Flexible Container Virtualization for Modern Train Wi-Fi
Challenge: Technically Demanding Wi-Fi Integration
The implementation of reliable passenger Wi-Fi in 14 Alstom Lint54 trains of the AKN proved to be a technically demanding challenge. Due to existing contracts, the Wi-Fi had to be provided through Deutsche Telekom’s “Hotspot as a Service”. Kontron Transportation, responsible for project implementation and ensuring the service-level agreements (SLAs), faced the task of developing a solution that meets these requirements while enabling efficient network management.
Innovative Solution: Using Container Virtualization
Instead of pursuing a costly integration of the Telekom hotspot into the router’s operating system, Kontron opted for an innovative strategy: the use of container virtualization. Unwired Networks joined the project as an experienced specialist in edge computing, providing a flexible solution with its hardware-agnostic operating system, the Unwired Edge Cloud OS. This software allowed Kontron to choose from a wide range of hardware providers. To meet the project’s budget requirements, a cost-effective yet powerful Kontron / Unwired Networks router was selected as the onboard router. Equipped with an integrated SSD and sufficient memory, the 5G router provides an ideal foundation for the Unwired Edge Cloud’s container runtime. This streamlined runtime enables the numerous benefits of container virtualization on standard vehicle routers, eliminating the common practice of requiring dedicated hardware or complex firmware integration for each new onboard application.
Success Through Collaboration and Technological Innovation
A key advancement in the project was integrating the Telekom hotspot solution into an Open Container Initiative (OCI) container, achieved through close and effective collaboration with Kontron and Deutsche Telekom. This paved the way for the complete implementation of the solution.
Benefits of Container Virtualization: Security and Efficiency
Container virtualization offers numerous advantages: in addition to enhanced security, it enables easy and rapid deployment as well as straightforward container management. With the user-friendly interface of the Unwired Edge Cloud, all components of the vehicle network can be managed effortlessly. This allowed the Telekom container to be added to a network and activated in just a few steps.

Fast Onboarding and Efficient Network Management
After a brief onboarding session, Kontron was able to independently deploy the remaining containers in no time and fully orchestrate the networks. Michael Lorenz, Sales CEE & PM at Kontron Transportation, was impressed by the efficient management of the vehicle routers:
“Thanks to Unwired Networks’ solution, we can now handle complex network tasks much more easily and quickly. Integrating the Telekom hotspot as a container was a decisive advantage for us and our customers.”

Raoul Bhatia, Head of Engineering at Unwired Networks, is also enthusiastic about the successful collaboration:
“The collaboration with Kontron and Deutsche Telekom has demonstrated the versatility of container virtualization. It allowed us to deliver a tailored solution that not only meets technical demands but also makes economic sense.”

A Successful Partnership with Potential
In the end, there’s a satisfied customer: AKN benefits from a robust, secure, and flexible Wi-Fi solution tailored perfectly to the demands of modern rail transport. The successful collaboration between Kontron and Unwired Networks highlights that complex technical challenges can be efficiently overcome with advanced technology and the right partnerships. The flexibility of container virtualization opens up numerous new possibilities, and we look forward to expanding these in future projects with Kontron.