The signaling division CAF y Cellnex have reached a technological milestone by successfully validating your system Communications-Based Train Control (CBTC)OPTIO, on a private 5G network deployed and managed by the telecommunications infrastructure operator. This validation, carried out both in the laboratory and in real field testsis one of the first in the world capable of demonstrating that a CBTC solution operates effectively over a private 5G infrastructure.
OPTIO is the CBTC system CAF’s latest generation, which is modular, flexible, scalable and prepared for current and future challenges. It allows greater security, punctuality, capacity and efficiency. In addition, it reduces energy consumption and offers total operational flexibility, both in new lines and in modernizations of existing lines. Its compatibility with multiple wireless technologies (Wifi, LTE and also 5G) positions it at the forefront of the market.
The integration of OPTIO with 5G represents a paradigm shiftas it means ultra-fast transmission, low latency, convergence of critical applications and cyber-secure communications, all under the control of the railway operator. Compared to Wifi or LTE networks, 5G offers an exclusive, reliable and secure environment, which makes it easier for administrations simplify and integrate infrastructures and achieve unprecedented operational savings.
“The validation of OPTIO on a private 5G network confirms the technological versatility of the systemwhich positions us at the forefront of the digital transformation of the railway sector,” according to signaled Jon Alzategeneral director of the CAF signaling division.
For its part, Alfonso Alvarez, CEO of Cellnex Spainhighlights that «The fundamental objective of the project has been to promote R&D to integrate ultra-low latency and high capacity 5G connectivity in critical railway systems, including tunnels, thus improving the safety, efficiency and reliability of operations and preparing the infrastructure for the challenges of future smart mobility.»
With OPTIO on 5G, railway signaling enters a new eraas it lays the foundations for safer, automated and sustainable lines, aligned with the demands of the smart cities of the 21st century. This progress has been possible thanks to European co-financing through the Recovery and Resilience Mechanism (RRM), within the framework of the UNICO Sectorial 2023 program (TSI PROJECT – 065200 – 2023 – 006).
Cellnex is the largest European operator of telecommunications towers and infrastructure, allowing operators to access a wide network of infrastructures under a shared use regime. In this way, it contributes to reducing access barriers and improving services even in the most remote areas, while promoting more sustainable deployment. The company manages a portfolio of more than 110,000 sites, including deployments planned until 2030, in ten European countries, with an especially significant presence in Spain, France, the United Kingdom, Italy and Poland. Cellnex is listed on the Spanish Stock Exchange, is part of the IBEX 35 and Euro Stoxx 100 indices, and holds prominent positions in the main sustainability indices, such as FTSE4Good, MSCI and DJSI Europe.