant leap forward in the evolution of public transportation infrastructure in Sydney. By harnessing advanced communication networks and cybersecurity measures, the Sydney Metro – Western Sydney Airport line is poised to offer a high level of safety, reliability, and convenience for passengers, while addressing the growing challenges of digital security in public transportation systems.